Federal authorities in the United States have arrested a total of 39 individuals in connection with a January protest at a church in Minnesota, where demonstrators disrupted a service to protest against ICE activities and the church's alleged ties to ICE officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that 30 more people have been charged, with 25 already arrested, and emphasized that more arrests are expected. The protest was part of broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the region, and has sparked condemnation from the Trump administration and Republican officials, as well as a federal lawsuit filed by a church member.
The U.S. border czar, Thomas Homan, publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV's comments on immigration, claiming the pontiff misunderstands the negative consequences of illegal immigration and suggesting he should focus on internal Church issues. Homan emphasized strict border enforcement, citing increased risks such as violence, sex trafficking, and fentanyl deaths, and offered to explain these to the pope. The article also highlights strained relations between Trump, the Catholic Church, and U.S. bishops over immigration policy.
The Justice Department has indicted 30 additional individuals, bringing the total to 39 defendants, in connection with an anti-ICE protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, in January. Among those charged is former CNN journalist Don Lemon, who was arrested and faces conspiracy and religious freedom interference charges but has pleaded not guilty. The protests were motivated by opposition to immigration enforcement actions, and some legal disputes and allegations of unlawful disruption have arisen related to the demonstration.
Vice President JD Vance visited central Wisconsin to promote the White House agenda following President Trump's State of the Union speech. The article also includes recent updates on various local events and issues, such as a surge in Pokémon card thefts, otter feeding experiences at the zoo, and health statistics regarding new COVID-19 cases among younger patients.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has called on ICE to halt the development of a new detention center in Romulus, citing concerns about its proximity to schools, placement on a floodplain and wetland, and the limited public notice period. She criticized ICE for proceeding without adequate communication with state and local authorities. U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters also urged the Department of Homeland Security to stop the project, raising safety and zoning concerns.
Congressman Tim Kennedy has called for an immediate federal investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind Burmese refugee found dead in Buffalo after being released from Border Patrol custody. Alam was dropped off at a parking lot near his known address without shoes, during cold weather conditions, and was later discovered dead six-and-a-half miles away. Officials from Border Patrol defended their actions, and government officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, have expressed support for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The mayor of Buffalo, N.Y., blames ICE for the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind, non-English-speaking Rohingya refugee who was released from federal custody after being held for a year and dropped off near his home, where he was found dead six days later. The Border Patrol claims they offered him a ride to a nearby coffee shop and observed no signs of distress, but authorities and Alam's family criticize the handling of his release, highlighting concerns about protocol for disabled individuals. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Citizens from across the U.S. are traveling to Minnesota to learn protest tactics against ICE, with participants sharing experiences and training to oppose immigration detention policies in their own communities. Organizers report that hundreds of out-of-state attendees are participating in events and training sessions in Minneapolis. Authorities, including border czar Tom Homan, have emphasized law enforcement's right to operate without interference, citing arrests for protests in Minnesota. Organizers and participants view these activities as part of a broader movement to oppose federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order to limit federal immigration enforcement actions on city property, prohibit ICE from using city facilities, and protect public spaces such as schools and hospitals. The order also mandates police accountability measures and restricts information sharing about individuals' immigration status, aiming to shield residents regardless of immigration status. DHS criticized the order as legally invalid, asserting federal authority over immigration enforcement.
The No. 5 seed Nichols College men's ice hockey team defeated Curry College 4-1 in the first round of the CNE playoffs, advancing to the semifinals against the No. 1 seed University of New England. The victory marked Nichols' first CNE playoff win for Coach Gacek and featured strong performances from freshmen scorers and goaltender Ryan Henry, who made 42 saves. If Nichols wins again, they will compete in the CNE championship game on March 7 against the winner of Endicott College and Suffolk University.
Oregon Senate Democrats unanimously rejected a Republican effort to require the state to notify ICE when illegal immigrants convicted of violent felonies are released from prison, citing concerns over public safety and legislative priorities. The minority report, which aimed to facilitate ICE custody of such individuals, was defeated 18-12 along party lines. Critics argued the decision hindered efforts to remove criminal immigrants, while supporters believed it was a common-sense safety measure.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz announced that the federal judiciary is prepared to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt, including jail time, for repeatedly violating court orders related to immigration enforcement and mass deportations. Schiltz emphasized that the government has violated numerous court orders and asserted that, "ICE will comply with this Court’s orders," despite ongoing non-compliance. The orders stem from cases involving illegal detention and the detention of immigrants, with multiple judges criticizing the government's disregard for legal directives.
