Feds used data from metro area traffic cameras during ICE surge

A Star Tribune investigation revealed that at least 30 state, county and federal agencies accessed typically confidential data gathered by Flock traffic security cameras in at least eight Minnesota suburbs. The agencies used the data for immigration purposes during Operation Metro Surge.

A Flock spokesman said the company believes immigration searches are allowed under Minnesota law. Not everyone agrees. “It’s a criminal investigative tool, not a civil enforcement mechanism. I believe state law is pretty clear on that,” Hopkins Police Capt. Craig Kreiling told the Star Tribune.

Some jurisdictions have ended ties with Flock, including Brooklyn Park and Columbia Heights. 

The DNR announced enhanced restrictions on burning across northeastern Minnesota as more than a dozen wildfires continue to burn in the region, KARE 11 reports. The restrictions extend to the use of machinery like welding equipment in areas near vegetation. FOX9 has live updates on the increase in wildfire activity.

The tourism industry in northern Minnesota has taken a major hit due to the wildfires, reports MPR News. In towns like Grand Marais, some businesses open only for the summer travel season. One tourist who braved the volatile conditions said, “I don’t think we’ve ever come to World’s Best Donuts and not had a line.” 

The trial of Shiloh Hendrix, the Rochester woman charged with disorderly conduct after she called a Black child a racial slur and a video of the incident went viral, began on Monday. Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday morning. KTTC has live updates.

Nearly half of the respondents to a Minnesota Department of Health survey said they have experienced discrimination in healthcare, MPR News reports. Of those who experienced discrimination – age and body size being the most frequently cited factors – more than 86% felt their experiences led to negative outcomes; nearly 95% felt the experiences affected their mental health; and 33% claimed they avoided seeking healthcare altogether.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s office is increasing its community outreach in response to rising concerns about violence among young Somalis associated with gangs, according to the Sahan Journal. Tonight (July 21) Sheriff Bob Fletcher and representatives from the office will hold a community meeting in Arden Hills to address the concerns. The meeting comes amid ongoing controversy following Fletcher’s recent comments about Somali gangs.

A winning lottery ticket sold at a Coon Rapids Holiday station set the state record for the largest Lotto America jackpot, KSTP reports. The ticket was worth more than $34 million, or about $15 million if the winner decides on the cash option. It was the top number on a lucky day: Another Minnesota resident won $20,000 in the same drawing and there were state winners across all nine Lotto America prize tiers, a first for the game. 

Lily Kopp is a student at the University of Iowa and MinnPost’s summer reporting intern.

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