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Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations

Gov. Tim Walz won't mark Chávez Day as officials weigh renaming schools, streets and more.

News

Minnesota officials are reckoning with local ties to César Chávez in light of explosive new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sexual abuse allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B65239cd1" data-vars-content-id="19d7cc67-7ee0-49f1-9c7e-b82990081a7c" data-vars-headline="Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B65239cd1" target="_self">sexual abuse allegations</a> against the late labor leader. Why it matters: Chávez&#x27;s role as a central figure in the fight for farmworker rights prompted local officials to name schools, streets and holidays in his honor. <ul><li>That legacy is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now in question" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1hbnRvbmlvLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B390fd58b" data-vars-content-id="19d7cc67-7ee0-49f1-9c7e-b82990081a7c" data-vars-headline="Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1hbnRvbmlvLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B390fd58b" target="_self">now in question</a> following accusations from several minors and women, including fellow civil rights icon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolores Huerta" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMDcvMjUva2FtYWxhLWhhcnJpcy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YS1sYXRpbm8tdm90ZXJzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuZnJhbmNpc2NvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B289821fa" data-vars-content-id="19d7cc67-7ee0-49f1-9c7e-b82990081a7c" data-vars-headline="Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMDcvMjUva2FtYWxhLWhhcnJpcy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YS1sYXRpbm8tdm90ZXJzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuZnJhbmNpc2NvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B289821fa" target="_self">Dolores Huerta</a>.</li></ul>

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition

Following the merger, they will be one of the largest health systems in the U.S.

Business

Minneapolis-based Allina Health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" data-vars-content-id="39acd50a-3e7a-48c8-98c6-09b7f3fbdf07" data-vars-headline="Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" target="_blank">says</a> it has agreed to be acquired by Sacramento-based Sutter Health, making the combined company one of the largest health systems in the U.S.Why it matters: If the deal closes, it means 12 metro hospitals — including Minneapolis&#x27; Abbott Northwestern, St. Paul&#x27;s United and Coon Rapids&#x27; Mercy — will have a new operator.

I live near St. Paul's winter parking trial. Here's what I'm seeing.

St. Paul's pilot program could end the snow emergency as we know it.

🔎 It&#x27;s Kyle — but this winter, call me &quot;The St. Paul Snowplow Stalker.&quot;St. Paul is experimenting with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new winter parking rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/st-paul-snow-emergency-parking-winter" data-vars-content-id="f946b8e6-ab72-43ac-a75a-f8364f6af95a" data-vars-headline="I live near St. Paul&#x27;s winter parking trial. Here&#x27;s what I&#x27;m seeing." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/st-paul-snow-emergency-parking-winter" target="_self">new winter parking rules</a> in my neighborhood, and I&#x27;ve been watching closely to see whether the experiment is working.

Twin Cities weekend events: Pond skim, sap tap, Train Fest

Don't let temperatures in the 70s deter you from hitting the slopes this weekend.

Things to Do

Don&#x27;t let temperatures in the 70s deter you from hitting the slopes this weekend.What&#x27;s happening: After postponing due to weather, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Härdsmälta Festival and Pond Skim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhnnBf6vf/" data-vars-content-id="f0b4612b-d606-4ad8-9045-c725bb463053" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend events: Pond skim, sap tap, Train Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhnnBf6vf/" target="_blank">Härdsmälta Festival and Pond Skim</a> at Hyland Hills Ski Area returns this Sunday for an afternoon of chaotic winter sports to support local food shelves.

Minnesota lawmakers gear up for ICE policy clash

The ICE surge in Minnesota <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="may be ending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="d19542d0-dc8c-42d0-8c30-affe10acd605" data-vars-headline="Minnesota lawmakers gear up for ICE policy clash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" target="_self">may be ending</a>, but the political fight over Trump&#x27;s 10-week immigration operation is just heating up. State of play: Lawmakers at the divided Legislature have teed up a range of bills on the topic ahead of this year&#x27;s session, which starts Tuesday.

ICE surge in Minnesota is over, border czar Homan says

Border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that a significant drawdown of agents is underway.

Politics & Policy

The Trump administration will end its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/28/homan-meets-walz-frey-immigration" data-vars-content-id="ff685b2f-fc9e-409c-b17f-e83c299a63a0" data-vars-headline="ICE surge in Minnesota is over, border czar Homan says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/28/homan-meets-walz-frey-immigration" target="_self">immigration crackdown</a> in the Twin Cities, White House border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday. Why it matters: The 10-week surge roiled Minnesota, left two U.S. citizens dead and proved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="politically toxic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/trump-polling-approval-biden-democrats" data-vars-content-id="ff685b2f-fc9e-409c-b17f-e83c299a63a0" data-vars-headline="ICE surge in Minnesota is over, border czar Homan says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/trump-polling-approval-biden-democrats" target="_self">politically toxic</a> for the White House.

Homan arrives in Minnesota, but immigration crackdown continues

A major pullback of the ICE surge does not appear imminent.

The White House&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new point person" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/26/minnesota-border-patrol-bovino-leaving-trump-walz" data-vars-content-id="04e0c473-5b7f-49c3-a829-bea4b534f4c0" data-vars-headline="Homan arrives in Minnesota, but immigration crackdown continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/26/minnesota-border-patrol-bovino-leaving-trump-walz" target="_self">new point person</a> on the immigration crackdown in Minnesota met with Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey yesterday, as widespread raids and arrests continued in the state. Why it matters: While the meetings with border czar Tom Homan appear to be another step toward de-escalation, a quick and large-scale pullback of agents doesn&#x27;t appear to be imminent.

Federal agents fatally shoot man in confrontation in South Minneapolis

There have been multiple shootings involving federal agents in the city over the last month.

Federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Minneapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="b00ffb30-1fdd-4709-8cd3-5da213d8608d" data-vars-headline="Federal agents fatally shoot man in confrontation in South Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" target="_self">South Minneapolis</a> on Saturday morning, per state and local officials and witness video from the scene.The big picture: The shooting of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICU nurse Alex Pretti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" data-vars-content-id="b00ffb30-1fdd-4709-8cd3-5da213d8608d" data-vars-headline="Federal agents fatally shoot man in confrontation in South Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" target="_self">ICU nurse Alex Pretti</a>, a Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen, further inflamed tensions over the Trump administration&#x27;s immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota Gov. Walz vows state investigation into DHS "lies" about shooting

This is the second time state leaders said federal officials have refused to cooperate in a shooting investigation.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday that the state will conduct its own investigation into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/24/minneapolis-shooting-federal-agent" data-vars-content-id="1dd7b287-6505-4bc2-9c6a-1ebe3eea4e54" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Gov. Walz vows state investigation into DHS &quot;lies&quot; about shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/24/minneapolis-shooting-federal-agent" target="_self">fatal shooting</a> of a Minneapolis man by federal immigration agents. The big picture: This is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/ice-shooting-returns-minnesota-to-epicenter-of-upheaval" data-vars-content-id="1dd7b287-6505-4bc2-9c6a-1ebe3eea4e54" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Gov. Walz vows state investigation into DHS &quot;lies&quot; about shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/ice-shooting-returns-minnesota-to-epicenter-of-upheaval" target="_self">second time</a> this month local law enforcement said federal agencies have refused to cooperate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="while investigating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-trump-minneapolis-investigation-justice-department" data-vars-content-id="1dd7b287-6505-4bc2-9c6a-1ebe3eea4e54" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Gov. Walz vows state investigation into DHS &quot;lies&quot; about shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-trump-minneapolis-investigation-justice-department" target="_self">while investigating</a> the shooting death of a state resident by federal officials.

Minnesota sues Trump administration to end "dangerous, illegal" ICE "invasion"

The lawsuit comes amid escalating tensions between local leaders and the White House.

Minnesota officials on Monday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filed a federal lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2026/docs/00190_DHS_Complaint.pdf" data-vars-content-id="ab63b345-2bf4-4199-8c1f-044b3d14895e" data-vars-headline="Minnesota sues Trump administration to end &quot;dangerous, illegal&quot; ICE &quot;invasion&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2026/docs/00190_DHS_Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a> against the Department of Homeland Security to stop what they call a &quot;dangerous, illegal, and unconstitutional&quot; immigration enforcement operation targeting the Twin Cities. The big picture: The lawsuit deepens the standoff between state leaders and the Trump administration after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the fatal shooting of a woman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="ab63b345-2bf4-4199-8c1f-044b3d14895e" data-vars-headline="Minnesota sues Trump administration to end &quot;dangerous, illegal&quot; ICE &quot;invasion&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">the fatal shooting of a woman</a> by a federal agent and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the deployment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-e22c5230-ecd5-11f0-9143-e725e6b22351.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_minneapolis&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="ab63b345-2bf4-4199-8c1f-044b3d14895e" data-vars-headline="Minnesota sues Trump administration to end &quot;dangerous, illegal&quot; ICE &quot;invasion&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-e22c5230-ecd5-11f0-9143-e725e6b22351.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_minneapolis&amp;stream=top" target="_self">the deployment</a> of thousands of agents to Minnesota.

Ilhan Omar and other Democrats blocked from ICE visit after Minneapolis shooting

Omar blasted the decision as "a blatant disregard of the law."

Three Minnesota congressional Democrats — including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Ilhan Omar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/trump-minnesota-immigration-ilhan-omar-somali" data-vars-content-id="02ae71f2-a28a-408f-8cf6-5987a6fa05af" data-vars-headline="Ilhan Omar and other Democrats blocked from ICE visit after Minneapolis shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/trump-minnesota-immigration-ilhan-omar-somali" target="_self">Rep. Ilhan Omar</a> — were denied access to an ICE detention facility just outside Minneapolis on Saturday morning.Why it matters: The incident outside the Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul comes amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalating tensions and protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/ice-shooting-minneapolis-portland-vigils-protests" data-vars-content-id="02ae71f2-a28a-408f-8cf6-5987a6fa05af" data-vars-headline="Ilhan Omar and other Democrats blocked from ICE visit after Minneapolis shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/ice-shooting-minneapolis-portland-vigils-protests" target="_self">escalating tensions and protests</a> over an ICE agent&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-agent-shooting-south-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="02ae71f2-a28a-408f-8cf6-5987a6fa05af" data-vars-headline="Ilhan Omar and other Democrats blocked from ICE visit after Minneapolis shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-agent-shooting-south-minneapolis" target="_self">fatal shooting</a> of 37-year-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renee Good" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="02ae71f2-a28a-408f-8cf6-5987a6fa05af" data-vars-headline="Ilhan Omar and other Democrats blocked from ICE visit after Minneapolis shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">Renee Good</a> in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

How Minneapolis is pushing back against Trump's immigration crackdown

Yes, but: Critics say local police have been too helpful to federal agents.

Immigration

Local officials in the Twin Cities and beyond aren&#x27;t just criticizing ICE raids; they&#x27;re trying to make things harder for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal law enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/trump-local-police-ice-salaries-dhs" data-vars-content-id="9395d910-2d64-46f5-a287-8f1f6b9c3ac0" data-vars-headline="How Minneapolis is pushing back against Trump&#x27;s immigration crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/trump-local-police-ice-salaries-dhs" target="_self">federal law enforcement</a>, while being careful not to go over the line.Why it matters: The law forbids local leaders from impeding or interfering with federal officers. <ul><li>But Minneapolis and other cities are finding ways to push back on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unwanted immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/16/ice-raids-charlotte-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="9395d910-2d64-46f5-a287-8f1f6b9c3ac0" data-vars-headline="How Minneapolis is pushing back against Trump&#x27;s immigration crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/16/ice-raids-charlotte-new-orleans" target="_self">unwanted immigration enforcement</a> by the Trump administration.</li></ul>