Stories from January 28, 2026

New machine helps St. Paul patch its 'pothole pains'
This winter's extreme temperatures and freeze-thaw cycle have made potholes in St. Paul particularly bad. This year, the city is using a new asphalt recycling machine to help make hole patches faster and more durable.
Federal charges filed after protests of immigration operations
More than a dozen people arrested during protests and observation of Twin Cities immigration enforcement operations appeared in federal court, facing charges of assaulting or impeding federal officers.
Ramsey County will investigate allegations of criminal conduct by federal agents
In an interview with MPR News, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said the Sheriff’s Office has one active investigation into federal agent conduct and two preliminary investigations.
Minn. companies pool funds to help small businesses amidst immigration enforcement surge
A couple dozen Minnesota companies have contributed about $4 million to a grant fund to support small businesses in the state as they navigate the challenges of meeting payroll and paying rent amidst the immigration enforcement surge.
DFL Senator says ICE has not retreated from Minneapolis
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he plans to "de-escalate" ICE's presence in Minnesota. DFL State Senator Doron Clark said that hasn’t been the case on the streets of Minneapolis.
Annual count of homeless people in Fargo-Moorhead is underway, Wednesday and Thursday
Across Minnesota, nonprofits that provide support and services to people who are unhoused are teaming up with local governments to count the number of homeless people living in various regions of the state. In the Fargo-Moorhead area, teams led by the Fargo Moorhead Coalition to End Homelessness will be fanning out Thursday to look for people who are living in their cars, in tents, under bridges and in outbuildings such as sheds and fish houses.
24 hours after Bovino's departure, ICE activity appears unchanged
As state leaders meet with federal officials in hopes of tamping down ICE operations, several Minneapolis city council members have been on the ground and report the intensity of ICE operations has remained the same.
FBI now investigating after Rep. Omar sprayed with nontoxic fluid during town hall; man arrested
A man sprayed an unknown substance on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar before being tackled during a town hall gathering Tuesday night in Minneapolis. Initial reports indicate it was nontoxic. Minneapolis police are now referring all questions around the attack to the FBI.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks to MPR News about federal immigration actions, potential campaign for governor
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the senior Democrat for Minnesota, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Wednesday to talk about immigration, DHS and her potential run for governor.
U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith will deliver remarks on the Senate floor about the violent ICE activity in Minnesota that resulted in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at 3 p.m. Central.
The announcement comes after an initial review by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, NPR is reporting.
Retired physician assistant William Aleman says that many immigrants in Minnesota are facing a lot of anxiety and barriers when it comes to getting their health care safely. 
New track from Springsteen responds to recent Minneapolis deaths during immigration raids
Bruce Springsteen has released a rapidly written protest song responding to two fatal immigration enforcement encounters in Minneapolis, using music to challenge official accounts and place the city at the center of a national political reckoning.
Minnesota waits as snow piles up across the United States
Despite major gains in snow depth across large portions of the United States, Minnesota continues to lag behind for late January.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces rising calls for her firing or impeachment
A groundswell of voices have come to the same conclusion: Kristi Noem must go. Democratic Party leaders, top advocacy organizations and even some of the most centrist lawmakers in Congress are calling for the Homeland Security secretary to step aside after the shooting deaths in Minneapolis of two people who protested deportation policy.
A Minneapolis musician finds a song in childhood memories
A Minneapolis musician reflects on how childhood car rides with his mother shaped a song he later wrote while grieving her death.
How ICE's presence is affecting health care in Minnesota
Fear of federal immigration operations is keeping some people from seeing doctors and getting care. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about how providers are responding and what that means for public health. 
Morning Announcements for Jan. 27-28
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, Jan. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 28. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
ICE in greater Minnesota spreads fear, strains local leaders
Many immigration enforcement actions are flying under the radar in greater Minnesota because of fewer observers to document them. The operations are also creating problems for local city leaders and law enforcement agencies, while stirring fear and anxiety in many residents across the state. 
Internal review contradicts White House narrative of Pretti's death
According to the preliminary assessment, Customs and Border Protection officers said Pretti resisted arrest before two officers shot him. But the assessment makes no mention of Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon — as the administration first described the incident. It also appears to more closely match multiple bystander video and witness testimony of the incident.
Internal review contradicts White House narrative of Pretti’s death
The preliminary assessment from Customs and Border Protection makes no mention of Alex Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon — as the administration first described the incident.
Minneapolis police say they took a man in custody Tuesday night after he sprayed an unknown substance at U.S. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall event. Meanwhile, two special elections have brought the Minnesota House back to a 67-67 party tie.
Tear gas causes health concerns for Twin Cities residents
Federal agents who are part of the federal immigration operation regularly deploy chemical irritants to deter observers and protesters. Medical experts say there’s a lot they still don’t know about the health impacts.
Bright and cold through Friday but warmer days ahead
It’ll be another cold but sunny day Wednesday. Temperatures will remain cold with highs mostly in the single digits again.
ICE illegally detaining, moving Minnesota children to Texas faster than courts can respond
ICE is pulling Minnesota immigrant families with legal status out of their driveways, homes and school commutes and sending them to Texas within hours — in at least two cases against a judge’s order. Lawyers say the practice allows ICE to evade the law.
Modern Times diner moves to donation-based model while ICE is in Minnesota
The diner, now known as “Post Modern Times” will run on donations instead of charging patrons, therefore removing the element of sales tax that would go to the government.
‘ICE conveyor belt’ illegally detaining, moving Minnesota children to Texas faster than courts can respond
ICE is pulling Minnesota immigrant families with legal status out of their driveways, homes and school commutes and sending them to Texas within hours — in at least two cases against a judge’s order. Lawyers say the practice allows ICE to evade the law.
Tear gas causes health concerns for Twin Cities residents
Federal agents are regularly using chemical irritants like tear gas in attempts to disperse protesters and observers in the Twin Cities. Medical experts say there’s a lot of uncertainty about the health impacts of those chemicals.
How Minnesota musicians are responding in real time to federal shootings
After two fatal encounters with federal agents in Minnesota, musicians began responding almost immediately with songs that helped them process shock, connect with their communities and turn private grief into public solidarity.
Minneapolis killings put a focus on use of body cameras
Federal immigration enforcement authorities are facing scrutiny and criticism over their tactics, including the lack of body-worn cameras, following the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
FBI investigating after Rep. Omar sprayed with nontoxic fluid during town hall; man arrested
A man sprayed an unknown substance on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar before being tackled during a town hall gathering Tuesday night in Minneapolis. Initial reports indicate it was nontoxic. Minneapolis police are now referring all questions around the attack to the FBI.
ICE agent rebuffed after attempting to enter Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis
Ecuador’s minister of foreign affairs has filed a protest with the U.S. Embassy after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without permission Tuesday.
Rochester residents voice fear, anger and angst over continued ICE presence
In Rochester, hundreds of people gathered for a vigil Monday night and to talk about how their community is being affected by these operations at an event organized by the local chapter of the NAACP.
Federal immigration enforcement has intensified in Minnesota, raising urgent questions about civil rights, federal power and the rule of law. MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with experts about what's happening and why it matters.