Why Minnesota Can't Do More to Stop ICE

What’s Happening

Let’s talk about Democratic lawmakers have few options that wouldn’t trigger something like civil war.

Graff The Big Story Jan 25, 2026 1:15 PM Why Minnesota Can t Do More to Stop ICE Democratic lawmakers have few options that wouldn t trigger something like civil war. PHOTOGRAPH: Stephen Maturen/ Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story America has never seen a moment in modern history like the federal occupation of Minneapolis. (plot twist fr)

Thousands of masked federal officers with uncertain authority are rampaging through the region , assaulting protesters and innocent people, abusing constitutional safeguards , staking out daycares and schools, snatching people off the streets in unmarked vans based on the color of their skin or their accent, and recklessly, relentlessly provoking violent confrontations with civilians—all against the loud, repeated expressed wishes of local and state officials .

The Details

Saturday morning, federal agents—apparently from the Border Patrol— shot and killed a 37-year-old nurse, Alex Pretti , amid a chaotic scuffle in front of a well-known Minneapolis donut store after agents began hassling and shoving him in the street. It was the second time this month that federal agents had resorted to deadly force within mere seconds after initiating an encounter with a Minneapolis civilian who never posed a threat to agents.

All of this unnecessary violence raises the question: Why can’t elected officials do more to stop ICE? Apart from the courts, doesn’t Minnesota’s government have cards it can play in the battle against the Trump-led occupation, like calling out the National Guard for a showdown with federal agents?

Why This Matters

The answer, in its shortest form, is mostly no, because of the basic foundations of American federalism. Over and over, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota governor Tim Walz have asked President Donald Trump to call back his operation .

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The Bottom Line

This story is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated as more info drops.

What do you think about all this?