[Monday, January 26] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 26, 2026

Executive Summary

• A crisis unfolds in Minneapolis following a fatal ICE-involved shooting, triggering organized protests.
• The White House responds by dispatching “border czar” Tom Homan; President Trump issues demands.
• Minnesota’s Governor sues the administration and makes a controversial Holocaust comparison.
• A government shutdown looms over a DHS funding dispute tied to national immigration policy.
• Severe protest crackdowns in Iran result in death toll estimates reaching into the tens of thousands.
• U.S.-China tensions escalate with public allegations of high-level espionage and new economic countermeasures.

1. The Minneapolis Crisis

1.1. Federal Government Mobilization and Response

The Trump administration has mounted a significant and direct federal response to the escalating crisis in Minneapolis. President Trump personally confirmed that his administration is “‘reviewing everything’” concerning the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti [1, 2]. As part of this federal oversight, Attorney General Pam Bondi has formally communicated “‘Rule of Law’ Conditions” to Minnesota’s governor in a detailed letter [3]. While President Trump and Governor Tim Walz held what was described as a “productive” phone call, the White House has also taken more assertive steps to control the situation on the ground [4]. In a key move, the President has dispatched his “border czar,” Tom Homan, to Minnesota to directly address the unrest [5].

Simultaneously, President Trump has issued a public ultimatum with four specific demands intended to end the “chaos,” which includes a pointed call for Congress to pass legislation banning sanctuary cities nationwide [6]. Legal actions are also proceeding; the Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to seek additional charges related to a protest at a Minnesota church, persisting despite a “temporary appeals court setback” [7]. However, reports also indicate potential friction within the administration. The DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security have struck “sharply different” tones regarding the death of Alex Pretti, suggesting a lack of a unified public message on the catalyst for the crisis [8].

References: [1] Exclusive: Trump Says Administration Is ‘Reviewing Everything’ About Minneapolis Shooting, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-says-administration-is-reviewing-everything-about-minneapolis-shooting-a501f48e?st=ZLBhpZ&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
[2] Trump admin ‘reviewing everything’ about Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-confirms-federal-review-minneapolis-shooting-killed-nurse-reviewing-everything
[3] Attorney General Pam Bondi Sends Letter to Minnesota Governor With ‘Rule of Law’ Conditions, https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/minneapolis-shooting-alex-pretti/card/bondi-sends-walz-letter-with-rule-of-law-conditions-for-minnesota-deu38SlNJKsZuF1yzJB6?msockid=0c09165e1e5b65292a3303b31f05647b
[4] Alpha News: Trump and Walz had “productive” phone call this morning., https://x.com/AlphaNews/status/2015833615767060634/photo/1
[5] Trump sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota amid unrest, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/trump-sending-border-czar-tom-homan-to-minnesota-amid-unrest/
[6] Trump makes 4 demands to end Minneapolis chaos, calls on Congress to ban sanctuary cities, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/trump-makes-four-demands-to-end-minneapolis-chaos-calls-on-congress-to-ban-sanctuary-cities/
[7] DOJ expected to seek more charges tied to Minnesota church protest after temporary appeals court setback, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4433419/doj-expected-seek-more-charges-minnesota-church-protest-temporary-appeals-court-setback/
[8] DOJ strikes sharply different tone than DHS on death of Alex Pretti, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4433724/doj-different-tone-dhs-death-alex-pretti-ice-minneapolis/

1.2. State vs. Federal Conflict

The government of Minnesota, led by Governor Tim Walz, has adopted a highly confrontational stance toward the federal government’s actions. The state has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration in a direct attempt to “pause [the] immigration crackdown” [1]. The rhetoric has been exceptionally sharp, with Governor Walz publicly comparing the ICE enforcement actions in his state to “the Holocaust and Anne Frank,” claiming people were “‘hiding in their houses’” [2]. This specific comparison was swiftly condemned as “inappropriate” by the Holocaust Museum [3]. Further complicating the state’s position are claims emerging from reports on “Anti-ICE Signal Chats” which allegedly implicate the Walz administration and reveal foreign funding sources for the activist network [4].

At the city level, the Minneapolis Police Chief has been quoted as saying, “It Doesn’t Matter if Shooting Was Justified,” signaling an institutional focus on the outcome of the fatal encounter over its legal justification [5]. The political fallout from the crisis is already evident, as Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel has withdrawn from the race, citing the federal “Operation Metro Surge” and what he termed “GOP ‘retribution’” as his reasons for ending his campaign [6].

References: [1] Minnesota drags Trump’s ICE to court in effort to pause immigration crackdown, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/minnesota-drags-trumps-ice-court-effort-pause-immigration-crackdown
[2] Tim Walz compares Minnesota ICE actions to Holocaust and Anne Frank: ‘Hiding in their houses’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tim-walz-compares-minnesota-ice-actions-holocaust-anne-frank-hiding-houses
[3] Holocaust Museum slams Tim Walz Anne Frank comparison as inappropriate, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/prominent-holocaust-museum-releases-scathing-response-after-walz-compares-minnesota-children-to-anne-frank
[4] AntiICE Signal Chats: Walz Administration Implicated, Foreign Funding Revealed, https://redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2026/01/26/link-to-walzs-administration-in-anti-ice-signal-chats-n2198511
[5] Minneapolis Police Chief Says It Doesn’t Matter if Shooting Was Justified, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/25/minneapolis-police-chief-says-it-doesnt-matter-if-shooting-was-justified-n4948735
[6] Chris Madel withdraws from MN governor race, citing Operation Metro Surge and GOP ‘retribution’, https://www.fox9.com/news/chris-madel-minnesota-governor-ice

1.3. The Initial Incident, Protests, and Unrest

The catalyst for the current crisis was an ICE arrest operation in Minneapolis that was reportedly “derailed” by protests, during which a federal agent “los[t] a finger” [1]. It was in the context of this chaotic scene that Alex Pretti was shot. Following the incident, reports characterize the demonstrations as being coordinated by a “complex far-left network” that allegedly mobilized demonstrators to harass federal agents [2]. According to these reports, which cite encrypted Signal messages, “rapid responders” created the conditions that “helped put Alex Pretti in harm’s way,” and socialist groups subsequently “capitalized on the killing to foment protests” and make him a “martyr” [3].

Details of this coordination have reportedly emerged from an infiltrated “Anti-ICE Signal Chat” [4]. On the ground, the unrest has included protesters swarming a St. Paul hotel where they believed federal agents were staying and the reported establishment of a “New Autonomous Zone with Armed Guards” within the city [5, 6]. Commentary on the nature of the protests has drawn stark parallels, with some sources claiming agitators have adopted “Gaza Tactics,” including the embrace of martyrdom, while others suggest the methods resemble “Mao’s ‘People’s War’ doctrine” more than typical civil disturbances [7, 8].

References: [1] Minneapolis unrest derails ICE arrest operation, agent loses finger, https://www.foxnews.com/us/ice-says-violent-mob-helped-criminal-escape-left-ice-agent-permanently-maimed
[2] The complex far-left network that helped put Alex Pretti in harm’s way — including encrypted chats, street alerts, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/the-far-left-network-that-helped-put-alex-pretti-in-harms-way/
[3] The far-left network that helped put Alex Pretti in harm’s way, then made him a martyr – Encrypted Signal messages show ‘rapid responders’ mobilized demonstrators to harass federal agents outside Glam Doll Donuts, then socialist groups capitalized on the killing to foment protests., https://www.foxnews.com/politics/anti-ice-rapid-response-network-flagged-agents-before-deadly-minneapolis-killing-sparked-socialist
[4] The AntiICE Signal Chat in Minneapolis Has Reportedly Been Infiltrated…and That Name Looks Familiar, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2026/01/25/the-anti-ice-signal-chat-has-reportedly-been-infiltratedand-that-name-looks-familiar-n2670039
[5] Anti‐ICE protesters swarm St. Paul hotel they believe is housing fed agents, https://nypost.com/2026/01/25/us-news/anti-ice-protesters-swarm-st-paul-hotel-they-believe-is-housing-fed-agents/
[6] Minneapolis Has a New Autonomous Zone with Armed Guards, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2026/01/26/minneapolis-has-a-new-autonomous-zone-n3811225
[7] AntiICE Agitators Adopt Gaza Tactics, Including Martyrdom, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-anti-ice-agitators-adopt-palestinian-tactics-including-martyrdom
[8] The AntiICE Demonstrations Look More Like Mao’s ‘People’s War’ Doctrine Than Civil Disturbances, https://redstate.com/streiff/2026/01/25/the-anti-ice-demonstrations-look-more-like-maos-peoples-war-doctrine-than-civil-disturbances-n2198506

2. Federal Governance and National Policy

2.1. National Immigration Enforcement and Budgetary Standoff

Beyond Minneapolis, immigration enforcement remains a flashpoint with significant national implications. The Department of Justice recently announced charges against 31 individuals in an ATM fraud scheme allegedly tied to the “Tren de Aragua” gang from Venezuela, highlighting the transnational criminal element tied to migration [1]. Further fueling the debate, Secretary of Housing Scott Turner has reportedly confirmed that “American taxpayer dollars” were being used to “pay for homes for illegal aliens” [2]. Public sentiment on this issue is captured in a recent poll indicating that 58% of Americans, including a 50% majority of Hispanics, view illegal immigration as a “serious problem” [3]. Meanwhile, data circulating on social media purports that just nine sanctuary jurisdictions are responsible for two-thirds of all “violent confrontations with ICE” [4].

These enforcement activities are causing acute tension on Capitol Hill. Opposition from Democrats and Independent Senator Angus King to DHS funding is reportedly raising the “threat of a government shutdown,” placing federal appropriations in jeopardy over the administration’s immigration policies [5]. In a separate move, House Democrats have introduced a legislative proposal that would require ICE and CBP agents to carry a scannable “QR code ID,” suggesting a push for greater agent accountability [6].

References: [1] DOJ charges 31 in alleged Tren de Aragua-tied ATM fraud scheme, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4433371/doj-charges-31-with-alleged-tren-aragua-members-nationwide-atm-scheme/
[2] Secretary of Housing Scott Turner CONFIRMS Democrats were using American taxpayer dollars to pay for homes for illegal aliens, https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/2015644552833741308
[3] Large majority of Americans believe illegal immigration is a serious problem (58%), including majority of Hispanics (50%), https://x.com/IAPolls2022/status/2015632872170733811
[4] 9 counties (out of 3,134) accounted for 2/3 of violent confrontations with ICE. All 9 are sanctuary jurisdictions run by Democrat politicians that resist immigration law enforcement., https://x.com/kevinnbass/status/2015716213603573854
[5] King’s, Democrats DHS funding opposition raises government shutdown threat, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/key-senator-wont-fund-dhs-ice-federal-agents-enter-his-state
[6] House Democrats propose QR code ID requirement for ICE, CBP agents, https://www.biometricupdate.com/202601/house-democrats-propose-qr-code-id-requirement-for-ice-cbp-agents

2.2. Executive Branch Policy Initiatives

The administration is actively pursuing a muscular foreign and domestic policy agenda. In an interview, President Trump revealed that the U.S. is prepared to conduct “‘on land’ drug strikes” in foreign countries, stating these could hit “‘anywhere’ — including Mexico, Central and South America” [1]. On the domestic front, the President has publicly dismissed a lawsuit aimed at halting the construction of a new White House ballroom, declaring it is “’too late’ to stop” the project [2]. Economically, the administration received a public endorsement from the CEO of Opendoor, Kaz Nejatian, who credited President Trump with doing an “‘Excellent’ Job Lowering Housing Prices” and increasing access to homeownership [3].

References: [1] Trump reveals to The Post ‘on land’ drug strikes could hit ‘anywhere’ — including Mexico, Central and South America, https://nypost.com/2026/01/24/us-news/trump-reveals-to-the-post-on-land-drug-strikes-could-hit-anywhere-including-mexico-central-and-south-america/
[2] Trump blasts lawsuit against White House ballroom, says it’s ’too late’ to stop, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-is-too-late-stop-white-house-ballroom-construction
[3] Opendoor CEO Kaz Nejatian: Trump Doing an ‘Excellent’ Job Lowering Housing Prices, Increasing Access, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/25/exclusive-opendoor-ceo-kaz-nejatian-trump-doing-an-excellent-job-lowering-housing-prices-increasing-access/

3. Foreign Affairs and National Security

3.1. Iran in Crisis and U.S.-China Tensions

International attention is focused on Iran, where reports indicate a brutal government crackdown on widespread internal protests. The death toll estimates vary dramatically, ranging from “a few thousand to 33,000,” with one report describing the regime’s actions as “‘Spasms Of Death’” [1, 2]. Specific atrocities are being alleged, including an incident where security forces reportedly “kill[ed] a mother in front of her family” [3]. Meanwhile, the influence of Iranian officials and their families abroad is under scrutiny. Emory University reportedly fired the daughter of a top Iranian official after “massive public outrage” over her role [4], and a separate, unverified claim circulating online warns of an “extended arm” of the IRGC operating “inside the European Parliament” [5].

Simultaneously, U.S.-China strategic competition is intensifying. The Chinese government has publicly accused one of its own fired generals of “One-Upping General Mark Milley” by providing “Nuclear Secrets to the CIA,” a significant and highly public charge of high-level espionage [6]. Economically, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing new rules to block “Chinese-Owned Green Energy Firms From Receiving Taxpayer Funds,” a move that is causing solar companies to “Scramble To Hide China Ties” [7].

References: [1] Iran protests death toll estimates range from a few thousand to 33,000, https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-regime-reportedly-issued-nationwide-shoot-to-kill-orders-protest-death-toll-surges
[2] ‘Spasms Of Death’: Up To 30,000 Reportedly Dead After Iran’s Regime Cracks Down On Protestors, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/25/iran-protests-30000-killed-crackdown-khamenei-trump/
[3] Iran security forces kill mother in front of her family, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601250176
[4] Daughter of top Iranian official ousted from Emory University following massive public outrage, CA Post pressure, https://nypost.com/2026/01/25/us-news/emory-university-fires-daughter-of-iran-official-fatemeh-ardeshir-larijani/
[5] “I am shocked to my core that the terrorist organisation IRGC has an extended arm inside the European Parliament.”, https://x.com/SebastianTyne/status/2015178142843834540
[6] China Accuses Fired General of One-Upping General Mark Milley: He Gave Nuclear Secrets to the CIA, https://redstate.com/streiff/2026/01/25/china-accuses-fired-general-of-one-upping-general-mark-milley-he-gave-nuclear-secrets-to-the-cia-n2198516
[7] Solar Companies Scramble To Hide China Ties As Trump Readies Rules Barring Chinese-Owned Green Energy Firms From Receiving Taxpayer Funds, https://freebeacon.com/energy/solar-companies-scramble-to-hide-china-ties-as-trump-readies-rules-barring-chinese-owned-green-energy-firms-from-receiving-taxpayer-funds/

3.2. European Security and Global Developments

President Trump’s approach to NATO continues to generate debate over the U.S. commitment to collective defense. One report suggests the President’s “NATO warning” is compelling European allies to “face the cost of defending itself” [1]. This sentiment is underscored by a quote circulating online from an unidentified source who claims that the idea of Europe defending itself without the U.S. is a fantasy, stating “YOU CAN’T! We can’t!” [2].

Elsewhere, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated that a democratic transition in her country could become a historic “‘Berlin Wall’ moment” for President Trump [3]. In Mexico, a mass shooting at a soccer field in the country’s central region left 11 dead and 12 wounded [4]. Finally, Canada’s assisted suicide program is highlighted in a report about a man named Kiano Vafaeian who was described as “not terminally ill” yet was granted an assisted death [5].

References: [1] Trump’s NATO warning pushes Europe to face the cost of defending itself, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-nato-warning-pushes-europe-face-cost-defending-itself
[2] “If anyone thinks here that the European Union or Europe can defend itself without the US, KEEP ON DREAMING! YOU CAN’T! We can’t!”, https://x.com/ericldaugh/status/2015821345267789913?s=61
[3] Exclusive | Maria Corina Machado says democracy can turn Venezuela into Trump’s ‘Berlin Wall’ moment, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/maria-corina-machado-says-democracy-can-turn-venezuela-into-trumps-berlin-wall-moment/
[4] Gunmen open fire at soccer field in central Mexico, killing 11 and wounding 12, https://apnews.com/article/mexico-cartel-salamanca-guanajuato-sheinbaum-f25805cde730397abafeb73ac451c49f
[5] Determined to Die — Kiano Vafaeian was not terminally ill—and did not need to be to end his own life under Canada’s assisted suicide program, https://www.thefp.com/p/determined-to-die

4. Domestic Policy and Partisan Commentary

4.1. State-Level Controversies and Political Discourse

Multiple states are grappling with contentious policy debates that reflect the national partisan divide. In California, reports allege significant fiscal mismanagement, including a “crazy scheme” in San Francisco where taxpayers allegedly spent “$5M a year to hand out booze to homeless alcoholics” [1]. Los Angeles is also accused of using “$1.4M in taxpayer funds” to finance a “lefty anti‐cop” activist group [2]. President Trump has entered the state’s political fray, directing a “two-word insult” at Governor Gavin Newsom, whose record was also reportedly “Brutally Body-Slam[med]” in an Atlantic Magazine article [3, 4]. In Maine, Democratic Governor Janet Mills has reportedly issued a demand for “ICE Out, [and an] End to Deportations” [5]. The political fundraising environment has also become a battleground, with one report claiming a “Pro-Kamala Group” ceased operations after being “Caught Fundraising Off Alex Pretti’s Death” [6].

References: [1] Exclusive | crazy scheme saw San Francisco taxpayers shell out $5M a year to hand out booze to homeless alcoholics, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/san-francisco-mayor-lurie-says-5m-alcohol-program-is-done/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&utm_source=pasteboard_app
[2] How LA bankrolls lefty anti‐cop, Olympics-hаting activist group using $1.4M in taxpayer funds, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/la-funds-far-left-anti-cop-nonprofit-as-small-landlords-get-crushed/
[3] Trump blasts Gavin Newsom with two-word insult, https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/trump-blasts-gavin-newsom-with-two-word-insult/
[4] Atlantic Magazine Brutally Body-Slams Gavin Newsom’s Political Record, https://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/pj-gladnick/2026/01/25/atlantic-magazine-brutally-body-slams-gavin-newsoms-political
[5] Maine’s Democrat Gov. Janet Mills Demands ICE Out, End to Deportations, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/01/25/maine-democrat-gov-janet-mills-demands-ice-out-end-to-deportations/
[6] Pro-Kamala Group Goes Dark After Getting Caught Fundraising Off Alex Pretti’s Death, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/25/democratic-political-action-group-actblue-fundraising-text-alex-pretti-shooting/

4.2. Gun Rights Discourse

The current events in Minnesota have reignited debates surrounding the Second Amendment. A headline from Breitbart resurfaces a 2024 argument from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who at the time contended there was “No Right to carry a Gun at ‘Political Rallies and Protests’” [1]. Another commentary piece accuses “The Left” of hypocrisy on gun rights, claiming its position “Just Hit a New Low,” although the specific details of this alleged hypocrisy are not stated in the headline [2].

References: [1] In 2024 Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Argued No Right to Carry a Gun at ‘Political Rallies and Protests’, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/01/26/in-2024-minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-argued-no-right-to-carry-a-gun-at-political-rallies-and-protests/
[2] The Left’s Gun Rights Hypocrisy Just Hit a New Low, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/01/25/the-lefts-gun-rights-hypocrisy-just-hit-a-new-low-n4948736

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