Minneapolis Rebuilding After Federal Immigration Push

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Global News Today. Minneapolis streets feel a lot calmer these days after a major federal immigration push wrapped up last month. Federal agents are scarce in the city now, with most raids shifting to nearby areas. Residents used to blow red whistles at the site of immigration officers, but those alerts have quieted down a lot. Mayor Jacob Frey says about 400 federal immigration officers are still around, double the usual number. He blames the earlier operation for slashing federal grants, halting health transfers, and scaring families into hiding. Businesses shut down, and jobs banished during the peak fear. The human toll lingers, with over 76,000 people, too afraid to work or shop, leading to $203 million in economic. Losses in January alone, kids with cancer and other serious illnesses are missing treatments, causing no-show rates as high as 50% at pediatric hospitals. One doctor described families paralyzed by ongoing fear.

1:03Community efforts are stepping up to help. A local teacher has raised over $730,000 to online fundraisers to cover rent for scared immigrant families, delivering cash, door to door. Schools are dealing with new stresses, suing for protections as safe havens. Frey wants the federal government to cover the damages and help families recover, but he is not heard from them lately. Meanwhile, some worry about SUVs spotted at an immigration staging area, hinting at possible future activity. The city is rebuilding, but trauma runs deep. This story is shared with support from our sponsor. When you want calm, do not reach for your phone. Lay back and listen, SOLI, solelypillow.com.