From federal arrests in Minneapolis to political questions at the Supreme Court and a legal battle over redistricting in Florida, Thursday brought news that touches law enforcement, the judiciary, and state politics.
Minneapolis Activist Arrested for Threats Against ICE
Federal authorities arrested Minneapolis activist Kyle Wagner, 37, on Thursday, charging him with threatening federal immigration agents and related offenses. Prosecutors say Wagner used social media to post videos urging followers to harm ICE officers, whom he labeled “Gestapo” and “murderers.”
According to court documents, Wagner encouraged violence, called for firearms to be used against agents, and shared personal information of an ICE supporter in Michigan. Law enforcement photos show Wagner being led out by Homeland Security Investigations agents wearing a sweatshirt reading “I’M ANTIFA!” Officials connected him to the loosely organized far-left movement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that Wagner’s arrest demonstrates the government’s commitment to pursuing those who advocate violence against law enforcement. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the alleged threats as part of a broader pattern of lawlessness, while U.S. Attorney Gorgon warned that attempts to incite violence would not succeed.
The arrest is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting criminal organizations and illegal immigration-related threats. Wagner made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday as protests and tensions over ICE operations continue in Minneapolis following recent fatalities during federal enforcement actions.
Senator Urges Supreme Court Inquiry Over Justice Jackson’s Grammy Appearance
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has formally requested that Chief Justice John Roberts investigate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s attendance at the Grammy Awards. Blackburn cited concerns that Jackson was present at an event where some artists criticized ICE and shared politically charged messages.
In a letter, Blackburn emphasized that justices rarely attend events where explicit political rhetoric is amplified, and she questioned whether Jackson’s presence could create conflicts of interest in cases involving immigration policy, including ICE enforcement and birthright citizenship.
Blackburn drew parallels to past calls for recusal of Republican-appointed justices in politically sensitive cases, framing this as a matter of judicial impartiality. Her call has ignited debate about the boundaries for public appearances by Supreme Court justices and the standards expected to maintain the Court’s neutrality.
Florida Voters Challenge Governor’s Redistricting Authority
In Florida, voters have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis and state officials, challenging the governor’s authority to direct the Legislature on a mid-decade redistricting plan ahead of the 2026 elections.
The complaint argues that DeSantis exceeded constitutional limits by issuing a proclamation calling a special session to redraw congressional and legislative maps. Plaintiffs Elizabeth Pines and Eugene Pettis claim the governor and Secretary of State Cord Byrd attempted to unilaterally bind the Legislature, asking the Florida Supreme Court to declare the directives nonbinding and unenforceable.
The redistricting effort is part of a nationwide push by Republicans to gain additional House seats in advance of the midterms. The Florida Supreme Court has not yet scheduled a hearing, but the case could determine the timing and legality of the state’s new congressional boundaries.
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