Stories from February 4, 2026

700 federal agents will leave Minnesota today. That's according to Tom Homan -- the White House official in charge of the federal immigration enforcement surge here. But critics say it’s not enough.
Thursday thaw previews a bigger thaw next week
The worst of winter’s cold is very likely behind us now. Midler air masses are heading for Minnesota.
Minnesota clinics look to fill gap in gender-affirming care after Children's Minnesota pause
After Children's Minnesota announced it will no longer provide gender-affirming care for children, Family Tree Clinic reaffirmed that it will continue its gender affirming care.
Duluth schools sign onto lawsuit against DHS to 'speak out on behalf' of districts who can't
Minnesota school districts and educators filed a lawsuit seeking to block the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement from conducting immigration enforcement activity in or near public schools.
Will calls to 'abolish ICE' sway voters in 2026? The strategy has Democrats split
The Trump administration's immigration efforts have led some Democrats to call for abolishing ICE. Others won't go as far, wary of appearing out of step with voters who want immigration laws enforced.
Still no suspect in the disappearance of 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie's mother
Authorities say the search for “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother still has no suspect or person of interest, days after she disappeared with signs of forced entry at her home in southern Arizona.
How Rupert Murdoch created a media empire — and ‘broke’ his own family
Journalist Gabriel Sherman has covered the Murdoch family for nearly two decades. In his new book, “Bonfire of the Murdochs,” he chronicles the protracted public battle for control the family business.
The Winter Olympics are upon us. Here's how to follow along
The Winter Olympics bring hundreds of the world's best winter athletes to northern Italy, where they will face off in 16 different sports across 2 1/2 weeks. Here's how to follow along.
Could immigration enforcement lead to an eviction crisis?
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how immigration enforcement is fueling a growing rent crisis. Many immigrant workers are afraid to leave their home for their jobs, leading to lost income and trouble keeping up with bills.
News of federal agent drawdown met with skepticism, calls for more action
The White House said Wednesday that 700 agents would leave Minnesota. Critics of the ICE surge noted that some 2,000 agents would remain on the ground. Gov. Tim Walz called for a “faster and larger drawdown of forces” and “an end to this campaign of retribution.”
News of federal agent drawdown met with skepticism, calls for more action
The White House said Wednesday that 700 agents would leave Minnesota. Critics of the ICE surge noted that some 2,000 agents would remain on the ground. Gov. Tim Walz called for a “faster and larger drawdown of forces” and “an end to this campaign of retribution.”
A hex and prayers at Clay County GOP Caucus
A curious scene unfolded at a Clay County GOP caucus Tuesday night involving heckling, hexes and prayers.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at a Florida golf course gets life in prison
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon pronounced Ryan Routh’s fate on Wednesday in the same Fort Pierce courtroom that erupted into chaos in September when Routh tried to stab himself shortly after jurors found him guilty of trying to kill a presidential candidate and other charges.
As winters warm, Olympic snow becomes less certain
The 2026 Games in northern Italy may move forward, but the long-term future of the Winter Olympics will depend on how quickly the planet continues to warm.
Morning Announcements for Feb. 4
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, Feb. 4. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Minnesota districts sue feds to keep ICE away from schools
Two Minnesota school districts backed by the state teachers union filed a lawsuit Wednesday to restore the Department of Homeland Security’s policy of recognizing schools as protected areas where immigration enforcement can’t be conducted. 
Minnesota districts sue feds to keep ICE away from schools
Two Minnesota school districts backed by the state teachers union filed a lawsuit Wednesday to restore the Department of Homeland Security’s policy of recognizing schools as protected areas where immigration enforcement can’t be conducted. 
Morning Announcements for Feb. 2-3
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 3. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
White House official Tom Homan announces drawdown by 700 agents in Minnesota
Tom Homan, the White House official in charge of the Minnesota immigration enforcement surge, said he is drawing down the number of federal agents in the state by 700 officers. After the drawdown, there will be about 2,300 federal officers still in Minnesota.
Caucuses around Minnesota saw heavy turnout Tuesday night as voters gathered to discuss political issues and candidates. A Minnesota girl detained with her mother by ICE last month has been released. 11-year-old Elizabeth Zuna was detained by federal agents while on her way to school with her mother in early January.
Warmer-than-normal temperatures set to return
Temperatures warm back into the 20s for most Wednesday. Thursday will be the warmest day with highs near 40 degrees. We cool off just a bit Friday and Saturday before temperatures warm back up. 
Pursued by federal agents, suburban ICE observers remain resolved
After a frightening pursuit by federal agents, suburban ICE observers say fear hasn’t stopped them from protecting their communities.
Comic community responds to ICE detention with art for Liam
Comic artists across the U.S. and beyond have launched the #Comics4Liam campaign, creating artwork inspired by 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos’s Spider-Man backpack to protest his detention by ICE and highlight the human impact of immigration enforcement.
ICE attorney to judge: ‘This job sucks’
A federal judge admonished DHS for repeatedly defying court orders to release detainees, as government lawyers described widespread noncompliance during Minnesota’s immigration crackdown. On Wednesday, a Justice Department source not authorized to speak publicly told NPR that Le is no longer on special assignment to the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The digital dragnet: ICE's surveillance playbook and your legal rights
From facial recognition to social media scans, federal agents have a growing arsenal of digital tools. MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests break down what's legal, what's not, and what it means for you.
Minneapolis City Council adds $500,000 for immigrant legal aid as ICE activity continues
Council members said it’s a necessary step to keep families together and protect residents who are being targeted by federal agents, including noncitizens who have no criminal background, asylum-seekers and children.
While detained by ICE, Brooklyn Park women help agent experiencing seizure
Tippy Amundson and Heather Zemian were patrolling their Brooklyn Park neighborhood, looking out for the safety of kids getting off the bus from school. They ended up looking out for the safety of an ICE agent who detained them, too.