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January 19, 2026

2 entries on this date.

DHS denies Minneapolis immigration detainees, including a U.S. citizen, access to lawyers

During Operation Metro Surge, federal agents held people swept up in Minneapolis-area immigration raids — including at least one U.S. citizen — inside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building and systematically denied them access to attorneys. Lawyers reported being turned away for days with shifting, legally invalid excuses, while detainees were allowed an outgoing call only after being booked and transferred to out-of-state facilities. DHS denied any violation, but the pattern was corroborated by four named attorneys, two U.S. senators, and a class-action suit that produced a March 2026 court order requiring prompt attorney access before any transfer.

ICE agent drew gun, entered St. Paul restaurant chasing unidentified person, traumatizing staff and customers

On January 19, 2026, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent stepped out of his vehicle with his handgun drawn and entered Eastside Thai, a restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota, after a person ran past the front door while the agent searched for an unspecified "kid." Co-owner Kou Lee said the agent accused the owners of "hiding the kid," and co-owner Elle Lee said the agent was shouting as he entered, then exited and re-entered with the weapon still unholstered before leaving; both owners said multiple customers and staff were left traumatized by the encounter.