"Largest immigration operation ever" launched in Twin Cities, DHS says
A massive federal crackdown in Minnesota started after the new year, with roughly 2,000 agents swarming the Twin Cities amid a widening fraud scandal.
Watch CBS News
A massive federal crackdown in Minnesota started after the new year, with roughly 2,000 agents swarming the Twin Cities amid a widening fraud scandal.
The Trump administration says it's begun deploying hundreds more federal agents to the Twin Cities. In an update today, the Department of Homeland Security said it's already made more than 1,000 immigration arrests over the past few weeks. As Jason Rantala reports, with a major surge of federal resources to Minnesota, they're expecting to make fraud busts, too.
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the federal immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities "political theater" by President Trump in a news conference with city and community leaders on Tuesday.
The Trump administration says it's targeting "the worst of the worst" for deportation during its Twin Cities ICE operation. In just two weeks, they say they've made hundreds of arrests. But critics say innocent people are also getting stopped by immigration officers. As WCCO's Esme Murphy reports, many Somali Minnesotans feel they have little choice but to carry their passports to prove they are citizens.
Federal investigators are still working to determine if Minnesota fraud money fueled terrorism overseas, plus more of the day’s top stories.
A new video features Somali doctors, nurses and attorneys showcasing their professions and humanity, letting Minnesotans know Somalis are their neighbors.
Minneapolis city leaders say a U.S. citizen was wrongfully arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents because he looks Somali.
Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi is among twelve people detained in the Department of Homeland Security's "Operation Metro Surge" in the Twin Cities.
The Department of Homeland Security is capping off the first week of what it is calling "Operation Metro Surge." Our Conor Wight digs into the past of one of the men arrested, who a federal immigration judge once described as someone who was turning their life around and helping his community.
ICE said Friday that 12 immigrants, five of them Somali, have been detained as a result of Operation Metro Surge. But immigrant rights groups say the number of detainees is much higher. Among those speaking out against the ICE raids and the targeting and language used by the administration is Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday said that half of the visas in Minnesota are "fraudulent." Noem did not provide evidence. CBS Minnesota on Thursday reached out to the department seeking that data.
Trump's comments, presented without evidence, have shaken people like Salman Fiqy, who saw an opportunity for the GOP to gain further ground in the Somali community.
A growing climate of fear within Minnesota’s Somali community is leading to empty clinics. Ubah Ali shows us how one health care worker is fighting back.
Salman Fiqy first came to the United States from Somalia in 2009. Last year, he didn't just vote for President Trump — he helped get his neighbors to the polls so they could vote for him, too. But as Conor Wight reports, he's now changing his tune.
Democratic Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan spoke with CNN on Thursday about how the Trump administration is “striking fear into the hearts of Minnesotans” with his focused attack on Somali Americans.
In the heart of Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, DFL lawmakers condemned attacks on the Somali community while addressing the growing fear and arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A day after President Trump said, "I don't want [Somalis] in our country," and reports of a planned crackdown on undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities, local leaders decried the actions and urged the community to take steps to stay safe.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called Somali immigrants living in the United States "garbage" and wants them to leave.
CBS News has confirmed ICE operations targeting Somali immigrants are underway in the Twin Cities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been directed by the Trump administration to target undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities, according to the New York Times.
Minnesota is home to nearly 80,000 Somalis, and 95% of them are U.S. citizens according to CAIR-MN.
CBS News is reporting ICE will launch an operation targeting Somalis with deportation orders who live in Minnesota. Local leaders say that's only a fraction of the roughly 80,000 who live in the state.
Minnesota's Somali community appears to be the next target of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. CBS News has learned that ICE will launch an enforcement sweep in the Twin Cities this week. Agents plan to go after migrants with deportation orders.
Sources tell the Associated Press that Somali immigrants are the target of the operation.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
One person is dead and another is recovering after a fire at a two-story home in Lake City, Minnesota, on Sunday.
Blake sophomore Ella Anderson delivered the game-winning goal during overtime in the section final against the Academy of Holy Angels. The squad is now taking aim at an eighth state title.
Border czar Tom Homan's announcement Sunday of a steep drawdown of federal forces in Minnesota has been met with some skepticism. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement observer said Monday that, while she's seen fewer immigration agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul, they are still out in the suburbs and areas outside the metro.
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
Blake sophomore Ella Anderson delivered the game-winning goal during overtime in the section final against the Academy of Holy Angels. The squad is now taking aim at an eighth state title.
Border czar Tom Homan's announcement Sunday of a steep drawdown of federal forces in Minnesota has been met with some skepticism. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement observer said Monday that, while she's seen fewer immigration agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul, they are still out in the suburbs and areas outside the metro.
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
Minnesota lawmakers are back to work for the start of the 2026 session on Tuesday. The day will focus on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in an act of political violence last summer. A tribute in her honor will remain in the House chamber for the rest of the year.
Brynn Rux picked up the passion at just 2 years old. Her training and goals were on track as a national competitor until back pain slowed her down.
One person is dead and another is recovering after a fire at a two-story home in Lake City, Minnesota, on Sunday.
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
The Holdingford Feed Mill in central Minnesota is a complete loss following a fire late Sunday evening, according to county officials.
Carver County Local News — a nonprofit, digital news source — was created to fill a local news gap in the southwest Twin Cities metro.
Over the past few weeks, Minnesotans of all ages have been exercising their First Amendment right to protest. One of those protesters is 85-year-old Olaf Brekke.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
Minnesota lawmakers are back to work for the start of the 2026 session on Tuesday. The day will focus on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in an act of political violence last summer. A tribute in her honor will remain in the House chamber for the rest of the year.
Minnesota lawmakers are back to work for the start of the 2026 session on Tuesday. The day will focus on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in an act of political violence last summer. Caroline Cummings shares the touching tribute in her honor all session long.
Minnesota DFLers are pushing back against the immigration crackdown, and calling on Republicans to join them.
Ahead of the legislative session, Minnesota DFL lawmakers are pushing back against President Trump's immigration crackdown — and calling on Republicans to join them.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
All family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as suspects in her disappearance, authorities in Arizona said.
Police said the deadly shooting during a high school boys' hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, appears to have stemmed from a family dispute.
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.
Eh Tha Blay, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting third-degree property damage in December.
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.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
North Minneapolis resident Kate Varns is a bonafide Ironman, meaning she's finished the toughest of toughest triathlons. But after surviving a stroke several years ago, that accomplishment paled in comparison to what laid ahead.
Dr. Michael Osterholm and Dr. Emil Lou, faculty members with the University of Minnesota, have been recognized by TIME as two of the 100 most influential people in health in 2026.
Minnesota is in the midst of what state health officials call the nation's "largest known outbreak" of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal skin infection that can cause severe ringworm.
A new web page dedicated to fact-checking claims about Medicaid fraud in Minnesota has been launched by the state's Department of Human Services, officials said Wednesday.
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Blake sophomore Ella Anderson delivered the game-winning goal during overtime in the section final against the Academy of Holy Angels. The squad is now taking aim at an eighth state title.
Brynn Rux picked up the passion at just 2 years old. Her training and goals were on track as a national competitor until back pain slowed her down.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López ended a bullpen session early over what manager Derek Shelton said was "a little bit of elbow soreness.".
Anthony Edwards won the Most Valuable Player award while leading his "Stars" team past their fellow Americans on the "Stripes" team 47-21 to win the final of the NBA All-Star Game.
North Minneapolis resident Kate Varns is a bonafide Ironman, meaning she's finished the toughest of toughest triathlons. But after surviving a stroke several years ago, that accomplishment paled in comparison to what laid ahead.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will send a letter this week, demanding DHS and DOJ turn over evidence in the shooting death of Alex Pretti.
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.
Last month, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church. In Talking Points, she shares why she felt it was important to protest, her arrest and White House's digitally altered photo of her arrest.
Last month, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church. In Talking Points, she shares why she felt it was important to protest, her arrest and White House's digitally altered photo of her arrest.
Last month, activist and former Twin Cities NAACP president Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church where the leader of a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office serves as a pastor. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy sits down with Armstrong to discuss the protest, her arrest, and her reaction to what she calls a “diabolical” attempt to degrade her image.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and while we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday.
The monthslong Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Minnesota has sparked ongoing protests, some measured tens of thousands of demonstrators, others just a few dozen.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Northern Minnesota could see measurable snow beginning Wednesday night, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the Twin Cities could hit 50 degrees on Tuesday before a storm moves in. Areas to the north may see a few inches of snow on Wednesday.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says a storm will arrive late tomorrow, bringing rain for the southern half of the state.
More abnormally warm highs on Tuesday ahead of multiple rounds of precipitation, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak.
A Richfield hockey dad has built a rink in his yard. As Mike Max reports, many young athletes have taken advantage of his creation.
Northern Minnesota could see measurable snow beginning Wednesday night, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. After someone starts to feel better, how long can they still get others sick? WCCO's Jeff Wagner breaks down the timeline with help from a Hennepin Healthcare physician.
The Holdingford Mill in central Minnesota was heavily damaged after huge flames tore through it on Sunday night. The loss is already being felt across the farming community where the mill played a critical role in supplying custom feed. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and Marielle Mohs show how the town is responding to the loss.
Police in Fargo, North Dakota, are investigating what they call a “heinous murder” and say key evidence could be in Minnesota. Isadora Wengel, 25, went missing from Fargo in early January. Police arrested her boyfriend last week. He’s now charged with murder, accused of killing and dismembering Wengel.