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Stories From The StatesStates Newsroom's weekly podcast exploring how people and communities across America are being affected by government decisions. Author: States Newsroom Language: en-us Genres: Government, News, Politics Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Keeping ICE in check, how Memphis and Minneapolis are doing it
Episode 11
Friday, 16 January, 2026
In the days since Jan. 7, when Renee Nicole Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, the public is getting a closer look at how many communities are resisting the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Volunteer rapid-response teams and loosely organized patrols in Minneapolis and other cities are tracking and following federal immigration agents to disrupt operations and alert neighbors.The work has become increasingly risky as tensions soar and confrontations between federal agents and volunteers escalate. Yet even after Good’s death, volunteers continue to mobilize in targeted neighborhoods. In Minneapolis, a Minnesota Reformer reporter rode along on a recent patrol and spoke with several volunteers determined to keep up their work. In Episode 11, you’ll also meet Carlos Ochoa. He is a volunteer for Vecindarios 901, a rapid response network reporting on Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.They were established during the first Trump term. Now in Trump’s second term, Vecindarios 901 has kicked into high gear to document the activities of the Memphis Safe Task Force. The multi-agency law enforcement force launched September 15, 2025 by President Donald Trump.Then, you’ll hear from Minnesota Reformer reporter Madison McVan who has been reporting on the ground in Minneapolis. Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching.Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. Click here for the full transcript.Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners: In the car with the Minneapolis community patrols working to disrupt ICE operations (Minnesota Reformer) These are the arrests you’re not seeing (Minnesota Reformer) In Memphis, volunteers document Task Force arrests and provide aid to those left behind (Tennessee Lookout) We Found More Than 40 Cases of Immigration Agents Using Banned Chokeholds and Other Moves That Can Cut Off Breathing (ProPublica) Subscribe to Stories From the States on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube.Photo: A masked ICE agent knocks on the window and tells observers in Minnesota to stop following ICE vehicles while on an early morning watch Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)
