Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US-Immigration Detention Centers
Trump’s $45 billion expansion of immigrant detention sites faces pushback from communities
SUMMARY: State and local officials are pushing back against federal plans to expand immigrant detention facilities. President Donald Trump’s administration is scouting locations across the U.S. for new sites, sparking protests and legal challenges. In Minnesota, fatal shootings during immigration enforcement have intensified scrutiny on ICE. In Virginia, a proposed detention center drew hundreds of people to a tense public hearing. Kansas City officials have passed a moratorium attempt to block a new ICE detention site. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s legislature is advancing a bill to ban state and local contracts for ICE facilities. A law Trump signed last year includes $45 billion to expand ice detention facilities.
WORDS: 1239 – MOVED: 02/02/2026 10:58 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US-Immigration Detention Centers
Trump’s $45 billion expansion of immigrant detention sites faces pushback from communities
SUMMARY: State and local officials are pushing back against federal plans to expand immigrant detention facilities. President Donald Trump’s administration is scouting locations across the U.S. for new sites, sparking protests and legal challenges. In Minnesota, fatal shootings during immigration enforcement have intensified scrutiny on ICE. In Virginia, a proposed detention center drew hundreds of people to a tense public hearing. Kansas City officials have passed a moratorium attempt to block a new ICE detention site. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s legislature is advancing a bill to ban state and local contracts for ICE facilities. A law Trump signed last year includes $45 billion to expand ice detention facilities.
WORDS: 1239 – MOVED: 02/02/2026 10:58 p.m. CST
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US–Don Lemon-Kimmel
Don Lemon says a dozen agents came to arrest him even though he offered to turn himself in
SUMMARY: Independent journalist Don Lemon says about a dozen federal agents came to his Los Angeles hotel to arrest him last week. Lemon told ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on Monday that the arrest happened even though his attorney told authorities he would turn himself in to face federal civil rights charges. Lemon was indicted last week on federal civil rights charges over his coverage of a Minnesota anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a church service. The Department of Justice didn’t respond to messages seeking comment. The FBI’s Minneapolis office said it would be inappropriate to comment because the case has reached “the adjudication phase.”
WORDS: 790 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:03 a.m. CST
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US–Justice Department-Minnesota
More departures at the US attorney’s office in Minnesota, AP sources say
SUMMARY: More prosecutors are leaving the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota during a time of continued turmoil over the Trump administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement in the state and recent shootings of civilians by federal agents. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter. The latest departures are on top of a half-dozen attorneys who resigned from the office last month amid frustration over the Justice Department’s response to the shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. At least one supervisory agent in the FBI’s Minneapolis office is known to have resigned last month as well.
WORDS: 358 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 9:48 a.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement-Minnesota
Immigration agents draw guns and arrest activists following them in Minneapolis
SUMMARY: Immigration officers with guns drawn arrested some activists who were trailing their vehicles Tuesday in Minneapolis. It is a sign tensions have not eased since the departure of a high-profile commander. At least one person wearing an anti-ICE message was handcuffed while face-down on the ground. An Associated Press photographer witnessed the arrests. There was no immediate response from the Department of Homeland Security. A federal judge ordered officers not to arrest motorists who are following but not obstructing their operations, but an appeals court set the order aside. Meanwhile, a man charged with squirting apple cider vinegar on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar will remain in jail.
WORDS: 1111 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 12:16 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration Enforcement-Oregon
Federal agents must limit tear gas for now at protests outside Portland ICE building, judge says
SUMMARY: A judge in Oregon has temporarily restricted federal officers from using tear gas at protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland. U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued the temporary restraining order Tuesday. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Oregon on behalf of protesters and freelance journalists. The suit against the Department of Homeland Security argues that federal officers’ use of chemical munitions and excessive force is a retaliation against protesters that chills their First Amendment rights. The department said federal officers have followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary.
WORDS: 828 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 4:56 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration Enforcement-Operation Names
Trump administration’s tongue-in-cheek names for immigration operations praised and slammed
SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security’s approach to naming immigrant enforcement operations elicits polarizing opinions: Are the names funny or offensive? Reactions depend on political affiliation and support for the operations that largely target Black and brown communities. California congressman Jimmy Gomez says names such as Operation Dirtbag and Operation Catch of the Day send a message that immigrants are “sub-human.” But Texas congressman Brandon Gill says the names show President Donald Trump is serious about reining in illegal immigration and securing the border.
WORDS: 1086 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:22 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration Enforcement-Congress
Brothers of Renee Good, woman killed by immigration officer, call for action in Congress
SUMMARY: The brothers of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, are urging Congress to take action. Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot Jan. 7. Her death and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, have sparked national outrage. Speaking at a congressional hearing on Tuesday, brothers Luke and Brett Ganger shared their grief and called for change. They described their sister as a beautiful person. The forum, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia, highlighted Use-of-force complaints against Homeland Security officers.
WORDS: 439 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 9:51 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration Enforcement-Minnesota
Trump’s border czar pulling 700 immigration officers out of Minnesota immediately
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s border czar says the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota is being cut after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants. Tom Homan says about 700 federal agents will be immediately withdrawn from the operation in Minnesota. That’s about a quarter of the federal officers currently deployed in the state. But he says the immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota isn’t ending. Homan didn’t give a timeline of when that might happen following weeks of confrontations in Minnesota’s Twin Cities and two deadly shootings by federal officers.
WORDS: 621 – MOVED: 02/04/2026 8:18 a.m. CST
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US–Congress-Homeland Security
Democrats demand ‘dramatic changes’ for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrants
SUMMARY: Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department when it expires in two weeks unless there are “dramatic changes” and “real accountability” for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies who are carrying out President Donald Trump’s campaign of federal immigration enforcement. Congress is discussing potential new rules for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection after officers shot and killed two Minneapolis protesters in January. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated their party’s demands on Wednesday, with Schumer telling reporters that Congress must “rein in ICE in very serious ways, and end the violence.”
WORDS: 1284 – MOVED: 02/04/2026 6:06 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US-Immigration Detention Centers
Trump’s $45 billion expansion of immigrant detention sites faces pushback from communities
SUMMARY: State and local officials are pushing back against federal plans to expand immigrant detention facilities. President Donald Trump’s administration is scouting locations across the U.S. for new sites, sparking protests and legal challenges. In Minnesota, fatal shootings during immigration enforcement have intensified scrutiny on ICE. In Virginia, a proposed detention center drew hundreds of people to a tense public hearing. Kansas City officials have passed a moratorium attempt to block a new ICE detention site. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s legislature is advancing a bill to ban state and local contracts for ICE facilities. A law Trump signed last year includes $45 billion to expand ice detention facilities.
WORDS: 1239 – MOVED: 02/02/2026 10:58 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US-Immigration Detention Centers
Trump’s $45 billion expansion of immigrant detention sites faces pushback from communities
SUMMARY: State and local officials are pushing back against federal plans to expand immigrant detention facilities. President Donald Trump’s administration is scouting locations across the U.S. for new sites, sparking protests and legal challenges. In Minnesota, fatal shootings during immigration enforcement have intensified scrutiny on ICE. In Virginia, a proposed detention center drew hundreds of people to a tense public hearing. Kansas City officials have passed a moratorium attempt to block a new ICE detention site. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s legislature is advancing a bill to ban state and local contracts for ICE facilities. A law Trump signed last year includes $45 billion to expand ice detention facilities.
WORDS: 1239 – MOVED: 02/02/2026 10:58 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–Lapchick Character Award
Mike Brey, James Jones, Lisa Bluder and Ernie Johnson to receive Joe Lapchick Character Award
SUMMARY: Mike Brey, James Jones, Lisa Bluder and Ernie Johnson will be this year’s recipients of the Joe Lapchick Character Award. Brey was the winningest coach in Notre Dame history, coaching at the school for 23 years. Jones is still coaching at Yale and has won more games there then anyone in school history. Bluder retired after the 2024 season, having brought Iowa to the national championship game in two consecutive seasons. She finished with 894 victories. Johnson has been a studio host for the NCAA Tournament for 15 years as well as the longtime host of TNT’s Inside the NBA, which has now moved to ESPN. This is the 18th year the award will be presented to those who have shown the character traits of Lapchick, who coached at St. John’s and with the New York Knicks.
WORDS: 502 – MOVED: 02/04/2026 1:36 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Coaching Staff
Vikings hire former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have hired former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as their assistant head coach among four changes to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s staff. Smith replaces the retiring Mike Pettine. He will begin his 17th year in the NFL after spending the past four seasons with the Dolphins until the firing of head coach Mike McDaniel last month. The Vikings also hired Gerald Alexander as defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach and Ryan Nielsen as defensive running game coordinator and defensive line coach. Keith Carter was promoted from assistant offensive line coach to offensive line coach.
WORDS: 334 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:07 p.m. CST
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OLY–US-Minnesota Strong
Minnesota athletes head into the Winter Olympics with concerns about turmoil back home
SUMMARY: Many Minnesota-based athletes at the Winter Olympics this week have more on their minds than sports. Turmoil in the state from the immigration crackdown has created angst and added motivation. The U.S. Olympic contingent in Italy counts 26 athletes who are native to Minnesota. That trails only Colorado for the most by state. About a dozen others either call Minnesota home now or compete and train there in sports like curling or hockey. Biathlon team member Luci Anderson is from the Twin Cities area. She followed from afar when her family members joined a recent protest march in Minneapolis.
WORDS: 794 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:28 p.m. CST
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BKN–All-Star Rosters
Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant to team up at All-Star Game. Kawhi Leonard added to roster
SUMMARY: Stephen Curry is teaming up with LeBron James and Kevin Durant at the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA has announced the rosters for this season’s event, which has a new U.S. vs. The World format. The game is set for February 15 at the Los Angeles Clippers’ home in Inglewood, California. The U.S. teams are split by age into USA Stripes and USA Stars. Kawhi Leonard was added Tuesday to the USA Stripes squad. That move likely sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the World team. Towns has played for the Dominican Republic in international events. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to play for the World team due to injury.
WORDS: 500 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 7:06 p.m. CST
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BKN–Pistons-Bulls-Timberwolves Trade
Kevin Huerter heads to East-leading Pistons in 4-player, 3-team deal
SUMMARY: The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons got deeper by acquiring Kevin Huerter from the Chicago Bulls as the centerpiece of a four-player, three-team deal. The Pistons got Huerter and Dario Saric — who was just acquired over the weekend by Chicago — from the Bulls. Chicago landed Mike Conley Jr. from Minnesota and Jaden Ivey from the Pistons. Huerter is having one of the most well-rounded seasons of his career and joins a Detroit team aiming for a deep playoff run in the East. The Pistons don’t shoot many 3-pointers, but that could change with Huerter in the mix.
WORDS: 261 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 2:51 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BKC–T25-Saint Louis-Davidson
Dunlap’s career-high 22 points help No. 19 Saint Louis top Davidson 91-82 for 16th straight win
SUMMARY: Brady Dunlap went 6 of 6 from 3-point range and finished with a career-high 22 points as No. 19 Saint Louis came back to beat Davidson 91-82 for its 16th straight win. Robbie Avila scored 17 and Amari McCottrey added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Billikens, who trailed by 13 in the first half. Saint Louis is three victories from matching its longest winning streak of 19 games set during the 2013-14 season. Josh Scovens had 17 points and Parker Friedrichsen scored 15 for Davidson.
WORDS: 385 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 10:48 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–All-Star Rosters
Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant to team up at All-Star Game. Kawhi Leonard added to roster
SUMMARY: Stephen Curry is teaming up with LeBron James and Kevin Durant at the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA has announced the rosters for this season’s event, which has a new U.S. vs. The World format. The game is set for February 15 at the Los Angeles Clippers’ home in Inglewood, California. The U.S. teams are split by age into USA Stripes and USA Stars. Kawhi Leonard was added Tuesday to the USA Stripes squad. That move likely sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the World team. Towns has played for the Dominican Republic in international events. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to play for the World team due to injury.
WORDS: 500 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 7:06 p.m. CST
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BKN–Magic-Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein has first triple-double as Thunder roll to 128-92 win over Magic
SUMMARY: Isaiah Hartenstein had his first career-triple double, Isaiah Joe scored 22 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Orlando Magic 128-92. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 20 points and nine assists, Lu Dort scored 18 points and first-time All-Star Chet Holmgren added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the defending champion Thunder, who became the first team this season to reach 40 wins. Hartenstein finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 23 minutes. The eighth-year center became the 10th Thunder player to record a triple-double. Jalen Suggs led Orlando with 20 points.
WORDS: 353 – MOVED: 02/03/2026 9:44 p.m. CST
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