Jon Collins
@jcollins.bsky.social
Reporter @MPRNews.org '25 Nieman fellow at Harvard. Co-creator of Peabody Award-winning 74 Seconds podcast. Victory gardener. Joncollinsjournalism.com
Two female ICE agents popped the hood of their car and knocked on the door of a mechanic born in Mexico. He went out to help.
“A bunch of agents jump out and tackle him, essentially restraining him, and take him away...His six kids are now without their father." www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
“A bunch of agents jump out and tackle him, essentially restraining him, and take him away...His six kids are now without their father." www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
ICE drawdown? Indications point to steady enforcement activity outside the Twin Cities
Some people who observe ICE activity are skeptical about a large scale drawdown of agents in the state. There are indications that activity has decreased in the Twin Cities, but has continued outside ...
www.mprnews.org
February 19, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Two female ICE agents popped the hood of their car and knocked on the door of a mechanic born in Mexico. He went out to help.
“A bunch of agents jump out and tackle him, essentially restraining him, and take him away...His six kids are now without their father." www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
“A bunch of agents jump out and tackle him, essentially restraining him, and take him away...His six kids are now without their father." www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
I'm glad @racketmn.com wrote this. I also think the rise of influencers and streamers has forced local journalists to step up, not only in verifying and providing context to disturbing footage, but to double down on distinctive reporting. You can't focus on anything if you're focused on everything.
February 19, 2026 at 1:10 AM
I'm glad @racketmn.com wrote this. I also think the rise of influencers and streamers has forced local journalists to step up, not only in verifying and providing context to disturbing footage, but to double down on distinctive reporting. You can't focus on anything if you're focused on everything.
Reposted by Jon Collins
JUST IN: Judge Provinzino in Minnesota has held a Justice Department attorney in civil contempt for violations of her order requiring the return of a released ICE detainee’s ID documents. He must pay $500 a day until the documents are returned.
February 18, 2026 at 11:41 PM
JUST IN: Judge Provinzino in Minnesota has held a Justice Department attorney in civil contempt for violations of her order requiring the return of a released ICE detainee’s ID documents. He must pay $500 a day until the documents are returned.
"Before the journalists were released, the police confiscated their phones, cameras and laptops, saying the journalists had captured sensitive government information..."
"An Associated Press reporter was beaten by the police and detained along with three other journalists on Tuesday in Cameroon while reporting on a secretive Trump administration program to deport migrants to the Central African country, according to two of the people detained." (gift link)
Journalists Arrested in Cameroon While Reporting on Trump’s Secretive Deportation Program
www.nytimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:50 AM
"Before the journalists were released, the police confiscated their phones, cameras and laptops, saying the journalists had captured sensitive government information..."
Reposted by Jon Collins
Photojournalist Joe Caffrey of @kstptv.bsky.social was struck in the thigh with a crowd-control munition while documenting Minneapolis protests in the hours following federal agents’ fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
Photojournalist shot in thigh with sponge-tipped round at Minneapolis protest
Joe Caffrey, director of photography for KSTP-TV, was shot in the thigh with a crowd-control munition while documenting protests against …
pressfreedomtracker.us
February 18, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Photojournalist Joe Caffrey of @kstptv.bsky.social was struck in the thigh with a crowd-control munition while documenting Minneapolis protests in the hours following federal agents’ fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
Reposted by Jon Collins
Local advocacy groups called Wednesday for state lawmakers to approve an eviction moratorium and relief payments for people unable to work during the federal immigration operation in Minnesota.
After ICE surge causes hardship for some renters, advocates call for anti-eviction measures
Local advocacy groups called Wednesday for state lawmakers to approve an eviction moratorium and relief payments for people unable to work during the federal immigration operation in Minnesota.
www.mprnews.org
February 18, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Local advocacy groups called Wednesday for state lawmakers to approve an eviction moratorium and relief payments for people unable to work during the federal immigration operation in Minnesota.
Reposted by Jon Collins
The Mexican restaurant in downtown Brainerd, Minn., that closed after an ICE raid last month is now up for sale.
El Potro closed after federal agents, assisted by Crow Wing County sheriff's deputies, detained four employees Jan. 26.
Video by Kim Hyatt
El Potro closed after federal agents, assisted by Crow Wing County sheriff's deputies, detained four employees Jan. 26.
Video by Kim Hyatt
February 18, 2026 at 8:53 PM
The Mexican restaurant in downtown Brainerd, Minn., that closed after an ICE raid last month is now up for sale.
El Potro closed after federal agents, assisted by Crow Wing County sheriff's deputies, detained four employees Jan. 26.
Video by Kim Hyatt
El Potro closed after federal agents, assisted by Crow Wing County sheriff's deputies, detained four employees Jan. 26.
Video by Kim Hyatt
Reposted by Jon Collins
JUST IN: Federal prosecutors in Chicago move to dismiss another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz.
Assuming its’s granted, Jacqueline Guataquira would become the 17th of 32 known defendants cleared.
None of the 32 has been convicted.
Docket entry and original charging doc below:
Assuming its’s granted, Jacqueline Guataquira would become the 17th of 32 known defendants cleared.
None of the 32 has been convicted.
Docket entry and original charging doc below:
February 18, 2026 at 4:12 PM
JUST IN: Federal prosecutors in Chicago move to dismiss another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz.
Assuming its’s granted, Jacqueline Guataquira would become the 17th of 32 known defendants cleared.
None of the 32 has been convicted.
Docket entry and original charging doc below:
Assuming its’s granted, Jacqueline Guataquira would become the 17th of 32 known defendants cleared.
None of the 32 has been convicted.
Docket entry and original charging doc below:
Reposted by Jon Collins
After a routine audit of bodycam video, Detroit Police found two instances of their officers calling Border Patrol during traffic stops, against department policy. Border Patrol made arrests in both cases.
Detroit police chief plans to "terminate" two officers who contacted Border Patrol amid traffic stops
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says the two incidents happened in the last few months, on Dec. 16, 2025, and Feb. 9, 2026.
www.cbsnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:09 PM
After a routine audit of bodycam video, Detroit Police found two instances of their officers calling Border Patrol during traffic stops, against department policy. Border Patrol made arrests in both cases.
Reposted by Jon Collins
“I will be brave, like you, every day. RIP."
“Rest in power Alex. Never forgotten. We fight in your memory”
“Thank you for protecting our community with love.”
“Thank you for standing up for whats right”
Alex Pretti Memorial
Minneapolis February 16, 2026
“Rest in power Alex. Never forgotten. We fight in your memory”
“Thank you for protecting our community with love.”
“Thank you for standing up for whats right”
Alex Pretti Memorial
Minneapolis February 16, 2026
February 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM
“I will be brave, like you, every day. RIP."
“Rest in power Alex. Never forgotten. We fight in your memory”
“Thank you for protecting our community with love.”
“Thank you for standing up for whats right”
Alex Pretti Memorial
Minneapolis February 16, 2026
“Rest in power Alex. Never forgotten. We fight in your memory”
“Thank you for protecting our community with love.”
“Thank you for standing up for whats right”
Alex Pretti Memorial
Minneapolis February 16, 2026
Reposted by Jon Collins
Check out the story from late January written by @mprnews.org reporter @jcollins.bsky.social
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
February 18, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Check out the story from late January written by @mprnews.org reporter @jcollins.bsky.social
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
"ICE has blamed Castañeda Mondragón for his own injuries, saying he attempted to flee while handcuffed and “fell and hit his head against a concrete wall.”
But hospital staff who treated the ma (said) such a fall could not plausibly account for the man's brain hemorrhaging and fragmented memory."
But hospital staff who treated the ma (said) such a fall could not plausibly account for the man's brain hemorrhaging and fragmented memory."
February 18, 2026 at 5:47 PM
"ICE has blamed Castañeda Mondragón for his own injuries, saying he attempted to flee while handcuffed and “fell and hit his head against a concrete wall.”
But hospital staff who treated the ma (said) such a fall could not plausibly account for the man's brain hemorrhaging and fragmented memory."
But hospital staff who treated the ma (said) such a fall could not plausibly account for the man's brain hemorrhaging and fragmented memory."
Reposted by Jon Collins
NEW: Here’s our searchable list of federal judges who have ruled on the legality of ICE’s mass detention policy — with links to key decisions by each.
At least 380 district judges have rejected it in ~3,800 cases. 31 have upheld ICE’s approach ~180 times
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
At least 380 district judges have rejected it in ~3,800 cases. 31 have upheld ICE’s approach ~180 times
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Our running list of judges who have ruled on ICE’s mass detention policy
POLITICO is keeping track of the federal judges who have ruled on the administration’s effort to systematically lock up thousands of people.
www.politico.com
February 18, 2026 at 11:35 AM
NEW: Here’s our searchable list of federal judges who have ruled on the legality of ICE’s mass detention policy — with links to key decisions by each.
At least 380 district judges have rejected it in ~3,800 cases. 31 have upheld ICE’s approach ~180 times
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
At least 380 district judges have rejected it in ~3,800 cases. 31 have upheld ICE’s approach ~180 times
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Reposted by Jon Collins
I can’t help thinking there’s so much money changing hands wrt ICE detention that there aren’t even enough investigative reporters to track
www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-jus...
www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-jus...
Michigan ICE detention center owner reports $254 million profit, record new business in 2025
The company that owns Michigan’s North Lake Processing Center, the largest immigration detention facility in the Midwest, reported $254 million in profit last year, up nearly 700 percent from $32 mill...
www.michiganpublic.org
February 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
I can’t help thinking there’s so much money changing hands wrt ICE detention that there aren’t even enough investigative reporters to track
www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-jus...
www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-jus...
Reposted by Jon Collins
A kidney transplant recipient from Minnesota now in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas may be released on bond Tuesday.
Kidney transplant recipient in ICE custody may be released soon
A kidney transplant recipient from Minnesota now in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas may finally be released on bond Tuesday. Javier Abreu-Vasquez has been held by ICE for nea...
www.mprnews.org
February 17, 2026 at 6:02 PM
A kidney transplant recipient from Minnesota now in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas may be released on bond Tuesday.
Reposted by Jon Collins
have you or someone you know had to find care for your pet after being detained by ICE? are you in hiding and worried about vet care? i am working on a story about what happens to pets during the ICE surge. DM me or email sstroozas@mpr.org
February 17, 2026 at 5:19 PM
have you or someone you know had to find care for your pet after being detained by ICE? are you in hiding and worried about vet care? i am working on a story about what happens to pets during the ICE surge. DM me or email sstroozas@mpr.org
“I am not afraid of deportation. I am a citizen and have done nothing wrong. I am afraid of miscommunication. If I am approached suddenly and cannot hear commands, I worry the situation could escalate before I understand what is happening..." via @sdas98.bsky.social sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
For disabled Minnesotans, ICE surge brought heightened risk and fear
As Operation Metro Surge ramped up, disabled immigrants found themselves facing additional challenges, including disruptions to their caregivers and anxiety about communicating in high-conflict encoun...
sahanjournal.com
February 17, 2026 at 8:17 PM
“I am not afraid of deportation. I am a citizen and have done nothing wrong. I am afraid of miscommunication. If I am approached suddenly and cannot hear commands, I worry the situation could escalate before I understand what is happening..." via @sdas98.bsky.social sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
Reposted by Jon Collins
If you are a journalist — or know one — who has been attacked, seriously threatened, denied access by a public official or targeted with a legal order in the course of reporting, let us know. You can now submit tips in English or Spanish.
Email: tips@pressfreedomtracker.us
Email: tips@pressfreedomtracker.us
February 17, 2026 at 7:55 PM
If you are a journalist — or know one — who has been attacked, seriously threatened, denied access by a public official or targeted with a legal order in the course of reporting, let us know. You can now submit tips in English or Spanish.
Email: tips@pressfreedomtracker.us
Email: tips@pressfreedomtracker.us
Reposted by Jon Collins
In other news, Firm Tied to Kristi Noem Secretly Got Money From $220 Million DHS Ad Contracts. The company is run by Tricia McLaughlin’s husband. www.propublica.org/article/kris...
February 17, 2026 at 7:26 PM
In other news, Firm Tied to Kristi Noem Secretly Got Money From $220 Million DHS Ad Contracts. The company is run by Tricia McLaughlin’s husband. www.propublica.org/article/kris...
"Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said he welcomed the opportunity to speak with [Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good's] families in private. But he said he would not apologize or comment on the shootings." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
Top Immigration Officials Refuse to Discuss Minnesota Shootings at Hearing
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:09 PM
"Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said he welcomed the opportunity to speak with [Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good's] families in private. But he said he would not apologize or comment on the shootings." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
Springsteen planned his opening show in Minneapolis.
We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times, but do not despair — the cavalry is coming! Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be taking the stage this spring from Minneapolis to California to Texas to Washington, D.C. for the Land of Hope And Dreams American Tour.
February 17, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Springsteen planned his opening show in Minneapolis.
Most telling line: "DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment about who will take over communications." www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin to leave Trump administration
The move comes as public opinion has turned on the administration’s hardline immigration policies.
www.politico.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Most telling line: "DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment about who will take over communications." www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
"[W]e were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said of Talarico, a Democrat." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
Colbert Doesn’t Give an FCC About Calling Out CBS
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:15 PM
"[W]e were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said of Talarico, a Democrat." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
Pretty cool that national places are delving into how Minneapolis is different. But they have really got to dig a little deeper. People know about the music scene, but no other city in the country had a worker co-op community over generations like Minneapolis.
February 17, 2026 at 4:24 AM
Pretty cool that national places are delving into how Minneapolis is different. But they have really got to dig a little deeper. People know about the music scene, but no other city in the country had a worker co-op community over generations like Minneapolis.
"Most of those migrants and their lawyers...say they’ve been told by local authorities that they cannot leave the facility unless they agree to return to their home countries, from which they fled to escape war or persecution."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/w...
U.S. Deports Nine Migrants in Secret, Ignoring Legal Protections
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:20 PM
"Most of those migrants and their lawyers...say they’ve been told by local authorities that they cannot leave the facility unless they agree to return to their home countries, from which they fled to escape war or persecution."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/w...