Stories from January 20, 2026

Trump administration scales back threats to cut off funding to Minnesota ag programs
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had previously announced that nearly $130 million in federal funds for Minnesota would be paused, citing alleged fraud in the state. Now, the USDA is allowing some of that funding to go through.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's office confirmed to MPR News that the mayor's office received a subpoena from the Department of Justice today. Attorney General Keith Ellison told MPR News that he remains critical of the ICE operation. Ellison has sued the Trump administration for many actions over the past year, including the current ICE operation.
DOJ investigating after ICE protest at St. Paul church. An expert breaks down laws at play
The Department of Justice said it is looking at violations of the FACE Act following protesters entering Cities Church in St. Paul and disrupting a service on Sunday. It’s also looking to at the possibility of charging journalist Don Lemon, who reported on the protest, with the KKK Act.
One of the country’s highest profile immigration enforcement officials on Tuesday blamed “anarchists” in collusion with Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for the violence that’s gripped the Twin Cities during the federal immigration surge the past six weeks.
The offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her confirmed they received a subpoena from the Department of Justice Tuesday afternoon.
Trump’s ICE force is sweeping America. Billions in his tax and spending cuts bill are paying for it
President Donald Trump promised the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, but achieving his goal wouldn’t have been possible without his big tax and spending cuts bill. Passed by Congress, the bill Trump signed into law has fueled an unprecedented buildup of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and beyond.
Bovino defends immigration surge tactics, deflects questions of abuse
This story includes live updates from Jan. 20, 2026: U.S. Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino blamed “anarchists” along with Walz and Frey during a press conference on Tuesday for the violence that’s gripped the state for the past six weeks.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez late last week ordered agents involved in the immigration crackdown in Minnesota to not detain or arrest protesters or observers, unless there’s reasonable suspicion or probable cause of a crime.
Next clipper system delivers more snow followed by the coldest air of winter
It’s another cold start, but it won’t be as cold Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. More snow showers are on the way later Tuesday with our latest clipper. It’ll be followed by brutal arctic air. 
Christian leaders urge protecting worshippers’ rights after protesters interrupt service
Several faith leaders are urgently calling for protecting the rights of worshippers while also expressing compassion for migrants. That's after a group of anti-immigration enforcement protesters disrupted Sunday service at a Southern Baptist church in St. Paul.
U.S. citizen says ICE removed him from his Minnesota home in his underwear after warrantless search
Federal immigration agents detained a U.S. citizen in Minnesota at gunpoint without a warrant. That's according to ChongLy “Scott” Thao, who says agents forced open his door, entered with guns drawn and led him outside in his underwear in freezing conditions. 
Politics Friday Special: Sen. Hoffman reflects on a long healing process after shooting
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Sen. John Hoffman about the targeted attack on his life. And he reflects on his healing process and new sense of purpose.
Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis celebrates MLK Day
Art and music filled the halls of Powderhorn Park Recreation Center in Minneapolis Monday for the neighborhood's 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.