Stories from January 29, 2026

A man charged with accosting Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar will remain in federal custody. And Republican candidates for Minnesota governor are adopting common messaging aimed at knocking down new Democratic candidate Amy Klobuchar.
Man who sprayed vinegar on Rep. Ilhan Omar faces charges
Anthony Kazmierczak, who also went by Andy, had shared a political cartoon criticizing the congresswoman and allegedly said years ago that “someone should kill” her, according to the FBI.
Lawyer: DHS not complying with order to release detained refugees from Minnesota
A class-action lawsuit argues the arrests of refugees under Operation PARRIS is unlawful. And while a judge ruled for refugees to be released and arrests to stop, lawyers said the government has refused to comply.
St. Paul schools leader: 1 in 4 students in virtual learning amid ICE surge; district tweaks grading
“This is truly about safety for our students,” Stacie Stanley told MPR News. The school system, she added, will regularly assess the need to continue the virtual option during the surge and won’t put an end date to it. More than 7,000 kids are in virtual learning right now.
'George Morrison: Modern Artist' paints the life of late Ojibwe artist for young readers
The new book is part of the Minnesota Humanities Center’s expanding Native American Lives Series, created by Indigenous writers and editors to provide classroom resources about Dakota and Ojibwe people.
Check out the Great Northern Climate Solutions Series this weekend
The Climate Solutions Series is a signature event of The Great Northern festival in Minnesota, connecting leaders, experts, and communities to drive real-world climate solutions.
Trapped inside: A Minnesota refugee family’s life on hold amid ICE arrests
A Minnesota refugee family has stopped leaving their home after visits from immigration agents, as a new federal operation begins re-examining refugee cases across the state. A judge has ordered a temporary halt to the arrests of refugees; however, it’s not clear if that will mitigate the fear some families are feeling.
ICE officers in Minnesota directed not to interact with 'agitators' in new orders
ICE officers in Minnesota were directed on Wednesday to avoid engaging with "agitators" as they carry out President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, according to internal guidance reviewed by Reuters.
Democrats, White House strike spending deal that would avert government shutdown
Democrats and White House struck a deal to avert a partial government shutdown and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday as they consider new restrictions for President Donald Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement.
Minnesota businesses feeling the strain of immigration enforcement
Small and immigrant-run businesses are feeling the strain of federal immigration enforcement. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks about the impact of enforcement on businesses across the state.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is in the race for Minnesota governor. Klobuchar has been seen as a likely candidate and top contender since Gov. Tim Walz ended his reelection campaign.
Homan says he'll reduce federal force in Minnesota if local officials cooperate
White House “border czar” Tom Homan said Thursday he was looking to lower the federal agent count in Minnesota, currently around 3,000, but gave no formal timeline, saying he wanted more cooperation from state and local officials, including more access to county jails.
New videos show Pretti scuffle with federal officers in Minneapolis 11 days before his death
Alex Pretti was forcefully taken to the ground by federal immigration agents after kicking out the tail light of their vehicle during a Minneapolis protest 11 days before he was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers, videos that emerged Wednesday show.
New videos show Alex Pretti scuffle with federal officers in Minneapolis 11 days before his death
Videos show Alex Pretti forcefully taken to the ground by federal immigration agents after kicking out the tail light of their vehicle during a Minneapolis protest 11 days before he was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers.
Omar criticizes Trump's 'hateful rhetoric' after attack; suspect had made pro-Trump posts online
The man accused of squirting an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall in Minneapolis has a criminal history and made online posts supportive of President Donald Trump. Minnesota court records show Anthony Kazmierczak was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989 and has multiple arrests for driving under the influence. 
A couple more cold days before a weekend warmup
We still have a couple cold days Thursday and Friday before temperatures warm this weekend. Snow showers are likely across much of Minnesota Sunday. 
New St. Cloud State president aims to attract, retain more students
A few weeks into his new role, Gregory Tomso said he wants the university to be a more vibrant campus that’s more alluring to students and better connected to the larger community and workforce.
Hundreds gather to honor Alex Pretti at Minneapolis vigil
Hundreds gathered for a vigil in Minneapolis to honor ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis last weekend.