👀 The end of Operation Metro Surge?

Walz: ICE Drawdown Is Just Days Away

In a press event yesterday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that he expects ICE's occupation in the Twin Cities to end in a matter of days. [MPR]

• 'Trust, but verify': Border czar Tom Homan and the DHS have yet to comment, but Walz said he hopes Homan will make an announcement by the end of the week and that Minnesota is getting ready to move into a "recovery" phase. [MPR]
• Joint investigations: Walz also stated that he expects Minnesota to continue to get "cooperation on joint investigations of the crimes that were committed, or potentially committed, against Minnesotans." Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has announced it is pursuing a "path forward" to investigate Alex Pretti's shooting with the help of the FBI, but the federal government has yet to open an investigation into ICE agent Jonathan Ross in the shooting of Renee Macklin Good. [MPR / New York Times]

Building resiliency: Lush co-owner Andy Rausch is working with owners of other gay bars around the country to build a national mutual aid network to help each other stay afloat. Rausch talks about how important gay bars are as sanctuaries for the queer community, and how the mutual aid network can help them survive in other cities that might be occupied by ICE in the future. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

Indefinite detainment: A recent decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has made it much easier to hold detainees indefinitely without a bond hearing in Texas. Immigrant advocates are sounding the alarm that this could result in even more immigrants being sent from Minnesota to Texas before they can receive any due process. [Sahan Journal / 🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

Left behind: Animal shelters in the Twin Cities have been seeing a significant uptick in the number of stray pets they have had to take in as residents have been getting detained by ICE. Volunteers from local rescue Pet Haven have been struggling to find enough foster homes to temporarily take care of animals for detainees that may return, and permanent homes for those who may not. You can donate to Pet Haven or find info about fostering an animal on their website. [Sahan Journal]

Land of 10,000 Fakes: Federal immigration enforcement agents have been reportedly increasing their deception tactics in the Twin Cities. Witnesses report ICE agents swapping out license plates, dressing up as construction workers, and putting Mexican flag bumper stickers on the backs of their cars. [Associated Press]

No partner? No problem: Being single on Valentine's Day can be hard for a lot of people, but it can also be a great opportunity to treat yourself and romanticize your own life a little. From enjoying the outdoors to enjoying some stinky food, host Sean McPherson curated a list of ways to make the most out of a solo V-Day on Saturday. [City Cast Twin Cities]

Wednesday, Feb 11

• 🍷 Art & Wine After Dark | Minneapolis Institute of Art
• 🧘 Sound Healing Bath and Yoga Nidra | Soul Logic
• 🤓 Educator Night 🆓 | Wild Rumpus Books
• 👀 This is What Democracy Looks Like (Pt. 2) | Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery
• 🎬 Pauline Black: A 2 Tone Story | Trylon Cinema
• 🥁 Poliça Residency | Icehouse

Thursday, Feb 12

• 🎭 Whoosh! | History Theatre
• 🍝 Taste the Movies: Lady & the Tramp | Granada Theater
• 🍽️ Stories Behind the Menu: Krewe + Flour and Flower | The B Suite
• 📚 February Rainbow Pages Queer Book Club | Tropes & Trifles
• 💃 Latin Dance Class | One Reason Dance Studio

• Director, East Side Funders Group at Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation | $125k per year
• Chief Philanthropy Officer at Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota | $240k - $280k per year
• Director, Major Gifts at Fresh Energy | $85k - $100k per year
• Sr. Manager, Finance and Operations at Great MN Schools | $75k - $90k per year
• Senior Development and Communications Manager at Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy | $55k - $70k per year