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By Siddharth Karthikeyan
February 04, 2026
By Siddharth Karthikeyan
February 04, 2026
In the news today: Immigration agents with guns drawn arrest activists who followed them in Minneapolis; a deal to protect the identities of Jeffrey Epstein victims; and the politics of this weekend's Super Bowl. Also, the winning pooch at the 150th Westminster Dog Show.
Activists are approached by a federal agent brandishing a firearm, for following agent vehicles, on Tuesday in Minneapolis (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
US NEWS
Immigration agents draw guns and arrest activists following them in Minneapolis
Immigration officers with guns drawn arrested activists who were trailing their vehicles on Tuesday in Minneapolis, while education leaders described anxiety and fear in Minnesota schools from the ongoing federal sweeps. Read more.
Why this matters:
The latest developments are signs that tension remains in the Minneapolis area after the departure of high-profile commander Greg Bovino of U.S. Border Patrol and the arrival of Trump administration border czar Tom Homan, which followed the fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti.
At least one person who had an anti-ICE message on clothing was handcuffed while face-down on the ground. An AP photographer witnessed the arrests. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said agents detained the activists because they hindered efforts to arrest a man who is in the country illegally.
Gov. Tim Walz and education leaders held a news conference to say the presence of immigration officers is frightening some school communities. Brenda Lewis, superintendent of Fridley Public Schools in suburban Minneapolis, said she has been followed twice by ICE agents since speaking publicly on Jan. 27. "Students are afraid to come to school, parents are afraid to drop them off," Lewis said. "Staff are coming to work wondering if today will be the day something happens in one of our buildings."
Epstein victims' lawyers and DOJ strike deal to protect identities in document release
A federal judge canceled a hearing scheduled for Wednesday after he was notified that "extensive and constructive discussions" with the Department of Justice had resulted in an agreement to protect victims' identities. Read more.
What to know:
Lawyers for the victims had said there were thousands of instances when the government had failed to redact names and other personally identifying information of women sexually abused by Epstein.
Among eight women whose comments were included in a letter to the judge, one said the records' release was "life threatening" while another said she'd gotten death threats and she was forced to shut down her credit cards and banking accounts after their security was jeopardized. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Don't tune into the Super Bowl hoping for a break from politics
The Super Bowl is one of the few remaining cultural touchstones viewed by millions of people in real time, and it will unfold at a tinderbox moment for the U.S. The NFL has faced pressure to take a stance against President Donald Trump's immigration policies ahead of Sunday's game. Read more.
Why this matters:
More than 184,000 people have signed a petition calling on the league to denounce the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The NFL says the federal security presence will be consistent with past games and ICE won't be there.
Anticipation is building around how Bad Bunny, the halftime show's Spanish-speaking headliner, will address the moment. He has criticized Trump on everything from his hurricane response in his native Puerto Rico to his treatment of immigrants. Trump has said he doesn't plan to attend this year's game and has derided Bad Bunny as a "terrible choice."
Penny gets a kiss from handler Andy Linton after winning Best in Show, Tuesday, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Penny the Doberman pinscher wins the 150th Westminster dog show A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, netting U.S. show dogs' most coveted prize. See the best photos of the competitors at the famed event.
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Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Siddharth
