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Tag: Minneapolis

  • Family of Minneapolis brothers killed by cousin says their deaths were preventable:

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    A Minneapolis family is struggling to make sense of a tragedy that has left them heartbroken. 

    Family tells WCCO 14-year-old Xavier Barnett and 23-year-old Akwame Stewart were killed Monday.

    The brothers were very different, but equally loved. Barnett was a good student and athlete. Stewart was a painter, creative and thoughtful. Two brothers, loved and full of promise, gone. 

    Police say the accused shooter is their cousin, 23-year-old Eddie Duncan.

    Court records show Duncan was released on bail Monday on charges of fleeing law enforcement and possession of a gun modified with an “auto sear switch.”

    Court records also show Duncan was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation, but not until next month, on March 24.

    Deasia Freeman, Barnett and Stewart’s sister, says this loss could have been prevented. 

    “They all failed us. We got two innocent lives gone for no reason. Didn’t do nothing to nobody,” Freeman said.

    Family members say the system and Duncan’s family let them down.

    Freeman says Duncan’s family saw the warning signs and still bailed him out

    “If you knew this man was thinking like this, y’all should have kept him in there and he should not even have bail,” she said. 

    The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says they noted Duncan was a public safety risk and asked for a high bail, much higher than a typical request. 

    “In Minnesota, there is a constitutional right to bail, and the bail amount is set by the Court. Our office noted a public safety risk with Mr. Duncan and asked the judge to set bail at $70,000, or $35,000 with conditions; both of which are higher than we would typically request in this scenario. The judge set bail in that amount. Mr. Duncan posted $35,000 bail with conditions of release, as is allowed under the Minnesota Constitution, and was released from custody. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by yesterday’s violence. This was a terrible tragedy for this family and our community,” a spokesperson for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said.

    For Freeman and her family, the hardest part isn’t just the legal process but living each day without their brothers. 

    Even in the heartbreak, she says the memories of the good days, the laughter and love they shared will carry them through.

    “I wish I could get just one more phone call from them asking me where I’m at,” Freeman said as tears rolled down her face. 

    Court records confirm Duncan left the scene of the crime and fled to nearby Brooklyn Center. There, a search warrant says Duncan “fired a gun at officers, striking two squads,” when police arrived. That’s when officers returned fire, shooting and killing him.

    Three officers have been placed on critical incident leave as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension leads the investigation into Duncan’s fatal shooting.

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  • Man fatally shot inside south Minneapolis apartment building

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    Minneapolis police say a man was fatally shot inside a south Minneapolis apartment building Tuesday night.

    The shooting happened “in a first-floor common area” inside a building on the 100 block of East 18th Street around 10:40 p.m., police said.

    Authorities have not publicly identified the decedent.

    An “altercation” preceded the shooting, police said, and they are working to learn what exactly led to the killing. No one has been arrested as of Wednesday morning.

    Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the shooting “senseless” and asked anyone with information to come forward.

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  • Annunciation shooting survivor joins Gov. Tim Walz in push for new Minnesota gun laws

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    Lydia Kaiser, an eighth grader at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis who was wounded during a mass shooting during school Mass last August, spoke out Tuesday at the Minnesota Capitol for the first time since the attack and pushed lawmakers to act on gun violence prevention.

    “Two students were shot and killed. Two students survived gunshot injuries to the head. I’m one of them,” Kaiser said of the Aug. 27 shooting. “Many more students were injured by bullets and flying glass. We all hid under the pews.”

    Ten-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel were killed that day. At the Capitol, there are two empty desks inside the building to honor their lives.

    Kaiser shared the extent of her injuries — that doctors had to remove half of her skull to remove bullet fragments from her brain over multiple surgeries.

    “All children have the right to live free from gun violence in schools, churches and in our communities. Elected officials have a duty to protect us from guns. No one should have to go through what we went through at Annunciation,” she said.

    Her comments came at a Tuesday morning news conference alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who announced his gun violence prevention package that includes an assault weapons ban, school safety grants, restricting untraceable “ghost guns” and much more.

    Lydia Kaiser speaks at a news conference alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who unveiled his plans for new gun restrictions in the state on Feb. 24, 2026.

    WCCO


    “We owe it to the Annunciation families not to have that just be another statistic in the book,” Walz said. “In Minnesota, that was the final straw.”

    Walz vowed to push for legislation on guns despite the uphill battle in the divided Minnesota Legislature where Republicans and Democrats share power in a tied House. The future of such bills is also uncertain in the Senate with a one-seat DFL majority; a few Democrats, in addition to Republicans, have in the past expressed concern about some of the measures and their impact on law-abiding gun owners.

    On Tuesday afternoon, House Democrats will introduce some of their bills to the judiciary committee, including the assault weapons ban and restrictions on high-capacity magazines. Moyski’s parents are expected to testify.

    “What we’re talking about is are we going to be with the people, or are we going to be with the gun lobbyists and the gun industry? And I think we here know who we’re with, and Minnesotans know who they’re with, and I certainly hope my colleagues do, too,” said Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis, who is authoring the semi-automatic, assault-style weapons ban.

    Two months before the Annunciation shooting, Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed in their home in a targeted attack that also wounded Sen John Hoffman and his wife Yvette that night.

    Also in that Tuesday afternoon hearing, lawmakers will discuss strengthening penalties for individuals who impersonate a police officer, which is what authorities say accused assassin Vance Boelter did when he showed up at the Hortman and Hoffman homes in the middle of the night on June 14, 2025.

    This story will be updated.

    Lydia Kaiser’s full statement

    My name is Lydia Kaiser. I’m in eighth grade at Annunciation Catholic School.

    On Aug. 27, I was in church attending the first school mass of the year when a gunman fired 116 rounds of bullets through the stained glass windows. 

    Two students were shot and killed. Two students survived gunshot injuries to the head. I’m one of them.

    Many more students were injured by bullets and flying glass. We all hid under the pews. The older students covered the younger students to protect them.

    I was taken to the hospital and rushed into surgery. The doctor moved a large piece, almost half of my skull, to let my brain swell and to remove bone and bullet fragments from my head.

    I had a second surgery three weeks later to put the piece of my skull back in my head.

    All children have the right to live free from gun violence in schools, churches and in our communities.

    Elected officials have a duty to protect us from guns.

    No one should have to go through what we went through at Annunciation.

    Thank you.

    Stephen Swanson

    contributed to this report.

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    Caroline Cummings

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  • Feds prevent faith leaders from providing pastoral care to detainees at Whipple, lawsuit says

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    A lawsuit filed Monday against the Department of Homeland Security accuses federal agents at the Bishop Henry Whipple Building in Minneapolis of barring faith leaders from offering prayer and pastoral guidance to detainees.

    Denying people in custody from receiving ministry or spiritual comfort is a violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the suit says. 

    Groundwork Legal and Saul Ewing are representing the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ and Father Christopher Collins, a Jesuit priest. The DHS, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Head Todd Lyons are among those listed as defendants.

    The Whipple Building near Fort Snelling serves as the epicenter of ICE’s operations in Minnesota. Rep. Kelly Morrison, who visited the site earlier this month, said she saw people in leg shackles on cold cement floors with no beds or blankets.

    According to the lawsuit, faith leaders have been leading prayer vigils at the Whipple Building since at least 2018.

    In December, during the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Collins attempted to enter Whipple to pray for a woman, but he was blocked from accessing the building and ministering, the lawsuit says.

    Last week on Ash Wednesday, a reverend attempted to provide care and impose ashes on the holy day of prayer, but was denied access. The lawsuit says she was directed to an ICE waiting room and was told by a federal employee that she would not be permitted to access anyone inside for “security” and “safety” reasons.

    The employee said that faith leaders had tried to enter the building four times a week since the onset of Operation Metro Surge, but had been denied each time, according to the suit. A clergy member attempted to provide care as recently as Monday morning, but was denied.

    A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security in a written statement about the lawsuit said, “The Whipple Federal Building is not a detention facility—it is a field office. Illegal aliens are only briefly held there for processing before being transferred to a detention facility. Religious organizations are more than welcome to provide services to detainees in ICE detention facilities. It is not within standard operating procedure for religious services to be provided in a field office, as detainees are continuously brought in, processed, and transferred out.” 

    “Constitutional rights do not disappear at the doors of the Whipple,” said Irina Vaynerman, CEO of Groundwork Legal. “The way we treat those in detention or facing deportation is one of the true litmus tests of our democracy. Pastoral care allows for detainees to be treated with humanity, instead of being treated like inventory.” 

    Conditions at the Whipple building have been under scrutiny since the beginning of the federal government’s enhanced immigration enforcement operation in the state. U.S. citizens who have been taken into custody at the site have described agonizing cries coming from other detainees inside the building, including children. 

    A recent lawsuit accused federal agents of denying detainees access to a lawyer, prompting a federal judge to order the DHS to give immigrants immediate access to legal assistance before they are transferred out of the state.

    Last week during a Congressional oversight visit, Reps. Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig said the building was “completely empty,” as ICE had moved detainees into certain county jails. 

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  • Minneapolis and Chicago mayors to deliver unofficial rebuttals to Trump’s State of the Union address

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    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will join several other Democratic elected officials and well-known actors in giving unofficial responses to President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, according to a news release about the event.

    Organizers are calling the “State of the Swamp” a boycott of Mr. Trump’s address. Frey and Johnson are expected to join Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, actors Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo, journalists Don Lemon and Jim Acosta and several others at the event. It’s scheduled to take place at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. 

    Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic response to Mr. Trump’s speech, according to party leaders in Congress.

    “There are moments in our country’s history when leadership is measured not by party loyalty, but by moral clarity. This is one of those moments,” Frey said in the release. 

    Johnson added, “Donald Trump’s vision for America runs counter to the hopes and aspirations of the working people who wake up every single day and make our cities run.”

    Minneapolis and Chicago have both faced an influx of federal agents as part of a nationwide immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Organizers, without expanding, cited the cities as faces “of the resistance to lawless actions” of the administration.

    Border czar Tom Homan said on Sunday that more than 1,000 immigration agents have left Minnesota since he announced the end of Operation Metro Surge, and several hundred more were expected to leave in the coming days.

    Johnson last month signed an executive order directing members of the Chicago Police Department to investigate and document any alleged illegal activity by federal immigration agents. Police will preserve and provide evidence of felony violations to the Cook County State’s Attorney. 

    Defiance.org, which is organizing the event, is a club for people “willing to take peaceful, lawful, defiant action to defend democracy” from Mr. Trump, according to its website.

    WCCO is reaching out to Frey’s office for comment.

    Marissa Sulek and

    Jeramie Bizzle

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  • Man sentenced to nearly 6 years in prison for setting fire to 2 Twin Cities mosques

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    A judge sentenced a 38-year-old man to nearly six years in prison for intentionally starting fires inside two Twin Cities mosques nearly three years ago.

    According to court documents, Jackie Rahm Little was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay more than $378,000 in restitution.

    Little pleaded guilty to one count each of arson and damage to religious property for setting fire to the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque in Bloomington, Minnesota, and the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis in April 2023.

    Charges say survelliance video from Masjid Al-Rahma shows Little walking into the building with a bag that contained a plastic gas container. Soon after, a mosque employee discovered the fire, with a melted gas container as its source, in a hallway on the building’s top floor. 

    Police got surveillance video from a gas station close by that shows Little, after setting the fire at Masjid Al Rahma, buying a gas can and filling it.

    The day before, Little set a fire about a half-mile away inside a bathroom at the Masjid Omar Islamic Center. 

    Note: The video above originally aired on April 30, 2023.

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    WCCO Staff

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  • Minneapolis City Council debates whether to renew liquor licenses for 2 hotels that allegedly housed ICE agents

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    The Minneapolis City Council debated the renewal of two liquor licenses on Tuesday, focusing on two hotels allegedly housing federal agents during Operation Metro Surge. 

    In January, protestors descended on both the Depot and the Canopy hotels, believing ICE agents were staying inside. Some protestors faced off with Minnesota State Troopers after an unlawful assembly was declared. 

    Hospitality union members spoke to the council about the license renewals, explaining that some employees from the hotels have expressed fear over ICE agents staying there. 

    “We believe that a liquor license is a privilege and that privilege should be reserved for businesses who keep the public safety in mind,” said Wade Luneberg, who is part of the union, Unite Here Local 17.

    Though another union member told the council there is “misinformation” that has caused anxiety. Joan Soholt said she’s worked as a hotel banquet server for 23 years.

    “Claims that these facilities are contracting with ICE or overpouring liquor to agents are false and deeply damaging,” Soholt said. 

    The licenses for these two locations were first singled out and held up at a council meeting in early February. On Tuesday, Chair Aurin Chowdhury pushed for further delay. 

    “Do we want to take a moment to do due process and investigate the situation that our constituents throughout the city have raised up as a grave concern or not?” Chowdhury questioned. 

    Though other council members, including a lawyer from the city attorney’s office, warned waiting too long could open the city up to legal risk. 

    “Not respecting staff input and opinion here could have tremendous legal and financial impact,” said Councilmember Elizabeth Shaffer. 

    Shaffer argued that delaying the renewal decision beyond Thursday could send a bigger message to business owners that Minneapolis “is not a safe place to do business.”

    Councilmembers Pearll Warren and LaTisha Vetaw also spoke out against the delay. 

    “This feels like exactly what the president did to Jimmy Kimmel; to me, I don’t like it,” said Vetaw.

    During the discussion, several members deferred to Quinn O’Reilly, managing attorney for the city, for legal clarity. 

    Councilmember Jamison Whiting asked O’Reilly whether housing ICE at these hotels was in itself a reason to deny a liquor license. 

    “No, as we advised previously, there needs to be connection between licensed activity and identifying concerns,” O’Reilly said. “So who stays at the hotel, there’s no nexus between the license activity, which is the serving of alcohol and the activity that which we are concerned.”

    Ultimately, the council voted 11-2 in favor of a day-long investigation, with city staff returning findings on Thursday.

    Ahead of the next meeting, staff will review complaints, 911 and 311 calls and reach out to business owners. As of Tuesday, city staff confirmed both hotels have active liquor licenses and are able to serve alcohol as the council debates the renewal. 

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    Ashley Grams

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  • FBI formally refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators say

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    Minnesota’s top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.

    The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the FBI’s refusal to cooperate is “concerning and unprecedented.”

    The FBI has also withheld evidence in the federal killing of Renee Good and the shooting of a Venezuelan national last month. The BCA said it has reiterated requests for evidence and information in all three shootings.

    “Our agency has committed to the FBI and Department of Justice that should its stance change we remain willing to share information that we have obtained with that agency and would welcome a joint investigation,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We will continue to pursue all legal avenues to gain access to relevant information and evidence.”

    Federal agents shot and killed Pretti in south Minneapolis on Jan. 24. Federal investigators physically prevented BCA agents from gathering evidence at the scene, and the BCA successfully requested a restraining order to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from destroying or altering evidence. Days later, though, a federal judge lifted the order, saying the concerns over evidence tampering were undeveloped.

    On Sunday, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told WCCO she plans to send a written demand for evidence in Pretti’s killing to the U.S. departments of Justice and Homeland Security. She previously sent a similar letter in regards to Good’s killing, and is investigating the shooting of the Venezuelan national as well.

    Earlier this month, Pretti’s family called for the FBI and BCA to investigate his killing jointly. 

    “Justice and accountability requires a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts. A truly joint state and federal investigation would be a welcome development,” the family said in a statement.  

    A report released by the Democratic members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform earlier this month accused the Trump administration of lying to “cover up misconduct” in the killings of Good and Pretti.

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  • Man and woman shot inside vehicle in south Minneapolis, police say; no arrests

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    Minneapolis police are investigating after a man and woman were shot inside a vehicle on the city’s south side Sunday night.

    The incident happened around 10:20 p.m. on the 2800 block of Stevens Avenue South in the Whitter neighborhood, according to police. 

    The woman had potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds, while the man suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, officials said. Both were taken to the hospital after officers provided medical aid. 

    Minneapolis police investigate a shooting near the intersection of East 28th Street and Stevens Avenue South on Feb. 15, 2026. 

    WCCO


    Police say they’re working to determine what led to the shooting. 

    According to officials, no arrests have been made.  

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  • Feds formally refuse to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators say

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    Minnesota’s top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.

    The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the FBI’s refusal to cooperate is “concerning and unprecedented.”

    The FBI has also withheld evidence in the federal killing of Renee Good and the shooting of a Venezuelan national last month. The BCA said it has reiterated requests for evidence and information in all three shootings.

    “Our agency has committed to the FBI and Department of Justice that should its stance change we remain willing to share information that we have obtained with that agency and would welcome a joint investigation,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We will continue to pursue all legal avenues to gain access to relevant information and evidence.”

    Federal agents shot and killed Pretti in south Minneapolis on Jan. 24. Federal investigators physically prevented BCA agents from gathering evidence at the scene, and the BCA successfully requested a restraining order to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from destroying or altering evidence. Days later, though, a federal judge lifted the order, saying the concerns over evidence tampering were undeveloped.

    On Sunday, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told WCCO she plans to send a written demand for evidence in Pretti’s killing to the U.S. departments of Justice and Homeland Security. She previously sent a similar letter in regards to Good’s killing, and is investigating the shooting of the Venezuelan national as well.

    Earlier this month, Pretti’s family called for the FBI and BCA to investigate his killing jointly. 

    “Justice and accountability requires a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts. A truly joint state and federal investigation would be a welcome development,” the family said in a statement.  

    A report released by the Democratic members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform earlier this month accused the Trump administration of lying to “cover up misconduct” in the killings of Good and Pretti.

    This story will be updated.

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  • Hennepin County attorney to demand Alex Pretti killing evidence from feds

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    Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says she will be sending a letter this week to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to demand they turn over evidence in the Jan. 24 killing of Alex Pretti by immigration officers in south Minneapolis.

    Moriarty has already sent a letter with the same demands for the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good, also in south Minneapolis, by ICE officer Jonathan Ross. Moriarty says the response deadline in that case is set for Tuesday.

    Moriarty has been investigating those two cases — as well as the shooting of a Venezuelan national in north Minneapolis on Jan. 14 — without federal assistance.

    In that non-fatal case, Homeland Security claims three undocumented men attacked a federal agent with a snow shovel and a broom, and that fearing for his life, the agent shot one of the men in the leg. 

    The case against the three men has now been dismissed, and the acting director of ICE said two agents have been placed on leave and are being investigated for lying under oath after video evidence surfaced disputing their claims.

    Moriarty says an evidence submission portal she created with the backing of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has been allowing the public to submit evidence including videos and eyewitness accounts.

    DHS has argued Minnesota doesn’t have jurisdiction over federal agents because under the Constitution’s supremacy clause. Moriarty says that doesn’t apply if agents broke the law.

    “I think evidence that is more compelling than having the gun or the shell casings is actually the autopsy reports on both [Good and Pretti],” Moriarty said. “Because for instance in [Renee Good’s case], that would tell us how many times she was shot, the angle, the direction of those shots and which shots were fatal.”

    Moriarty is not seeking another term, and a new county attorney will be elected in November. She says that timeline is not an issue. And in the past, complicated cases involving law enforcement have moved swiftly in Hennepin County. For example, Derek Chauvin’s conviction in the George Floyd case came 11 months after the murder.

    You can watch WCCO Sunday Morning with Esme Murphy and Adam Del Rosso every Sunday at 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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  • Former President Barack Obama speaks out on ICE shootings in Minnesota:

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    Former President Barack Obama spoke out in a recent interview on the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement shootings in Minnesota that took the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and addressed the state of the country.  

    Obama sat down with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen for a wide-ranging interview released on Saturday, providing detailed remarks on what he called the “unprecedented nature” of the ICE deployment of over 2,000 agents in an operation dubbed “Operation Metro Surge” to Minnesota without any clear guidelines and training.

    “The rogue behavior of agents of the federal government is deeply concerning and dangerous,” Obama said, pointing to agents pulling people out of their homes, using young children to try to bait their parents and tear-gassing crowds simply for standing there, not breaking any laws. 

    Border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota is concluding, with a drawdown of federal immigration officers. Homan said the decision was made after reviewing two major factors: the multitude of “public safety threat” arrests the operation has yielded, and a steep drop in the need for federal officers to call in quick response force teams due to “agitators.”

    Obama said Americans pushed back on the operation because, “This is not the America we believe in,” and the community organized by buying groceries for folks, accompanying children to school and having peaceful protests. He added that the sustained behavior in subzero weather by ordinary people is what should “give us hope.” The former president said the way to restore norms, rules of law and decency is for people to pay attention and say “enough,” and that citizens have ideas of what an American family should look like. 

    In response to a question about President Trump posting a racist meme of the former president and his wife last week, Obama said he’s been traveling around the country and met many people who still believe in decency, courtesy and kindness. He also said he doesn’t believe the American people approve of this type of discourse, just as they didn’t approve of what they saw in Minnesota.

    Ultimately, Obama said, “The answer is going to come from the American people.”

    CBS News reached out to the White House for comment.

    Nikole Killion

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  • Man reportedly falls through ice on Mississippi River near U of M in Minneapolis; search paused

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    Search crews in Minneapolis will resume their efforts on Saturday to find a man who an individual said fell through the ice on the Mississippi River near the University of Minnesota, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

    Members of the county’s Water Patrol Unit responded to the reported incident near the university’s rowing club on Friday around 4 p.m. The sheriff’s office said a woman fell through the ice after going onto the river to try to help the man. 

    The woman made it back to shore and was taken to the hospital as a precaution for cold-weather exposure, according to the sheriff’s office.

    Officials said the Water Patrol Unit unsuccessfully tried to find the man using sonar equipment. Members of the Minneapolis police and fire departments also attempted to look for him. 

    Crews will continue to search for the man at daylight on Saturday, the sheriff’s office said.

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  • Trump wrongly credits feds for Minneapolis crime drop

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    President Donald Trump said his immigration enforcement operation led to a crime drop in Minneapolis.

    In a pre-Super Bowl interview, NBC’s Tom Llamas asked Trump about immigration enforcement weeks after agents fatally shot two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis. 

    “The crime numbers in Minnesota, in Minneapolis in particular, are down 25, 30% because we’ve removed thousands of criminals from the area,” Trump said. “These are hardened criminals that came in, many of them — most of them came in through an open border.”

    The Trump administration launched Operation Metro Surge in late 2025 in Minnesota with the stated goal of arresting people in the U.S. illegally.

    Federal immigration agents arrested more than 4,000 immigrants during the operation, the White House said Feb. 4. But it did not say how many of those arrests were in Minneapolis or how many of the people detained had criminal histories. Media reports show that some people arrested in the course of the operation, or another federal operation, held legal status, were U.S. citizens or had pending asylum cases.

    Although some Minneapolis crime has recently declined in the short timeframe Trump highlighted, these numbers had already been coming down prior to the operation. There is no data credibly linking those declines to the federal immigration arrests. Other crime, meanwhile, has gone up in the period Trump described.

    White House border czar Tom Homan said the federal operation will wind down there over the next week.

    White House cited Minneapolis data for about one month 

    Asked for data behind Trump’s claim, a White House spokesperson pointed to the Minneapolis police crime dashboard showing the number of homicides, burglaries and robberies during January and early February 2026 compared with 2025. 

    Here’s what data from Jan. 1 through Feb. 4, the date of Trump’s interview, show:

    • 134 burglaries in 2026, down from 219 in 2025, a decline of 39%

    • 71 robberies in 2026, down from 95, a decline of 25%. 

    • Two homicides in 2026, down from five, both numbers too small to be considered statistically significant. 

    However, the city homicide data the White House relied upon doesn’t capture the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents. Homicide refers to the death of a person by another; it does not automatically mean that a crime occurred.

    The medical examiner ruled Good and Pretti’s killings were homicides, but the city’s dashboard reflects only deaths investigated by the police department. 

    Although the decline in burglaries and robberies matched Trump’s percentages, some other offenses increased: assaults were up by 11% and motor vehicle theft by 26%.

    We asked the White House what evidence it has that the declines it cited are because of its immigration enforcement arrests. They provided no evidence.

    “Removing dangerous criminals from the streets obviously means less crime is being committed,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said.

    Crime experts pointed to several problems with Trump’s statement:

    • The short timeframe. Comparing about a month across two years is statistically meaningless, said James Densley, a criminology professor at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. “Crime is seasonal, lumpy, and volatile in small time frames. A single week of warm or cool weather, a gang conflict resolution, or even random variation can swing these numbers dramatically.” 

    • Crime was already dropping in Minneapolis. Violent crime peaked in 2021 and 2022 and has since fallen. That mirrors national trends, regardless of immigration enforcement. The Minnesota Star Tribune found in the fall of 2025 that robberies and burglaries were lower than in 2019, and that the tally of gunshot victims had also dropped. 

    • No proof immigrants are the reason for the decline. For the federal arrests to drive the drops in burglary and robbery would require evidence that a substantial share of those crimes were committed by immigrants. The Trump administration has cited examples of people who had committed crimes, but hasn’t provided details on all 4,000 people it arrested. That means we don’t know how many of those immigrants had criminal histories, and whether they were recent or had committed crimes such as robberies or burglaries. 

    There are reasons to be skeptical about the administration’s repeated characterization that the people they are arresting as part of the immigration crackdown represent  “worst of the worst” offenders. PolitiFact found in December that nearly half of all immigrants in ICE detention have neither a criminal conviction nor pending criminal charges. Of the immigrants with criminal convictions, 5% have been convicted of violent crimes such as murder or rape, according to the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank.

    In Minnesota, the state Department of Corrections, which oversees the state prisons, said that the federal government had spread misinformation about noncitizens. State officials didn’t find criminal history for some people named by Homeland Security while others had misdemeanor convictions or remained in prison. If someone was still behind bars in January, they could not have committed burglaries and robberies.

    Another problem with Trump’s statement is that federal immigration enforcement caused public safety threats in addition to the two U.S. citizens who were fatally shot. University of Minnesota sociologist Michelle Phelps said families of color have gone into hiding in response to the immigration enforcement, producing conditions that can create their own public safety issues. Such conditions include school absenteeism, rent insecurity and business instability.

    Some crime could have dropped because people stayed home to avoid federal agents. Criminologists have known for decades that visible, aggressive law enforcement suppresses crime in the short term, Densley said.

    “Flood a neighborhood with federal agents and marked vehicles, and people alter their routines,” he said. “They stay inside. They avoid public spaces. Fewer people on the street means fewer opportunities for crime.”

    The surge of enforcement likely reduced crime reporting by people in targeted communities, University of Minnesota sociology professor Chris Uggen said.

    Minneapolis police continued focus on violent crime

    PBS’ Margaret Hoover asked Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara if the city’s crime had decreased because of Trump.

    O’Hara, who criticized the federal operation, attributed the yearslong crime drop to partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, including federal, to pursue gang members committing gun crimes and carjackings, and working together with community groups.

    “That’s something that was happening a few years ago. It’s not something that happened or started happening a couple of weeks ago,” O’Hara said.

    The police department said Jan. 22 that during the federal immigration surge, local police made 849 arrests.

    RELATED: Is Donald Trump right that the U.S. crime rate is at its lowest in 125 years?

    Our ruling

    Trump said crime in Minneapolis “is down 25, 30% because we’ve removed thousands of criminals from the area.”

    Some crimes in Minneapolis have declined, but their downward trend predated the immigration crackdown. Robberies and burglaries are down year to date in the ballpark Trump cited while assaults and motor vehicle thefts increased. The White House also said that homicides were down, omitting the fatal shootings of Pretti and Good by immigration officers.

    Trump is citing a very short time frame of about five weeks. And he provided no evidence that arresting immigrants is the reason for the crime drop. 

    We rate this Mostly False.

    Staff writer Grace Abels contributed to this fact-check.

    RELATED: All of our fact-checks about Minnesota and immigration

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  • How much is Kristi Noem’s alleged adultery airplane costing you?

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    Rumors of an affair between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump administration political adviser Corey Lewandowski have been flying for months.

    And all that flying, it turns out, might come with a big price tag for taxpayers.

    The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Noem and Lewandowski have recently been traveling together aboard a luxury Boeing 737 MAX jet that includes a private cabin in the rear. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is “leasing the plane but is in the process of acquiring it for approximately $70 million,” the Journal reports, citing people familiar with the plane.

    That is just one small detail amid the explosive and deeply reported piece, which details a pattern of behavior that is both self-aggrandizing and petty. In one incident, Lewandowski reportedly fired a Coast Guard pilot for leaving Noem’s blanket on a plane (it is unclear whether that was the 737 MAX or a different plane), only to reinstate the pilot when a replacement could not be found. The report comes at a time when Noem is under intense scrutiny for her role in ordering the high-profile and aggressive immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis that led to the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal officers.

    The salacious rumors of an affair between Noem and Lewandowski—both of whom are married to other people—surface repeatedly in the Journal’s article but have been denied by the two officials.

    The deeper, indisputable truth is that taxpayers are being forced to support an aircraft-buying binge at the DHS that goes beyond the alleged adultery airplane used by Noem and Lewandowski.

    Last year, the department purchased a fleet of six commercial jets, ostensibly to carry out deportation flights, at a cost of $140 million. It is unclear whether Noem’s plane with the private cabin is one of those or an additional plane.

    The aircraft in question was apparently identified last year by The War Zone, a blog covering the national security state. The plane has a cabin configuration designed to accommodate 17 passengers and was being marketed at the time for its “extremely luxurious interior layout that includes two suites with full-size beds and a master bathroom with a shower stall, among many other amenities,” according to a brochure reviewed by The War Zone.

    Even if Noem and Lewandowski are not using the plane for, um, activities that go beyond their official duties, there ought to be hard questions asked about whether taxpayers are getting screwed.

    Indeed, there was a time—not even a year ago—when the Trump administration was promising to cut wasteful spending and hold government officials accountable to taxpayers. If the Journal‘s reporting turns out to be accurate, the mess at DHS looks a lot like the complete opposite of that.

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    Eric Boehm

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  • Why Cannabis Is Becoming Part Of Modern Valentine’s Day

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    Explore why cannabis is becoming part of a modern Valentine’s Day, helping couples, polyamorous groups, or solo celebrations.

    Valentine’s Day is often framed as a celebration for couples, but modern relationships and lifestyles tell a broader story. Today, love can mean two partners, polyamorous relationships with three or more people, close-knit friend groups, or even a meaningful night spent solo. As social norms evolve, many adults are exploring new ways to relax, connect, and enhance their experiences. In all this, here is why cannabis is becoming part of a modern Valentine’s Day. It has emerged as one option people use to reduce anxiety, deepen intimacy, and create a more enjoyable Valentine’s Day—no matter how many people are involved.

    RELATED: Sip A Little Romance With The Best Valentine’s Cocktails

    For couples, cannabis is often associated with stress relief and improved communication. Low doses of THC or CBD may help some individuals feel more at ease, making it easier to have meaningful conversations or simply unwind together after a long workweek. By helping wash away lingering work anxiety, cannabis can allow partners to be more present with one another rather than distracted by deadlines, emails, or daily pressures. When stress and performance anxiety are reduced, partners may find it easier to focus on emotional connection rather than expectations.

    Shared experiences can also feel more vivid and engaging. Many users report cannabis enhances sensory perception, which can make listening to music together more immersive, turning a simple playlist into a deeply felt, shared moment. Whether it is dancing in the living room, attending a live performance, or enjoying a favorite album, music can become a powerful bonding experience when both partners feel relaxed and tuned in to the moment. Likewise, simple activities such as cooking, giving a massage, or watching a romantic film may feel more enjoyable and intentional.

    Polyamorous and multi-partner relationships, which emphasize communication and consent, may also benefit from the calming effects cannabis can provide. Navigating multiple emotional dynamics can sometimes bring added pressure. In these contexts, cannabis is sometimes used to promote relaxation and help participants remain present and attentive. When used responsibly and with clear boundaries, it may support a comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels included and valued.

    Valentine’s Day is not only for those in relationships. Many people spend the holiday alone by choice or circumstance, and cannabis can play a role in transforming solitude into self-care. A relaxing evening with a favorite movie, a warm bath, creative pursuits, or a reflective journaling session may feel more restorative when paired with a product helping quiet racing thoughts. For individuals who experience social anxiety or holiday-related loneliness, cannabis may offer temporary relief and a gentler emotional landscape, though it is not a substitute for professional care when needed.

    Cannabis is also frequently discussed in relation to intimacy. Some users report increased body awareness and a heightened sense of touch, which may enhance affectionate experiences. Others note reduced anxiety allows them to feel more confident and connected with their partners. Some couples also choose cannabis as an alternative to alcohol, seeking a clearer, more present experience without the potential downsides of overconsumption. For some, this substitution supports better communication, improved comfort, and more satisfying shared moments.

    RELATED: How Marijuana Can Heighten Intimacy With Your Partner

    Preparation can begin even before Valentine’s Day arrives. A restful night’s sleep the evening before can set the stage for a more enjoyable and energetic celebration, and certain cannabis products—particularly those formulated for relaxation—may help some individuals unwind and fall asleep more easily. Waking up refreshed can make it easier to approach the day with enthusiasm, patience, and a positive mindset.

    As with any substance, responsible use is essential. Adults should be aware of local laws, avoid driving under the influence, and consider potential interactions with medications or health conditions. Valentine’s Day is ultimately about connection—whether with partners, friends, or oneself. For some, cannabis can be a tool supporting relaxation, eases anxiety, enhances sensory experiences like music, promotes restful sleep, and fosters a more mindful and intimate celebration. By approaching the holiday with openness and care, people can redefine what makes the day meaningful and create a celebration reflecting the diverse ways love is experienced today.

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  • Minnesota officials react as feds announce ICE surge is ending

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    Liam Ramos’ family due back in court Friday

    The family of 5-year-old Liam Ramos, the Twin Cities boy now known across the globe after he was detained with his father by federal immigration officers last month, is due back in court Friday.

    Ramos’ lawyer told the New York Times last week the federal government is trying to speed up the deportation proceedings, but a judge has given the family’s legal team more time to argue their case.

    The government denies pushing things along.

     

    DOJ drops charges against men accused of assaulting ICE officers in Minneapolis, citing “inconsistent” evidence

    The Justice Department moved to drop federal charges against two men charged with assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis last month, including one Venezuelan defendant who was shot in the leg by an officer, citing “newly discovered evidence” that was “materially inconsistent” with the allegations against them.

    The filing, entered Thursday by U.S. Attorney in Minnesota Daniel Rosen, moves to dismiss the charges against the men with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be reintroduced.

    In January, the two men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, were charged in a federal criminal complaint with forcibly assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers in performance of their official duties. The charges came after Sosa-Celis was shot by an ICE officer, which drew nationwide attention amid the federal immigration surge in Minnesota.

    [Full story]

     

    Hennepin County attorney skeptical about end of surge

    Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty questioned whether the surge is truly ending in a statement issued Thursday.

    “We receive the news of the alleged end of Operation Metro Surge with some skepticism. Questions should be asked and answered about the exact nature of the cooperation with ICE supposedly promised by local and state officials, who were already providing all information and cooperation required by law.

    “Anyone who has witnessed this occupation in our community, or seen the footage online, knows that none of this has made us safer, as the federal government is claiming. Instead, it has caused irreparable damage to our community. Alex Pretti and Renee Good are no longer with their families. Children are traumatized and afraid to go to school. Small businesses are closing. And many of our immigrant neighbors, often with no criminal records, have been forcibly removed from our community.

    “We continue our efforts to investigate multiple actions by federal agents during this occupation. This office will be deliberate, and we will not waver. Our community will not forget and nor will we. This morning, Homan thanked law enforcement for arresting people he referred to as agitators. Let me be clear – we will not be used by the federal government to prosecute people who are exercising their 1st amendment rights. Every case submitted to us for a person arrested for exercising their 1st amendments rights has been dismissed.

    “If the federal government is really ending this occupation, the reason is that Minnesotans resisted in countless nonviolent ways. This community continues to show inspirational energy and strength in caring for neighbors. Our immigrant community has demonstrated incredible courage.

    “To the people of Hennepin County: You are owed a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid for showing the federal government and the nation just how much you care for your neighbors and our democracy.”

     

    AG Keith Ellison: “The surge is ending too late”

    Attorney General Keith Ellison said the end of the federal surge, if it comes to pass, “is a victory,” but it does nothing to erase the damage already done.

    “The end of Operation Metro Surge, when it materializes, will be welcome news. Tragically, the surge is ending too late for Renee Good and Alex Pretti and all who loved them. It is ending too late for Liam Conejo Ramos and the other children who will have to live with the trauma of their detention. It is ending too late for everyone who was wrongfully and illegally detained. It is ending too late for Minnesotans who have endured racial profiling, for businesses that have closed, for children that couldn’t go to school, for the people who have fallen behind on their rent because they couldn’t safely go to work. This unprecedented, unnecessary, and unconstitutional exercise of force leaves much pain in its wake. 

    “Despite the pain, make no mistake: this is a victory. This is a victory for the rule of law, for the power of clear-headed, creative, lawful resistance, and for the strength of unity over division.  

    “The people of Minnesota ended the surge. Your voices, your dedication to peaceful protest, your documenting federal agents’ abuses of power, and your commitment to protecting and providing for each other made this happen. In the face of Donald Trump’s campaign of revenge and retribution against us, you stood strong, stood for the rule of law, and stood for what we believe in Minnesota: that we are stronger when we stand together, that we all do better when we all do better, and that everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect — no exceptions.  

    “Now, our attention turns to healing and to ensuring that what happened here over the past several weeks can never happen again — not to us, and not to any state, city, or neighborhood in this country.”

     

    Attorney for Renee Good’s family redoubles call for justice, accountability

    The attorney representing the family of Renee Good, the woman shot and killed by an ICE agent in south Minneapolis last month, says the planned drawdown does not absolve federal agents’ previous conduct.

    “We are cautiously optimistic about the drawdown of federal agents from Minnesota, and we are hopeful that it brings much needed relief to members of the community there,” Antonio Romanucci said. “The nation will be watching to see if and where these agents are redeployed. The agents’ departure from Minnesota does not dismiss the absolute need for accountability for their actions during Operation Metro Surge, and we are committed to seeking justice for our clients. Further, we remain deeply concerned about the continued presence of ICE in communities around the country and we urge for Constitutional conduct by federal agents across the board.”

     

    Rep. Betty McCollum: Trump administration inflicted “a reign of terror”

    Rep. Betty McCollum issued a statement Thursday morning: 

    “For months, the Trump administration has inflicted a reign of terror and chaos through Operation Metro Surge. The fact that the administration says that it ‘yielded the results they came for’ is a flashing red light warning to our entire nation. What are their results?” said McCollum. 

    She said that it’s “up to Congress and the courts to fix the mess that Trump has created,” and said no other community in the country should experience “the carnage and lasting damage” that Minnesota has faced over the last few weeks.

     

    Rep. Ilhan Omar: “That was an authoritarian abuse of power”

    Rep. Ilhan Omar reacted to border czar Tom Homan’s announcement that Operation Metro Surge is ending, with agents expected to leave the state next week.

    “Operation ‘Metro Surge’ has exposed just how far ICE is willing to go to intimidate and terrorize Black, Brown, and immigrant communities in our state. Nearly all Somalis in Minnesota are citizens, yet ICE agents harassed residents demanding proof of papers and, when citizens sought to document these unlawful stops, they were met with lethal force,” said Omar. “Latino, Asian, and other communities of color were forced into hiding regardless of their status, and those who dared to live their lives, were often arrested with no cause. That was not public safety. That was an authoritarian abuse of power.”

    Omar called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement “so that no community in America is ever terrorized like this again.”

     

    United Nations warns Good, Pretti killings could amount to “extrajudicial killings”

    United Nations experts warn that the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis could amount to extrajudicial killing.

    The U.N. argued that any loss of life in law enforcement operations must be treated as potentially unlawful and requires a prompt and effective investigation.

    The experts called on U.S. authorities to ensure accountability for any unlawful killings and human rights violations, and to provide effective remedies for victims and their families. They warned that without immediate de-escalation, respect for the right to life, and clear accountability, tensions could escalate into broader violence. 

    “We are deeply concerned about statements made by some senior officials characterising victims as “domestic terrorists” and publicly asserting that the use of lethal force was necessary,” the U.N. release said. “Such statements, made prior to the completion of an independent and impartial investigation, risk prejudging key factual and legal questions, undermining public confidence, and influencing investigative outcomes. Authorities must refrain from statements that could compromise the independence and impartiality of the investigation.”

     

    St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her signs ordinance requiring feds to wear ID

    St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her on Thursday signed a City Council ordinance requiring federal law enforcement to wear identification on their uniforms while in the city.

    The ID must include the name of their agency and their name or badge number.

    Her also responded to Homan’s announcement.

    “Any announcement of a drawdown or end to Operation Metro Surge must be followed by real action. Last week, we were told ICE would be reducing its presence in Minnesota. Yet yesterday, we witnessed a reckless high-speed chase in a densely populated, heavily visited part of our city—one that, thankfully, did not end in something far worse.

    “Regardless of any announced drawdown, we will continue moving forward with our work: setting clear expectations and demanding better for our residents. That’s why today I signed a new ordinance for greater transparency from federal law enforcement.

    “Federal law enforcement officers have too often used generic ‘police’ uniforms to obscure their identities and avoid being clearly identified by the agencies they represent. This practice has created confusion, eroded trust, and strained relationships between our community and local law enforcement.

    “With this new ordinance, we are establishing clear rules of engagement and insisting on greater transparency from federal authorities. Our residents deserve to know who is operating in their city simply by looking at them. Transparency is essential to accountability—and accountability is essential to protecting the rights and safety of our community.”

     

    Sen. Amy Klobuchar: ICE withdrawal “just the beginning”

    Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is running for governor of Minnesota, reacted to Homan’s announcement:

    “Minnesotans stood together, stared down ICE, and never blinked. Our state has shown the world how to protect our democracy and take care of our neighbors. ICE withdrawing from Minnesota is just the beginning. We need accountability for the lives lost and the extraordinary abuses of power at the hands of ICE agents, and we must see a complete overhaul of the agency.”

     

    Walz “cautiously optimistic” about drawdown

    In a news conference about the state’s economic recovery from Operation Metro Surge, Walz said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the announcement of its conclusion.

    Walz said Operation Metro Surge — which at its peak saw 3,000 federal agents across Minnesota and has led to over 4,000 arrests — was “an unprecedented federal invasion in all aspects of life” and “unlike anything we’ve witnessed.” 

    “And through that entire time, the dignity, the compassion, the love, the care and the absolute determination to do what is right never wavered amongst Minnesotans,” Walz said. “I think it’s probably safe to say the rest of the country will be forever grateful because we showed what it means to stand up for what’s right.”

    [Read more]

     

    Rep. Tom Emmer: “Job well done, Tom Homan.”

    Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer credited Homan and Mr. Trump for the announced end to the surge.

    “Job well done, Tom Homan. Local law enforcement is now cooperating with federal law enforcement in Tim Walz’s Minnesota, thanks to President Trump’s leadership. We are hopeful that this partnership will continue—without local or state interference—to ensure the worst of the worst are being removed from our communities.”   

     

    Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan: “I won’t believe it until they’re actually gone.”

    Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is running for Senate, also issued a statement Thursday morning.

    “I’m relieved that this violent paramilitary force will be removed from our streets, but I won’t believe it until they’re actually gone. Minnesotans stood together against this chaos and cruelty. We never gave up on our neighbors. 

    “But I will never — EVER — forget nor forgive the fear, violence, and chaos the federal government has laid on our doorstep. ICE has killed two Minnesotans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. and harmed so many more. Our children, like little Liam and Chloe have been targeted and traumatized. I will never forget the terrified looks on their faces. Our schools, our small businesses, and our churches have been targeted, closed, and harmed forever. 

    “This is the first step in many to truly get justice for Minnesota. We must rip apart this agency that operates outside the law. The government must restore and repair what’s been broken. Minnesotans deserve justice and accountability, and I won’t stop until we get it.”

     

    Full statements from Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

    Walz’s initial response to Homan’s announcement:

    “The long road to recovery starts now.

    “The impact on our economy, our schools, and people’s lives won’t be reversed overnight. That work starts today.”

    Frey’s statement:

    “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation. These patriots of Minneapolis are showing that it’s not just about resistance — standing with our neighbors is deeply American.

    “This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a great comeback. We will show the same commitment to our immigrant residents and endurance in this reopening, and I’m hopeful the whole country will stand with us as we move forward together.”

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    Anthony Bettin

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  • Are States In A Pickle About Cannabis

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    Are states in a pickle about cannabis income as booming tax revenue clashes with continued federal prohibition and uncertainty?

    Are states in a pickle about cannabis income? As more jurisdictions legalize marijuana, the fiscal reality is becoming harder to ignore: cannabis taxes are delivering billions to state coffers—often outpacing alcohol revenue—while federal policy remains stalled. The result is a widening gap between state budgets relying on cannabis income and a federal government still classifing marijuana as illegal.

    Across the United States, legal cannabis has evolved from a controversial ballot measure into a dependable revenue engine. Since the first adult-use markets opened in Colorado and Washington in 2014, states have collected more than $24.7 billion in cannabis tax revenue, including a record $4.4 billion in 2024 alone. These funds support education, health programs, infrastructure, and community reinvestment, making cannabis one of the most versatile new revenue streams in modern state finance.

    RELATED: Why Anxiety Feels Worse Than Ever

    Colorado provides one of the clearest examples of cannabis outperforming traditional “sin taxes.” In fiscal year 2022–2023, the state collected over $282 million in marijuana taxes—far surpassing alcohol’s roughly $56 million. Similar patterns have appeared elsewhere. Analyses show legal states collected about 20 percent more tax revenue from cannabis than from alcohol in 2021, with California’s cannabis taxes generating more than double its alcohol tax intake.

    California, the nation’s largest cannabis market, has brought in more than $6.7 billion in cumulative cannabis taxes, leading the country. Even in years when sales fluctuate due to regulatory costs or competition from illicit markets, the state still collects hundreds of millions annually. Washington, Illinois, Michigan, and Massachusetts also routinely report nine-figure revenues, demonstrating the fiscal impact is not limited to early adopters or coastal economies.

    Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

    Meanwhile, states without legal recreational cannabis—such as Texas—face a different budget reality. Texas maintains limited medical access and collects no comparable adult-use tax revenue, leaving billions in potential income untapped while neighboring states expand their regulated markets. This contrast underscores the growing divide between legalization states and holdouts.

    Yet despite the economic windfall, federal policy remains stuck in neutral. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, creating banking barriers, tax complications, and legal uncertainty for state-licensed businesses. Analysts and industry advocates argue federal inaction forces states to operate in a patchwork system limiting growth and increases compliance costs.

    Critics also point to federal spending priorities, arguing while Washington debates rescheduling and enforcement policy, federal agencies continue to spend heavily on equipment and operations unrelated to state cannabis markets. This perceived disconnect fuels frustration among state officials who rely on marijuana taxes to fund essential services.

    RELATED: Is CBD Next On The Fed’s Hit List

    Public opinion, however, has moved far ahead of federal policy. Multiple national surveys in recent years show roughly 88% of Americans support some form of legalization, whether medical or adult use. That overwhelming consensus adds pressure on Congress and federal agencies to reconcile national law with state-level realities.

    The bottom line is states are not merely experimenting with cannabis—they are budgeting around it. As cannabis taxes surpass alcohol revenue in several jurisdictions and total collections climb into the tens of billions, the fiscal stakes continue to rise. Whether Washington acts or continues its long tradition of dragging its feet, the economic case for legalization is no longer theoretical. It is already written into state balance sheets.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Border czar says Minnesota ICE surge is ending: “I don’t want to see any more bloodshed”

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    Border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota is concluding, with a drawdown of federal immigration officers set to occur over the course of next week.

    “I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said in a news conference held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis.

    Homan says the decision was made after looking at two major factors: the multitude of “public safety threat” arrests the operation has yielded, and a steep drop in the need for federal officers to call in quick response force teams due to “agitators.”

    “That is a good thing. That is a win for everybody, not just for the safety of law enforcement officers,” Homan said. “It’s a win for this community.”

    He said a “significant drawdown” is already underway in the state, adding, “I don’t want to see any more bloodshed.”

    White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Feb. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis.

    Scott McFetridge/AP


    “We have a lot of work to do across this country to remove public safety risk, who shouldn’t even be in this country. And to deliver on President Trump’s promise for strong border security and mass deportation, law enforcement officers drawn down from this surge operation will either return to the duty station or be assigned elsewhere to achieve just that.”

    Gov. Tim Walz, who is spoke on budget proposals for businesses impacted by the surge later Thursday morning, said, “The long road to recovery starts now. The impact on our economy, our schools, and people’s lives won’t be reversed overnight. That work starts today.” 

    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also issued a statement in the aftermath of Homan’s announcement. 

    “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation. These patriots of Minneapolis are showing that it’s not just about resistance — standing with our neighbors is deeply American,” he said. “This operation has been catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses, and now it’s time for a great comeback. We will show the same commitment to our immigrant residents and endurance in this reopening, and I’m hopeful the whole country will stand with us as we move forward together.” 

    The announcement comes the same morning as a number of top Minnesota officials are testifying at a U.S. Senate hearing on immigration enforcement, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell and U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer.

    In his opening statement at that hearing, Ellison said Operation Metro Surge has caused “real harm” to Minnesota.

    “This war on Minnesota is retribution to be sure — our policies, our values and how we vote,” Ellison said. “And it comes at a great cost.

    Emmer countered, calling the clashes seen in Minnesota as “a direct result of radical sanctuary state and city policies in Minnesota,” adding that he believes those policies “turned Minnesota into a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens.”

    Homan arrived in Minnesota in late January, less than a week after federal officials announced Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some of his agents would be leaving the area.

    On Feb. 4, Homan said federal authorities were going to immediately “draw down” 700 law enforcement personnel in Minnesota and that around 2,000 agents would remain in the state. The number was around 150 before the surge. 

    “My goal, with the support of President Trump, is to achieve a complete drawdown and end this surge as soon as we can, but that is largely contingent upon the end of illegal and threatening activities against ICE and its federal partners that we’re seeing in the community,” Homan said earlier this month.

    Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday said he expected Operation Metro Surge to last “days, not weeks and months.”

    White House officials said earlier this month that there have been at least 4,000 arrests in Minnesota connected with the federal operation.

    Beret Leone

    contributed to this report.

    In:

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    Nick Lentz

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  • When Are Federal Immigration Agents Leaving Minnesota?

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    Tom Homan, White House border czar, speaks at a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on February 12, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
    Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

    On Thursday, border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge, the federal operation that brought thousands of immigration officers into Minnesota and which resulted in widespread claims of brutal tactics and the deaths of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents.

    At a press conference, Homan touted the success of the operation, asserting that the Trump administration had seen an “unprecedented level of coordination with law enforcement officials” on the ground and claiming that federal authorities had made more than 4,000 arrests of murderers, sex offenders, and other violent criminals. Earlier this month, Homan directed the withdrawal of 700 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

    “A significant drawdown has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week,” he said.

    According to Homan, a “small footprint of personnel” will remain on the ground in Minnesota to help transition operations back to the local ICE field office and monitor “agitator activity.” He said officers that are part of the drawdown will return to their home office or be reassigned to help further President Donald Trump’s immigration aims, though he did not provide a specific timetable for the withdrawal. Federal authorities involved with the prosecutions of ICE protesters as well as the government’s ongoing investigation into alleged fraud within Minnesota’s social-services programs will “remain in place until their work is done.”

    “I will also remain on the ground for a little longer to oversee the drawdown of this operation and ensure its success,” Homan said.

    While the monthslong operation was faced with strong local opposition and allegations of aggressive tactics by ICE agents against residents regardless of immigration status, Homan denounced what he called “unfounded complaints” against the agency, claiming officers never made arrests in churches or hospitals — while claiming such actions would be warranted if they did.

    “However, those locations are not off the table. I said on day one, there’s no sanctuary for a significant public safety threat or national security threat. But as far as those stories about ICE going into churches or arresting people in hospitals, it simply has not happened,” Homan said.

    He continued, “ICE is a legitimate federal law-enforcement agency. We’re not out scouring the streets to disappear people or deny people their civil right to due process.”

    Minnesota governor Tim Walz addressed Homan’s announcement at a press briefing Wednesday, saying that he was “cautiously optimistic” about the government’s claims. But he was blunt about the impact of the Trump administration’s operation in the state, saying Minnesotans were the target of an “unprecedented federal invasion in all aspects of life.”

    “But the fact of the matter is they left us with deep damage, generational trauma. They left us with economic ruin in some cases. They left us with many unanswered questions,” Walz said. “Where are our children? Where and what is the process of the investigations into those that were responsible for the deaths of Renee and Alex? So, while the federal government may move on to whatever next thing they want to do, the state of Minnesota and our administration is unwaveringly focused on the recovery of what they did.”

    Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, whose city faced the brunt of the federal government’s ire, issued a statement praising his constituents for their resiliency, saying the enforcement surge has been “catastrophic for our neighbors and businesses.”

    “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation,” Frey said.

    But Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota congresswoman whose district encompasses Minneapolis, said putting an end to Operation Metro Surge is “not enough.”

    “We need justice and accountability. That starts with independent investigations into the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, economic restitution for businesses impacted, abolishing ICE, and the impeachment of Kristi Noem,” she said in a statement.


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    Nia Prater

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