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Activist organizations mobilized around 200 residents in south Minneapolis to protest a significant ICE presence on E. Lake Street. Despite claims from local officials that the operation focused on drug and human trafficking, tensions escalated as ICE agents in military gear confronted the crowd. Activists utilized social media and text chains to ensure community safety and document federal actions.
Federal law enforcement agencies raided a Mexican restaurant in south Minneapolis earlier this week. Governor Tim Walz stated the operation was “chaotic” and caused confusion in the residential area. He confirmed that the state received no advance notice of the raid.
Federal prosecutors secured guilty verdicts against five members of the Highs street gang in Minneapolis for racketeering conspiracy and firearm possession linked to drug trafficking. This case marks a significant effort to dismantle local gangs using federal laws typically applied to organized crime.
Derrick John Thompson received a guilty verdict for third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide in the deaths of five young women in a car crash. The Hennepin County jury delivered the verdict after two days of deliberation, determining Thompson deserves a sentence above state guidelines. The victims, all between 17 and 20 years old, were preparing for a wedding when they were killed by Thompson's reckless driving.
Derrick Thompson's murder trial concluded with closing arguments from both sides, as the state argued for third-degree murder in a crash that killed five people. Thompson's attorney contended that the prosecution failed to substantiate its claims and accused police witnesses of lying.
Federal agents conducted a search at a Lake Street Mexican restaurant, leading to a confrontation with protesters. This operation was part of eight raids across the Twin Cities. Witnesses reported alarm at the sudden show of force from authorities.
Minneapolis' Mariucci Arena hosts 23 high school graduation ceremonies this year, accommodating about 6,000 attendees each. The venue offers a weather-independent option for suburban schools, alleviating pressures on administrators while still requiring significant coordination.
Minneapolis law enforcement launched "Operation Safe Summer" this week to combat crime in identified hotspots. The initiative, now in its fourth year, involves collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to remove guns and illegal drugs from the streets. Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized the operation's importance in addressing crime trends and focusing on key offenders.
Derrick John Thompson's murder trial faced a setback when his brother, Damarco Thompson, testified that Derrick was driving the vehicle involved in a crash that killed five Somali women. Damarco's testimony was compelled by a court order after he initially planned to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday.
Minnesota regulators initiated the process to revoke a critical air permit for the Northern Iron foundry in St. Paul, citing the company's failure to provide essential environmental data. The foundry plans to contest the state's decision and can continue operations for 30 days while seeking an administrative hearing.