In Minneapolis, protesters gathered near the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as immigration agents carried out a monthslong deportation operation, resulting in two deaths before the operation was curtailed. The incidents now form the backdrop of Minnesota's Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday, which features U.S. Representative Angie Craig and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

Craig voted for the Laken Riley Act in early 2025, a measure that requires federal authorities to detain migrants accused of certain crimes. After the operation intensified in Minneapolis, she published a mea culpa in a Minnesota Star Tribune column, stating that she regretted supporting the bill because of concerns about federal enforcement and constituent dissatisfaction with border conditions.

Flanagan has said that Craig's vote represented a betrayal and that it should not have taken 14 months to address the issue. Flanagan emphasizes a platform that includes Medicare for All and reduced military support for Israel and has received campaign support from Senator Bernie Sanders.

Craig's campaign has raised more than $9 million, with additional spending by outside groups, while Flanagan's campaign has raised about $5.5 million. Sanders campaigned for Flanagan, urging voters to reject outside money.

Democratic Governor Tim Walz declined to endorse either candidate, but his wife, Gwen Walz, publicly backed Craig. The Republican nominee is Michele Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter.

The primary will decide which candidate replaces incumbent Democrat Tina Smith in the November general election and will highlight Democratic divisions over immigration policy.