LIVE UPDATES | ICE in Minnesota: DOJ civil rights investigation into Alex Pretti's death; ‘ICE Out’ march
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Immigration operations continue in Minnesota on Friday as protests, a benefit concert and DHS funding negotiations unfold.
A second "National Day of Action" is planned for Friday in response to ongoing ICE operations in Minnesota. The demonstrations come as First Avenue hosts a benefit concert to raise funds for the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were shot and killed by federal agents earlier this month.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are trying to avert another partial government shutdown amid ongoing debates over DHS funding and possible ICE policy changes.
Find live updates on ICE operations in Minnesota below. Watch FOX 9 live in the player above. Coverage of additional live events can be watched in the player below.
11:45 a.m. – Minnesota House St. Paul deligation calls for release of local leaders, journalists
The Minnesota House Saint Paul Delegation called for the immediate release of Don Lemon, independent journalist Georgia Fort, Black Lives Matter Minnesota co-founder Trahern Crews and community activist Jamael Lundy, saying their arrests are a "direct violation" of First Amendment rights and press freedom.
The statement reads in part:
"They are members of our community who have risked their lives to be on the front lines daily amidst the terror and chaos the Trump administration and federal agents have unleashed against our communities. They have worked not only to broadcast the horrifying violence and violations of the Constitution and civil rights of Minnesotans for the world to see, but they have also held a mirror up to the false narratives the administration is attempting to create.
"In the wake of both Renee Good’s and Alex Pretti’s deaths, it was these strong and bold leaders who used their voices to pursue justice. We cannot allow this administration to weaponize the Department of Justice against those whom Trump deems his adversaries. We will not stand for this, and we demand their immediate release."
11:40 a.m. – City of Minneapolis warns of potential traffic impacts from afternoon march
The City of Minneapolis warned of potential traffic impacts downtown Friday afternoon as large crowds are expected to gather for an ICE Out march.
"If you plan to attend today's demonstration, do so peacefully and safely, and dress for the weather by layering up and taking warming breaks if needed," a statement from the city read.
The protest is in response to the ongoing ICE surge in Minnesota. The "ICE Out' march is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the Government Plaza.
11:35 a.m. – AG Keith Ellison releases statement on journalist arrests
Minnesota Attorney General released the following statement about the arrests of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon.
The arrests of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon are deeply troubling and contrary to the rights our Constitution guarantees us.
In Minnesota, we do not treat journalists like criminals for doing their jobs. No one should be arrested merely for holding a camera, asking hard questions, or telling the public what we have a right to know.
The First Amendment protects both the right of journalists to gather and report information without fear of retaliation and the right of the people to receive that information and know what their government and institutions are doing in their name.
The First Amendment is not a luxury in a democracy. It is a necessity.
When the federal government arrests reporters for documenting what is happening in our communities, it violates our rights, undermines our trust, and chills the transparency our democracy needs. It sends the message that the powerful may exercise their power in the dark, without scrutiny or accountability.
Journalists like Georgia Fort and Don Lemon, and everyone who is documenting the surge, serve the public by bearing witness and ensuring that all of us have access to the truth. Any punishment or intimidation of journalists or the public for gathering the news and showing us what is happening demands the closest scrutiny from our institutions and from the people.
Make no mistake: these arrests are a continuation of the attacks on our constitutional rights we’ve witnessed since the beginning of Operation Metro Surge, many of which our free press and the public have documented. Arresting the storytellers does not change the story: this dangerous, unlawful, and unconstitutional surge must end.
10:30 a.m. – DOJ opens civil rights investigation into death of Alex Pretti
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti.
"We’re looking at everything that would shed light on that day," said Blanche during a press conference on Friday.
8:30 a.m. – Pam Bondi announces additional arrests in church protests
In a social media post Friday morning, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of four people in connection with the church protests.
"At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. More details soon," Bondi wrote.
7:30 a.m. – Don Lemon taken into custody in connection with Minnesota church protest
Don Lemon arrested over Minnesota church protest
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was taken into custody in connection with an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church, according to reports. FOX 9’s Chenue Her has the latest.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was taken into custody Friday in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church, according to reporting from The New York Times.
Lemon was taken into custody after federal authorities sought his arrest in connection with a protest that took place inside Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to The New York Times. The protest involved demonstrators entering the church during a service to oppose the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Times reported that prosecutors had previously tried to secure arrest warrants tied to the protest, including for Lemon, but a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota declined to approve the request. A subsequent appeal also failed, though one judge on the panel said there was probable cause.
Despite those rulings, Lemon was taken into custody Friday, the Times reported. Officials did not immediately disclose what legal authority was used or what charges, if any, were being pursued.
6:30 a.m. Benefit concert raising funds for families of Alex Pretti, Renee Good
Mpls rally, concerts planned in response to shootings by federal agents
A rally and general strike is set to happen in Minneapolis on Friday afternoon. This will be preceded by benefit concerts at First Avenue meant to benefit the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti
First Avenue in Minneapolis is hosting a benefit concert Friday to raise money for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Tom Morello, Rise Against, and others, including a "very special guest" will be performing. The event is scheduled to start at noon with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Tickets for the event have sold out.
6:15 a.m. – Activists call for 'National Day of Action’
Community activists are planning another large-scale protest Friday in response to ongoing ICE operations in the Twin Cities. Organizers are calling for a "Nationwide Day of Action," urging participants not to go to school, work or shop as part of the protest.
The action follows a similar strike last Friday that brought out thousands of protesters despite bitter cold temperatures. A rally and march are scheduled for 2 p.m., and organizers say more than 500 businesses have signed on to either close or take part in solidarity actions.
6 a.m. – DHS funding deal may avert partial government shutdown.
A deal has been reached in the Senate to avoid a partial government shutdown that could begin at midnight, though it may not be passed in time. The agreement removes Department of Homeland Security funding from a broader spending bill.
Under the deal, DHS would be funded for two weeks while allowing negotiations to continue over potential changes to ICE policies. Democrats are calling for changes to the code of conduct and body camera requirements. The deal comes after Democrats voted to block legislation to fund DHS on Thursday.