Minneapolis Daily Brief: Evidence portal, Whipple protest arrests, and a $1B construction year

Local Headlines

• County attorney opens a new portal for residents to submit photos, video, and written accounts tied to alleged misconduct by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
• Dozens were taken into custody outside the Whipple Federal Building after authorities declared an unlawful assembly during an anti-ICE demonstration.
• City officials say Minneapolis topped $1 billion in 2025 construction value again, with major projects ranging from public housing work to new clinics and community facilities.

New evidence portal focuses on federal-agent conduct in Hennepin County

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says it has launched a public evidence portal aimed at documenting possible crimes connected to federal enforcement activity during Operation Metro Surge. The portal, described as a way for people to report incidents without having to speak publicly, accepts photo and video uploads as well as written statements. Officials said the review currently covers 17 incidents in and around Minneapolis, including episodes involving chemical irritants and force during arrests.

The office has also said it may pursue legal action to obtain additional federal evidence tied to several high-profile cases earlier this winter. For residents, the practical takeaway is that a formal process is now in place for submitting documentation that could shape future charging decisions.

Whipple Building protest ends with citations, arrests

Law enforcement declared an unlawful assembly during a Sunday protest near the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, citing blocked roadways, disrupted access for nearby businesses, and objects allegedly thrown toward officers. Authorities said many people were cited and released, with at least one person booked into jail on a riot-related allegation. The incident is the latest flashpoint in ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the metro.

$1B-plus in construction value, with housing and neighborhood projects highlighted

Minneapolis reports total construction value of about $1.07 billion in 2025, extending a streak of years above the $1 billion mark. Among the largest projects listed were a major upgrade to a downtown data center, work at North Commons Park Community Center, and multiple developments that combine health care services with affordable housing. City leaders also pointed to significant public housing investment, including work at Spring Manor that combines rehabilitation of existing units with additional accessible apartments.

Central Avenue ‘dine and demonstrate’ draws crowds to support immigrant-owned restaurants

Along Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis and nearby Columbia Heights, organizers blended protest with a show of economic support by encouraging residents to eat at immigrant-owned restaurants and then rally at key intersections. The event was framed as a way to keep customers coming through the door for small businesses that have reported disruptions and fears tied to enforcement activity.

Sources

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/hennepin-county-attorney-mary-moriarty-tap-evidence-portal-operation-metro-surge-ice-federal-agents/
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/minnesota/news/whipple-building-protest-arrests-unlawful-assembly/
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/march/top-10-projects/
https://www.startribune.com/crowds-dine-and-demonstrate-along-central-avenue-to-support-immigrant-owned-restaurants/601591018/
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/03/02/whipple-building-ice-protestors-cited-1-arrested-sunday