By Michelle Griffith | Reporter
Good morning, Reformers.
New this morning: Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Christian Castro, who was charged in the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, was released from a Texas jail this morning, Madison McVan reports.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott after he declined to sign the paperwork ordering Castro’s extradition to Minnesota to face state charges.
A federal judge in Texas yesterday denied Minnesota’s extradition request, Madison reported. Ellison said he’s concerned that Castro will flee to Mexico if released from jail.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Church of Annunciation that killed two children, injured 26 other kids and three adults. The Annunciation community is holding a private ceremony today, but the city of Minneapolis is hosting a day of service and remembrance at Pearl Park.
The Annunciation community is asking for people to engage in acts of service today. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., people can gather at the park and donate school supplies for Minneapolis Public School students, assemble personal care kits for homeless youth and help plant trees and flowers in the park.
There’s a lot of news today, so let’s get to it.
Pedro Dos Santos, a board member of immigrant rights nonprofit Fe y Justicia, describes immigration agents threatening to ram observers with their cars at a meeting of the Minnesota Truth Council on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer)
By Madison McVan
A truth council assembled by Gov. Tim Walz heard testimony for the first time Wednesday from people who say they were harmed by the thousands of federal immigration agents sent to Minnesota this winter.
Immigrants and community leaders shared stories, often through tears, about violence and abuse committed against themselves and others during Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, which targeted recently-arrived refugees in Minnesota for re-verification, leading to arrests and deportations.
Walz established the Minnesota Truth Council via executive order in March. Its mission is to “create a public record of both the harm endured and the generosity and resilience of Minnesotans across the state,” per the executive order.
By Alyssa Chen
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay $214 million to Minnesota over 10 years to settle a lawsuit brought by dozens of states alleging it knowingly made its apps addictive for children.
The proposed settlement, which must be approved by a judge, includes payments of as much as $17.1 billion across 47 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories as well as changes to its social media apps.
The settlement could prove to be a watershed moment for Big Tech, which has historically been adept at avoiding regulation even when it comes to the safety of children.
By Max Nesterak
Charles Marohn, founder of the urban planning advocacy organization Strong Towns, can legally call himself a “professional engineer” despite the objections of the state of Minnesota, a federal judge ruled.
The ruling from earlier this month could be a decisive victory for Marohn, who’s been embroiled in a yearslong battle with the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design — known as AELSLAGID.
It may also set a precedent that restrains state boards from overzealously regulating the use of professional titles.
IN OTHER NEWS
OH BY THE WAY
Today is also the first day of the Minnesota State Fair. I love the fair, and I’ll be there a few days to ask people about politics while they happily eat their mini donuts and pickle pizzas.
Some State Fair political lore: For years, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar refused to declare the Minnesota State Fair the best in the country. It goes back to her 2019 presidential run when she would not say whether the Iowa State Fair was better than Minnesota’s in a naked attempt to pander to Iowa voters during the presidential primary.
Racket pestered Klobuchar for years about her refusal to declare Minnesota the clear favorite, and in 2023 Klobuchar finally gave in and told them in a statement the Minnesota State fair was the best.
Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who is running for Minnesota governor against Klobuchar, took a well-aimed dig at the senator earlier this week: “I know Sen. Klobuchar is not going to say this. Let me get this on the record: the Minnesota State Fair is the best state fair, and I look forward to seeing you there.”
That’s all from me. Have a great Thursday!
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