City Cast Twin Cities
🏛️ Operation Metro Surge on trial
February 3, 2026
Good morning, Twin Cities. It's Adam today. I said this yesterday, and I'll say it again today – rent is due. Many families in the Twin Cities haven't been able to leave their houses and work since Operation Metro Surge began, and they need help to keep a roof over their heads.
For that reason, today's highlighted way to help is this community support fundraiser from mplsaid. The organizers are getting funds directly into the hands of people who need it, and I encourage you to contribute or share with someone who is looking to help.
Today’s Must-Know
Judge Refuses to Halt Operation Metro Surge
Over the weekend, Federal Judge Katherine M. Menendez denied a preliminary injunction sought by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul that would have heavily reduced immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. [FOX9]
- In case you missed it: Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are suing the Department of Homeland Security to end Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities. Justice Department lawyers have called the lawsuit “legally frivolous,” while plaintiffs argue the enforcement surge violates multiple constitutional amendments by targeting Minnesota for political reasons and infringing on state sovereignty. [Sahan Journal / KARE11]
- No preliminary injunction: Judge Katherine M. Menendez said that Operation Metro Surge has had "profound, and even heartbreaking consequences on Minnesota," but that arguments from state officials that the state was being punished or unfairly treated by the federal government were insufficient to justify blocking the surge altogether. [POLITICO]
- What's next: The lawsuit over the constitutionality of Operation Metro Surge is still ongoing. A preliminary injunction would have paused immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities for the duration of legal arguments, but now the surge will continue until the court issues a final ruling. [NPR]
Sponsored Content
The Best Wedding Planner? Your Gut.
If your gut says small, intentional and real; trust that. Simply Eloped offers personalized elopement and vow renewal packages in stunning destinations nationwide, so you can celebrate your love story, your way. We handle the logistics. You stay present on the first day of the rest of your lives.
What the Cities Are Talking About
Who's speaking up? Support for ICE's tactics is weakening within the Republican party nationally, but where do Republican politicians in Minnesota land on the issue? Sahan Journal reached out to 112 Minnesota Republicans and analyzed their social media posts to get a clear idea on where everyone stands on the issue. [Sahan Journal]
Wrongful detention: Local auto shop owner Fong Khang, a legal resident of the United States, was pardoned by the state of Minnesota for four nonviolent felony convictions to protect him from deportation. Despite the pardon and being described by local prosecutors as “a model of rehabilitation,” Khang was detained by ICE last week, briefly appeared on a federal “worst of the worst” list, and was later released. [Star Tribune]
More protesters arrested: Federal authorities arrested two more people connected to a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul. Ian Austin and Jerome Richardson were taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with violations of the FACE Act and the KKK Act. Seven others who attended the protest also face charges, including journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon and civil rights activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. [FOX9]
Eat well on Sunday: Tune into today's episode of the podcast to get recommendations on the best takeout in the Twin Cities to fuel your Super Bowl Sunday. From dill pickle fried chicken to football-shaped pizzas (from Football Pizza, of course), the game on Sunday is a great excuse to treat yourself. [City Cast Twin Cities]
Police vs. ICE: MPR reports that the police chief of St. Peter intervened to prevent an observer from being taken into ICE custody after three agents boxed her car in and pointed their guns at her. Agents started driving the observer towards the Twin Cities when they received a phone call and promptly turned the car around to drop the woman off at the St. Peter police station. [MPR]
'Covered in vomit': U.S. Border Patrol agent Alfredo Mancillas Jr. was found slumped over in his car smelling of alcohol last week by a state trooper in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. Mancillas is being charged with 3rd and 4th degree driving while intoxicated, and the U.S. Border Patrol's Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the statement. [Sahan Journal]
What to Do
Tuesday, Feb 3
- 🎷 From Scratch in the Ox: Society of Chemists 🆓 | Indeed Brewing
- 📖 Better Things 5x5 Reading | Moon Palace Books
- 😂 Roast of ICE Comedy Show | Sisyphus Brewing
- 🏓 Community Table Tennis | Minneapolis Cider Company
- 🎸 Jade Eagleson | 7th St. Entry
- 😂 Stand-up Comedy Open Mic 🆓 | Gambit Brewing
- 🎶 The Old Town Tuesday Night Jam 🆓 | Whitey's Old Town Saloon
Wednesday, Feb 4
- 🎶 Music Under Glass | Como Conservatory
- 🎮 Mario Kart World Racing Tournament 🆓 | Roxy's Cabaret
- 🎤 Poliça | Icehouse
- 🗣️ You're Not From Here, Are You? 🆓 | Black Hart of St. Paul
- 🎞️ Titanic (1997) 35mm presentation | The Parkway Theater
- 😂 Greg Coleman | Acme Comedy
- 🎷 The Cherry Pit Open Jam 🆓 | Berlin
Twin Cities Job Board
- Program Manager at Mill City Farmers Market | $56k per year
- Senior Head of Advancement at Minneapolis Institute of Art | $160k - $175k per year
- Director of Development & Community Engagement at Reach for Resources | $80k per year
- Senior or Principal Engineer at Metropolitan Council’s Environmental Services | $93k - $150k per year
- National Account Executive at Meet Minneapolis | $70k - $90k per year
Before I go, I want to shout out our newest Neighbors, Jason C. and Carlen W. Thank you so much for joining us! If you want to learn more about our membership program and how you can support local journalism, you can find more information here.
— Adam Sage
Free · Daily