By Michelle Griffith | Reporter
Good morning, Reformers.
Wildfire smoke is blanketing the Twin Cities and Duluth area, and the concentration is setting new records as fires continue to burn in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Air quality readings are now at dangerous levels across Minnesota, with wildfires actively burning here and in Canada. Stay safe, everyone.
While smoke is darkening the skies statewide, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s prospects for securing the GOP nomination in the Aug. 11 primary election have brightened after President Donald Trump gave Lindell his “COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT” yesterday.
Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash rebuked Lindell after Trump’s endorsement, saying that even though Minnesota Republicans support the president, Lindell isn’t their guy.
“(Lindell) wants Minnesota Republicans to overlook his serious financial baggage, public records showing tens of thousands in delinquent property taxes, significant electability concerns and unanswered questions surrounding his running mate,” Plechash said. “Minnesota cannot afford to nominate a ticket that gives Democrats an easy target and creates the very real possibility of another DFL trifecta.”
Even though many local Republicans don’t think Lindell has the juice to win, nationwide MAGA groups and donors will likely financially support and boost Lindell’s candidacy. Lindell himself is expecting as much.
I spoke to Lindell after Trump endorsed him. It was intended to be a brief call, but Lindell wanted to talk, even though many of my questions annoyed and angered him.
Some highlights from the interview: He asked me how I sleep at night; told me it’s “none of my business” how often he speaks to Trump and but then proceeded to answer the question; and said he’s already looking ahead to the November general election and can’t wait to debate Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Those property taxes? Check’s in the mail. He’s gonna check with his accountant.
Read more of my interview with him here.
Onto today’s Reformer.
ChongLy Scott Thao, a U.S. citizen, was detained after ICE agents and other law enforcement officers conducted an immigration raid at his home in St. Paul Jan. 18, 2026. (Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters)(This photo is not for republication.)
By Madison McVan
Ramsey County officials are suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, seeking evidence related to potential crimes committed by federal agents against a St. Paul man during Operation Metro Surge, including kidnapping, false imprisonment and burglary.
On Jan. 18, immigration agents forcibly entered the home of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a U.S. citizen, without a warrant, according to the lawsuit. The agents handcuffed Thao, removed him from his home in just Crocs and boxers, and questioned him in the car for about an hour before returning him to his house. A Reuters photo of agents removing Thao became an iconic symbol of the brutal tactics used by immigration agents during Operation Metro Surge, which DHS has described as the largest immigration enforcement action in its history.
The Ramsey County officials are seeking the identities of the federal agents who entered Thao’s home and forcibly removed him. The agents wore masks and swapped out their license plates, obscuring their identities from both the public and local investigators, according to the lawsuit.
By Ria Gupta
A few dozen demonstrators gathered at the Federal Court Plaza Wednesday to protest a proposed contract between Minneapolis and Skydio, a California-based drone company that has sold its products to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The proposed contract, which the City Council is scheduled to take up Thursday, would allow the Minneapolis Police Department a 75-day free trial to operate Skydio drones in north Minneapolis as part of an effort to reduce law enforcement response times amid police department staffing shortages.
City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, who represents the 4th Ward, is spearheading the proposal, arguing the drone first responder programs can accelerate aid in emergencies.
By Ariana Figueroa
President Trump directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to resume traffic stops Wednesday, reversing a one-day pause on the policy after officers killed two immigrants who were in their vehicles in Texas and Maine.
In a post to social media, Trump called the practice of federal immigration officers conducting enforcement during traffic stops “one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective” tools.
The Trump administration’s aggressive deportation campaign has led to an uptick in people killed by immigration officers, including at traffic stops.
IN OTHER NEWS
Indigenous violence survivors see fewer services after federal cuts | Reformer via Stateline
US senators grill Blanche over ‘slush fund’ deal as he seeks attorney general confirmation | Reformer via States Newsroom
That’s all from me. Have a great Thursday!
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