Every federal officer in Minneapolis to soon have a body camera, Noem says

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office said on Monday that it sent letters to both the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, requesting evidence in the killing of Renee Good.

The letters demand that federal officials provide the attorney's office with physical evidence, videos and photos recorded by agents during the shooting and the names of all personnel involved inthe shooting. 

According to the documents, the attorney's office is also asking for statements from federal agents or officers about the shooting and medical records for personnel who were injured in the incident.

"I expect the federal government to provide the requested information, documents and physical items to our office," Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a written statement on Monday.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison added, "It's unprecedented that the County Attorney's Office is sending these letters at all."

The attorney's office is asking both federal agencies to respond to the letter by Feb. 17.

Neighbors created their own method of public safety against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a show of resistance in south Minneapolis.

A grassroots response to immigration enforcement that residents say is hurting their communities. 

[Read more]

Drummers on street corners in downtown Minneapolis on Monday were using rhythm to protest immigration enforcement.

See how the demonstration turned the city itself into part of the message.

WCCO went south to Waseca County on Monday to see how people there feel about the surge of federal agents in Minnesota.

"I support ICE 100%. I mean, people are entitled to their opinion. I think some of the protests are going a little too far," said resident Traci Edward.   

In 2024, President Trump won Waseca County by 12% of the vote — but not everybody approves of ICE activity in Minnesota.

"I think it's terrible. I think it's terrible," said CJ Johnson, of Waseca.

[Read more]  

Party caucuses kick off the mid-term election season on Tuesday, and party leaders on both sides are worried that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and protests could cause disruptions.  

GOP Party Chair Alex Plechash is worried about anti-ICE protests, but the main focus for Republicans will be fraud.

The DFL is worried turnout may be suppressed because of ICE fears. The party has put out an ICE response plan. 

[Full story]

A Minnesota congresswoman got her first look inside the Whipple Federal Building, calling the conditions heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The building is a hub for federal agents in town and is supposed to be a temporary home for people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"There were no medical protocols. They couldn't answer basic questions that I had, like how many people are currently being detained," Democratic Rep. Kelly Morrison said.

Morrison said her office has been flooded with reports of inhumane, unsanitary and cruel conditions inside the Whipple Federal Building. She details what she says she witnessed on Saturday. 

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Every federal officer in Minneapolis will soon have a body camera, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In a social media post on Monday afternoon, Noem said federal officials are deploying the cameras "effective immediately."

"As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide," she added. "We will rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country."

President Trump said he was not involved in Noem's decision.

"This should have been the case long before they killed two Americans," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post on Monday evening in response to Noem's announcement. "Border patrol agents should never have been sent in masks and camo to wreak havoc and aimlessly run around a state 1,500 miles from the Southern border."

Two U.S. officials told CBS News last month that some of the Border Patrol agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti had body cameras. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche with the Department of Justice said at a news conference on Friday that he would not commit to releasing the footage.

CBS News has confirmed that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office that fatally shot Renee Good, Jonathan Ross, was not wearing a body camera.

[Full story]

A coalition of 12 mayors in suburbs around the Twin Cities is asking state and federal elected officials for "immediate de-escalation" as Operation Metro Surge continues in the region. 

The mayors on Monday formed a coalition called Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, according to a news release. The group says current enforcement tactics used in the federal operation are "actively harming" families that live in the metro.

"This operation strains city resources, disrupts local economies, and tears at community cohesion," the coalition said. 

In addition to de-escalation, the group is calling for officials to acknowledge how the surge of federal agents harms local economies, and mentioned the idea of relief funds for impacted cities. 

The mayors of Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park are part of the coalition. 

New Target CEO Michael Fiddelke faces mounting pressure to take a stand against actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, where the retailer is headquartered.

In a public letter addressed to the executive on Sunday, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten criticized Target for what she called its "silence" on ICE's activities in Minneapolis and demanded that the company "clearly state" that it wants federal immigration agents to leave the city. 

In a statement on Monday, Fiddelke outlined Target's business priorities, but he refrained from specifically commenting on ICE's activities in Minneapolis.   

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The Minnesota Lynx released a statement from players following "recent tragic events."

Here's the statement in full:

"We, the Minnesota Lynx players, stand with our community in these challenging and trying times. As a team, we have always been committed to our "Change Starts With Us" platform, and we remain dedicated to these values.

"\We extend our love and support to the individuals, families and communities across the Twin Cities and the state of Minnesota who have been affected by recent tragic events. We acknowledge the profound impact these recent occurrences have had and recognize that meaningful change begins with each of us.

"We honor those whose lives have been lost and extend our strength and compassion to all who are affected. Minnesota's strength resides in its people, and it is through collective support and collaboration that our communities will continue to endure and heal."

A medical examiner has confirmed Alex Pretti's death was a homicide.

The Hennepin County medical examiner's report lists Pretti's cause of death as "multiple gunshot wounds" and says he was "shot by law enforcement officer(s)."

Pretti died at Hennepin Healthcare following the shooting, the report states.

Two more people have been arrested in connection to a protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelor Richardson are in custody.

"Ian is a veteran who loves this country. For him, being here and speaking up about the American values he believes in is part of that service. The charges will be addressed in court," said Austin's attorney.

Last week, Austin and Richardson were indicted along with seven others by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy and intimidation against people exercising their right to religious freedom. 

Two journalists — former CNN anchor Don Lemon and Georgia Fort — were among those charged. They were released from custody on Friday.

Protesters rallied outside of Target's headquarters in downtown Minneapolis Monday as Michael Fiddelke, the company's new CEO, starts his first day.

"Target is at a crossroads today," said Veronica Mendez Moore, of ICE Out Now Minnesota Coalition. "They can continue to ignore the thousands and thousands of voices locally and across the country who are calling on them to be a good corporate citizen and to stand up for our families and our communities — or they can listen to us. They can stand with us and they can demand that ICE leave Minnesota now."

Last week, Fiddelke joined 60 other CEOs of Minnesota-based companies in an open letter calling for "an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions."

Heather Hecker, a physician assistant and member of Unidos MN, said Fiddelke's participation in the letter "was far from enough."

"Target relies on immigrants, from the workers in your stores, to the drivers who deliver groceries for Shipt, to the people who grow and process the food that you sell," Hecker said. "We're asking you to speak out against the violent abductions of those workers, our neighbors, our fellow workers, our family members. They deserve dignity. They deserve work permits and a pathway to citizenship."

[Read more]

Health care workers came together at a vigil Sunday, expressing grief and anger, saying Alex Pretti was killed senselessly.

"I was angry, upset because this could've happened to me. I would've done the exact same thing. I'm a nurse, I help people. If I see someone that needs help, I'm going to help them," Catherine Cheaye said.

Cheaye was one of about 100 health care workers who all felt the same pain, sorrow and anger at the deadly shooting.

Christa Rymal, a registered nurse and founder of the We Care Nonprofit Foundation, organized the vigil for Pretti's peers at the Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis.

"I was at the capital just last week with about 75 physician leaders and they said the moral injury they're feeling right now in this moment is more intense than they felt during the pandemic," Rymal said.

[Full story]

The family of Alex Pretti released a statement about the memorial bike rides held around the world for Pretti:

"We would like to thank all of the riders who took part in the We Ride in Remembrance of Alex Pretti event this past weekend. We especially would like to thank the Angry Catfish bike shop in Minneapolis, the organizers of this wonderful worldwide event, and the many other bike shops and organizations around the world. Alex loved his bikes and called us many times talking about customizing his bikes. 

 The overwhelming response and support of riders from around the world is comforting and we will never forget this. Alex wanted to make the world a better place for all and he would be so happy seeing the incredible support from the close knit biking community. The global participation of the cycling community in this event demonstrates that there still is goodness in this world.

 We are so proud of Alex. Thank you all very much." 

The Columbia Heights Public School District celebrated 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos' return home to Minnesota on Sunday while calling for the release of all children in ICE custody.

"Columbia Heights Public Schools is so happy that Liam and his father have returned home to be reunified with his mother, brother and our community. We are very grateful for the overwhelming number of well-wishes and offers of support from people around the globe," the district said. "Liam's release is an important development, and we hope it will lead to positive developments for other families as well, including our other four students who are being held at the Dilley facility in Texas. We want all children to be released from detention centers and hope for the reunification of families who have been unjustly separated."

Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, following a court order mandating their release, a lawyer familiar with their case told CBS News on Sunday.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery on Saturday directed government officials to release Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos and his son, who were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this month in Minnesota, from detention "as soon as practicable." 

Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, posted on social media on Sunday that he had picked up Liam and his father and escorted them back to Minnesota. 

[Read more]

Protests continued at Target stores around Minnesota. 

Protesters are calling for Target to publicly denounce ICE actions and ban immigration officers from all stores. 

On Saturday, protesters filled the aisles carrying signs and chanting "Ice out."

Two weeks ago at the Richfield, Minnesota, Target two workers, both American citizens, were taken into custody by ICE agents. Both were later released. 

Earlier this month, the incoming Taget CEO signed a letter, alongside 60 other Minnesota CEOs, calling for a de-escalation of violence in the state after the death of Alex Pretti.

The American Federation of Government Employees announced they will hold a day of remembrance on Sunday for Alex Pretti.

Vigils will be held in cities across the U.S., including: 

• Albuquerque, NM 
• Ann Arbor, MI
  
• Asheville, NC
• Aurora, CO
  
• Detroit, MI
  
• Minneapolis, MN
  
• Seattle, WA

A list of specific details can be found here.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released a statement after a federal judge denied the temporary restraining order meant to stop Operation Metro Surge. 

His statement reads in part: 

We're obviously disappointed in the court's ruling today, but this case is in its infancy and there is much legal road in front of us, so we're fighting on. We will continue to protect Minnesotans and raise the critical legal and constitutional issues at stake, and we will continue to be unrelenting in doing so. We know that these 3,000 immigration agents are here to intimidate Minnesota and bend the state to the federal government's will. That is unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment and the principle of equal sovereignty. We're not letting up in defending our state's constitutional powers.

Together, we Minnesotans are using every tool we have and can dream of to protect each other during this harmful and dangerous surge. Everyday Minnesotans, small businesses, nonprofits, and others are creating and enacting brilliant and courageous nonviolent, civil-resistance strategies every day. My office and other public offices are adding creative legal strategies that very often are successful, and we will keep using the law in every way we can think of to protect Minnesotans. Many more people are adding their own unheralded actions. Everyone who values their neighbors, communities, and our way of life in our beloved state has something to contribute.    

Texas federal judge, Fred Biery, ordered on Saturday that 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father Adrian Conejo Arias be released no later than Tuesday. 

The court filing states, "the case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompletely-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children." 

The Texas court found the Constitution of the United States "trumps this administration's detention of Arias and his minor son." 

In the document, Biery also writes "observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency. And the rule of law be damned."  

On Saturday, protesters gathered outside of Valley View Elementary School, where Liam was taken by ICE, demanding his return. 

Photos and video of Liam being detained by ICE agents earlier this month sparked outrage nationwide. 

Jamal Lundy, a candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 65, released a statement after being taken into custody on Friday in relation to a protest at a St. Paul church almost two weeks ago.

Lundy's statement reads in part: 

Let me be absolutely clear. I will not allow President Trump to arrest me out of this campaign. I will continue my campaign for Minnesota State Senate District 65. 

After learning of the arrest of several activists, I immediately retained counsel, who contacted the U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service to inquire about whether a warrant existed and to make clear that I was prepared to turn myself in should one be issued. For that reason, being awakened in the middle of the night by a militarized force with military-grade weapons drawn was deeply unsettling and wholly unnecessary.  

The political persecution that I, along with activists and journalists, am facing is not rooted in any legitimate public safety concern. This has nothing to do with churches or immigration enforcement. This is about weaponizing the machinery of government to strip people of their right to resist unlawful, anti constitutional, immoral, and violent policies stemming from this administration's federal occupation of our state. In short, my arrest and the arrests of others represent an attempt to criminalize dissent under the cover of politics. 

We must recognize this for what it is. Authoritarian, un-American, and unconstitutional.   

Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop and Coffee Bar are hosting a memorial bike ride for Alex Pretti on Saturday afternoon. Pretti was an active cyclist and customer at the shop. 

The bike ride will start at a local park. Cyclists will bike 10 miles, making stops at Pretti's memorial at 26th and Lyndale in Minneapolis, Renee Good's memorial at 34th and Portland and ending at the Minneapolis VA hospital where Pretti worked. 

The family of Alex Pretti released a statement about the bike ride stating: 

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and participants of this ride. Alex loved his community, he loved to bike and he would have loved this ride.     

Operation Metro Surge will continue after a judge denied Minnesota's temporary restraining order on Saturday morning. Court filings state Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof. 

The argument to halt operations, in part, stated that the federal operation is "causing harm to the Twin Cities and State themselves, as well as their residents." Lawyers with the U.S. Department of Justice have called the lawsuit "legally frivolous."  

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey released a statement after Menendez's ruling that stated in part: 

"Of course, we're disappointed. This decision doesn't change what people here have lived through — fear, disruption, and harm caused by a federal operation that never belonged in Minneapolis in the first place. This operation has not brought public safety. It's brought the opposite and has detracted from the order we need for a working city. It's an invasion, and it needs to stop." 

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi took to social media Saturday to laud the ruling, calling it "another HUGE" legal win for the Justice Department on X.