MPR News
How building community supports mental health
- Title
- How building community supports mental health
- Runtime
- 1:00:16
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- In times of stress, building community can support our mental health. Coming up at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with organizers Autumn Brown and adrienne maree brown about new communities forming in Minnesota — and how to stay connected even with people who see things very differently.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Woman speaks out after ICE shot, detained her partner in Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Indriany Mendoza Camacho says she was there on the night of Jan. 14 when an ICE agent shot her partner in the leg in north Minneapolis. In an interview with MPR News on Feb. 2, she disputed the federal government’s account of what happened.
Julio Sosa-Celis, her partner, and Alfredo Aljorna are accused by federal authorities of assaulting an ICE officer last month in north Minneapolis. The Department Of Justice alleges they used a broom to hit the officer, according to a court filing.
The men were arrested and the women were detained, and their children were placed with family members.
Nineteen-year-old Mendoza Camacho is a native of Venezuela. She entered the country as an unaccompanied minor when she was 16 with her then-4-month-old son. Sosa-Celis, Aljorna and Aljorna’s partner Valentina de Los Angeles Moreno are all citizens of Venezuela.
According to court documents, Sosa-Celis, 24, entered the U.S. in 2023. Aljorna, 25, came...
- Title
- Federal agents pursuit leads to multi-car crash in St. Paul
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The St. Paul Police Department says federal agents were pursuing a person in a vehicle on Wed, Feb. 11, leading to a multi-car crash. The person being pursued had non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital.
Three cars had damage from the crash, which happened outside Nina’s Coffee Cafe at the intersection of Western Avenue North and Selby Avenue.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Video captured by Sam Stroozas
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- ICE enforcement and songs of protest
- Runtime
- 52:29
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- From street choirs and drummers to new tracks by Laamar and Bruce Springsteen, a new wave of protest music is rising in response to ICE operations.
Catharine Richert talked with The Current's Gannon Hanevold about how musicians are soundtracking resistance in Minnesota.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Independent media and immigration actions in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 52:25
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- During increased federal immigration actions in Minnesota, much of what the public has seen comes from independent reporters. Tonight at 8, MPR News host Catharine Richert talks about documenting ICE activity on the ground — and what it means to report outside traditional newsrooms in this moment.
She spoke with Andrew Mercado from Mercado Media and JT Cestkowski from Status Coup News about their on-the-ground reporting, the challenges of documenting enforcement actions, and how independent journalism is shaping public understanding of immigration policy in real time.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- One year after transition to biathlon, Minnesotan makes her Olympic debut
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Margie Freed of Apple Valley will be competing in her first Olympic Games this year.
She has competed in cross-country skiing since middle school, but only fully transferred to biathlon in 2025.
Before joining Team USA, she raced as a Division I athlete for the University of Vermont and competes for the Craftsbury Green Racing Project.
Story by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Forchas family finds healing in ‘Dancing with Annunciation Stars’ fundraiser
- Runtime
- 1:55
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- For the last 12 weeks, Tom Forchas has been practicing his dance moves in a St. Paul dance studio to prepare for one of Annunciation Church and School’s biggest fundraisers.
The “Dancing with the Annunciation Stars” fundraiser was an embodiment of “when you pray, move your feet,” the African proverb shared by Annunciation principal Matt DeBoer in the hours after the mass shooting at the school on Aug. 27. Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed. 28 others were injured.
Forchas was one of the six “stars” taking part in the fundraiser held on Feb. 7. The dance was his way of saying thank you to a community that made sure his family could get up on their feet, after his daughter Sophia Forchas, 13, was shot in the head and spent nearly two months recovering in the hospital.
He spoke with MPR News senior producer Aleesa Kuznetsov in his first one-on-one interview with media since the shooting.
Story by Aleeesa...
- Title
- Anoka opens Minnesota’s first government-run cannabis dispensary
- Runtime
- 2:55
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The city of Anoka is taking the plunge into Minnesota’s recreational cannabis market with the opening of its new dispensary, making it one of the first municipal operations in the country and the first in the state.
Anoka Cannabis Company held a soft opening on Feb. 5 to cannabis industry insiders.
The shop is believed to be one of the only government-run dispensaries currently operating in the country. But it’s not the first of its kind.
In 2015, the city of North Bonneville in Washington opened a city-operated cannabis retail store that eventually closed down in 2021. North Bonneville Mayor Brian Sabo told MPR News in March 2024 the closure was due to poor sales.
Twelve other cities applied for a retail cannabis license with Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management. Anoka was the first to break ground on a cannabis store last May and will be running the shop on the city’s own.
Story by Nicole Ki
Video by ...
- Title
- Sociologist Nicole Bedera explains how observing ICE is a 'de-escalation' tactic
- Runtime
- 15:28
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Twin Cities residents have taken to the streets to both protest and simply observe the thousands of ICE agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The federal government has accused ICE watchers of breaking the law. Nicole Bedera said ICE watchers have science behind them.
Bedera is a Minnesota-based sociologist, author of "On the Wrong Side" and co-founder of the anti-violence consulting group Beyond Compliance.
She spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters about what her research tells her about what behavior tends to lead to violence — and what doesn’t.
Story by Clay Masters and Gretchen Brown
Video edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland | MPR News
- Title
- Holocaust educator talks about parallels between ICE and Nazi Germany
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Critics — and supporters — of President Donald Trump have compared his administration’s actions to those of Nazi Germany.
The comparison to Nazi Germany and World War II is a striking parallel to a dark time in history. Holocaust educator Kristin Thompson points out some of the comparisons she sees between Nazi Germany and the federal government in their propaganda and tactics.
She said history often plays an important role in understanding our society today.
The administration told the Associated Press it’s tired of criticism that its messaging is framed around white supremacy or Nazi slogans.
“It seems that the mainstream media has become a meme of their own: The deranged leftist who claims everything they dislike must be Nazi propaganda,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said. “This line of attack is boring and tired. Get a grip.”
Story by Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- The history of activism and protest in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:00:31
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota is experiencing a moment of civic intensity that feels historic.
A major federal ICE operation has drawn sustained public response — from mass marches to a statewide general strike and a broad coalition of volunteers, legal observers, community and faith leaders stepping into public action.
What we’re seeing didn’t appear overnight.
Many of the organizing strategies we’re seeing today were built in the years before George Floyd’s murder and were expanded, tested and strengthened during the protests that followed.
MPR News host Catharine Richert will explore the historical significance of what’s happening — how past traditions of protest and civic engagement connect to today’s actions and why this is such an important moment in Minnesota history.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Minnesota Musicians tackle effects of ICE operation through song
- Runtime
- 2:51
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- After Renee Macklin Good was killed by federal agents, Geoffrey WIlson was at work. He left early, went home, and sat down at his piano.
Across Minnesota, others were doing something similar in the hours and days that followed, trying to absorb what had happened through whatever tools they had.
MPR News reporter Jacob Aloi spoke to these musicians before Alex Pretti was killed by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 24.
Bruce Springsteen recently released a song dedicated to the city “Streets of Minneapolis.” He performed the song on Jan. 30 as a special guest at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Story by Jacob Aloi
Video by Anne Guttridge
Edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- ICE agents are trained in CPR. They didn’t use it on Renee Macklin Good
- Runtime
- 4:02
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- An analysis of videos, 911 calls, fire department records and dispatch logs conducted by MPR News and APM Reports raises questions about whether the federal agency that mortally wounded Renee Macklin Good did enough to try to save her life.
Story by Cait Kelley | MPR News
Edited by Andy Kruse | APM Reports
- Title
- Tom Homan gives update on immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 36:45
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The White House official in charge of the Minnesota immigration enforcement surge will give an update on the operation at a news conference on Wednesday morning.
Tom Homan is due to speak to reporters at 8 a.m.
It will be the second media availability that Homan has held since he was dispatched to the state last week by President Donald Trump following a pair of deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Read the latest coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- ICE is watching. Here's what you need to know
- Runtime
- 58:45
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Facial recognition. Social media monitoring. Digital tracking. Federal agents now have a growing arsenal of tools and they're using them. Tuesday at 8 p.m., MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests dig into how these technologies actually work, what's legal, what's not and why it matters for everyone's privacy. Join us live here or on the radio.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Gov. Tim Walz, AG Keith Ellison to talk impact of child ICE detentions
- Runtime
- 47:50
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison plan to discuss the impact ICE detentions of children are having on kids and families in Minnesota.
Following the return of Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old whose detention by ICE sparked national fervor, to Minnesota on Sunday, MPR News has reported on more Columbia Heights Public Schools students and parents being detained.
Walz and Ellison will be joined by Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett; Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis; Columbia Heights social worker Tracy Xiong; and other education and health leaders.
Read the latest coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Jingle dress dancers hold healing ceremonies at memorial sites in south Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Jingle dress dancers held healing ceremonies on Feb. 1 in south Minneapolis at the locations where Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot by federal immigration agents in January. Both Macklin Good and Pretti were shot and killed while observing immigration enforcement action.
The jingle dress and dance have provided healing for Native communities for over a hundred years in Minnesota. A week after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis in 2020, a jingle dress ceremony was organized at the memorial site. One of the organizers Star Downwind said a friend called her recently, asking if she could do it again — now for Macklin Good and Pretti.
“It's just a part of the responsibility of being a jingle dancer — is to go to where people are suffering or people are sick and they need healing to bring it,” Downwind said.
Story by Leah Lemm
Video and thumbnail photo captured by Jaida Grey Eagle for MPR News
Video edited b...
- Title
- Minneapolis man detained by ICE, sent to facility in El Paso, returned home, then detained again
- Runtime
- 3:39
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Earlier in January, Garrison Gibson was detained by ICE and flown to El Paso, Texas, only to be returned home days later and detained again.
In a press conference on Jan. 18 he said that he has been in the United States for 17 years and has regular check-ins with ICE. According to court records, Gibson’s most recent check-in with ICE was on Dec. 29, less than two weeks before masked gunmen from the agency illegally broke down his door.
Gibson said that he’ll continue fighting the government’s efforts to deport him to Liberia, a country he hasn’t visited since he fled a civil war there when he was 6 years old.
To read more, follow the link in our bio.
Video captured by Matt Sepic
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and father return home to Minnesota after judge's order
- Runtime
- 0:56
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old whose detention by ICE sparked national fervor, has landed in Minnesota with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, Sunday morning, according to U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro from Texas.
This comes after a judge ordered their release on Saturday.
Liam was detained Jan. 20 by Immigration Customs and Enforcement in his driveway after he and his father returned home from school.
In a statement to MPR News, attorneys representing the family said, “We are pleased that the family will now be able to focus on being together and finding some peace after this traumatic ordeal.”
According to Columbia Heights school district officials, four more children from the district are believed to be still in ICE custody in Texas. This includes a high school and elementary student from the district and two elementary students from the same school as Ramos who a judge has ordered be released, according to the officials.
- Title
- Thousands join Minneapolis bike ride to honor Alex Pretti
- Runtime
- 1:24
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Thousands joined an 8.3-mile bike ride in Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon in honor of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal agents on Jan. 24.
Angry Catfish Bicycle, a community-based bike shop on the city’s south side, led the event. Organizer Jarrod Alder said around 250 similar rides for Pretti were planned in 14 countries this weekend.
In Minneapolis, cyclists rode past a memorial to Pretti on Nicollet Avenue and ended at Wabun Picnic Area near the Minnesota Veterans Home. They also passed by the memorial of Renee Macklin Good who was shot and killed by a federal agent on Jan. 7.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minnesota's 2026 precinct caucuses, explained
- Runtime
- 1:43
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Statewide precinct caucuses will be held this upcoming Tuesday and are expected to draw thousands of Minnesotans to their local community centers and school buildings for discussion on top political issues and preferred candidates this year.
There will be preference ballots in the race for Minnesota governor, which is now an open playing field after Tim Walz dropped his reelection campaign.
Find your local caucus locations online for your political party of interest or by using the Secretary of State’s caucus finder.
Story by Brian Bakst, Dana Ferguson and Nicole Ki.
Video by Nicole Ki, edited by Tony Xiao.
- Title
- Federal agents drew weapons on unarmed woman in St. Peter, Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Federal agents with weapons drawn approached an unarmed woman in her car in St. Peter, MN, Thursday, Jan. 29. The woman had been observing and recording the agents. They took her into custody but later released her to St. Peter's police chief.
- Title
- 75 years young, man becomes oldest finisher of Arrowhead Ultra 135
- Runtime
- 0:44
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Michael Koppy is now the oldest person to complete the Arrowhead Ultra 135 race in northern Minnesota at 75 years old.
Koppy is a retired college instructor who lives in Hermantown, outside Duluth. Last year, he was less than seven miles from the finish line of the Arrowhead Ultra 135 when his body just gave out.
This year, Michael Koppy finished the race nearly 60 hours after he started.
Koppy is still recovering from the race, but he can’t rest for long. He’s signed up for two more ultra marathon races in July, and he’s now thinking of biking and skiing the race next year and the year after, to set the mark as the oldest person ever to finish all three disciplines.
Read more at the link in our bio.
Story by Dan Kraker
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Bruce Springsteen performs 'Streets of Minneapolis' at First Avenue solidarity show
- Runtime
- 6:35
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Bruce Springsteen joined local and national musicians at First Avenue in Minneapolis for a concert to raise money to support the families of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti.
Good and Pretti were both fatally shot by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis this month.
The “Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota” started at noon. Among the performers: Tom Morello, known for playing in the band Rage Against the Machine; performers Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly and the Chicago punk band Rise Against.
Bruce Springsteen performed at the end of the set as a teased special guest. The artist performed his newly released song "Streets of Minneapolis," which is dedicated to the city.
Story by Luke Taylor
Video captured by Reed Fischer
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Laura Buhman for MPR
- Title
- Judge orders release of independent journalist Georgia Fort
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Twin Cities independent journalist Georgia Fort was arrested on Jan. 30 after covering a church protest in St. Paul on Jan. 18.
Fort posted a video on social media on Friday morning saying that federal agents were at her door and that agents brought an arrest warrant. She said her attorney advised her to go with the officers. “As a member of the press, I filmed the church protest a few weeks ago, and now I’m being arrested for that,” Fort said in the video.
A total of nine people were indicted including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and civil rights activists Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, Trahern Crews and Jameel Lundy. A judge released Fort, Trahern Crews and Jamael Lundy on bond, rejecting the Justice Department's attempt to keep them in custody. Levy Armstrong and Allen were previously arrested, charged and released from custody.
Video captured by Peter Cox and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon arrested after covering St. Paul church protest
- Runtime
- 2:27
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota independent journalist Georgia Fort and former CNN anchor Don Lemon were arrested on Jan. 30. Both journalists documented a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul nearly two weeks ago. It was not clear what charges they are facing as of noon on Friday.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also posted a statement about the arrests on social media saying that two other people were also arrested in addition to Fort and Lemon. Lemon’s arrest came after a magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge him.
Three other people — including prominent Minnesota civil rights activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen — were previously arrested, charged and released from custody in connection with the protest.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- State of Minnesota Town Hall
- Runtime
- 1:11:08
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- MPR News and The Middle with Jeremy Hobson hosted a Town Hall to explore life in Minnesota during an unprecedented immigration enforcement operation. What does it feel like to be a Minnesotan right now? And what do we need to move forward? Hosts Jeremy Hobson and Catharine Richert led a discussion as we heard stories and perspectives on what’s really happening in our community.
- Title
- Tom Homan gives first press conference in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 54:26
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Tom Homan replaced Gregory Bovino as commander at large for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minnesota.
On Jan. 26, Trump declared he would send Homan to Minnesota to oversee the immigration operation in progress for almost two months. This follows the two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in January that have soured public opinion on the Trump administration's deportation push.
Read the latest coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- ‘The lady in the pink jacket’ says she won’t be intimidated
- Runtime
- 6:54
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Multiple angles of Border Patrol agents fatally shooting Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 went viral online. In several, a woman filming in a bright pink jacket can be seen just behind Pretti and the agents. The internet was curious and concerned. What did her phone capture? Was she detained by federal agents? Is she ok?
The woman, Stella Carlson, shared the video she took with MPR News shortly after the fatal shooting.
She reached out to MPR News and shared her story on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Interview by Feven Gerezgiher
Video captured by Ben Hovland
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Understanding immigration enforcement: A Conversation with Sharon McMahon and Dillon White
- Runtime
- 51:37
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Sharon McMahon of Sharon Says So and attorney Dillon White join MPR News host Catharine Richert for a frank conversation about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement push. They cut through the noise to explain what's happening on the ground, what legal protections exist and how Minnesota communities are responding.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota: Legal, political and historical stakes
- Runtime
- 59:16
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Federal immigration enforcement has intensified in Minnesota, with two fatal shootings by federal agents, unprecedented tensions between state and federal authorities, and a federal judge ordering the acting ICE director to appear in court.
MPR News correspondent Catharine Richert speaks with three experts about what's happening and why it matters:
• Emmanuel Mauleon, associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota
• Kathryn Pearson, professor of political science at the University of Minnesota
• Yohuru Williams, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas
Join us at 8 p.m. Central for special programming.
Find the latest reporting here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- South Minneapolis restaurant shifts to donation model until ICE leaves Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- On Jan. 26 the Minneapolis hippie diner Modern Times made an announcement: all their menu items are now free, unless you’re a federal agent.
The hours will remain the same, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, but the menu will be a bit smaller. The restaurant will run on donations. Servers will volunteer, but still be paid.
Dylan Alverson has owned the diner for 15 years. The restaurant is six blocks from where George Floyd was murdered in 2020, four blocks from where Renee Macklin Good was killed by an ICE agent and a neighborhood over from where Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents last week.
Alverson says they’re post-modern. Hence, the new name “Post Modern Times.”
Story by Alex V. Cipolle and Sam Stroozas
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman reflects on a long healing process after shooting
- Runtime
- 33:35
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Last summer, a gunman broke into the home of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and shot both of them multiple times. John was shot nine times. It was the same attacker who shot and killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
Now, after months of surgeries and physical therapy, Sen. Hoffman is back in his office at the Capitol.
He sat down with MPR News politics editor and Politics Friday host Brian Bakst to recount that night and share what's driving his continued work in public service.
Story by Brian Bakst | MPR News
Video produced by Ben Garvin and edited by Renny McCauley
---
0:00 Return to office
0:22 Physical recovery
1:33 Recounting the incident
6:14 The scope of the attack
8:02 Communication with the Hortman family
8:40 The legal case
10:15 Biden's visit
12:07 Did Trump call?
13:05 Conspiracy theories
13:58 Addressing rhetoric
14:44 Electio...
- Title
- After phone call with president, Gov. Tim Walz reacts to news of Greg Bovino leaving Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had a 10-minute phone call Monday morning with President Donald Trump. Walz said Trump agreed to consider reducing the number of immigration enforcement agents in the Twin Cities and ensure the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension could conduct independent investigations into the killings of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti.
While Walz said Trump had pledged to “do things differently,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt continued to blame Walz and Frey for “actively inhibiting efforts to arrest violent criminals.” And she laid out some of Trump’s demands.
Leavitt also said the Trump administration is not yet committing to cooperating with local officials on the investigation into the fatal shooting of Pretti Saturday during an immigration enforcement action.
To hear the governor’s full interview, on All Things Considered, visit mprnews.org
Interview by Clay Masters, video captured b...
- Title
- Gov. Tim Walz's first interview since dropping out of 2026 race
- Runtime
- 19:36
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz sits down with MPR News for his first one-on-one interview since announcing he won't seek reelection and as federal immigration enforcement intensifies across the state.
In this live conversation, Walz addresses his decision to exit the 2026 governor's race, Minnesota's response to expanded ICE operations, and what's next for his administration.
Read the latest coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/26/gov-tim-walzs-first-sit-down-interview-since-dropping-out-of-2026-race
- Title
- Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison to discuss shooting, ICE operations
- Runtime
- 1:22:21
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison plan to discuss the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and efforts to rein in ICE in Minnesota.
Pretti, 37, was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent Saturday morning. The shooting took place near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Pretti was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital.
Walz called the federal account of events "nonsense" and "lies." He said Minnesota's justice system "will have the last word." DHS claims Pretti was armed and resisted; local officials confirm he had a legal permit to carry. Video shows no indication that Pretti brandished the weapon.
Read the latest coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Friends, mourners remember Alex Pretti at Minneapolis vigil
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Weeks after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis, hundreds of people gathered to mourn another Minnesota resident fatally shot by a federal immigration agent.
Alex Pretti was shot and killed Saturday, Jan. 24, near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood. He was an intensive care nurse and worked for the Minneapolis veterans hospital.
Neighborhoods across the state organized candlelight vigils and hundreds gathered in the Whittier neighborhood and at the site of the shooting to remember Pretti and protest the massive federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.
Video by Megan Thompson for MPR News
- Title
- In vigils across the Twin Cities, Minnesotans gather to mourn and remember Alex Pretti
- Runtime
- 1:49
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Weeks after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis, hundreds of people gathered to mourn another Minnesota resident fatally shot by a federal immigration agent.
Alex Pretti was shot and killed Saturday, Jan. 24, near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood. He was an intensive care nurse and worked for the Minneapolis veterans hospital.
Neighborhoods across the state organized candlelight vigils and hundreds gathered in the Whittier neighborhood and at the site of the shooting to remember Pretti and protest the massive federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Special Coverage: Fatal shooting of Alex Pretti
- Runtime
- 6:06:56
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Federal agent fatally shoots 37-year-old man in Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 2:56
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- WARNING: The following video includes visuals that may be disturbing.
A previous version of this post was deleted to remove the name of the person who provided the video due to safety concerns. This is a courtesy video and its authenticity has been verified by MPR News.
Just after 9 a.m. Saturday in Minneapolis' Whittier neighborhood, multiple federal immigration agents were seen wrestling 37-year-old Alex Pretti to the ground before one agent fatally shot him.
In this video taken by a witness on the scene, multiple gunshots can be heard, but details about the man's injuries have not been released.
The woman who recorded the video said that prior to the incident, the man was helping vehicle traffic get around the area where ICE and observers had begun to gather.
This is a developing story. For the latest updates, visit mprnews.org.
- Title
- Thousands demand 'ICE Out' of Minnesota in downtown Minneapolis march and rally
- Runtime
- 0:50
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Despite a weather advisory for extreme cold, thousands marched in downtown Minneapolis to protest the federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota on Jan. 23.
A coalition of more than 100 groups including labor unions, clergy, childcare workers, immigrants and more organized the march calling for ICE to leave Minnesota. They also called for authorities to prosecute Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Hundreds of businesses and organizations closed their doors for the day as part of “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom.” Organizers asked Minnesota residents to avoid school, work and shopping on Friday to show opposition to the continued presence of immigration agents in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the state.
Thumbnail photo and video captured by Tom Baker for MPR News
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minnesota businesses are closing their doors on Friday to protest ICE
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Many Minnesota businesses are closing Friday to protest the surge of federal immigration enforcement action in the state. Minnesota labor unions, community activists and faith leaders are organizing the economic blackout, dubbed “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom.”
They’re asking Minnesota residents to avoid school, work and shopping on Friday to show opposition to the continued presence of immigration agents in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the state.
On Thursday, three businesses in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood in Minneapolis shared why they are closing and what they hope to achieve.
Story by Feven Gerezgiher
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- A labor historian explains: what can a statewide strike do?
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- On Jan. 23, hundreds of businesses across Minnesota were closed for a one-day strike and economic blackout in response to the federal ICE operation in Minnesota and the killing of Renee Macklin Good. The strike was organized by Minnesota faith leaders and endorsed Minnesota labor leaders including Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation and the Minnesota AFL-CIO.
Labor scholar and retired history professor Peter Rachleff spoke to MPR News’ All Things Considered host Clay Masters about the history and context of these large-scale strikes.
To listen more, visit mprnews.org
Video edited by Anne Guttridge, thumbnail photo by Tom Baker for MPR News
- Title
- Clergy, activists protest ICE at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Clergy members and community activists stood in extreme subzero weather Friday at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, calling on airline companies to speak out against the immigration enforcement surge of federal agents in the Twin Cities.
With temperatures near 20 degrees below zero and a weather advisory in effect, demonstrators urged companies Delta Air Lines, Signature Aviation and other companies to end cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Police detained some protesters during the action. The group Faith in Minnesota said later that 100 clergy members had been arrested.
Story, video and photos by Kerem Yücel, video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Vice President JD Vance heads to Minnesota amid high tensions over immigration actions
- Runtime
- 43:45
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Vice President JD Vance is the latest high-ranking Trump administration official to come to Minneapolis as a polarizing immigration action has Minnesota on edge.
Vance was due Thursday in Minneapolis for what the White House says will be a roundtable with local leaders and community members “focused on restoring law and order in Minnesota.”
Few details were released in advance about who would be at the table for a session with the vice president that wasn’t expected to be open to media. Vance was also planning public remarks.
For ongoing coverage, visit https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/22/jd-vance-heads-to-minnesota-amid-high-tensions-over-immigration-actions
- Title
- Somali rideshare driver shares his viral encounter with Border Patrol
- Runtime
- 2:59
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Ahmed Bin Hassan, a rideshare driver, was parked at the Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport when Border Patrol agents came up to his car. Hassan filmed the interaction and posted it to his small number of followers. Now millions of people have viewed the video and others that were recorded of the interaction.
Hassan said wants to use his fifteen minutes for good by helping others understand their rights and how to interact with federal law enforcement.
Interview by Feven Gerezgiher
Video captured by Anne Guttridge and edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- ICE detains two minors in south Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 1:32
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers handcuffed and detained two teenagers in south Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon.
MPR News photojournalist Ben Hovland observed the arrests and said the agents appear to have rear-ended a silver-colored SUV carrying the two minors.
Agents took a teenage boy into custody after taking a picture of his face. The young man appeared frightened as he was led away to a federal law enforcement vehicle. The driver, a teenage girl, was seen handing agents a U.S. passport book. Agents appeared to check her identification before putting her in cuffs.
Hovland said the girl was crying as she leaned forward in the back of a Border Protection vehicle.
A crowd of observers gathered and filmed with their phones from the sidewalk, some chanting “ICE out!” As agents tried to leave the scene, at least two bystanders were arrested as agents deployed tear gas and pepper spray.
Videos and photos capt...
- Title
- Twin Cities law enforcement leaders talk about Minnesota police interactions with federal agents
- Runtime
- 28:01
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- A coalition of Twin Cities law enforcement leaders will address concerns about interactions between federal agents and Minnesota police officers. St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, Hennepin County Sheriff DaWanna Witt, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley and others will address the media at 11:15 a.m.
For ongoing coverage, visit https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/20/ice-enforcement-minneapolis-minnesota-latest-updates
- Title
- Community unites at Powderhorn Art Sled Rally despite ICE impact on neighborhood
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Hundreds of Minnesotans gathered for a chilly and icy afternoon of artfully decorated sleds in Powderhorn Park.
Billed by organizers as the 97th annual “Art Sled Rally,” the event is known for its themes of whimsy and activism which reflect the south Minneapolis neighborhood’s history.
Art sled designs featured a Smokey Bear with a raised fist, a giant bottle of de-icer and a huge cardboard bowling ball barreling towards pins labeled as state leaders like “Trump,” “Putin” and “Netanyahu.” There were also several busses, boats and a white stallion.
The rally came 11 days after an ICE agent killed Minneapolis resident Renee Macklin Good just blocks away from the park.
Video by Anne Guttridge with contributions from Alex V. Cipolle
Photos by Ben Hovland
- Title
- International snow sculptors reflect a global moment in Stillwater
- Runtime
- 2:26
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Stillwater is once again hosting the World Snow Sculpting Championship, and this year is the largest competition yet, featuring 16 teams from around the world.
Many artists say the makeshift international artist village in Lowell Park has been filled with discussion about coming to Minnesota amid ICE raids in the state and President Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act, both of which have made international headlines.
Still, some teams hope to spread a message of unity despite current events.
The 16 teams started shaping their 10-foot cubes of packed snow Wednesday morning in Lowell Park and will continue through 2 p.m. Saturday. The winners will be announced at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Story by Alex V. Cipolle
Video by Tony Xiao
