While Donald Trump’s suggestion of foregoing the November election garnered attention, the more concerning issue is the potential for compromised elections. Trump has expressed regret for not seizing voting machines in 2020, revealing a continued intent to undermine the electoral process. Trump and his allies are well-prepared to influence the 2026 midterms, utilizing strategies outlined in Project 2025 that include weaponizing federal power and potentially manipulating voting data. With Trump gaining more experience and ruthlessness, the upcoming elections pose a significant threat to free and fair voting.
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Minneapolis residents are organizing an “ICE Out” day of protest, calling for a day of no work, school, or shopping to protest ICE presence and actions in the city. Businesses like Wrecktangle Pizza and Beckett’s plan to close in solidarity, with owners citing concerns over the impact on immigrant communities and the restaurant industry. Despite freezing temperatures, a massive mobilization is underway, with volunteers providing aid to families, including food distribution from Dios Habla Hoy church. This response aims to honor Renee Nicole Good, recently killed by an ICE officer, and demonstrate support for the city’s immigrant community through both protest and humanitarian efforts.
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Local police chiefs in Minnesota have raised serious concerns regarding the tactics employed by ICE agents in the state, alleging that agents are targeting people of color and stopping off-duty officers. Specifically, an off-duty officer was reportedly boxed in, had her phone knocked away while attempting to record the interaction, and had guns drawn on her by ICE agents. These incidents, as well as similar accounts from other city employees, have sparked outrage and calls for the federal agents’ actions to cease. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that they cannot verify these claims.
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In a surprising turn of events, Juan Espinoza Martinez was found not guilty in Chicago on Thursday, after being accused of a murder-for-hire plot targeting a U.S. border patrol leader. The government’s case hinged on Snapchat messages allegedly offering a bounty for the official’s killing, but defense lawyers successfully argued that these messages were innocuous. This acquittal marks another setback for the Department of Justice, particularly highlighting the challenges faced in immigration-related prosecutions, as similar cases have crumbled across the country. The case has brought skepticism about the Department of Homeland Security’s narratives to light.
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President Trump announced a significant naval presence is being positioned near Iran, describing it as a “massive armada.” This deployment includes a carrier strike group, warships, destroyers, and fighter aircraft, with the USS Abraham Lincoln among those en route. The US is closely monitoring Tehran, and additional air defense systems are under consideration for deployment to the region. Trump stated the US aims to avoid further conflict, emphasizing the buildup is in anticipation of potential events.
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Amidst heightened tensions in Minneapolis due to “Operation Metro Surge” and the fatal shooting of Renee Good, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that ICE and Border Patrol agents were harassed and blocked from taking bathroom breaks by hostile protesters. The DHS further claimed that agents were attacked and had food thrown at them during these incidents, prompting the use of crowd control measures. In response to the events, various political figures have taken opposing stances, including Mayor Jacob Frey demanding the government’s forces leave and Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. Simultaneously, the Department of Justice is investigating allegations of local law enforcement impeding government operations, while further controversy has arisen from ICE activities and protests at a St. Paul church.
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Recent polling indicates that a significant 49% of voters believe the country is worse off compared to last year, with disapproval rates high for Trump’s government management, immigration policies, and handling of the Epstein files. Reports of violence involving Border Patrol and ICE agents, along with the limited release of Epstein-related documents, further contribute to public dissatisfaction. The president’s economic policies are also facing criticism, with a majority disapproving of his handling of the economy. Consequently, with the midterm elections approaching, the Trump administration and the Republican Party are facing considerable challenges.
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During a House committee hearing, former special counsel Jack Smith defended his decisions to prosecute President Trump, including the decision to bring charges against him. Smith stated his investigations provided proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” of Trump’s criminal activity. Smith affirmed he would pursue the same course of action regardless of the president’s political affiliation, emphasizing that “no one should be above the law.” These investigations led to unprecedented indictments that were delayed due to Department of Justice policy preventing the prosecution of a sitting president.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Spain would not join US President Donald Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace. The decision was made to remain consistent with the multilateral order and the United Nations system, particularly as the body does not include the Palestinian Authority. Trump formally launched the board at the World Economic Forum, with the aim of overseeing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, but suggesting it could expand to handle global conflicts, which many view as undermining the UN. While 60 governments have been invited to join, few of Washington’s Western allies have accepted the invitation so far.
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During Jack Smith’s congressional testimony, Rep. Ben Cline questioned the gag order imposed on Donald Trump, suggesting a lack of “real-world harm” to justify it. However, the judge had already cited evidence of threats and harassment against individuals targeted by Trump’s public attacks. Smith countered by emphasizing the appeals court’s agreement on the basis for the order, highlighting the threats to witnesses and confirming the court’s narrowing of the order. Smith then detailed the evidence of Trump’s intimidating statements, further solidifying the necessity of the gag order.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agents Drew Guns on Off-Duty Officer in Minnesota, Chief Says
Local police chiefs in Minnesota have raised serious concerns regarding the tactics employed by ICE agents in the state, alleging that agents are targeting people of color and stopping off-duty officers. Specifically, an off-duty officer was reportedly boxed in, had her phone knocked away while attempting to record the interaction, and had guns drawn on her by ICE agents. These incidents, as well as similar accounts from other city employees, have sparked outrage and calls for the federal agents’ actions to cease. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that they cannot verify these claims.
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