Minnesota faith leaders denounce Trump’s disparaging comments about Somali community

A man and a woman are facing charges after allegedly driving away with a federal agent trapped in their vehicle. It’s been six months since Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in a political assassination. Legislative leaders say they’ll keep Hortman’s seat as a memorial to the slain lawmaker next year. The Minneapolis City Council Thursday passed a measure that includes restrictions on where federal agents can stage their operations. The council unanimously passed changes to the existing separation ordinance which prohibits city employees from enforcing federal immigration law. The ordinance codifies the mayor’s executive order that forbids federal immigration agents from using city owned parking lots, ramps, vacant lots and garages as part of their operations.

The already crowded race for Minnesota governor got more so today. MyPillow executive Mike Lindell's formal entrance pushes the Republican field above a dozen candidates.An NBC report says ICE has arrested more than four hundred people in Minnesota since December 1, when the Trump administration stepped up immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities.Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Masked immigration agents forcibly arrested a Somali American U.S. citizen in Minneapolis for no apparent reason other than his ethnicity. Authorities held the man for two hours even as he tried to show them his passport.The St. Paul City Council is asking the state to investigate the actions of St. Paul police during an immigration enforcement operation last month. The council is also requesting an audit of city spending on the police response, which drew widespread criticism because of officers’ heavy use of chemical irritants and projectiles.It's been a snowy week across much of Minnesota — with parts of northern and central Minnesota getting more than 6 inches. More snow is expected across the south Thursday. A district court has ruled that the Trump administration can’t block the permitting of wind energy projects. A piece of falling space debris sent social media atwitter in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan this past weekend.

A judge heard arguments today in a federal lawsuit against the state of Minnesota challenging a state law that allows undocumented students to get in-state college tuition. And another long-time legislator says he won't seek re-election in 2026. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Dozens of Minnesota school districts have delayed the start of classes Wednesday as a winter storm continues to cause difficult travel across the region. In addition to the late starts, a handful of school districts have moved to online learning or canceled classes in the wake of the heavy snow and gusty winds. The Minnesota State Patrol reported more than 400 crashes and spinouts on highways across the state between noon and 9 p.m. Tuesday, including at least 5 jackknifed semis.The University of Minnesota has released a new study that shows fungi could help keep the invasive emerald ash borer in check. Researchers found fungi species growing on wood samples of ash trees and discovered many strands were known insect killers.

Driving conditions across Minnesota will worsen through night as snow and freezing rain move across the region.And nine Republican candidates for Minnesota governor gathered last night to debate issues at a Lyon County Republican candidate forum.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Officials at Augsburg University in Minneapolis say federal immigration agents entered a private campus parking lot without a warrant on Saturday afternoon and detained a student.And the Minneapolis City Council this week will consider a new ordinance that its authors say will require a more humane approach to homeless encampments. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The owner of the Lutsen Resort Lodge, which was destroyed in a fire nearly two years ago, has been charged with three counts of arson and one count of insurance fraud. Bryce Campbell was arrested this week in Michigan for allegedly burning down the historic lodge on the North Shore. According to the criminal complaint, Campbell faced serious financial troubles at the time of the fire. The complaint also details suspicious behavior leading up to the fire.Dozens of religious leaders from a wide variety of faith traditions gathered in Minneapolis Thursday night to denounce President Donald Trump’s disparaging comments about Minnesota’s Somali community. Earlier this week, Trump made the remarks in response to a question about fraud in taxpayer-funded social service programs in Minnesota. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detailed the arrests of 12 undocumented men. The agency says most of them have felony convictions. The others had been arrested on suspicion of crimes including domestic violence and drunk driving.Democrats and Republicans have different takes on the state budget forecast released Thursday.Bloomington police say a man was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with officers during an attempted arrest Wednesday night.

The owner of the iconic Lutsen Resort Lodge along the North Shore of Lake Superior has been arrested and charged in connection with the fire that destroyed the lodge in early 2024. Bryce Campbell was charged with three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud. Gov. Walz criticizes Trump's 'vile' remarks about Somali immigrants.This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.