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As of January 31, 2026, Minnesota faces ongoing legal battles over the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge, deploying 3,000 immigration agents. Federal Judge Kate Menendez denied a request to halt the operation, ruling the state and cities failed to prove constitutional violations. Meanwhile, journalist Don Lemon was arrested related to a protest at a St. Paul church, sparking First Amendment concerns amid the immigration crackdown.
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Activist groups, unions, and celebrities are organizing a nationwide strike on January 30 to protest federal immigration enforcement following a fatal shooting by ICE officers in Minnesota. Thousands are expected to participate, demanding ICE leave the state and end federal funding. The strike includes marches and community solidarity actions.
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As of early February 2026, healthcare systems worldwide face severe challenges. Yemen's war-torn health sector leaves patients without treatment or travel options. In the US, immigration enforcement disrupts care and staff morale, while Malawi struggles with chronic drug shortages and theft. Zimbabwe confronts infrastructure deficits, and Kenya reports deaths linked to unlicensed clinics, exposing systemic vulnerabilities.
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In Minneapolis, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti during a confrontation, contradicting initial claims that he was a terrorist. The incident has led to political criticism, investigations, and calls for changes in immigration enforcement policies amid protests and public outrage.
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On January 29, 2026, the European Union formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, responding to the IRGC's role in violently suppressing nationwide protests that killed thousands. The move, backed by France, Italy, Germany, and others, includes sanctions on IRGC members and Iranian officials, aiming to pressure Tehran amid escalating regional tensions and human rights concerns.
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Nicki Minaj has publicly endorsed Donald Trump, appearing on stage with him and expressing unwavering support despite her previous criticism of his policies. Her shift aligns with a broader trend of online influencers and celebrities embracing far-right rhetoric, impacting political discourse.
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Since early 2026, reports have emerged of federal immigration agents using disguises, masks, and undercover tactics in Minneapolis, raising concerns about transparency, safety, and civil rights. Incidents include impersonations, violent confrontations, and deadly shootings, prompting calls for policy reforms and increased oversight.
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The US government’s recent immigration crackdown in Minnesota targets refugees, leading to arrests and legal challenges. A judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the operation and ordering the release of detained refugees. The case highlights tensions over refugee rights and immigration enforcement policies.
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Steve Bannon, convicted of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the Jan. 6 attack, is now seeking to have his case dismissed after the Justice Department announced it would drop the charges. The move follows a pattern of the Trump administration's efforts to influence legal proceedings involving allies.
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As of February 2026, the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement in Minneapolis has sparked nationwide protests following the deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, shot by federal agents. ICE has shifted to targeting immigrants with criminal histories and reduced agent presence in Minneapolis, amid ongoing legal challenges and political debate over enforcement tactics.
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Mass protests erupted across the US after ICE agents fatally shot two Minnesota residents, Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Demonstrators called for shutting down ICE operations, with schools and businesses closing in solidarity. The protests follow a series of controversial enforcement actions and deaths linked to immigration authorities.
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Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minnesota, was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers on January 7. The FBI now leads the federal probe, after initial statements suggested Pretti brandished a gun, which videos later contradicted. The case raises questions about police conduct and investigation transparency.
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A federal judge in Minnesota has denied a request for a preliminary injunction against the Department of Homeland Security's enforcement actions. The lawsuit, filed by state officials, claims constitutional violations. The case follows recent fatal shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis. The judge's decision dismisses the lawsuit, with further rulings expected soon.
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On February 1, 2026, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Conejo Arias were released from a Texas detention center following a federal judge's order. Detained during a Minnesota immigration raid, the family returned home after legal intervention amid criticism of US deportation policies and treatment of immigrant children.
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A father and son, detained during a US immigration raid in Minnesota, were released after a federal judge ordered their freedom. The case drew outrage over alleged use of the child as bait and concerns about treatment in detention, amid ongoing immigration enforcement under the current US administration.
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U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued a 14-day order restricting federal officers from using chemical and projectile munitions against protesters near an ICE facility in Portland. The ruling follows a lawsuit over excessive force, including injuries to elderly protesters and journalists, amid nationwide demonstrations against immigration policies.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security faces a government shutdown over funding disputes, with Democrats demanding reforms to ICE following fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Congressional hearings are underway to investigate use of force by federal immigration agents amid protests and political tension.
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The Biden administration is advancing plans to open new large-scale detention facilities for immigrants across the U.S., including Virginia and Pennsylvania, amid rising tensions and local resistance. The move follows increased detention numbers and recent protests over immigration enforcement tactics.
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Ai Weiwei, the Chinese artist and critic, returned to China after over a decade, reliving a momentous visit to see his mother. His trip was smooth, contrasting with his past detention, and he discussed his new book on censorship and surveillance. Guan's asylum case in the US also highlights ongoing human rights issues.
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A five-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father were detained by US immigration authorities in Minnesota, sparking protests. The government seeks to deport them amid allegations of expedited removal, despite their legal entry and ongoing asylum case. The case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement tactics.
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Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman detained by US immigration authorities, was hospitalized after a seizure but was returned to detention. Her family and legal team remain in the dark about her condition, raising concerns over her health and treatment amid ongoing protests and legal battles.
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Since 2020, at least 24 ICE employees and contractors have been charged with crimes including sexual abuse, corruption, and misconduct. Most cases occurred before recent funding boosts, but experts warn that increased staffing and authority may lead to more abuses across the country.
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On February 11, 2026, the FAA abruptly closed airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days citing "special security reasons," grounding all flights within a 10-nautical-mile radius. Less than 10 hours later, the FAA lifted the restrictions, stating no threat to commercial aviation. The closure was linked to counter-drone operations against Mexican cartel drones near the border.
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The FAA lifted a 10-day airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, citing no threat to commercial flights. The temporary restriction was linked to security concerns, possibly related to drone activity, but was abruptly ended without detailed explanation. Flights are now operating normally.
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The Biden administration has announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, the DHS's largest immigration enforcement effort in Minnesota, after arrests of over 4,000 individuals. The operation faced criticism following deadly incidents and protests, but officials cite increased local cooperation and internal reforms as reasons for the drawdown. Some federal officers remain in the state.
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A US judge criticized the Biden administration's handling of Venezuelan migrants accused of gang membership, ruling they must be given a chance to challenge their deportations. The case highlights ongoing legal disputes over due process and immigration enforcement under the Trump and Biden administrations.
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Narciso Barranco, a Mexican immigrant with U.S.-born sons in the military, had his deportation case terminated after evidence showed his eligibility for lawful status. The Department of Homeland Security plans to appeal. Barranco's legal battle highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and military family protections.
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Multiple shootings involving immigration officers in Minneapolis have seen official accounts contradicted by video evidence. Cases against two Venezuelan men were dismissed after prosecutors found new evidence inconsistent with initial claims, highlighting ongoing issues with DHS transparency and accountability.
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Tenants and property managers at Gray's Landing sue the federal government over tear gas use, claiming chemical exposure has harmed residents' health and violated rights. The case highlights concerns over federal crowd-control tactics near residential areas, with upcoming court hearings and recent restrictions in Oregon.
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Federal agents' surge in Minneapolis has ended after arrests and protests. ICE plans to maintain a small presence, amid political clashes over enforcement tactics and funding. The debate highlights tensions over immigration policies and law enforcement accountability in the US.
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As of Saturday, a partial US government shutdown began after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The impasse centers on Democrats' demands for stricter immigration enforcement reforms following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Essential DHS operations continue without pay, affecting agencies like TSA and FEMA, while negotiations remain stalled.
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The US government has revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, affecting around 2,300 beneficiaries. The move, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, cites improved conditions in Yemen, but critics argue the country remains unstable. Yemenis in the US face deportation or voluntary departure within 60 days.
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U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns ordered the government to bring back 19-year-old Babson College student Any Lucia López Belloza, who was deported in November despite a court order. The judge cited a government acknowledgment of a mistake and gave the Department of Homeland Security two weeks to comply.
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New documents reveal ICE plans to rapidly scale up detention capacity across the US, including conversion of warehouses into processing centers. The initiative, backed by $45 billion from recent legislation, faces local opposition and questions over transparency, especially in New Hampshire and New York.
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A man identified as Javier Tamayo was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle in Los Angeles on February 15. The driver, Oscar Vasquez Lopez, was later arrested in Savannah after fleeing a traffic stop linked to an ICE operation. Lopez faces charges including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and illegal entry. The incident raises questions about law enforcement tactics and immigration enforcement policies.
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A US judge has halted the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national wrongly deported last year. The court found the government’s plans to send him to African countries unlikely to succeed, emphasizing his ties to the US and Costa Rica, where he is willing to go. The case highlights ongoing immigration enforcement issues.
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Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security assistant secretary, is expected to leave the Biden administration next week. Her departure follows recent shootings involving immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and ongoing internal tensions within DHS. She delayed her exit after the shootings but now plans to step down amid political and operational challenges.
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A US immigration judge halted the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahdawi, citing procedural errors by government attorneys. The case highlights ongoing efforts by the US government to deport pro-Palestinian campus protesters, amid broader debates over free speech and immigration law. The government may appeal the decision.
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Recent use of military-grade laser technology by U.S. border officials near El Paso caused FAA airspace shutdowns and raised safety questions. The incidents highlight inter-agency coordination issues amid escalating drone threats and military technology deployment without full oversight.
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On February 25, 2026, Donald Trump delivered a lengthy State of the Union address, emphasizing American military strength and national pride. Critics highlighted his focus on military achievements and patriotic rhetoric, while Democrats condemned his limited focus on domestic issues like affordability and healthcare amid low approval ratings.
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U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy declared the Trump-era deportation policy invalid, citing violations of due process rights. He suspended his ruling for 15 days to allow an appeal, emphasizing the importance of legal protections for migrants facing expedited removal to third countries.
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A young woman, Any Lucia López Belloza, avoided deportation after a court order and legal challenges. She was detained at Boston airport, deported to Honduras despite a judge's order, and now her case highlights ongoing issues with immigration enforcement and legal oversight in the U.S. as of February 28, 2026.