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After Border czar Tom Homan announced that 700 immigration enforcement officers would leave Minnesota, reports emerged that county sheriffs were exploring ways to honor "ICE detainers" despite state law barring them from holding inmates beyond their release dates. It's legally complicated, and thankfully Ana Pottratz Acosta, a visiting law professor at the University of Minnesota and a lawyer specializing in immigration and human rights, was able to chat with host Sean McPherson on the podcast today to break it all down. Longtime local news producer, media consultant, and adjunct journalism professor Sam Choo and Producer Adam Sage also join the conversation to cover a new lawsuit being brought by multiple school districts against the DHS and to share some Twin Cities wins from the week. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ICE Demands More Access to Minnesota Inmates. But It’s Complicated. (New York Times) County attorneys nix plan between Minnesota sheriffs and ICE (MinnPost)  Minnesota sheriffs group, border czar Tom Homan negotiating blueprint for federal drawdown (Star Tribune) Minnesota school districts, teachers union sue Trump administration over ICE activity near schools (Star Tribune)  Attendance drops at Minnesota schools as federal immigration enforcement intensifies anxieties (Star Tribune) Minneapolis schools cancel classes after Border Patrol clash disrupts dismissal at Roosevelt (MPR) Minnesota clinics look to fill gap in gender-affirming care after Children's Minnesota pause (MPR) Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, announced on Wednesday that 700 federal agents will be drawing back from Minnesota. But the president’s goal of mass deportation is still front and center. We’ll talk about how local law enforcement is collaborating with federal immigration and what Homan has to say to protesters in the streets. Director Siddeeqah Shabazz tells us about her stellar all-kid cast in “Home on The Mornin’ Train.” The play draws parallels between enslavement in 1839 Alabama and Jewish persecution in 1939 Germany. As ICE operations interrupt the day-to-day lives of schoolkids, Shabazz’s young actors are finding their voice in this timely play.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Home on the Mornin’ Train  (Youth Performance Company)  Tom Homan border czar to give update on immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota (MPR) Minnesota sheriffs group, border czar Tom Homan negotiating blueprint for federal drawdown (Star Tribune)  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode: Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her took office just three days before Renee Macklin Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Today she joins host Sean McPherson and contributor Tane Danger to reflect on what has worked, what hasn't worked, and how she plans to lead the city after a chaotic first month in charge. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her replaces deputy mayor set-up for four-person structure (Pioneer Press) St. Paul mayor blasts DHS for not doing "their homework" in mistaken identity arrest (CBS News) ‘St Paul has been under siege’: mayor confronts ICE as federal raids roil Twin Cities (The Guardian) ICE in Minnesota: U.S. citizen says she was unjustly detained, suffered concussion (FOX9) Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Operation Metro Surge faced another test in federal court this weekend, and while a judge declined to pause the operation for now, her words signaled just how devastating its impact has been across Minnesota. We break down what the ruling actually means, why Columbia Heights schools are under intense strain, and why Liam Conejo Ramos’ return home still matters when so many other children remain detained. Plus, the Twin Cities’ arts community gets global backup, from protest rides and singing resistance to a surprise Bruce Springsteen appearance at First Avenue. And because the Super Bowl is coming, whether you care about football or not, we’ve got our favorite takeout picks from dill pickle fried chicken to Indian comfort food to help you get through Sunday. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello Rouse Anti-Fascist Fervor at First Ave (Racket) ‘Streets of Minneapolis’: 32 protest songs inspired by the Twin Cities’ ICE resistance (MinnPost)  5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos comes home after immigration detention (Star Tribune)  Judge says she won't halt the immigration enforcement surge as a lawsuit proceeds (NPR) Operation Metro Surge allowed to continue after judge denies preliminary injunction (Fox 9) Food recommendations: Hamburguesas El Gordo Football Pizza Pizza Luce Bull’s Horn Namaste India El Taco Riendo Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Tish Jones is an award-winning, trailblazing poet and the executive director of TruArtSpeaks. The arts collective, which focuses on nurturing young artists through the medium of hip-hop and Spoken Word, is celebrating 20 years. Jones reflects on the highlights and discusses her poem “The Children Are Watching,” performed at a Timberwolves game earlier this month. Also, we’re making “enjoy the world you’re fighting for” our mantra. MPR newsroom coordinator and contributor Denzel Belin, who coined the phrase, highlights some events to help you do just that.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: TruArtSpeaks  Monday, Feb 2 - Musical Mondays at Lush Tuesday, Feb. 3 - “Holidating – Valentines Day edition” at the Bryant Lake Bowl Sunday, Feb 8 - RENT drag brunch at Crave Rooftop Queering Indigeneity running until August 16, 2026 at Minnesota Museum of American Art Saturday, Feb. 21 - esperanza spalding at Dakota  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

With border czar Tom Homan now heading up ICE operations in the Twin Cities, many folks are positioning him as a more moderate voice than the previous leadership – but is that true? Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor PaviElle French to dig into Homan's background, what he's been saying now, and why protests of ICE's occupation seem noticeably "whiter" than protests following the murder of George Floyd. Later, local rapper Nur-D joins the conversation to open up about his harrowing experience being tackled, tear-gassed, and detained by ICE last weekend when he was walking away with his hands in the air. We also hear from librettist, playwright, and television writer Harrison David Rivers about his new work that is premiering with the Minnesota Opera tomorrow.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:  Tom Homan Is Supposed to Fix Trump’s Minnesota Crisis. His Record Raises Serious Questions. (Mother Jones) Tom Homan is coming to Minneapolis to lead ICE. Who is he? (Star Tribune) Border czar Tom Homan argues US justified in removing 'public safety threat' Abrego Garcia to El Salvador (ABC News) Video shows local rapper Nur-D being aggressively detained by federal agents (Bring Me The News) Full Video of Nur-D's Detainment - viewer discretion advised (Status Coup) My Name Is Florence (Minnesota Opera) Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Every movement needs some music. The Twin Cities United Performers put out a call for protest music and got an overwhelming response. Organizers Nadi of Gully Boys and Dante of  Space Monkey Mafia and Runaway Ricochet talk about how musicians are meeting the moment. Plus, we’ve heard your complaints about St. Paul’s plowing. We bring on Sean Kershaw, director of Public Works for the city, who says it’s not an engineering problem, but a money problem. Finally, ICE caused an international incident in northeast Minneapolis, and Rep. Ilhan Omar stands up for herself.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Twin Cities United Performers (Instagram)  Backlash from Minnesota immigration actions sets back federal fraud cases (Star Tribune) Ecuador Objects After ICE Agent Tries to Enter Minneapolis Consulate  Rep. Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting in Minneapolis (Washington Post) Reimagining Snow Operations (St. Paul)  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino has been sent back to California, where he is expected to return to his previous job and retire soon. In the meantime, President Trump has sent in border czar Tom Homan to head up ICE's ongoing operations in the Twin Cities. Host Sean McPherson and contributor Tane Danger break down what this means for the Twin Cities, and unpack an ongoing court case that could spell the end of Operation Metro Surge. Later, acclaimed journalist and co-host of Pivot, Kara Swisher, joins the conversation to discuss the deafening silence from Twin Cities corporations over the past several weeks, and the "less than bland" open letter released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce over the weekend. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Walz and Trump speak by phone as White House appears to soften tone on ICE crackdown (Star Tribune) Border Patrol chief and some agents expected to leave Minneapolis on Tuesday (CNN) Border czar Tom Homan’s arrival in Minnesota signals shift by Trump administration (Star Tribune) Hearing on Minnesota’s lawsuit to halt federal immigration surge ends with no ruling (Minnesota Reformer) Judge Orders ICE Chief to Appear in Court Over Potential Contempt (New York Times) Minnesota CEOs break silence on ICE surge, killings (Star Tribune) Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Have you ever wondered which Twin Cities restaurant has the best toilet paper? Amber runs Twin Cities Toilet Paper Reviews and talks about how TP helped her find community. Em Cassel, contributor and co-owner of Racket, shares a story about how Copper Hen on Eat Street opened its doors to protesters over the weekend. We also get fancy-shmancy and predict which Minnesota restaurants and chefs will win a James Beard Award.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: How Neighbors Transformed a Brunch Spot Into a Field Hospital After ICE Assaulted Eat Street (Racket) Twin Cities Toilet Paper Reviews Learn more about the sponsors of this January 27th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Twin Cities are reeling after federal agents killed two residents in less than three weeks. Sean McPherson talks with Creative Producers Tiffany Bui and Adam Sage about the latest events of the weekend before we start the original episode we had planned, where poet and activist Kyle Tran Myhre discusses what artists can do in a time of crisis – from convening audiences to turning poetry, zines, and whistles into tools for community care and resistance. Plus, City Cast Contributor and MPR Newsroom Coordinator Denzel Belin joins us for a look ahead at Twin Cities events worth showing up for this week, because joy, culture, and connection still matter. And find out what event prompts producer Tiffany Bui to utter the phrase, “ as a bisexual Aquarius, I feel seen, called out, respected and feared.” Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: How Can Artists Show Up For Minneapolis (Racket) Kyle "Guante" Tran Myhre (website) guantesolo (Instagram) Ice Carvings for Kids (Winter Carnival) New Band Night (Green Room) The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Minnesota Orchestra) Reject’s Cohorts (Mixed Blood Theatre) Improv Zodiac! (Bryant Lake Bowl) Diego Figueiredo (Crooners) Learn more about the sponsors of this January 26th episode: Minnesota Opera Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

A lot of folks are wondering right now what it’s like to be in the Twin Cities, where a massive and aggressive deportation operation is taking place. Today, in -20° weather, local activists organized a general strike. The idea was to protest ICE presence with no work, no school, and no shopping. Over 600 businesses closed their doors, and thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis. Our City Cast Twin Cities team was out there documenting it all day, and brought back this dispatch, which we think you’ll want to hear.  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Today, across the Twin Cities, businesses are closed, workers are staying home, and people are marching in the street for a “Day of Truth and Freedom” protesting ICE. We talk to union historian Amy Livingston at the University of Minnesota about why unions aren’t calling it a “strike” and the power of past movements like this one. We’re also joined by Anne Meyer at the state Department of Transportation about why everyone seems to have forgotten how to drive in the winter. Plus, Sean and contributor PaviElle French discuss the arrest of several key leaders in the Cities Church protest.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: FBI and Homeland Security arrest two protesters who disrupted Minneapolis church service (NBC News) Paradox: Echoes of Reform & the Minneapolis Police (PBS) Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode: Minnesota Opera Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Last week, activists interrupted a worship service at the Cities Church in St. Paul to protest pastor David Easterwood, who serves as the acting director of ICE's St. Paul field office. Amid charges being filed against protestors by the DOJ and complicated reactions from the community, Reverend Dr. DeWayne Davis joins host Sean McPherson and journalist Winter Keefer to discuss the moral and legal implications of protesting inside a place of worship. Later, Pitch-a-Friend organizer Jackie Carper joins the conversation to highlight a fun event happening next Thursday, and Sean and Winter highlight some of their favorite independent journalists in the Twin Cities.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: St. Paul Church Considers Legal Action Against anti-ICE activists who disrupted service (Star Tribune) DHS Sec. Kristi Noem: Arrests coming in St. Paul church protest (FOX9) Pitch-a-Friend Follow these great independent journalists Georgia Fort  Unicorn Riot On Site Public Media - Toussaint Morrison Taylor Dahlin Listen Media - King Demetrius Pendleton Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode: Minnesota Opera Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The White House and other federal agencies are “doing it for the ‘Gram,” and it has real-life consequences. Contributor and host of Never Post, Hans Buetow, talks about how the Trump administration is turning ICE arrests into content in order to further their immigration agenda. Minneapolis and St. Paul are temporarily changing their towing policies to accommodate cars abandoned due to ICE detentions. Finally, we open up that mailbag to mixed reviews.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Life Under a Clicktatorship - by Don Moynihan Everything Reacting to Everything, All at Once (The Atlantic)  The Trump-Flavored Content Administration | by Cooper Lund The rise of the troll state (Washington Post)  Inside ICE’s social media machine creating viral arrest videos (Washington Post)  Trump's immigration erosion worries his team (Axios)  Videos add new detail to 2nd Minneapolis ICE shooting in a week (Minnesota Reformer)  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: If you enjoyed today's interview with Reading Partners Executive Director, Brooke Rivers, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 21st episode: Minnesota Opera Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Every neighborhood in the Twin Cities has folks who are coordinating with each other to track the location of ICE vehicles and make sure people are at the scene to observe and document when ICE agents detain people. Minnesota Reformer's Madison McVan joins host Sean McPherson and producer Tiffany Bui to talk about her experience riding along on patrol with some of these community members, less than a week after the killing of Renee Macklin Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Later, Sean talks with vocalist, songwriter, activist, and Queen of Rondo PaviElle French about the upcoming general strike, ways to help your neighbors, and how PaviElle channels activism through music. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: In the car with the Minneapolis community patrols working to disrupt ICE operations (Minnesota Reformer) Twin Cities Mutual Aid Project (tcmap.org) Minnesota faith, union, community leaders call for economic blackout on Jan. 23 (CBS News) PaviElle French - Sovereign Suite Learn more about the sponsors of this January 20th episode: Minnesota Opera Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.