Overview
- An internal memo obtained by Reuters instructs ICE officers not to engage with protesters, to issue commands via megaphones, and to vocalize each step of arrests.
- The same guidance narrows targets to immigrants with criminal charges or convictions, described internally as a required “criminal nexus.”
- Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has been removed from the Minneapolis operation, and border czar Tom Homan now oversees the response and says agent numbers in Minnesota will be reduced.
- Organizers have called a nationwide Jan. 30 general strike of no work, no school, and no shopping, following Minnesota’s Jan. 23 action that drew tens of thousands and saw over 700 businesses close.
- Corporate leaders including Sam Altman and Tim Cook joined more than 60 CEOs urging de-escalation, while faith and labor coalitions expanded rapid-response efforts and clergy-led actions.