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Tim Walz joined volunteers Jan. 23 at a community donation-sorting drive at First Congregational Church in Anoka. “Minnesota is meeting fear and division with decency and generosity,” Walz said in his weekly newsletter. “Across the state, we’re seeing neighbors helping neighbors. Grateful to First Congregational Church in Anoka for inviting me to see that work in action today.” Walz’s visit came as hundreds of businesses closed and thousands of protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis to protest federal immigration enforcement operations. ...

Columbia Heights has issued a statement in response to ongoing immigration enforcement in the city, saying that the council, Mayor Amada Marquez Simula, first responders and city staff had received calls, emails and messages about the presence of immigration officers in the city. “We have seen the trauma,” the statement read. “We have seen the fear in our community’s eyes. We have heard from seniors, students and families. We have met with business owners, school board members and neighbors who have experienced these harms firsthand. We have been present. We have listened. And we believe our community.” ...

A few Blaine residents raised concerns about federal immigration enforcement activity during the Blaine City Council’s Jan. 21 meeting, as city officials clarified the police department’s role and limitations regarding federal law enforcement. Early in the meeting, Police Chief Brian Podany said the department has received inquiries about federal law enforcement activity occurring in the city. Podany said the Blaine Police Department is not involved in federal immigration enforcement and defers all immigration matters to federal authorities. He said federal officers have been present in most or all cities across the Twin Cities metro area, as well as in many cities statewide. ...

Fridley Mayor David Ostwald issued a statement on Facebook addressing recent immigration enforcement activity in the city, saying residents deserve to feel safe and assuring that city services — including policing — will be provided without discrimination. Ostwald said that he had been having conversations with people in the community over the past several weeks, and that they had reinforced that Fridley was a community that cared deeply for one another. ...

The Blaine City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Thumos Fitness to open a new location in an industrial area on 91st Avenue Northeast. Thumos’ website describes the business as a place where “faith and fitness are forged.” In addition to fitness equipment and classes, the center includes a smoothie bar and hosts Bible study groups. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the site is zoned light industrial, consistent with properties to the north and west. Properties to the east and south are zoned heavy industrial. ...

In the article on the Blaine High School walkout, the correct spelling of Gibe’s name is “Nolawi Gibe.” ABC Newspapers apologizes for the error. Original Article

A Columbia Heights resident reported that a Hmong man with a wife and three children was taken from his home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement near the intersection of Arthur Street NE and 39th Avenue NE on Sunday, Jan. 18. Jerrod Linderman, who lives across the street from the family, said he heard whistling and honking before going to his front door. “Within a few seconds, a whole bunch of ICE vehicles pulled up in front of my neighbors’ house,” Linderman said. “Ten agents jumped up and walked to his door and took a battering ram. They weren’t shouting anything, they just knocked down his door and went in.” ...

The St. Francis City Council indicated support for reverting to Minnesota’s pre-2023 state flag during its Jan. 6 meeting, following a suggestion from Mayor Mark Vogel. The Minnesota Legislature adopted the current state flag design in 2023 after recommendations from the State Emblems Redesign Commission. The previous flag, last redesigned in 1957, has drawn criticism for its depiction of a Native American riding into the sunset while a white settler plows a field. ...

“Today we have learned the power of community.” These were the words of Nolawi Gibe amidst a walkout staged by several Blaine High School Students on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 13. The walkout was in opposition to recent immigration enforcement activity around the county and state, as well as the shooting death of Renee Good at the hands of an ICE officer. Jonathan Ross is the officer accused of the shooting. ...

The East Bethel City Council unanimously voted to deny a concept plan that would have added 33 new homes at the Cedarwood Estates manufactured home park, while giving the applicant the opportunity to return with revisions addressing council concerns. Kendra Lindahl, a planner with Landform, presented the proposal, which would expand the park onto two adjacent parcels through a Planned Unit Development and establish standards for both the existing park and the proposed expansion. ...