-
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.
-
Protests against federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota have intensified following a fatal shooting by an ICE officer. Demonstrators, including businesses and faith groups, are participating in strikes, marches, and civil disobedience, demanding ICE's withdrawal amid ongoing clashes and arrests. The protests highlight tensions over immigration policies and law enforcement conduct.
-
On January 20, 2026, federal agents detained five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, during an immigration enforcement operation. The boy was taken from a running car and reportedly used to lure family members. Both are now held in a Texas detention facility amid protests and legal challenges.
-
On January 22, 2026, Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested in Mexico City after over a decade on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted list. He faces 17 felony charges including drug trafficking, murder, and witness tampering linked to a transnational cocaine ring operating between Colombia, Mexico, the US, and Canada. Wedding was flown to California and held without bond.
-
Minnesota and its cities sued the Department of Homeland Security over federal officers' actions following a shooting by Border Patrol. The case seeks to reduce federal law enforcement presence and preserve evidence, amid concerns over evidence mishandling and federal overreach during Operation Metro Surge.
-
Protests erupted across the US after federal agents fatally shot ICU nurse Alex Pretti and mother Renee Good in Minnesota. The incidents, linked to aggressive immigration enforcement, prompted civil rights investigations, political backlash, and calls for reform amid concerns over law enforcement conduct and civil liberties.
-
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.
-
The Justice Department has demanded voter registration data from Minnesota, prompting accusations of coercion and political interference. State officials refuse to comply, citing privacy concerns and legal protections, amid broader tensions over federal efforts to access voter information ahead of midterm elections.
-
A documentary about Melania Trump, covering her final days as first lady, premiered at the Kennedy Center and in theaters nationwide. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at her transition into the role, with mixed reviews and high-profile attendees, amid questions over its political neutrality and funding.
-
The Trump administration announced a partial withdrawal of 700 federal immigration enforcement officers from Minnesota amid ongoing protests and controversy over the deaths of two US citizens at the hands of federal agents. The move follows increased cooperation with local authorities and public pressure after fatal shootings by federal officers. The operation, which began over two months ago, has resulted in thousands of arrests and widespread unrest.
-
Georgia Fort and Don Lemon, both journalists, were arrested in Minnesota following a protest at Cities Church against ICE. Fort livestreamed her arrest, citing First Amendment rights. The arrests are linked to a demonstration opposing immigration enforcement, raising concerns over press freedom amid federal investigations.
-
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.
-
A US federal judge in Minnesota condemned the federal immigration enforcement operation, calling it ill-conceived and traumatizing children. The judge ordered the release of a five-year-old boy and his father, criticizing the pursuit of deportation quotas and heavy-handed tactics that have sparked protests and legal challenges.
-
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.
-
Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, was present at the FBI raid on the 2020 election office, where she facilitated a call with Trump and agents. The incident raises questions about her role and the politicization of the investigation amid ongoing claims of election fraud.
-
Zubayar al-Bakoush, linked to the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans, has been extradited to the US to face murder, arson, and terrorism charges. The attack was initially seen as a spontaneous protest but was later identified as a deliberate extremist assault. This marks a significant step in US justice efforts.
-
Former CNN host Don Lemon and eight others face federal charges after disrupting a Minnesota church service protesting ICE. Lemon claims he was there as a journalist, not a participant. The case involves allegations under the 1994 FACE Act, with potential penalties up to a year in prison and $10,000 fine.
-
Newly released documents reveal Jeffrey Epstein ordered hidden cameras in his homes, raising questions about secret recordings and potential blackmail. The footage, some of which shows Epstein with women, was recorded in Florida and New York, fueling ongoing investigations into his activities and connections.
-
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill over her executive order that restricts federal immigration enforcement on state property. The lawsuit claims the order obstructs federal law and discriminates against the federal government, while the state defends its actions as safeguarding immigrant communities.
-
On March 6-7, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department released previously withheld FBI interview memos from 2019 involving a woman who alleged sexual assault by Jeffrey Epstein and former President Donald Trump in the 1980s when she was a minor. The DOJ attributed the omission to mislabeling files as duplicates. Trump denies wrongdoing. Congressional Democrats have launched investigations into potential illegal withholding amid ongoing scrutiny of the Epstein Files Transparency Act compliance.
-
As of February 27, 2026, 39 individuals, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, have been indicted for their roles in a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protest targeted a pastor who is also an ICE official and was part of backlash against a federal immigration crackdown. Charges include conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with worship.
-
A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed capital punishment charges against 27-year-old Mangione, citing legal flaws. The government will not appeal, and his federal trial is scheduled for September. He faces separate state charges, including a murder trial in June, related to the 2024 killing of Thompson.
-
Lionel Messi attended a White House ceremony with President Trump, celebrating Inter Miami's MLS Cup victory. The event included political remarks by Trump on Iran and other issues, drawing mixed reactions. Messi's appearance marks a rare political gesture for the football star, amid ongoing international tensions.
-
A US district judge has ruled that the Trump administration's efforts to appoint unconfirmed prosecutors in New Jersey violate the Constitution. The ruling emphasizes limits on presidential power and the importance of Senate confirmation for U.S. attorneys, challenging recent personnel maneuvers by the administration.
-
The interim U.S. attorney for Wisconsin's Eastern District, David Schimel, faces the end of his 120-day appointment as judges decline to extend it. The judges will wait for a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation, with Schimel having overseen notable cases including the conviction of a judge for obstruction.
-
Homeland Security Secretary Kirsti Noem was removed after controversy over a $220 million ad campaign linked to no-bid contracts and close ties to her adviser Lewandowski. New evidence suggests President Trump was involved in approving the campaign, contradicting his earlier denials. Investigations into contract processes are ongoing.
-
An unidentified police officer was shot in Washington, D.C., while working on an investigation. The officer was hit in the shoulder, airlifted to hospital, and is in serious but stable condition. Authorities are searching for two suspects, with federal support involved.
-
A U.S. District Court in New Jersey appointed Robert Frazer as the state's top federal prosecutor following a legal dispute over previous appointments. The move aims to restore normal criminal prosecution operations after judicial rulings deemed earlier appointments unlawful, highlighting ongoing conflicts between courts and the Department of Justice over U.S. attorney selections.
-
Vermont's new climate superfund law, inspired by federal legislation, aims to fund climate adaptation projects. The law faces legal challenges from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and energy industry groups, claiming it oversteps state authority and conflicts with federal law. The case could influence other states' climate liability efforts.
-
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, alleging violations of Title IX by allowing transgender girls to compete in girls' sports and access to gender-specific spaces. The case reflects broader federal efforts to restrict transgender participation in school athletics, with ongoing legal and political debates.
-
President Trump announced the departure of Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing her handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and political investigations. Deputy Todd Blanche will serve as acting AG. Bondi's exit follows controversy over her management of Epstein-related investigations and her perceived political bias.