ICE Hearing, Pothole Season, and Festival Revival Lead St. Paul Headlines
St Paul, MN – March 12, 2026 – Civil rights leaders press for ICE probe, pothole season ramps up, and a global festival returns downtown.
St. Paul is seeing a busy stretch of civic debate, seasonal work and cultural celebration this week.
Civil Rights Panel Hears Testimony on ICE Tactics
Community members gathered in St. Paul on March 10 as the chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights heard testimony about recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.
Residents described their experiences during what has been called Operation Metro Surge, urging the commission to consider a formal investigation into enforcement tactics. Advocates said the goal is greater transparency and accountability, while others defended the need for public safety operations.
The hearing adds another layer to an ongoing statewide conversation that has drawn strong reactions at the Capitol and across the metro.
Pothole Patching Season Begins
With warmer temperatures settling in, St. Paul’s city asphalt plant is now open for the season. That means crews are ramping up efforts to tackle potholes that formed during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.
City officials say the opening of the plant allows for quicker, more permanent repairs compared to temporary cold patches. Drivers can expect to see crews working across major corridors and neighborhood streets in the coming weeks.
Residents are encouraged to report trouble spots through the city’s usual service channels as repair season gets underway.
International Festival Returns to the Capital City
After a seven-year hiatus, the International Festival of Minnesota is returning to St. Paul. Organizers say the revived event will celebrate global cultures through food, music and performances.
The reboot builds on the legacy of the long-running Festival of Nations and is expected to draw visitors from across the region. Downtown businesses are hopeful the event will provide an early spring boost.
Crypto Kiosk Ban Advances at Capitol
At the State Capitol, a bill that would ban cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota is advancing in the Senate. Supporters argue the machines have been linked to scams and financial losses, while opponents say regulation, not prohibition, may be the better path.
The proposal is still moving through the legislative process, but it signals growing scrutiny of digital currency operations in St. Paul and statewide.
Sources
https://www.startribune.com/news-politics/twin-cities/stpaul
https://www.startribune.com/
https://minnesotanewsnetwork.com/afternoon-headlines-march-11th-2026/
