Erica Zurek
@ericazurek.bsky.social
Senior health reporter at @mprnews.org
tips: [email protected]
tips: [email protected]
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The Columbia Heights school district says ICE detained four of its students, including a 5-year-old boy, as "bait" to draw out family members.
ICE detains 5-year old Minnesota boy; lawyer says agents used him as ‘bait’
The Columbia Heights school district says federal agents have detained four children in their district. School officials and a lawyer for the family say agents used 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramo as “bai...
www.mprnews.org
January 22, 2026 at 1:51 AM
The Columbia Heights school district says ICE detained four of its students, including a 5-year-old boy, as "bait" to draw out family members.
“We are seeing levels of food insecurity that are simply horrific. One teenager nearly collapsed from starvation and was surviving on a single egg over three days after her entire family was detained.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey‘s office confirmed he received a subpoena from the Department of Justice Tuesday.
The Associated Press is reporting that subpoenas were also sent to Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and officials in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
The Associated Press is reporting that subpoenas were also sent to Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and officials in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
The latest on ICE in Minnesota: Trump comments on Macklin Good killing, DOJ subpoenas top leaders
Here’s the latest news on Tuesday around the increased federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
www.mprnews.org
January 21, 2026 at 3:29 AM
“We are seeing levels of food insecurity that are simply horrific. One teenager nearly collapsed from starvation and was surviving on a single egg over three days after her entire family was detained.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Inside the detention center, Gibson said officers put him in a bare, metal holding cell about the size of a small conference room with around 40 other detainees. Their legs were shackled. Gibson said one person in the cell appeared to have scabies.
Minneapolis man says ICE agents took 'trophy' photos, locked him in overcrowded cell
Garrison Gibson, a Minneapolis man from Liberia, shared details of his experience with federal immigration enforcement this week at a press conference Saturday.
www.mprnews.org
January 18, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Inside the detention center, Gibson said officers put him in a bare, metal holding cell about the size of a small conference room with around 40 other detainees. Their legs were shackled. Gibson said one person in the cell appeared to have scabies.
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National media: Please stop describing what’s happening in Minneapolis as “protests.” There has been a modest, sustained protest outside the Whipple federal building, about 10 miles from downtown, but... 1/3
January 18, 2026 at 5:04 PM
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Several of the 13 “worst of the worst” criminals that the Department of Homeland Security said were arrested in Minnesota through its immigration enforcement operation were actually handed over to ICE by state prisons before Operation Metro Surge began.
Some criminals ICE takes credit for arresting were already in Minnesota prisons
Several of the 13 “worst of the worst” criminals that the Department of Homeland Security said were arrested in Minnesota through its immigration enforcement operation were actually handed over to ICE...
www.mprnews.org
January 17, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Several of the 13 “worst of the worst” criminals that the Department of Homeland Security said were arrested in Minnesota through its immigration enforcement operation were actually handed over to ICE by state prisons before Operation Metro Surge began.
Health care professionals at Twin Cities hospitals and clinics contacted MPR News and said the Trump administration's immigration and enforcement policies are causing many undocumented patients to withdraw into isolation, especially Latino and Somali families.
As the ICE surge continues in Minnesota, many patients are delaying care regardless of their citizenship status. “They are afraid to come into the hospital,” Dr. Janna Gewirtz O’Brien, president-elect of the Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Health needs, insurance woes compound fears for Minnesota families amid ICE operations
Health care providers say the Twin Cities immigration enforcement surge is leading people to cancel doctor’s appointments and delay treatments even if they’re U.S. citizens or have other legal status ...
www.mprnews.org
January 17, 2026 at 4:59 AM
Health care professionals at Twin Cities hospitals and clinics contacted MPR News and said the Trump administration's immigration and enforcement policies are causing many undocumented patients to withdraw into isolation, especially Latino and Somali families.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, said he and other council members have not been able to verify that unhoused Oglala tribal members have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis.
Oglala Sioux Tribe says it cannot confirm tribal members were detained by ICE in Minneapolis
Oglala Sioux tribal leaders provided updates at a news conference in Minneapolis on Friday.
www.mprnews.org
January 17, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, said he and other council members have not been able to verify that unhoused Oglala tribal members have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Anna Brauch said an ICE agent grabbed her by handcuffs, and used all his strength to yank her repeatedly around the car.
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Fear factor: Intimidation becomes a calling card as Twin Cities ICE surge widens
Six weeks into the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, observers say there are signs that federal agents are employing violence more frequently and with little apparent restraint against citiz...
www.mprnews.org
January 16, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Anna Brauch said an ICE agent grabbed her by handcuffs, and used all his strength to yank her repeatedly around the car.
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Erica Zurek
ICE's "presence is terrifying medical staff and raising concerns about patient care, according to five nurses at HCMC hospital in Minneapolis who asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their jobs."
Via reporter @ericazurek.bsky.social www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Via reporter @ericazurek.bsky.social www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
ICE agents appear at Twin Cities hospitals, alarming health care workers
Health care workers in the Twin Cities report that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are entering hospitals with detained individuals, leaving some medical staff terrified and concerned ...
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:22 PM
ICE's "presence is terrifying medical staff and raising concerns about patient care, according to five nurses at HCMC hospital in Minneapolis who asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their jobs."
Via reporter @ericazurek.bsky.social www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Via reporter @ericazurek.bsky.social www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Erica Zurek
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are entering hospitals with detained individuals, health care workers in the Twin Cities report. The agents sometimes enter with warrants and sometimes without, and they are frequently present during patient care.
ICE agents appear at Twin Cities hospitals, alarming health care workers
Health care workers in the Twin Cities report that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are entering hospitals with detained individuals, leaving some medical staff terrified and concerned ...
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:09 PM
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are entering hospitals with detained individuals, health care workers in the Twin Cities report. The agents sometimes enter with warrants and sometimes without, and they are frequently present during patient care.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Nick Benson is an activist with MN50501 who works in commercial flight data analytics. He is one of a handful of people who spend much of their days documenting ICE activity at the airport. Since the beginning of December, Benson has observed more than 1,000 people board ICE flights at MSP.
Observer: ICE detainee flights increase at MSP as enforcement action ramps up
As the immigration enforcement surge continues in Minnesota, more people detained by ICE are being flown out of state. It’s raising concerns of “erroneous deportations.”
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Nick Benson is an activist with MN50501 who works in commercial flight data analytics. He is one of a handful of people who spend much of their days documenting ICE activity at the airport. Since the beginning of December, Benson has observed more than 1,000 people board ICE flights at MSP.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Activists allege ICE tracked and intimidated Minnesotans observing their operations using private data like license-plate and car-registration info — data that, advocates say should only be accessed during active criminal investigations. The ACLU of Minnesota calls for answers and accountability.
Privacy advocates: ICE using private data to intimidate observers and activists
MPR News has looked into reports that federal agents have accessed private data to track and intimidate anti-ICE activists since the immigration crackdown surged in Minnesota in December. Privacy advo...
www.mprnews.org
January 13, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Activists allege ICE tracked and intimidated Minnesotans observing their operations using private data like license-plate and car-registration info — data that, advocates say should only be accessed during active criminal investigations. The ACLU of Minnesota calls for answers and accountability.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota, said refugees are reporting no access to legal representation, no explanation of the allegations against them and no clear process.
She said in nearly 40 years of resettlement work, she's never seen anything like it.
She said in nearly 40 years of resettlement work, she's never seen anything like it.
Resettlement agency head says new Homeland Security operation ‘terrifying’ refugee families
Immigration and refugee advocates in Minnesota say a new federal “reverification” effort has led to home arrests by armed agents, rapid transfers out of state and widespread fear among refugee familie...
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota, said refugees are reporting no access to legal representation, no explanation of the allegations against them and no clear process.
She said in nearly 40 years of resettlement work, she's never seen anything like it.
She said in nearly 40 years of resettlement work, she's never seen anything like it.
“The move comes after top Justice Department officials pushed the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Good,”
Minnesota's top federal fraud prosecutor has resigned, along with other experienced attorneys at the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office.
Minnesota's top federal fraud prosecutor resigns
Joe Thompson, the U.S. Justice Department attorney best known for prosecuting social services fraud in Minnesota, has resigned along with other experienced attorneys at the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's O...
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:31 AM
“The move comes after top Justice Department officials pushed the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Good,”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Thousands of people gathered in frigid temperatures on Saturday afternoon to protest ICE and the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota. “At the end of the day, this is just who we are as a state and a people. This is Minnesota,” said Lizzie Dawodu of Minneapolis.
📸 Ben Hovland | MPR News
📸 Ben Hovland | MPR News
January 10, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Thousands of people gathered in frigid temperatures on Saturday afternoon to protest ICE and the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota. “At the end of the day, this is just who we are as a state and a people. This is Minnesota,” said Lizzie Dawodu of Minneapolis.
📸 Ben Hovland | MPR News
📸 Ben Hovland | MPR News
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Hundreds gathered Wednesday night at the site where 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier in the day. Mourners shared stories and remembrances while urging unity in opposition to ICE's presence in Minneapolis.
Hundreds gather to mourn Renee Good, Minneapolis woman shot and killed by ICE agent
Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning.
www.mprnews.org
January 8, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Hundreds gathered Wednesday night at the site where 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier in the day. Mourners shared stories and remembrances while urging unity in opposition to ICE's presence in Minneapolis.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
New legislation passed last week - the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act - expands access to federal benefits for the families of firefighters and other first responders who have died or become permanently disabled due to cancers related to occupational exposure.
St. Paul fire captain remembered as federal law expands cancer benefits for first responders
Congress is expanding federal benefits for firefighters and first responders with job-related cancer.
www.mprnews.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:10 AM
New legislation passed last week - the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act - expands access to federal benefits for the families of firefighters and other first responders who have died or become permanently disabled due to cancers related to occupational exposure.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Multiple staff members of Planned Parenthoods in Minnesota have expressed discontent with executive leaders and top managers. They characterized the work environment as disrespectful and chaotic.
Staff complaints, financial pressures roil Planned Parenthood in Minnesota
Planned Parenthood faces external pressures from federal budget cuts and hostile state governments. But current and former employees at the organization’s Minnesota-based Midwest affiliate complain th...
www.mprnews.org
December 15, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Multiple staff members of Planned Parenthoods in Minnesota have expressed discontent with executive leaders and top managers. They characterized the work environment as disrespectful and chaotic.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
On Tuesday, three photojournalists were hit by police munitions while covering a federal immigration arrest that drew hundreds of protesters to St. Paul’s East Side.
They believe police targeted them for doing their jobs.
They believe police targeted them for doing their jobs.
St. Paul Police use of force during ICE protests raises press freedom concerns
Three photojournalists hit by police munitions while covering an ICE protest Tuesday believe they were targeted by police while doing their jobs.
www.mprnews.org
November 27, 2025 at 1:45 AM
On Tuesday, three photojournalists were hit by police munitions while covering a federal immigration arrest that drew hundreds of protesters to St. Paul’s East Side.
They believe police targeted them for doing their jobs.
They believe police targeted them for doing their jobs.
“He said if he indulges in any non-essential items, he risks going hungry. Huebner mostly eats pasta and peanut butter sandwiches and said this is the most calorie-dense option available to him.”
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
Minnesota SNAP recipients worry about hunger while political battle casts doubt on November benefits
SNAP recipients are expected to receive partial benefits this month after federal judges ruled that the government must continue providing food assistance during the shutdown.
www.mprnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:43 AM
“He said if he indulges in any non-essential items, he risks going hungry. Huebner mostly eats pasta and peanut butter sandwiches and said this is the most calorie-dense option available to him.”
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
“I did a lot of work around health equity and reducing health disparities. I saw what the numbers looked like for people that looked like me or people that did not have a lot of health literacy,” Maalimisaq said. “I know what it feels like to sit in that chair and not feel comfortable.”
Minneapolis' Inspire Change Clinic is open to everyone in the community. Co-founder Munira Maalimisaq emphasized that care will not focus solely on treating illness; there will also be space for clothing donations and assistance with resume writing.
New community clinic brings culturally sensitive care to Minneapolis
The Inspire Change Clinic is open to everyone in the community. Care will not focus solely on treating illness; there will also be space for clothing donations and assistance with resume writing.
www.mprnews.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:35 AM
“I did a lot of work around health equity and reducing health disparities. I saw what the numbers looked like for people that looked like me or people that did not have a lot of health literacy,” Maalimisaq said. “I know what it feels like to sit in that chair and not feel comfortable.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
A combination of rising costs and fewer Medicare Advantage insurers is prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026.
Rising costs and fewer options for 2026 Minnesota Medicare plans
A combination of rising costs and fewer Medicare Advantage insurers is prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026.
www.mprnews.org
October 24, 2025 at 12:15 AM
A combination of rising costs and fewer Medicare Advantage insurers is prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Food bank leaders in Minnesota say they’re navigating a drop in giving at the same time need is picking up. A massive surge in demand could be on the way if SNAP faces cuts from the government shutdown.
Facing ‘perfect storm,’ strained Minnesota food banks brace for impact of SNAP funding halt
Food bank leaders say they’re navigating a drop in giving at the same time need is picking up. A massive surge in demand could be on the way.
www.mprnews.org
October 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Food bank leaders in Minnesota say they’re navigating a drop in giving at the same time need is picking up. A massive surge in demand could be on the way if SNAP faces cuts from the government shutdown.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate. n.pr/3J0HVBC
Study: We're losing the war against drug-resistant infections faster than we thought
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate.
n.pr
October 15, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate. n.pr/3J0HVBC
Reposted by Erica Zurek
NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.
Trump Canceled 94 Million Pounds of Food Aid. Here’s What Never Arrived.
ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the administration’s cut...
projects.propublica.org
October 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.