Up First from NPR Minneapolis Protests, Immigration Enforcement Shootings, Running Venezuela
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Jan 9, 2026 
Joining the discussion are Meg Anderson, an NPR reporter on the ground in Minneapolis; Sergio Martinez Beltran, who covers immigration enforcement; and Danielle Kurtzleben, a political analyst. They dive into the resurgence of protests in Minneapolis following an ICE shooting, with eyewitness accounts highlighting community resilience. Sergio reveals alarming trends in immigration-related violence, while Danielle discusses the implications of U.S. plans for Venezuela, including oil strategy and diplomatic outreach. This engaging dialogue sheds light on complex and urgent issues.
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Defiant Protests In Freezing Rain
- Meg Anderson describes Minneapolis protesters standing in freezing rain and chanting despite fear and anger.
- She reports community members comparing this moment to protests after George Floyd and calling it uplifting.
Federal Control Shapes Trust Issues
- The FBI taking over the investigation leaves state officials shut out and makes the federal government the sole investigator of an agent's shooting.
- That shift raised fairness concerns from Minnesota officials and increased local distrust.
Victim Labeled Extremist Despite Family Portrait
- Meg Anderson reports witnesses thought Renee Good was a legal observer while federal authorities labeled her an extremist.
- Her family's description and her Pinterest page showed routine family life, contradicting federal characterizations.