The Trump administration is reducing the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants, border czar Tom Homan said Wednesday.
But Homan did not give a timeline when the operation might end in Minnesota after weeks of turmoil in the Twin Cities and escalated protests, especially since the killing of protester Alex Pretti, the second fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis.
A widespread withdrawal will only occur after people stop interfering with federal agents carrying out arrests and setting up roadblocks to impede the operations, Homan said.
The border czar has pushed for jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement to inmates who could be deported, saying transferring such inmates to ICE is safer because it means fewer officers have to be out looking for people in the country illegally.
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Virginia state police no longer deputized to enforce immigration laws
On Wednesday, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive direction ending an agreement with the federal government to deputize state police in enforcing immigration laws.
“This doesn’t preclude any sort of coordination or task force-related work; it doesn’t preclude any federal agency coming with a judicial warrant and requesting assistance,” Spanberger said at a news conference, adding: “But taking Virginia law enforcement, state agency personnel, and basically giving them over to ice is something that ends today.”
The news comes after former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order last year directing state law enforcement and corrections officers to enter pacts for federal immigration enforcement, also known as 287(g) agreements after a section of a 1996 immigration law.
Spanberger said she had not heard from the Trump administration in response to her directive.
US-Iran talks expected Friday in Oman, Iranian media say
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that Iran and the US will hold nuclear talks in Oman’s capital of Muscat on Friday.
His announcement on Wednesday came after hours of indications that plans for the talks might be faltering over changes in the format and content of the talks.
”I’m grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements,” Araghchi wrote on X on Wednesday evening.
White House responds to Human Rights Watch report
The Trump administration said findings by the Human Rights Watch that President Trump’s actions have had a negative impact on democracy in the country and human rights here and abroad are not grounded in fact.
“Human Rights Watch suffers from an organization-wide case of Trump Derangement Syndrome — they have been attacking the President before he even took office,” said spokeswoman Anna Kelly.
“President Trump has done more for human rights than this Soros-funded, left-wing group ever could by ending eight wars, saving countless lives, protecting religious freedom, ending Biden’s weaponization of government, and more.”
Kristi Noem visits border to highlight fewer illegal crossings
The Homeland Security secretary touted fewer border arrests at a news conference in Nogales, Arizona.
She spoke shortly after White House border czar Tom Homan commanded headlines with his own news conference in Minneapolis, saying the department was lowering its presence in the Twin Cities. Noem has been a less frequent voice in Minnesota since President Donald Trump dispatched Homan to the state last week to de-escalate tensions.
Noem initially defended the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, saying he impeded a law enforcement operation despite video that cast doubt on that version of events.
The secretary visited Eagle Pass, Texas, on Tuesday where thousands of people crossed the border illegally during the Biden administration, a point she addressed to highlight the drop in numbers.
The preliminary arrest tally for illegal border crossings from Mexico was 6,073, a fourth straight decline from the previous month. Border arrests peaked at 250,000 in December 2023.
Young people in the US and other wealthy English-speaking countries show high economic worries
The United States is among several high-income nations where younger people are unusually likely to prioritize economic issues, according to a new global survey of national priorities by Gallup.
About one-third of Americans under 35 cited economics and affordability as the top issue facing the country, compared to only 13% of those 55 and older.
The housing affordability crisis has been particularly acute in the English-speaking world, and the poll found that other high-income countries with similar generation gaps over the economy and affordability included Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Trump says he ordered immigration officials ranks’ reduced in Minnesota and that ‘a softer touch’ may be needed
Asked during an interview with NBC News if border czar Tom Homan’s announcement that roughly a quarter of federal immigration officers deployed to Minnesota would be pulled out came from him, Trump responded, “Yes it did.”
“But it didn’t come from me because I just wanted to do it,” the president added.
Asked about lessons going forward based on what happened in Minnesota, Trump responded, “I learned that maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough.”
Americans’ political anxiety stands out in new world poll
New international polling from Gallup shows that Americans are particularly anxious about politics and governance, compared to the residents of more than 100 other countries worldwide.
About one-third of Americans rated politics and government as the top issue facing their nation, behind only Taiwan — which faces the prospect of an invasion from China — and on par with Slovenia, Spain and South Korea.
Older Americans are especially likely to say politics is the country’s most important problem, while younger adults are more focused on economic issues.
Supreme Court refuses to block new California congressional districts that favor Democrats
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration.
The justices had previously allowed Texas’ Republican-friendly map to be used in 2026, despite a lower court ruling that it likely discriminates on the basis of race.
Conservative Justice Samuel Alito wrote in December that it appeared both states had adopted new maps for political advantage, which the high court has previously ruled cannot be a basis for a federal lawsuit.
Republicans, joined by the administration, claimed the California map improperly relied on race, as well. But a lower court disagreed by a 2-1 vote.
The justices’ unsigned order keeps in place districts that are designed to flip up to five seats now held by Republicans, part of a tit-for-tat nationwide redistricting battle spurred by President Donald Trump, with control of Congress on the line in midterm elections.
Vance: ‘We’re not drawing down the immigration enforcement’ in Minneapolis
In an interview with “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Vice President JD Vance said the agents being sent home were largely in Minneapolis to protect the ones who were carrying out the arrests.
Now, Vance said, many of them are no longer needed because the administration has gained the cooperation of local police.
“We’re not drawing down the immigration enforcement,” Vance. “We’re drawing down some of the federal officers that were helping the guys do immigration enforcement.”
In the same interview, Vance said he wants to deport anyone who has entered the country illegally, not just the ones with criminal convictions.
Human Rights Watch report celebrates the power of everyday people
Despite a turn away from democratic norms in Donald Trumps’ first year, the United States is still a functioning democracy, the Human Rights Watch said in a report.
“People power remains an engine for change. In the US, “No Kings” marches have drawn millions, protesters in Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and around the country have stood up against the deployment of the National Guard and ICE abuses, and students are still organizing for Palestine on university campuses despite draconian crackdowns and visa revocations,” the report said.
Executive Director Philippe Bolopian said the U.S. retreat from “the global rules-based world order and the US effort to undermine the system” doesn’t mean the country is the biggest human rights violator. “The U.S. society and democratic institutions are still strong. They are under attack, but they could resist.”
He cited the free press, political opposition and a vibrant society being evidence.
“You could not say that of many, many other countries around the world,”
Bolopian said. “Almost 75% of the world population is living in autocracy.”
Human Rights Watch says middle-size countries must ban together
People around the world are fighting for their rights, from Minneapolis to people risking their lives protesting in Iran but with the U.S. seemingly going in another direction and China and Russia taking illegal actions, governments need to step up, according to a Human Rights Watch report released Wednesday.
The three countries have weakened the infrastructure of human rights.
“We think that democratic country middle powers around the world should band together,” said HRW executive director Philippe Bolopian. He said it has to be a long-term alliance built around a common respect of democracy and human rights. He cited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys speech at the World Economic Forum as a guide.
Bolopian suggested the European Union and places like South Africa, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the U.K. as other prospective members who could resist tariffs and consolidate their diplomatic power.
Trump’s first year marked by deterioration of democracy and human rights, report says
President Donald Trump’s first year in office deteriorated democracy and human rights and combined with aggressive actions by Russia and China, have wreaked havoc on human rights protections globally, according to the annual report by the Human Rights Watch.
”The U.S took significant steps backward on immigration, health, environment, labor, disability, gender, criminal justice, and freedom of speech rights, among others,” the 536-page report said.
Among the actions, it said, was the use of National Guard units in America cities and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Compounding the administration’s moves were the acquiescence of the establishment, including Congress, the report said.
“It’sactually incredible to see how the Trump Administration has really undermined all the pillars of US democracy, all the checks and balances on power,” HRW executive director Philippe Bolopian said.
The White House wasn’t immediately available for comment.
GOP senator resists plans for immigration detention center in his state
Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, is sending a letter to Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem to voice his opposition to plans that would turn a warehouse facility in a town in the northwest part of his state near Memphis into an immigration detention center.
Wicker notes that he supports “the enforcement of immigration law,” but that he is concerned the center would disrupt a site planned for “job creation, private investment, and long-term economic growth.” He also raised concerns that the local resources and infrastructure could not support a facility planned to hold over 8,500 people at a time.
Wicker’s position is some of the highest-profile pushback to the Trump administration’s plans to dramatically scale up immigration detention capacity. Local officials have been raising similar concerns across several states.
US military conducts new round of strikes on Islamic State members in Syria
The U.S. military has unleashed a new round of strikes against Islamic State members in Syria following the deadly December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian interpreter.
U.S. Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that U.S. aircraft conducted the attacks between Jan. 27 and Monday, destroying targets that included a communication site and weapons storage facilities.
“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander.
The U.S. military said its multiple rounds of strikes since December have killed or captured more than 50 Islamic State members, including “an experienced terrorist leader who plotted attacks and was directly connected” to the ambush.
Senators meet with Colombian President Petro
A bipartisan group of senators met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro to discuss ways to partner economically and address drug trafficking.
Petro’s visit to Capitol Hill comes a day after he met with President Donald Trump, and the pair emerged describing their meeting as friendly. Petro’s visit comes amid an intense focus on the Western Hemisphere by the Trump Administration.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, said the meeting revolved around ways to coordinate anti-drug trafficking efforts, as well as economic and infrastructure projects.
“I think he understands that there is a lot of potential that we could be working together,” Gallego added.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at a Florida golf course gets life in prison
A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon pronounced Ryan Routh’s fate in the same Fort Pierce courtroom that erupted into chaos in September when he tried to stab himself shortly after jurors found him guilty on all counts.
Prosecutors had asked for life without parole, saying Routh is unrepentant and has never apologized. A defense attorney brought in for his sentencing asked for 27 years, noting that Routh is already turning 60.
Routh also received a consecutive seven-year sentence for one of his gun convictions.
Democrats say legislative proposals on ICE coming soon
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats aim to submit proposed legislation concerning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement “within the next 24 hours.”
Democrats are demanding changes at ICE as part of a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Schumer said Americans are “appalled” at some of the ICE enforcement actions taking place in the country and that Democrats have “common-sense, tough objectives to rein in ICE.”
Among those, he said ICE agents should not be involved in what he called “roving patrols.” He said they also should not be allowed to engage in racial profiling or to enter certain facilities such as schools and churches.
“Finally, no secret police,” Schumer said, referring to the use of masks.
Delayed by partial government shutdown, U.S. jobs report is due next Wednesday
The Labor Department said Wednesday that it will release the January jobs report, delayed by the brief federal government shutdown, on Wednesday Feb. 11, nearly a week late.
It was originally scheduled for Friday.
Businesses, economists and policymakers rely on the numbers, which include the nation’s unemployment rate and the number of jobs created each month.
The department also said that its consumer price index — a closely watched inflation gauge — will come out Friday, Feb. 13, two days late.
Democratic Senators call Trump suit against IRS ‘shameless and transparent act of corruption’
Senate Banking leaders Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden wrote to Treasury and DOJ leadership asking for documentation related to President Trump’s lawsuit seeking $10 billion from the IRS and Treasury over leaked tax information, arguing the lawsuit reeks of “bald corruption.”
The tax leak was caused by a contractor who has pled guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison, and that the events occurred during Trump’s first administration.
The lawmakers raise ethical concerns that Trump is effectively suing agencies he oversees, which could create a conflict of interest and potential collusion and question the timing of Treasury’s decision to cancel contracts with the contractor’s employer, suggesting it may be connected to the lawsuit.
“This lawsuit is a shameless and transparent act of corruption that should make any American’s head spin,” states the letter sent to agency leadership, Wednesday.
Democrats make demands for Homeland Security funding
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is laying out four demands for continued funding of the Department of Homeland Security after a short-term patch lapses on Feb. 13.
Jeffries said Democrats are seeking mandatory cameras for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. They also believe judicial warrants must be issued by a court before Americans are taken from their homes or cars.
He also said that Democrats believe enforcement officers should not be masked in “an arbitrary and capricious fashion.”
Also, he said ICE should not be able to detain and deport American citizens, “which we know is taking place right now.”
Treasury secretary has fiery exchanges with House Democrats during committee hearing
Testifying at the House Financial Services Committee, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has had several loud exchanges with House Democrats over inflation and Trump family cryptocurrency investments.
In one instance, after a back and forth over whether tariffs cause inflation or one-time price increases, California Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters told committee leadership about Bessent: “can someone shut him up?”
And in a screaming match with Democratic New York Rep. Gregory Meeks over the Abu Dhabi royal family’s purchase of roughly 49% of the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency firm last year, Meeks shouted at Bessent, “stop covering for the president. Stop being a flunky!”
Bessent is expected to appear before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.
Russia and Ukraine envoys meet in Abu Dhabi for 2 days of US-brokered talks
Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv met in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for another round of U.S.-brokered talks on ending the almost four-year war, as a Russian attack using cluster munitions killed seven people at a market in Ukraine.
The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined in the capital of the United Arab Emirates by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council chief who attended the meeting.
“The discussions were substantive and productive, focusing on concrete steps and practical solutions,” Umerov said on social media as the first of two days of talks wrapped up.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a breakthrough in the talks may not come for a while but the Trump administration has made great progress on negotiations over the past year.
The last US-Russian nuclear pact is about to expire, ending a half-century of arms control
It’s set to expire Thursday, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
The termination of the New START Treaty would set the stage for what many fear could be an unconstrained nuclear arms race.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared readiness to stick to the treaty’s limits for another year if Washington follows suit, but President Trump has been noncommittal about extending it.
Trump has repeatedly indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in arms control talks, a White House official who was not authorized to talk publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity said Monday. Trump will make a decision on nuclear arms control “on his own timeline,” the official said.
Beijing has balked at any restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal.
Xi also spoke Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Xi’s engagement with Trump and Putin comes as the last remaining nuclear arms pact, known as the New START treaty, between Russia and the United States is set to expire Thursday, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
Trump, a Republican, has indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons but wants to involve China in a potential new treaty.
“I actually feel strongly that if we’re going to do it, I think China should be a member of the extension,” Trump told the New York Times last month. “China should be a part of the agreement.”
Xi emphasizes Taiwan in phone call with Trump
In his phone call with President Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said China will “never allow Taiwan to be split” from the mainland, according to the official news agency Xinhua. Xi told Trump that Taiwan is the “most important issue” in the China-U.S. relations and urged the U.S. side to handle the Taiwan issue with prudence.
China claims sovereignty over the self-governed island and vows to take it by force if necessary, though the island has never been under Beijing’s rule. The U.S. takes no side on the sovereignty issue but opposes the use of force.
The Chinese side did not mention Trump’s April visit, but Xi said both countries will be hosting important international summits this year, which in the past have provided opportunities for the leaders of the world’s two largest economies to meet one-on-one.
