Dear John,

Today’s top stories remind us about the importance of collective action and continued resistance, even in the face of ongoing abuses of power by the federal government. The world watched when ICE kidnapped little Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from their home in Columbia Heights, and Minnesotans refused to back down until he was home safe.

We must continue to seek justice for all victims of ICE, protect vulnerable neighbors, and care for our community through whatever powers we have. Some examples in this week’s Digest include school districts and unions leveraging collective legal action, musicians protesting through their art, and parents coming together to physically defend their schools and daycare centers. We are all empowered to do something, and small actions, when taken together, create revolutions.

Here's what we're reading, watching, and listening to this week: 

1. Homan “drawdown” announcement is a political stunt

While the Trump administration announced a plan to remove 700 immigration agents from Minnesota Wednesday, border czar Tom Homan said Operation Metro Surge will continue until “the end of the illegal and threatening activities against ICE and its federal partners that we’re seeing in the community.” 2,300 agents are still on our streets, terrorizing our community. Minnesota organizations called out Homan’s announcement as a "political stunt."

2. Liam is home – but it’s not over yet
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Conejo Arias were released from federal detention by judicial order after being detained by ICE in Columbia Heights on Jan. 20. But the struggle continues. Today the New York Times reported the federal government has filed a petition to expedite Liam’s deportation as his family seeks asylum. 

3. Teachers’ unions sue DHS, Duluth joins in

Education Minnesota and two school districts filed a lawsuit against DHS Wednesday to block ICE activity in or near public schools. In an interview with MPR, Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas explains why his district signed onto the lawsuit.

4. Daycares and schools under attack

Children in Minnesota are facing increasing threats, as a result of both ICE presence at schools and strangers targeting harassment at Somali-run daycare centers. “We have had to find a lot of different ways to talk to our kids about how to be safe. Our children know the word ‘ICE’ and they know the word ‘ICE agent,’” said MN United Parents leader Sarah Quinn in a recent interview with The 19th. 

5. Uncommitted movement re-emerges in governor’s race

16% (and nearly 50% in certain districts) of Minnesota DFL caucus goers voted “uncommitted” in Tuesday’s governor straw poll rather than voting for Amy Klobuchar. According to MN Reformer, “the DFL protest votes are reminiscent of the ‘uncommitted’ vote movement among Democratic presidential primary voters in 2024.”

6. A Day for Gaza

On Tuesday, The Nation turned over its website entirely to stories from and about Gaza and its people, who are still suffering at the hands of Israel despite the October ceasefire deal.  

7. A memoir of escaping white Christian Nationalism

As I’ve written in previous News Digests, learning about the ways in which white Christian Nationalism is shaping American society provides critical context for nearly every political battle we are facing today. In her memoir Star Spangled Jesus, progressive Christian activist April Ajoy writes with humor and depth about her right-wing Christian upbringing, Christian Nationalism as a political movement, and what it took to disentangle herself from that worldview. I borrowed a copy from my local library!

8. Art and activism merges at the 2026 Grammys

“The Grammys have never functioned as an escape from politics. Music has always carried the weight of history, identity, and power. What has changed is how impossible it has become to maintain the illusion of separation,” writes Crystal Bell for Teen Vogue. 

9. ICE protest songs

When I joined the protest at Whipple the other day, a fellow demonstrator who came equipped with a Bluetooth speaker began playing a beautiful and moving compilation of songs written in the wake of the Twin Cities ICE occupation. MinnPost gathered 32 of these songs here if you’re looking for a little musical uplift today. Our very own Twin Cities United Performers have put out an open call for protest songs – submit yours!

10. Yep, I’m onboard the HR train

When we aren’t thinking about how our lives have been upended by ICE in recent weeks, my friends and I can’t seem to stop talking about HBO’s Heated Rivalry. Here’s why a queer hockey show/book series has become such an important outlet for hope and joy in these harrowing times.

That’s all for today — send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

In love and solidarity,

Charlie Bartlett
TakeAction Member