Minnesota Democrats blame state Republicans for helping bring on the federal surge

NPR | By Dana Ferguson

Published February 16, 2026 at 4:28 PM EST

Republicans in the state legislature invited Nick Shirley to the state where he made misleading videos about immigrant fraud and that helped push Minnesota into the ICE surge.

Dana Ferguson

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Frederick Wiseman, who captured the weirdness and wonder of everyday life, dies at 96

Chloe Veltman

The prolific, pioneering filmmaker made dozens of documentaries and chronicled the inner workings of institutions. His 1967 film, Titicut Follies, revealed appalling conditions at a prison facility.
On the streets of Beijing, many wish for economic stability this Lunar New Year

Jennifer Pak

It's the Year of the Fire Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, the fire horse represents action and risk-taking. But on the streets of Beijing, many say they just want stability in this sluggish economy.
Ramadan in Cairo blends the old and the new

Aya Batrawy

The world's Muslims are preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and prayer. In Cairo, that means shopping for gifts and buying decorations to get into the spirit of the holy month.
Presidential photos and campaign buttons of the past live on as collectibles

Buffy Gorrilla

In honor of Presidents' Day, we visit with the folks who collect presidential memorabilia — from pictures of presidential dogs to many many campaign buttons, to deep dives on just one president.
When the Olympic record is your age! Meet 54-year-old Minnesotan Rich Ruohonen

Scott Detrow, Jason Fuller, Justine Kenin

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with the 54-year-old curler, Rich Ruohonen, the oldest American Winter Olympian to ever compete