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Community split on ICE detention center opening in Appleton, but many just want the area revitalized

Community split on ICE detention center opening in Appleton, but many just want the area revitalized

News that the privately-owned prison will reopen as an ICE detention center has sown division among some in Appleton and its surrounding communities. However, many in the region located about three hours west of the Twin Cities care less about the politics of immigration policy and just want to see their community revitalized.
by Jon Collins

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Upcoming hemp-THC ban will tank some Minnesota breweries, drink distributors

Upcoming hemp-THC ban will tank some Minnesota breweries, drink distributors

A federal ban that could wipe out Minnesota’s booming low-dose, hemp-THC edible market is approaching in November. Despite that, some breweries are continuing to make THC drinks up until the deadline. They hope Congress steps in before it’s too late.
by Nicole Ki

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Fifty deaths, few consequences: Inside Minnesota’s group home industry

Fifty deaths, few consequences: Inside Minnesota’s group home industry

At least 50 Minnesota group home clients have died since late 2022 under circumstances serious enough to trigger state maltreatment investigations. But many penalties amounted to fines of $5,000 or less, and most homes kept their licenses. When Ryan Riggs died in the backyard of his group home, the state’s initial fine was just $1,000.
by Ellie Roth, Jennifer Lu and Christopher Peak

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Deaths, neglect, calls for help: Group home boom overwhelms Brooklyn Park

Deaths, neglect, calls for help: Group home boom overwhelms Brooklyn Park

Taxpayer-funded group homes help thousands of Minnesotans with physical or mental disabilities live as independently as possible. But the industry’s rapid growth in the Twin Cities northwest suburbs has led to problems that leave vulnerable people in danger and local governments struggling with the consequences. Nowhere is that clearer than in Brooklyn Park, the state’s group home capital.
by Ellie Roth, Jennifer Lu and Christopher Peak

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Drone sightings drove surveillance fears as ICE surged in Minnesota

Drone sightings drove surveillance fears as ICE surged in Minnesota

Some Minneapolis residents who took to the streets to document U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids believe federal authorities used drones to record and intimidate them. Despite laws governing drone use, finding a definitive answer is unlikely.
by Jon Collins

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‘This isn’t living, right?’: Minnesota immigrants share their stories while in hiding from ICE

‘This isn’t living, right?’: Minnesota immigrants share their stories while in hiding from ICE

MPR News connected with five immigrants across Minnesota who have been scared to leave their homes over the last six weeks, due to fears of encountering ICE. Each person recorded voice memos or spoke to a reporter for three days, sharing their experiences of living locked inside.  
by Cait Kelley, Alanna Elder, Ellen Finn and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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After his parents’ killing, Colin Hortman is working through grief, searching for ways to honor them

After his parents’ killing, Colin Hortman is working through grief, searching for ways to honor them

As the Minnesota Legislature prepares to honor Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, their son Colin shares in an MPR News interview how he’s coping with grief and hoping their deaths remain a clarion call for toned-down political rhetoric. 
by Cathy Wurzer, Brian Bakst and Lukas Levin

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‘Time to speak up’: In Columbia Heights, school leaders stepped in to protect families as ICE surged

‘Time to speak up’: In Columbia Heights, school leaders stepped in to protect families as ICE surged

As federal immigration agents descended on Columbia Heights families, the school superintendent expected to stay silent. Then federal agents came for 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, and silence was no longer an option.
by Elizabeth Shockman

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St. Peter police chief intervened and got federal agents to release resident, sources say

St. Peter police chief intervened and got federal agents to release resident, sources say

Sources tell MPR News that the police chief of St. Peter intervened to prevent federal agents from taking a local resident who was observing ICE enforcement actions into detention. It is believed to the first time local police in Minnesota intervened in a federal law enforcement action since the ICE and border patrol surge began here two months ago.
by Hannah Yang, Matt Sepic and David Schaper

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