Hundreds of Twin Cities high school students walked out of school Monday to protest federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Officials are increasingly concerned about high absenteeism in some schools with families fearing being caught up in ICE operations.
MPR News has looked into reports that federal agents have accessed private data to track and intimidate anti-ICE activists since the immigration crackdown surged in Minnesota in December. Privacy advocates say it’s a clear violation of state law.
Immigration attorney David Wilson said his office is getting more than 500 calls per day about someone detained or who is fearful they are going to be detained.
MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to find out what actions state and local leaders may take to limit ICE and Border Patrol activity in the region.
ICE recently purchased two programs called Tangles and Webloc, which are used to track the cell phone activity of entire neighborhoods and monitor people over social media and through internet data, according to reporting by 404 Media.
With immigration enforcement activity increasing across Minnesota, many people are asking a simple but urgent question: What are my rights if ICE or other federal agents approach me?
Bryam Escobar Martinez is one of dozens of people detained by ICE who challenged their detention in court. A judge granted his request for release several days after the arrest.
This story includes live updates from Jan. 12, 2026: Ellison announces plan to sue the federal government to end the ICE surge in Minnesota, schools weigh virtual options.
After closing due to safety concerns last week, several Twin Cities school districts reopened their doors Monday to students with added safety measures amid a surge in immigration enforcement. More student walkouts protesting ICE operations are expected across the region.
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