Videos are being shared on social media showing Americans wearing their passports on their heads due to fears of being questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This trend follows recent incidents in Minnesota that have heightened concerns about immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Americans are strapping passports to their heads in videos on social media.
The trend aims to show immediate proof of citizenship amid fears of ICE operations.
Concerns have escalated after two U.S. citizens died in ICE-related incidents in Minnesota.
In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody, marking a 20-year high.
Videos with millions of views highlight concerns about immigration policies under President Trump.
Social media users from different backgrounds share similar videos showing their passports.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented publicly on the viral trend.
Steve Bannon urged President Donald Trump to use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota due to rising protests against immigration enforcement by ICE. The call comes after a federal agent fatally shot a man named Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, leading to criticism of ICE tactics and calls for an investigation. The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy the military within the U.S. to control unrest.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon suggested President Trump use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.
This suggestion follows ongoing protests against ICE in Minneapolis.
A federal agent recently shot Alex Pretti, sparking widespread criticism.
Pretti was reported to be legally carrying a handgun when he was shot.
Protests erupted after claims of aggressive ICE tactics, including reports of using children as "bait."
The Insurrection Act allows the president to use military forces domestically to address insurrections.
The most recent use of the Insurrection Act was in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots.
Chris Madel, a candidate for Minnesota governor, ended his campaign. He said he disagrees with the Republican Party's recent actions and approach, especially concerning immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Chris Madel was running for governor of Minnesota as a Republican.
Madel is a lawyer from Minneapolis.
He had supported a legal case involving an ICE agent who killed Renee Good.
Madel announced his withdrawal from the race in a video on Monday.
He criticized a recent immigration enforcement action in the Twin Cities, calling it a disaster.
Madel expressed concerns about Republicans' talk of retribution and their impact on Minnesota citizens.
A private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine while taking off. The crash happened amid a severe winter storm that is affecting the region. The fate of the eight people onboard is not yet known.
Key Facts
A private jet with eight people crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine.
The aircraft was a Bombardier Challenger 600.
The crash occurred around 19:45 local time.
Heavy snowfall and poor visibility were reported at the airport due to a winter storm.
The airport closed after the crash, and emergency crews were on the scene.
Audio recordings discussed poor visibility before the crash.
Smoke and flames were seen on the runway following the incident.
The storm is causing major travel disruptions, with many flights cancelled or delayed.
Questions have arisen about whether immigration agents can face prosecution after two deadly shootings in Minneapolis by federal agents. The debates revolve around legal interpretations of immunity and whether the agents' use of force was reasonable under the law.
Key Facts
Two fatal shootings by immigration agents occurred in Minneapolis, involving Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
The Department of Homeland Security labeled both individuals as "domestic terrorists."
Video evidence reportedly contradicts the government's self-defense claim.
Nationwide protests and criticisms from local officials and Democrats followed the shootings.
Some Republicans, including VP JD Vance, claim agents have "absolute immunity," which legal experts dispute.
Legal experts state that agents could be prosecuted in state courts.
Both Minnesota and federal law require that officers use deadly force only if a "reasonable officer" believes it necessary to prevent a serious threat.
If prosecuted, the agents may attempt to move the case to federal court, where legal arguments about reasonableness will be evaluated.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that federal agents have found financial backers behind attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during protests in Minnesota. He said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Key Facts
FBI Director Kash Patel is involved in the investigation of protests in Minnesota.
Protests targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Federal agents identified the groups and individuals funding the protests.
Patel indicated that the unrest is organized and not spontaneous.
More arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Patel shared this information in an interview with a conservative podcaster.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz is not likely to win the Republican nomination for the 2028 presidential election, according to recent polls and betting odds. Cruz has criticized President Trump’s policies and Vice President JD Vance during private meetings, and this information was reported by Axios. Polls show that Cruz has low support among Republicans, with very few people saying they would vote for him in a primary.
Key Facts
Ted Cruz is rumored to potentially run for president in 2028 but has not officially announced his candidacy.
Axios reported that Cruz criticized President Trump’s tariff policies and Vice President JD Vance.
An Echelon Insights poll showed only 3% of Republicans would vote for Cruz in a primary.
JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. had higher support in the same poll, with 45% and 12% respectively.
Predictive betting platforms estimate Cruz’s chance of winning the nomination at around 2-3%.
JD Vance and Marco Rubio have higher betting odds of receiving the nomination than Cruz.
President Trump mentioned JD Vance and Marco Rubio as key potential Republican successors.
Politicians usually announce presidential campaigns after midterm elections, which will be in November 2026.
Kristi Noem is facing pressure due to two fatal shootings by immigration officers in Minneapolis. President Trump has sent Tom Homan, a rival and border czar, to handle the situation, sidelining Noem. This has raised doubts about Noem's influence and future in Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Two American citizens were fatally shot by immigration officers in Minneapolis, causing controversy.
President Trump sidelined Kristi Noem by sending Tom Homan to manage the situation in Minnesota.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche did not support Noem's claim about Alex Pretti being a domestic terrorist.
The situation has led to anti-ICE protests and increased public scrutiny.
Noem has defended the deployment of 2,000 ICE agents but faces criticism over tactics used.
Some Republicans question if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has lost control of the situation.
Noem's visibility and association with the operation have made her a target of criticism.
President Trump has a history of removing officials involved in prolonged controversies.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has served as the District of Columbia's delegate in Congress since 1991, will not seek reelection. She has been a major figure in representing Washington D.C. residents for many years.
Key Facts
Eleanor Holmes Norton has been the D.C. delegate to Congress for 18 terms.
She started serving as a delegate in 1991.
Norton is 88 years old.
She is known for her role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Her decision to stop running for office ends a long public service career.
Questions about her effectiveness arose during the Trump administration's actions in D.C.
Republican attorney Chris Madel decided to stop running for Minnesota governor. He criticized ICE's Operation Metro Surge, calling it a "disaster" that went beyond its original goals. His decision came after a nurse named Alex Pretti was shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
Chris Madel is a Republican attorney.
He was running for governor of Minnesota.
Madel criticized ICE's Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
He said the operation expanded too far from its original goals.
Madel announced his decision to leave the race on a video.
The announcement followed the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Seniors on Social Security could see a $460 monthly cut in benefits if Congress does not address a predicted shortfall in the Social Security trust fund by 2033. This would affect around 70 million people, including those receiving retirement and disability benefits. The trust fund is running out, and current worker payroll taxes would not be enough to maintain full benefits.
Key Facts
Seniors on Social Security could face a $460 monthly cut if no action is taken.
Without intervention, benefits could drop by about 20% in the early 2030s.
The possible reduction would affect around 70 million Americans.
The trust fund that helps pay for Social Security benefits is expected to run out in 2033.
Current payroll taxes would only cover 77% of the promised benefits.
Kevin Thompson, a CEO, suggests it is unlikely Congress will let the cuts happen due to political pressure.
The ongoing financial issue has been known for years, but solutions have been delayed.
Experts recommend that soon-to-be retirees also save money in other ways, like 401k or IRA accounts.
A new round of Social Security payments will be distributed this week. These payments, which support over 70 million Americans, have varying schedules depending on the type of benefit and recipient's birth date. This month also marks the beginning of an increase in benefits due to a cost-of-living adjustment.
Key Facts
Social Security pays over 70 million people each month in the U.S.
Payments are scheduled based on the recipient’s birth date.
This week, people born between the 21st and 31st will get their money on Wednesday, January 28.
On Friday, January 30, early payments for February’s Supplemental Security Income will be sent.
SSI is for seniors and disabled people with low income and is usually paid on the first of each month.
If the first of the month is on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent on the last business day before that date.
A cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8% has been applied, starting this month, to help with inflation.
The typical retired worker received $2,071.30 monthly by December 2025.
A major winter storm named Fern has caused significant disruptions across many U.S. states. Experts estimate that the financial damage could exceed $100 billion, affecting millions of people through canceled flights, closed schools and businesses, and power outages.
Key Facts
Storm Fern can cause financial losses between $105 billion and $115 billion.
The storm affects around 200 million people in the U.S.
There were over 10,000 canceled flights due to the storm.
Many areas experienced power outages, impacting hundreds of thousands of people.
After the snowfall, very cold weather could worsen power outage issues.
The hardest-hit areas may experience long-lasting power outages due to ice.
Insurance claims are expected to increase significantly, especially in regions not prepared for severe cold.
Several Democratic politicians are calling to end the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shootings of two people by immigration agents. The Trump administration says the shootings were in self-defense. There is ongoing public debate over ICE's actions, with some Americans supporting its abolition.
Key Facts
Democrats, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, support abolishing ICE.
The call to abolish ICE comes after the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota by immigration agents.
The Trump administration claims the shootings were in self-defense as Pretti approached officers while armed.
A YouGov poll found that 46% of Americans support abolishing ICE, while 41% oppose it, with opinions divided along party lines.
ICE has faced criticism for alleged misconduct, including arrests without due process and racial profiling.
In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody, marking the agency's worst annual figures in two decades.
Zohran Mamdani and Rashida Tlaib have publicly called for ICE to be abolished on social media platforms.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faced criticism after he compared the impact of immigration policies under President Donald Trump in Minnesota to the experiences of Anne Frank during the Holocaust. Walz made these comments following a recent incident where a U.S. citizen was shot by federal officers. The comparison generated a strong reaction on social media.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz compared President Trump’s immigration policies in Minnesota to the Holocaust.
He referred to children in Minnesota being fearful and hiding in their homes.
Walz made these comments after a U.S. citizen was shot by federal officers in Minneapolis.
The White House criticized Walz, labeling him as "disturbed."
Some conservatives condemned Walz’s comparison as offensive.
Others, including some Jewish individuals, defended Walz’s remarks.
Walz has been active in promoting Holocaust and genocide education in Minnesota schools.
Some Republicans are calling for a full investigation after federal immigration officers in Minnesota shot and killed a second resident. This situation is creating tension within the Republican Party over President Trump's immigration policies. Key Republican figures are asking for transparency in how immigration enforcement is carried out.
Key Facts
A second resident in Minnesota was killed by federal immigration officers.
Republican leaders are demanding an investigation into the shootings.
Oversight Committee chair Rep. James Comer suggested federal agents might need to leave Minneapolis.
Sen. Susan Collins wants a transparent investigation to see if force was necessary.
Sen. Pete Ricketts also called for an investigation but still supports funding ICE.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino requested officials from ICE and other agencies to testify.
Some Republicans believe that cooperation with local law enforcement is important.
The incident has led to calls for the impeachment of the Homeland Security Secretary.
Senate Democrats plan to oppose a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after a man was shot in Minnesota. Their stance raises the chance of a government shutdown. President Trump has signed half of the needed annual budget bills, but six still need Senate approval.
Key Facts
Democratic senators oppose a DHS funding bill after the shooting of a man in Minnesota.
The opposition may lead to a partial government shutdown by the end of the week.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the situation in Minnesota.
Six out of twelve annual spending bills have been signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Six more bills are waiting for Senate approval.
House Democrats are opposed to some of the budget measures.
There are increasing calls for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Federal and state officials in Minneapolis gave different messages about a recent immigration crackdown following a shooting involving federal agents. This incident led to protests and public disagreement between authorities about the actions of the agents involved.
Key Facts
Federal agents were involved in a shooting in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, a nurse.
State Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal government's actions during the immigration crackdown.
Greg Bovino from Border Patrol defended the actions of federal agents, blaming Pretti for interfering.
Video evidence seems to contradict federal claims about the nature of the incident.
The video reportedly shows Pretti holding a phone, not a weapon, before being shot by agents.
Clashes between protesters and immigration officers occurred in response to the shooting.
Pretti had a license to carry a concealed weapon, which agents reportedly discovered before shooting.
The U.S. Postal Service has introduced a new stamp to mark Colorado's 150th anniversary as a state. Featuring a photograph by John Fielder, the stamp celebrates Colorado's landscapes and is sold as a Forever stamp, meaning it will always be equal in value to current 1-ounce First-Class Mail postage.
Key Facts
The new stamp celebrates Colorado's 150 years as a U.S. state.
It features a photo by John Fielder taken in the Weminuche Wilderness.
The stamp was designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes.
Forever stamps stay equal in value to the current first-class mail rate.
The stamp costs 78 cents each or $15.60 for a pane of 20.
16 million Colorado Statehood stamps have been printed.
The first-day-of-issue ceremony occurred in Denver on January 24, 2023.
Customers can buy the stamps at post offices or online.
A massive winter storm in the United States has caused at least 10 deaths and left nearly a million people without power. Many states, including Washington, DC, have declared emergencies due to the severe weather. Officials warn that dangerous cold temperatures may continue for several days.
Key Facts
At least 10 people have died across the U.S. due to the storm.
Nearly a million people are without power because of the storm's impact.
At least 20 states and Washington, DC, have declared emergencies.
The storm brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a wide area.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported five outdoor deaths, possibly due to the weather.
In Texas, three people died, including a teenager in a sledding accident.
Louisiana reported two deaths from hypothermia.
More than 840,000 power outages occurred, mostly in the South.
Airports in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, canceled almost all flights.
The storm stems from a stretched polar vortex bringing Arctic cold southward.
