New security measures at the Capitol, and a federal judge steps in on immigration transfers, and a clash over access to evidence in a fatal shooting case. Also: the state warns about thin ice risks and cultural celebrations begin across Minnesota.
Transcript
With statewide headlines, I’m Xan Holston. Security tightens at the Capitol, a federal judge steps in on immigration detentions, and officials warn Minnesotans to stay off the ice.
--CAPITOL SECURITY--
Lawmakers are back in St. Paul today — under tighter security at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Visitors must now pass through weapons checks at designated public entrances.
This is the first session since the political assassination of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Officers will scan bags and send people through metal detectors. Anyone who refuses the process will be turned away.
[CHRISTINA BOGOJEVIC: This is not a weapons ban. This does not change state law … What we're doing is adding a layer of protection so everyone can enjoy this historic building safely.]
Minnesota State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic — pronounced Bo-gee-YEH-vitch — says screening helps security spot risks before they become emergencies. Before the new system…
[CHRISTINA BOGOJEVIC: We wouldn't know if someone was carrying an illegal or a prohibited item if they hid it under a jacket. We wouldn't know that unless it was used.]
Valid permit holders may still bring a handgun, but they must declare it to security and present a government ID. Most other weapons remain banned inside the building.
Elected officials are exempt from screening, but the public and most staff must pass through checkpoints.
--BCA DENIED ACCESS--
The FBI is refusing to share evidence with Minnesota investigators in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension — or BCA — says federal officials formally denied the state access to information collected in the case. The BCA calls the move “unprecedented.”
In a post on X, Governor Tim Walz criticized the decision, writing:
[TIM WALZ: Minnesota needs impartial investigations into shootings of its residents, and Trump’s left hand cannot investigate his right hand. The families of the deceased deserve better.]
BCA Superintendent Drew Evans says the agency will pursue all legal avenues to obtain the evidence.
Evans also says the BCA asked for evidence in two other recent shootings involving federal agents — and still doesn’t have an answer from the FBI.
Despite the dispute, the BCA says its investigations are ongoing. It plans to complete the work independently and submit its findings to prosecutors.
--TRO ON TRANSFERRING DETAINEES OUT OF STATE--
A federal judge ordered immigration officials to stop rushing detainees out of Minnesota before they can talk to a lawyer.
The temporary restraining order blocks transfers from the Whipple detention facility at Fort Snelling for the first 72 hours after an arrest.
The judge says the government’s practices likely violate detainees’ constitutional right to counsel.
[MADELINE LOHMAN: The Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to due process, even to detained non-citizens.]
Madeline Lohman, whose legal organization filed the class-action lawsuit behind the case, says people were being moved before lawyers could reach them.
[MADELINE LOHMAN: We had a petition we filed; within three hours, the person was already in Texas.]
Under the ruling, officers must give detainees their case number and legal-service information within an hour — in multiple languages.
The order also requires free, private phone calls to attorneys and family. It remains in effect through February 26.
--WARM WEATHER ICE WARNINGS--
And… it’s the time of year for reminders about the dangers of going out on thin ice.
Minnesota officials say recent warm weather has weakened ice across the region. They urge everyone to check conditions carefully — or avoid frozen lakes and rivers altogether.
On the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, a man died after falling through the ice Friday. A woman who tried to help him also broke through but made it back to shore.
A man and a teenage boy also fell through the ice in the Twin Cities suburb of Bloomington. Crews rescued the man but were not able to save the teen.
--RAMADAN & CHINESE NEW YEAR--
Muslims around Minnesota and the world begin observing Ramadan today — the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan marks the period when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
During daylight hours, observers fast from food and drink — instead focusing on prayer and community. Local mosques and community centers around the state hold nightly prayers and community meals known as iftars.
The month ends with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Today also marks the Lunar New Year — commonly known as Chinese New Year — a holiday for Minnesota’s Hmong, Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian communities.
It’s the start of the lunar calendar and is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings and traditional foods — as well as gifts and decorations meant to bring good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
For North Star Stories, I’m Xan Holston.