Erica Zurek
@ericazurek.bsky.social
Senior health reporter at @mprnews.org
tips: ezurek@mpr.org
tips: ezurek@mpr.org
Reposted by Erica Zurek
My @mprnews.org colleague @ericazurek.bsky.social has been reporting for weeks on the concerns around ICE in Twin Cities hospitals and clinics. Check out her story from mid-January:
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
February 11, 2026 at 3:54 PM
My @mprnews.org colleague @ericazurek.bsky.social has been reporting for weeks on the concerns around ICE in Twin Cities hospitals and clinics. Check out her story from mid-January:
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Erica Zurek
For health care workers, going to work means an onslaught of fear and anxiety with ICE agents present.
“What will happen to us?" one health care worker said. "That is my question every single night before going to bed. It really affects me mentally and emotionally. This is like a nightmare.”
“What will happen to us?" one health care worker said. "That is my question every single night before going to bed. It really affects me mentally and emotionally. This is like a nightmare.”
Twin Cities health care workers describe 'fear,' 'intimidation' due to ICE in hospitals
Health care workers are experiencing fear and anxiety about going to work with ICE agents present in hospitals and clinics.
www.mprnews.org
February 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM
For health care workers, going to work means an onslaught of fear and anxiety with ICE agents present.
“What will happen to us?" one health care worker said. "That is my question every single night before going to bed. It really affects me mentally and emotionally. This is like a nightmare.”
“What will happen to us?" one health care worker said. "That is my question every single night before going to bed. It really affects me mentally and emotionally. This is like a nightmare.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The girl writes that she had her own bed, but not her own room.
DHS has not told MPR News whether detaining unaccompanied children in hotels with federal agents is a regular practice.
DHS has not told MPR News whether detaining unaccompanied children in hotels with federal agents is a regular practice.
After arrest, teen refugee held overnight in hotel room by ICE agents
A girl who entered the United States as a refugee alleges that immigration authorities separated her from her family and detained her overnight in a hotel, where she was forced to share a room with fe...
www.mprnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:39 PM
The girl writes that she had her own bed, but not her own room.
DHS has not told MPR News whether detaining unaccompanied children in hotels with federal agents is a regular practice.
DHS has not told MPR News whether detaining unaccompanied children in hotels with federal agents is a regular practice.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Super Bowl viewers Sunday speculated that 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos appeared in the halftime show. In fact, he has been in hiding with his family.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
‘He’s not the same’: Father of Liam Conejo Ramos says 5-year-old continues to suffer
Some people thought they say the 5-year-old during the Super Bowl halftime show. But Liam is still in hiding with his family, after he and his father were detained and then released from a Texas deten...
www.mprnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Super Bowl viewers Sunday speculated that 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos appeared in the halftime show. In fact, he has been in hiding with his family.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
“He can’t sleep well at night. He wakes up three or four times a night screaming, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” Liam's father Adrian Conejo Arias, said.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
"I think that the goal of Tom Homan switching out for Gregory Bovino is purely optics and damage control. It's not actually a change in their tactics of intimidation and indiscriminate apprehension,” said Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne.
Minneapolis City Council president says immigration enforcement still active in Minneapolis
Five days after federal officials announced hundreds of immigration agents would be leaving Minneapolis, City Council President Elliott Payne says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still vis...
www.mprnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 2:43 AM
"I think that the goal of Tom Homan switching out for Gregory Bovino is purely optics and damage control. It's not actually a change in their tactics of intimidation and indiscriminate apprehension,” said Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne.
Minnesota physician advocacy groups are raising concerns over reports of unsanitary conditions and a lack of medical care for detainees at ICE facilities.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Minnesota physician groups call for health care protections as condition of DHS funding
Minnesota physician advocacy groups are raising concerns over reports of unsanitary conditions and a lack of medical care for detainees at ICE facilities.
www.mprnews.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Minnesota physician advocacy groups are raising concerns over reports of unsanitary conditions and a lack of medical care for detainees at ICE facilities.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Long one of the strongest public media outlets in the country, MPR has reached new traffic highs amid the ICE raids and protests there. Here’s our regular ranking of the top 25 public radio websites in the United States.
www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/as-t...
www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/as-t...
As the nation’s eyes turn to Minneapolis, they’re also turning to Minnesota Public Radio
Long one of the strongest public media outlets in the country, MPR has reached new traffic highs amid the ICE raids and protests there. Here’s our regular ranking of the top 25 public radio websites…
www.niemanlab.org
February 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Long one of the strongest public media outlets in the country, MPR has reached new traffic highs amid the ICE raids and protests there. Here’s our regular ranking of the top 25 public radio websites in the United States.
www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/as-t...
www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/as-t...
Reposted by Erica Zurek
A Mexican immigrant whose skull was broken during his arrest by immigration officers last month in Minnesota says the beating was unprovoked. A judge ruled his arrest was unlawful.
Immigrant whose skull was broken in eight places during ICE arrest says beating was unprovoked
A Mexican immigrant whose skull was broken during his arrest by immigration officers last month in Minnesota says the beating was unprovoked.
bit.ly
February 7, 2026 at 3:57 PM
A Mexican immigrant whose skull was broken during his arrest by immigration officers last month in Minnesota says the beating was unprovoked. A judge ruled his arrest was unlawful.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Reposted by Erica Zurek
BREAKING: The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
DHS has requested expedited deportation proceedings against family of Liam Conejo Ramos
The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
www.mprnews.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:17 AM
BREAKING: The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
As federal agents have spread throughout the state, residents of the Twin Cities suburbs who oppose ICE have adapted these tactics to their sprawling and sometimes isolated communities.
And through it, they say they’ve found purpose, connection and a resilience they didn’t expect.
And through it, they say they’ve found purpose, connection and a resilience they didn’t expect.
Pursued by federal agents, suburban ICE observers remain resolved
After a frightening pursuit by federal agents, suburban ICE observers say fear hasn’t stopped them from protecting their communities.
www.mprnews.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:38 AM
As federal agents have spread throughout the state, residents of the Twin Cities suburbs who oppose ICE have adapted these tactics to their sprawling and sometimes isolated communities.
And through it, they say they’ve found purpose, connection and a resilience they didn’t expect.
And through it, they say they’ve found purpose, connection and a resilience they didn’t expect.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Words like “disruption,” “upheaval” and “radical uncertainty” have become practically synonymous with Minnesota in few weeks. While it’s too early to draw firm, data-driven conclusions, no one is going out on a limb by saying the turbulence right now will exact an economic price on the state.
Uncertainty looms large for Minnesota businesses
While it’s too early to draw firm, data-driven conclusions, no one is going out on a limb by saying the combination of turbulence and uncertainty seen in Minnesota right now will exact an economic pri...
www.mprnews.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Words like “disruption,” “upheaval” and “radical uncertainty” have become practically synonymous with Minnesota in few weeks. While it’s too early to draw firm, data-driven conclusions, no one is going out on a limb by saying the turbulence right now will exact an economic price on the state.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
If federal actions targeting pediatric health systems providing this type of care remain unchanged, come Feb. 27, Children's Minnesota will temporarily pause treatment like prescribing puberty blockers and hormones to patients under 18.
Children’s Minnesota to pause some pediatric gender health services
Gender-affirming care for transgender youth remains legal in Minnesota, but the hospital says it will pause prescribing puberty-suppressing medications and pubertal hormones to patients under the age ...
www.mprnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 9:38 PM
If federal actions targeting pediatric health systems providing this type of care remain unchanged, come Feb. 27, Children's Minnesota will temporarily pause treatment like prescribing puberty blockers and hormones to patients under 18.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
An 11-year-old girl from Columbia Heights remains in ICE detention at the Dilley, Texas facility — where measles cases have been reported — sparking concern among family, community members and advocates.
Columbia Heights girl, 11, remains in ICE detention in Texas during measles outbreak
Elizabeth Zuna Caisaguano was detained nearly a month ago with her mother on their way to school in Columbia Heights, the same district as 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. A measles outbreak at the deten...
www.mprnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:23 PM
An 11-year-old girl from Columbia Heights remains in ICE detention at the Dilley, Texas facility — where measles cases have been reported — sparking concern among family, community members and advocates.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
“This is a reckless operation. It's tearing communities apart, and it's traumatizing our neighbors,” Rep. Kelly Morrison said after visiting the Whipple Federal Building. She also described the atmosphere inside as chaotic, disorganized and unsafe.
Rep. Kelly Morrison describes 'horrifying' conditions inside Whipple building
Rep. Kelly Morrison describes cold temperatures, shackling and lack of medical care inside a Minneapolis ICE holding site after a judge restored congressional access.
www.mprnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:13 AM
“This is a reckless operation. It's tearing communities apart, and it's traumatizing our neighbors,” Rep. Kelly Morrison said after visiting the Whipple Federal Building. She also described the atmosphere inside as chaotic, disorganized and unsafe.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
“We didn’t come here with bad intentions,” Segundo said. “We came here to work. Now we are afraid to stay. We’re afraid to go outside.” www.startribune.com/tired-of-liv...
Tired of living in fear, this family decided to deport themselves
An immigrant family from Ecuador said they felt like prisoners in their Minneapolis home.
www.startribune.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:27 PM
“We didn’t come here with bad intentions,” Segundo said. “We came here to work. Now we are afraid to stay. We’re afraid to go outside.” www.startribune.com/tired-of-liv...
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Thousands showed up for the ride organized by Angry Catfish Bicycle, a community-based bike shop on the city’s south side.
Some riders wore yellow vests that read “Peaceful observer, don’t shoot” on the back.
Some riders wore yellow vests that read “Peaceful observer, don’t shoot” on the back.
Thousands join Minneapolis bike ride to honor Alex Pretti
Thousands rode through Minneapolis to honor Alex Pretti, killed by federal agents last week, as part of 250 events held worldwide.
www.mprnews.org
February 1, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Thousands showed up for the ride organized by Angry Catfish Bicycle, a community-based bike shop on the city’s south side.
Some riders wore yellow vests that read “Peaceful observer, don’t shoot” on the back.
Some riders wore yellow vests that read “Peaceful observer, don’t shoot” on the back.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
JUST IN: The five-year-old Columbia Heights Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, who have been in an ICE detention facility in Texas, are on their way home.
Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have landed back in Minnesota following a judge's order
Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old whose detention by ICE sparked national fervor, returned home to Minnesota with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, Sunday morning after a judge ordered their release.
www.mprnews.org
February 1, 2026 at 3:55 PM
JUST IN: The five-year-old Columbia Heights Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, who have been in an ICE detention facility in Texas, are on their way home.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News has learned that the police chief in the small southern Minnesota city of St. Peter intervened Thursday afternoon to prevent federal immigration agents from arresting a local resident.
St. Peter police chief intervenes, prevents federal agents from arresting resident
The police chief of St. Peter intervened to prevent federal agents from taking a local resident who was observing ICE enforcement actions into custody. It is believed to be the first time local police...
www.mprnews.org
January 31, 2026 at 3:08 PM
MPR News has learned that the police chief in the small southern Minnesota city of St. Peter intervened Thursday afternoon to prevent federal immigration agents from arresting a local resident.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
An ICE claim that a man shattered his skull running into a wall triggers tension at a Minnesota hospital.
ICE claim that a man shattered his skull running into wall triggers tension at a Minnesota hospital
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
bit.ly
January 31, 2026 at 4:55 PM
An ICE claim that a man shattered his skull running into a wall triggers tension at a Minnesota hospital.
“When she had her period, agents told her to use toilet paper. When she felt dizzy and vomited twice, agents did not grant her request for medical care.”
“This is the best healthcare [that] many aliens have received in their entire lives,” the [DHS] spokesperson wrote.
“This is the best healthcare [that] many aliens have received in their entire lives,” the [DHS] spokesperson wrote.
Immigration sweep brings overcrowded rooms and overflowing toilets. Lawyers say they can’t visit their clients. The Department of Homeland Security says “all detainees receive full due process.”
‘No humanity’: Detainees describe conditions inside Whipple Federal Building
Immigration sweep brings overcrowded rooms and overflowing toilets. Lawyers say they can’t visit their clients. The Department of Homeland Security says “all detainees receive full due process.”
bit.ly
January 31, 2026 at 5:14 PM
“When she had her period, agents told her to use toilet paper. When she felt dizzy and vomited twice, agents did not grant her request for medical care.”
“This is the best healthcare [that] many aliens have received in their entire lives,” the [DHS] spokesperson wrote.
“This is the best healthcare [that] many aliens have received in their entire lives,” the [DHS] spokesperson wrote.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
In an interview with MPR News, Liam's mother gave an update on her son and her own safety. She said Liam asks again and again, “Mommy, why don’t you pick us up?” Or “Mommy, we don’t want to be here anymore. This place is ugly.”
‘Mommy, why don’t you pick us up?’: Mother of Liam Conejo Ramos shares her story from hiding
Liam and his father are currently being held by federal authorities in the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, an hour plus drive southwest of San Antonio.
www.mprnews.org
January 31, 2026 at 12:07 AM
In an interview with MPR News, Liam's mother gave an update on her son and her own safety. She said Liam asks again and again, “Mommy, why don’t you pick us up?” Or “Mommy, we don’t want to be here anymore. This place is ugly.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The Minnesota Star Tribune, @mprnews.org @minnesotareformer.com , @spokesmanrecorder.bsky.social, @sahanjournal.bsky.social, Center for Broadcast Journalism and Minnesota Newspaper Association today released the following statement:
January 30, 2026 at 4:55 PM
The Minnesota Star Tribune, @mprnews.org @minnesotareformer.com , @spokesmanrecorder.bsky.social, @sahanjournal.bsky.social, Center for Broadcast Journalism and Minnesota Newspaper Association today released the following statement:
Reposted by Erica Zurek
There isn’t any indication that immigration activity has changed in Minneapolis. In fact, this afternoon, federal immigration agents began staging at Holy Rosary Catholic Church located in East Phillips. This activity is disgraceful and creates an unsafe environment for our neighbors. 1/
January 29, 2026 at 1:44 AM
There isn’t any indication that immigration activity has changed in Minneapolis. In fact, this afternoon, federal immigration agents began staging at Holy Rosary Catholic Church located in East Phillips. This activity is disgraceful and creates an unsafe environment for our neighbors. 1/
“They (federal authorities) just figure, how many can you get out?” he said, estimating that 80 percent don’t get an attorney. “They just keep that conveyor belt chugging and get them out of the country illegally…It’s immoral, and it’s also illegal.” Story by @eshockmanwrites.bsky.social
A 2-year-old’s detention is part of an accelerating trend of what an attorney describes as ICE agents sending children and adults with legal immigration status out of state to avoid dealing with accountability from the federal court system.
‘ICE conveyor belt’ illegally detaining, moving Minnesota children to Texas faster than courts can respond
ICE is pulling Minnesota immigrant families with legal status out of their driveways, homes and school commutes and sending them to Texas within hours — in at least two cases against a judge’s order. ...
www.mprnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:01 PM
“They (federal authorities) just figure, how many can you get out?” he said, estimating that 80 percent don’t get an attorney. “They just keep that conveyor belt chugging and get them out of the country illegally…It’s immoral, and it’s also illegal.” Story by @eshockmanwrites.bsky.social