Border Patrol Agent Reflects On Working In 'The Vastness' Up North
"The mission is the same from the southern border to the northern border."
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"The mission is the same from the southern border to the northern border."
Minnesota's northern border stretches some 550 miles. Nearly 200 U.S. Border Patrol agents watch them from land, water and air. We traveled to Warroad for a rare look at our connection to Canada and what's being done to protect the border.
The nation's immigration court system requires children — some still in diapers — to have appearances before judges.
The store donated 20 percent of all sales to a legal group working to unite immigrant families who illegally crossed the border.
Border Patrol arrests fell sharply in June to the lowest level since February, according to a U.S. official, ending a streak of four straight monthly increases.
People in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota are rallying Saturday as part of the "Families Belong Together" day of action.
President Trump says "zero tolerance" enforcement is necessary because illegal immigrants are suddenly surging across the border.
They now have the right to vote, serve on a jury and travel with a U.S. passport because they've met all the requirements established by Congress.
The Justice Department on Wednesday said a judge's order to reunite families separated at the border "makes it even more imperative" that Congress pass legislation that would enable it "to simultaneously enforce the law and keep families together."
The Trump administration has scaled back a key element of its zero-tolerance immigration policy amid a global uproar over the separation of more than 2,300 migrant families, halting the practice of turning over parents to prosecutors for charges of illegally entering the country.
While hundreds of protesters rallied outside, Attorney General Jeff Sessions defended the Trump administration's immigration policies Monday, calling on Congress to act and asserting that many children were brought to the border by violent gang members.
It has been a week of confusion for many along the border -- and for many Minnesota families.
The president focused on families whose loved ones have been killed, not temporarily separated.
Minnesota and more than a half-dozen other states said Thursday that they plan to sue the Trump administration over a policy of separating immigrant families illegally entering the United States.
First lady Melania Trump boarded a flight to a facility housing migrant children separated from their parents wearing a jacket that read "I really don't care, do u?"
Hours after reversing himself to end the forced separations of migrant families, President Donald Trump returned to the warm embrace of his supporters at a raucous rally to defend his hard-line immigration policies.
There are 45 million immigrants living in the United States, and about 11 million are undocumented.
Republicans on Capitol Hill frantically searched on Tuesday for ways to end the Trump administration's policy of separating families after illegal border crossings, with the focus shifting on a new plan to keep children in detention longer than now permitted — but with their parents.
"There is nothing normal about detaining children," U.N. high commissioner for human rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said.
Kirstjen Nielsen says agents are not acting cruelly, but are enforcing the laws passed by Congress.
Inside an old warehouse in South Texas, hundreds of children wait in a series of cages created by metal fencing. One cage had 20 children inside. Scattered about are bottles of water, bags of chips and large foil sheets intended to serve as blankets.
The Trump administration's move to separate immigrant parents from their children on the U.S.-Mexico border has grabbed attention around the world, drawn scorn from human-rights organizations and overtaken the immigration debate in Congress.
One of the newest U.S. citizens has already been making a difference in the community: St. Paul firefighter Ulicer Sanchez.
Cipriano Garza says Rep. Carlos Curbelo is "a decent man, a family man." He lauds the South Florida Republican for defiantly pushing his party to protect young "Dreamer" immigrants from deportation.
Members of Klobuchar's office told them the Senator shares their concerns and has called for an investigation.
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes has signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to its first playoff series win in 11 seasons.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
Big changes could be coming to Minneapolis Public Schools, as the district is set to unveil it's "transformation plan" Tuesday evening.
Police in Elk River, Minnesota, say a potential bomb threat prompted students to be sent home early Tuesday morning, but they found no threat while searching the school.
Minnesotans have purchased more than $250 million worth of cannabis products since the state launched the licensed business market a year ago.
Big changes could be coming to Minneapolis Public Schools, as the district is set to unveil it's "transformation plan" Tuesday evening.
Minnesotans have purchased more than $250 million worth of cannabis products since the state launched the licensed business market a year ago.
A lawsuit and the threat of tens of millions of dollars in damages have dampened a victory for neighbors opposed to data center development in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
The Minneapolis City Council is considering an ordinance that would mandate a "human monitor" in the front seat of driverless cars.
As the seasons change, it's time to start planning for fall fun, but getting to a popular spot in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, may look a little different this year.
Police in Elk River, Minnesota, say a potential bomb threat prompted students to be sent home early Tuesday morning, but they found no threat while searching the school.
For those who use diesel fuel, the cost has gone up 30 cents a gallon in the last week and more than $2 dollars in the last year. Minnesota farmers say the increasing cost could impact consumer prices.
Sarah McNamara wasn't expected to make it to birth; she is now 3.5 years old and the winner of the 2026 Toddler of the Year contest.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is canceling a Twin Metals Minnesota mineral lease.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are investigating after a man was found dead in the yard of a home Sunday morning.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
The Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor laughed and wiped away tears Sunday as he described the seconds before the plane hit the water: a warning to tighten his seat belt, then impact.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the U.S. Postal Service Monday from enforcing new regulations for voting by mail, just days before midterm election voting is set to start in Minnesota.
The U.S. Supreme Court is keeping new Postal Service rules on hold, meaning Minnesota's mail-in voting process will stay the same for the upcoming election.
President Trump is calling claims that artificial intelligence could destroy humanity a hoax, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Supreme Court left intact a ruling that blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new regulations for mail voting, rejecting the Trump administration's effort to move forward with the rules in the midterms.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Police in Elk River, Minnesota, say a potential bomb threat prompted students to be sent home early Tuesday morning, but they found no threat while searching the school.
Police say a man was injured Saturday evening in a shooting at a Circle Pines, Minnesota, gun shop.
On Saturday, law enforcement across the country observed National Police Woman Day.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a shooting that took place overnight near the 300 block of 1st Avenue North.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections has denied supervised release for a man convicted in the 1970 killing of a St. Paul, Minnesota, police officer.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
The money will fuel a 10-year push into precision medicine at a hospital system that treats children from before birth through young adulthood.
Hospice nurses who work for Allina Health are set to begin a seven-day strike on Friday.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes has signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to its first playoff series win in 11 seasons.
The Yankees beat the Twins 8-3 Monday on a night they clinched their 61st postseason berth and ninth in 10 seasons.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray began the week in the NFL concussion protocol in continuing his recovery from an illegal hit to the head that forced him out of his first game with the team in the first quarter.
Behind almost every hockey player is a hockey parent. Emmy Loycano, a Westonka, Minnesota, hockey mom, never played the sport. But her husband did, and her boys do. Her daughter, Lily Loycano, always came along for the ride.
Carson Wentz came in after Kyler Murray's first-quarter concussion in his Minnesota debut and led a spirited comeback against the rival Green Bay Packers as the Vikings scored 29 straight points to close a 39-22 victory to open the season Sunday.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
Visitors are spending tens of millions of dollars to experience all there is at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 12-day production that costs tens of millions of dollars to put on.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
A few showers could pass through Wednesday evening. Otherwise, we stay dry until Friday, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Temps are expected to hit the 70s on Tuesday, and there's a chance for some rain in the evening on Wednesday.
Sunshine returns with breezy northwest winds early, then a quieter afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Sunshine returns to the Twin Cities Tuesday with breezy northwest winds early, then a quieter afternoon, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
The Supreme Court left a lower court's block on Trump's mail-in voting executive order in place, meaning Minnesota's ballot process stays the same as ballots go out this Friday.
WCCO's Frank Vascellaro and Erin Hassanzadeh share the latest news headlines and updates from Tuesday afternoon.
A few showers could pass through Wednesday evening. Otherwise, we stay dry until Friday, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Temps are expected to hit the 70s on Tuesday, and there's a chance for some rain in the evening on Wednesday.
The state says more than 300 new businesses have launched in the last year as well.