AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Courts: Fourteen Minnesota anti-ICE protesters pleaded not guilty in federal court to conspiracy charges tied to a Minneapolis blockade and alleged assaults on officers; prosecutors say they have 20 terabytes of material, with defense challenging how some was obtained. Public Safety & Local Policing: Minneapolis is rolling out “South Side REACT,” shifting from a harm-reduction-only approach to pairing enforcement with social workers and community groups to disrupt open-air drug markets. State Government & Affordability: State Sen. John Jasinski told local officials affordability and fraud are the top issues from the 2026 session, highlighting efforts to reduce vehicle tab fees and strengthen oversight. New Minnesota Laws: As the fiscal year began, Minnesota’s new rules kicked in, including social media mental-health warning requirements and new school safety reporting steps. Elections & Voting Rights: Minnesota joined multistate opposition urging the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to Trump’s “citizenship list” plan for mail ballots. Justice & Clemency Backlash: Minnesota officials faced criticism over a Board of Pardons decision granting clemency to a man convicted of child sexual abuse who was slated for deportation.

Immigration & Public Safety Clash: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s pardon of Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian man convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old, is drawing sharp backlash from DHS and GOP lawmakers, who say it blocks deportation and puts communities at risk. Legal & Accountability Fight: The dispute is also fueling broader scrutiny of Minnesota’s pardon process, with Sen. Julia Coleman calling it reckless and “political points” over justice for victims. Local Governance & Privacy Debate: North Branch is weighing automated license plate readers at key roadways, raising questions about legality and misuse of personal information. Community Safety: Cambridge is restarting Neighborhood Watch efforts and investigating arson attacks on portable toilets in city parks. State Politics & Labor: United Steelworkers District 11 endorses Sen. Amy Klobuchar for governor, pitching her as pro-worker and anti-illegal steel dumping. Policy Watch: Minnesota’s hemp industry is bracing for a looming federal ban on hemp-derived products, with lawmakers seeking fixes. Science & Minnesota: University of Minnesota researchers discuss an “engineerable” synthetic cell that can grow and reproduce, pushing the debate over what counts as life.

Immigration & Public Safety: DHS condemned Gov. Tim Walz’s pardon of Tou Lue Vang, a convicted child sex offender facing removal, as Minnesota’s immigration fight keeps colliding with federal enforcement. Courts & Protest: Fourteen Minnesota anti-ICE protesters pleaded not guilty in federal conspiracy charges tied to Operation Metro Surge, with supporters calling it political repression. State Policy & Tech: Minnesota’s social media mental-health warning label law is paused while a lawsuit plays out, leaving families waiting. Health Care & Medicaid: Providers are stuck in limbo after Minnesota’s rapid Medicaid revalidation, threatening services and jobs for thousands. Elections & Local Races: Winona County voters will decide multiple competitive state legislative contests in the Aug. 11 primary and Nov. 3 general. Economy & Tax: Rep. Todd Sexton discussed Minnesota’s corporate tax competitiveness and the need for an independent Office of Inspector General. Sports & Politics Crossover: LeBron James’ free-agency decision is drawing major Minnesota attention as Walz pitches the state.

Holiday Safety Crackdown: Minnesota State Patrol ramps up Fourth of July enforcement, warning drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions and slow down as fatalities remain elevated heading into the weekend. Rural Organizing Push: A Walz-allied effort, reported as “Small Town PAC,” is shifting toward year-round relationship building in rural communities instead of last-minute election media buys. Immigration Protest Case: Fourteen Minnesota anti-ICE protesters pleaded not guilty in federal court over alleged coordination to block the Whipple Federal Building during Trump’s immigration crackdown. Social Media Health Warning: Minnesota will not enforce its new pop-up mental health warning law yet, as a lawsuit from NetChoice is still playing out in court. Local Government/Infrastructure: Hennepin County will run “growl tests” while upgrading nearly 300 emergency sirens, meaning more siren activity than usual in coming months. Courts & Public Safety: Independent Senate candidate Marisa Simonetti was sentenced in the Edina tarantula case to 90 days in custody. Health & Policy: Sherburne County adopted an updated tobacco ordinance effective July 1, including age and retailer rules. Science & Innovation: University of Minnesota researchers say they’ve developed a synthetic cell that can feed, grow and replicate.

Minnesota Laws Go Live July 1: New state rules kicked in this week, including anonymous school threat reporting requirements, expanded teacher reporting to licensing boards, and a new statewide social media mental-health warning label that starts Wednesday amid a legal fight. ICE, Courts, and Minnesota: A federal judge blocked a blue-state law aimed at stopping ICE agents from wearing masks on the job, while Minnesota’s own legal battles over federal actions continue to draw national attention. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: The DOJ and multiple states reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged collusion to inflate egg price indexes—$3.3M plus 53 million donated eggs. Public Safety and Local Rules: In Columbia, new median safety restrictions begin Wednesday, with critics saying the rules unfairly target people experiencing homelessness. Veterans Support: CenterPoint’s America 250 grants are funding 18 Minnesota nonprofits serving veterans and military families. Sports Politics Crossover: LeBron James’ Lakers exit is already triggering Minnesota Timberwolves chatter, with Gov. Tim Walz publicly pitching the move.

Medicaid Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the federal “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and will push disabled Minnesotans off coverage. Gun Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court took up a challenge to state and local semiautomatic rifle bans, while also turning away cases on firearm age restrictions—leaving Minnesota’s patchwork of rules in the spotlight. Trans Athletes: SCOTUS upheld bans on trans girls competing in girls’ and women’s sports in West Virginia and Idaho, a ruling Minnesota lawmakers may now face pressure to respond to. Public Safety & Infrastructure: MnDOT announced lane closures on I-90 near Worthington starting July 6 for bridge replacement prep, with single-lane traffic and ramp closures later in the project. Local Politics: Gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth visited Leighton Media in Alexandria, pitching an anti-fraud message and touting a new Office of Inspector General proposal. Legal/Health Funding: Attorney General Kwame Raoul and allies won a court ruling blocking unlawful HUD conditions tied to homelessness funding.

DOJ vs. Minnesota SNAP Data: The Trump administration sued Minnesota to force the state to turn over five years of SNAP records, including beneficiary information, arguing it needs the data to check for fraud and waste; Minnesota and AG Keith Ellison say the demand is unlawful and politically driven. Immigration Tuition Fight: DOJ also sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, continuing a broader push that Minnesota previously helped defeat. Election Power Grab Blocked: Minnesota AGs are among a coalition pushing back on federal election control efforts, with courts and state officials resisting threats to vote-by-mail and voter roll rules. Public Safety—St. Peter Officer Shot: A St. Peter officer was wounded in a June 18 shooting tied to a chase and standoff; the suspect was later found dead. Sports Betting Fallout: Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were indicted in a federal gambling case alleging bribery and game-fixing. Local Government—Richfield Taxes: Richfield warned a sharp drop in Best Buy’s assessed value could shift more property tax burden to other owners. Minnesota Politics & Elections: A Minnesota GOP primary race continues to draw scrutiny, while local candidate updates and early voting activity ramp up.

Federal Immigration & Education: The DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing states can’t offer benefits that aren’t available to all U.S. citizens. Minnesota Courts & Public Safety: A Hennepin County deputy pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic assault after an incident that triggered a hospital lockdown. Local Housing: Windsor City Council advanced a plan to study converting the long-vacant Windsor Arena into supportive housing with about 100 sleeping pods and wraparound services. Legal Access in Minneapolis: The Legal Rights Center launched a 24/7 “First Defense Hotline” to connect newly arrested people with free counsel in the first hours. Data Centers: Eagan Capital filed a lawsuit to overturn Eagan’s one-year data center moratorium. Justice Reform: Minnesota’s pretrial data transparency push failed again, leaving advocates without statewide detention data. Sports Gambling: Federal prosecutors indicted former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis in a scheme tied to betting on game performance. Weather & Travel: A Delta flight lawsuit alleges pilots flew too close to thunderstorms, causing severe turbulence and injuries.

Elections & Voting: Absentee voting is underway for Minnesota’s Aug. 11 state primary, with Wright County options at the Government Center in Buffalo and early voting starting July 24 at Monticello City Hall through Aug. 10, plus reminders to avoid common ballot-return mistakes. Congressional Race: Alex Eaton, a Vasa-area small business owner, has entered the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District and says he’ll walk 277 miles across southern Minnesota to meet voters. Local Government & Growth: Monticello Tech is preparing a formal application for a proposed data center on a roughly 500-acre site, including possible rezoning and permits, with city staff already reviewing requirements. Public Safety Tech: St. Paul is expanding its “docked drone” program, launching drones from city rooftops to reach 911 calls faster in high-risk situations. Community & Accountability: A Northland Community School teacher faces a misdemeanor assault charge after an alleged classroom incident captured on camera. Sports (Minnesota-linked): The Hornets agreed to trade Miles Bridges to the Suns, a move that follows Charlotte’s earlier deal sending LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Environment & Agriculture: West River Dairy’s expansion near Morris cleared an MPCA hurdle after the agency determined an environmental impact study isn’t required under state rules.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration’s push to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a ruling that could ripple to thousands of Minnesotans tied to TPS protections. Local Impact: In Minneapolis, construction has started at George Floyd Square, already squeezing nearby Black-owned businesses and reshaping memorial landmarks while residents worry about added surveillance. DFL Senate Primary: Minnesota’s U.S. Senate DFL contest is heating up between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, with super PAC attacks and contrasting explanations over where the money came from. Health & Cost of Care: State fiscal officers are warning that federal Medicaid and health-care changes are driving affordability crises, with knock-on effects for coverage in the region. Public Safety: The Minnesota DNR is urging boaters to be courteous and follow safety guidance as Fourth of July water traffic ramps up. Crime: A man died after a stabbing in Cold Spring; another suspect is in custody pending charges. Justice in Protest Cases: A federal case against Minneapolis protest poet Isabel Lopez collapsed, ending with reduced charges and a $25 fee.

ICE Leadership Shakeup: President Trump nominated former Oklahoma state trooper and U.S. Marine Lance Schroyer to be the next ICE director, urging fast Senate confirmation as the agency remains a flashpoint in Minnesota and beyond. Court Fight Over Immigration Conditions: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from threatening states with lost transportation funds if they won’t comply with immigration enforcement demands. Minnesota Immigration Tensions: The Emmer-Omar clash over a Somali “assimilation” remark reignited backlash and put Minnesota’s immigration politics back in the spotlight. Local Public Safety: Minnesota DNR reminded boaters about the 21-day rule to prevent aquatic invasive species spread, with fines up to $1,000 for violations. Community & Health: Foster care licensing remains strained in Faribault and Martin counties as officials push for more families to step forward. State Politics & Economy: A Minnesota PUC decision on ALLETE’s acquisition drew attention for its conditions protecting ratepayers. Sports & Culture: The Hmong International Freedom Festival returned to St. Paul, while Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts criticized the WNBA’s investigation involving Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark. Crime: A Rice County case charges a Minneapolis man with felony check forgery tied to fraudulent checks cashed at credit unions.

ICE Leadership Shake-Up: President Trump says he’ll nominate former Oklahoma state trooper and U.S. Marine Lance Schroyer to lead ICE, replacing Todd Lyons and pressing for quick Senate confirmation. Immigration & Courts: A federal judge has blocked Trump administration efforts to subpoena Gov. Tim Walz in an immigration enforcement probe, keeping the fight over federal reach in Minnesota alive. SNAP Data Fight: The DOJ is suing Minnesota to force release of five years of SNAP applicant records, escalating a long-running battle over who controls benefits data. Minneapolis Policing: A court order requires Mayor Jacob Frey to hire more cops to meet the city’s legally mandated staffing minimum or face further legal action. Public Safety & Guns: In north Minneapolis, a man accused of stealing a rifle and silencer from an FBI vehicle pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen firearm. Opioid Policy: Gov. Walz signed a bipartisan opioid bill that raises fees on opioid manufacturers to fund prevention, treatment, and recovery, with implementation flagged as the key next step. Local Education/Community: Riverland Community College named its automotive instructor Olle Gladso as the 2022 Outstanding Educator of the Year.

Federal Fraud Crackdown: FBI and Somali intelligence arrested Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh in Mogadishu, the alleged second-in-command in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future child-nutrition fraud scheme, after he fled the U.S. as the case unraveled; mastermind Aimee Bock was sentenced to 40+ years. Local Government & Data Centers: Monticello residents are asking what the city approved after a lawsuit challenged the final Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for a 550-acre data-center area; the city says the study anticipates impacts before any specific proposal. Zoning Rules Explained: Monticello also adopted a Data Center Planned Unit Development (DCPUD) ordinance that bars data centers “by right,” requires rezoning, and gives the City Council final say on setbacks, noise, lighting, landscaping, and environmental review. Public Safety: Minnesota physicians are urging people to leave fireworks to professionals after injuries and deaths spike nationwide. Environment & Recycling: Edina won a $54,600 MPCA grant to expand organics drop sites for multi-family residents, adding carts, weekly hauling, and outreach. Community Funding: Park State Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank awarded $560,000 in matching grants to 34 Minnesota nonprofits for affordable housing and community development. Politics & Oversight: Sen. Heather Gustafson was appointed to help pick the first leader of Minnesota’s new Office of the Inspector General, created to independently investigate fraud in state programs.

Minneapolis Gun Violence: South Minneapolis police are investigating a fatal shooting near Clinton Ave S and 25th St, with a second man later showing up at Fairview Hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. St. Peter Police Recovery: Officer Austin Buss, shot during a standoff, is expected to be released from the hospital and escorted home by procession. Immigration Backlash in Congress: Rep. Tom Emmer is facing sharp criticism after telling Somali-Americans to “go the hell back to where they came from” if they don’t assimilate. Federal Fraud Crackdown: A Minnesota tax preparer was convicted for filing fake returns that produced more than $1M in fraudulent losses. Feeding Our Future Update: A key alleged ringleader tied to the Feeding Our Future child-nutrition fraud was arrested in Somalia after years on the run. Hennepin County Attorney Race: With Mary Moriarty bowing out, candidates are lining up to replace her as the Operation Metro Surge accountability fight takes center stage. Local Governance: Monticello residents are pressing city leaders over data center plans, saying the process lacks trust and transparency. Voting Access: Lake Minnetonka cities are weighing changes to the early in-person voting window. Public Safety Policy: Bipartisan public safety bills are moving through the Minnesota Legislature.

Walz vs. Trump records fight: Gov. Tim Walz filed 16 FOIA requests seeking documents he says show Minnesota is being targeted for “retribution,” after a federal judge tossed DOJ subpoenas tied to the immigration agent surge. Minneapolis policing: A judge ordered Mayor Jacob Frey to meet police staffing minimums or face trial, as reform efforts continue to collide with staffing and compliance issues. St. Peter shooting fallout: The BCA identified the man who died in the June 18 St. Peter incident and detailed how officers responded after a pursuit and gunfire left an officer wounded; a separate fundraiser is underway for Officer Austin Buss. Local business + housing rehab: Mankato doubled its Commercial Rehabilitation Loan cap to $50,000 to keep pace with construction costs, aiming to boost long-term downtown business upgrades. ICE + free speech pressure: ICE agents reportedly warned a Syracuse poll worker to remove a social media post naming an officer involved in a fatal shooting, drawing condemnation from civil-liberties advocates. Sports culture in Minnesota: Timberwolves fans flooded the streets with honks and tributes after Naz Reid was traded to Charlotte, while the state also marked major community sports moments like Special Olympics.

Medicaid Oversight: Minnesota DHS temporary commissioner John Connolly testified before a House subcommittee on Medicaid fraud, defending thousands of investigations and recoveries while warning that disruptions could threaten funding. Immigration & ICE Transparency: New York AG Letitia James led a coalition urging DHS/ICE to reverse a policy ending investigations and public reporting of deaths shortly after ICE releases, calling it an attempt to hide unsafe conditions. Minnesota Court Fight: Federal courts continue to quash DOJ subpoenas aimed at Gov. Tim Walz and other Minnesota officials, with judges citing overreach and politically motivated harassment. Local Governance: Minneapolis moved a step toward legalizing adult bathhouses, approving code changes that would set up zoning, health, and sanitation rules. Public Safety & Health: Minnesota DNR reminded boaters that waterways are shared resources, urging safety and wake discipline around busy Fourth of July crowds. State Economy & Growth: “On the Market” highlights industrial property listings across Eagan, Becker, and St. Paul. Culture & Community: Pickwick Mill won $400,000 in state funding to preserve the historic water-powered grist mill.