Drawdown could mean nearly one-third fewer federal agents working in Minnesota

If the drawdown happened as announced Wednesday, there should be nearly a third fewer federal agents working in Minnesota Thursday. White House official Tom Homan announced a reduction of 700 agents from the federal immigration operation, saying it’s possible because of cooperation from state and local officials.

That still leaves about 2,000 federal agents in Minnesota, far above the usual number. Homan said further drawdowns will depend in part on less interference from protesters.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the drawdown is a welcome step — but he said the federal operation needs to end. Meanwhile, the St. Paul City Council introduced an ordinance Wednesday that would ban law enforcement from wearing masks or face coverings. The council’s chief policy officer, noted Minnesota already has a law banning masks that conceal a person’s identity. That law has some exceptions, including religious or medical needs.

Greater Minnesota cities are saying they need more funding for water infrastructure projects and replacing lead service lines. Those are some of the issues they’ll be lobbying lawmakers about once the state’s legislative session starts in two weeks.

Attorneys representing refugees detained by ICE say the Department of Homeland Security is ignoring a court order and is asking the court to hold the agency in contempt.

The City of Anoka is opening its cannabis dispensary Thursday, making it the first municipal cannabis store to open in Minnesota.

Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.

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