Top U.S. & World Headlines — February 5, 2026

Federal Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

Overview of ICE Operations

• President Trump's border enforcement strategy is highlighted by Tom H. Homeman, who announced that 700 federal agents will be leaving Minnesota, citing progress in local cooperation with federal immigration efforts.

• Governor Tim Walls supports the reduction but urges a quicker withdrawal of federal forces, while Democratic lawmakers demand complete removal due to ongoing fears within communities.

Impact on Local Communities

• The presence of ICE agents has led to significant absenteeism in schools, with some districts reporting up to half of students staying home during crackdowns.

• A lawsuit initiated by teachers' unions aims to keep ICE away from school properties and bus stops, reflecting community concerns over safety and well-being.

Legal and Health Concerns

• An attorney's resignation from the U.S. Attorney's Office highlights frustrations over heavy workloads linked to immigration policies; she described her job as "sucks" due to overwhelming demands.

• The ACLU calls for a UN investigation into the Trump administration’s immigration actions, claiming violations of constitutional rights and international human rights obligations.

Political Ramifications of Immigration Policies

Election Interference Allegations

• Steve Bannon advocates for deploying ICE at polling sites during midterm elections, suggesting a strategy to prevent perceived electoral fraud.

• Senator Ed Marky warns against potential intimidation tactics at polling places, labeling it a "red alert moment" for democracy.

Congressional Dynamics

• Republican Congressman Barry Loudermilk announces he will not seek re-election, marking a trend among House Republicans resigning or leaving early amid political pressures.

Supreme Court Decisions and Electoral Maps

California Congressional Map Approval

• The U.S. Supreme Court allows California's new congressional map aimed at flipping seats currently held by Republicans without dissent from justices.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Returnees' Experiences

• Palestinians returning through the Rafa border face severe restrictions including interrogation and confiscation of personal belongings during their journey back home after nearly two years.

Casualties from Conflict

• Recent Israeli attacks have resulted in numerous casualties among Palestinians, including medics providing humanitarian aid; calls for adherence to international law protecting medical personnel are emphasized.

U.S. Arms Sales to Israel

Congressional Oversight Issues

• Representative Gregory Meeks criticizes the Trump administration for bypassing Congress regarding $6 billion in arms sales to Israel without proper notification or justification.

Support for Israel Amidst Violence

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer defends his support for military aid to Israel despite recent escalations resulting in civilian casualties.

Protests and Legal Actions Against Palestine Action

Overview of Palestine Action's Legal Challenges

• Pro-Palestinian activists from Palestine Action were sentenced after breaking into a factory operated by Israeli defense firm Elit, having spent 18 months in jail awaiting trial.

• The British government has classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization due to their direct action protests against Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

• A spokesperson for Defend Juries stated that the verdicts against the activists undermine government attempts to label them as violent, justifying the ban under poorly drafted terrorism legislation.

Nuclear Arms Control Developments

• The New START treaty between the United States and Russia expired, which had previously limited missiles, launchers, and strategic nuclear warheads.

• President Trump directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992 following this expiration.

Tensions with Iran

• High-level talks regarding Iran's nuclear program are set to occur in Oman instead of Turkey, involving mediators from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt proposing limits on uranium enrichment.

• Reports indicate that President Trump may authorize military strikes on Iran as early as Sunday if tensions escalate further.

Human Rights Concerns in Iran

• Nobel laureate Nargus Muhammadi is on hunger strike in prison after being arrested for participating in a memorial service for a deceased human rights lawyer.

Financial Dealings Involving Trump Family

Controversial Stake Purchase

• An Abu Dhabi royal purchased a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, linked to Trump's family, shortly before his second inauguration for $500 million.

• Following this deal, access was granted to UAE for sensitive AI technology by the Trump administration.

Congressional Investigation

• Congress member Roana announced an investigation into potential legal violations related to the financial dealings between World Liberty Financial and Abu Dhabi royalty.

Media Landscape Changes

Layoffs at The Washington Post

• The Washington Post laid off over 300 journalists—nearly one-third of its workforce—affecting various coverage areas including sports and local news.

Impact on Journalism Quality

• The newspaper guild expressed concerns that ongoing layoffs will weaken journalistic integrity and diminish accountability efforts within communities.

Global Autocracy Trends

Human Rights Watch Report Findings

• A report indicates that nearly three-fourths of the global population lives under autocratic regimes led by leaders who disregard democratic norms.

U.S. Democracy Under Scrutiny

• Phippe Palopian from Human Rights Watch highlighted significant declines in U.S. democracy quality due to attacks on elections, judiciary independence, journalism, political opposition, and civil society organizations.