Twin Cities residents earn national honor for peaceful protest during ICE surge The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum honored Minnesotans and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell with the Profile in Courage Award, recognizing their actions during the heightened immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The award, traditionally reserved for presidents, first responders, and heads of state, was presented to Twin Cities residents for their role in peacefully resisting federal overreach and safeguarding immigrant rights amid the surge. The recognition highlights the community’s collective effort to protect neighbors during the immigration crackdown, which led to two U.S. citizen deaths, hundreds of arrests, and significant economic disruption for local businesses. The library’s statement emphasized the courage of tens of thousands who marched, documented enforcement activities, and warned neighbors about federal agents’ presence. Despite facing violent confrontations and personal risks, residents across religious, racial, and political lines united in peaceful resistance, reinforcing the national movement to defend American democracy. The award also acknowledged Jerome Powell for his role in preserving the Federal Reserve’s independence, a position that has made him a target of President Donald Trump. Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, will present the award to Powell and Twin Cities residents via livestream on May 31. This marks one of the first instances the Profile in Courage Award has been given to civilians for their actions during Operation Metro Surge. The recognition was partly inspired by a campaign led by The Nation magazine and actor Mark Ruffalo, who urged citizens to nominate Minneapolis for a Nobel Peace Prize.#twin_cities #jerome_powell #operation_metro_surge #john_f_kennedy_library_and_museum #the_nation_magazine
Hennepin County Launches Probe into Federal Agents' Unlawful Conduct Amid Ongoing Investigations Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Monday that her office is investigating 17 potential instances of unlawful behavior by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, including the use of a chemical irritant by U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino. The probe, part of a new Transparency and Accountability Project [TAP], allows citizens to submit evidence of alleged misconduct by federal officers, with county prosecutors and a civilian investigator overseeing the review. Moriarty emphasized that the investigation is critical to addressing concerns about federal law enforcement actions in Minnesota, where local authorities have faced challenges in obtaining information from federal agencies. The project was launched after Moriarty expressed frustration with the lack of investigative efforts from local law enforcement into high-profile incidents involving federal agents. An email reviewed by the Minnesota Star Tribune revealed she had previously met with county police chiefs to discuss how to respond to federal law enforcement actions. Moriarty highlighted the need for thorough investigations, noting that the Trump administration has actively obstructed efforts to examine the use of force by its agents. Among the cases under review is Bovino’s use of a chemical irritant near Mueller Park on January 21, which left protesters and observers injured. Footage shows Bovino shouting, “Third warning. Gas, gas, gas,” before releasing a canister that produced green and gray smoke, causing people to flee. The incident, along with actions by ICE and Border Patrol agents against students at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School on January 7, are being investigated.#hennepin_county #mary_moriarty #operation_metro_surge #touhy_letters #julio_sosa_celis
