Overview
- U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez denied Minnesota’s bid for an emergency injunction, allowing ICE’s “Metro Surge” operations to continue while the broader legal challenge proceeds.
- In a separate ruling, Judge Fred Biery ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father by Tuesday and barred their transfer from a Texas family detention center, sharply criticizing federal conduct.
- Two people—Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24—were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, fueling large, repeated street demonstrations reported in the thousands.
- President Donald Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security to avoid intervening in protests in Democratic-run cities unless requested by local authorities, while emphasizing protection of federal property.
- Federal leadership has shifted on the ground, with Gregory Bovino removed from the Minneapolis command and Tom Homan sent to oversee operations, as residents report fear and economic hardship tied to the raids.