Protests Erupt Nationwide as Trump's Immigration Crackdown Intensifies, While Global Tensions Rise Over Nuclear Arms and Critical Minerals

The United States is witnessing a surge in protests and civil unrest as the Trump administration's immigration policies continue to spark outrage and resistance. The killing of two civilians by federal agents in Minneapolis has galvanized the movement, with demonstrations spreading across the country and calls for accountability growing louder. As reported by Dana R Fisher, the resistance to Trump's immigration policies is becoming increasingly confrontational, with activists shifting from lobbying and voting to nonviolent civil disobedience (Source 1). The city of Minneapolis has been at the forefront of the movement, with a general strike on January 23 mobilizing tens of thousands of residents to participate in an economic blackout and march in the streets (Source 1). The killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good have shocked the nation, with many calling for an end to the Trump administration's ultra-violent immigration enforcement tactics. As Cory, a Minneapolis resident, told The Guardian, "The dangers of what I'm doing, even after the killings of two observers, largely stay out of my mind when I'm watching Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents – even when I've gotten hit with pepper spray" (Source 2). Meanwhile, the Epstein scandal continues to unfold, with attorneys for the sex trafficking survivors expressing outrage over the handling of government-held files. The files, which were recently released, contain "ham-fisted redactions" and expose the identities of the survivors (Source 3). In other news, the world of sports has seen some exciting developments, with Shakur Stevenson outboxing Teófimo López to claim the WBO and lineal junior welterweight titles (Source 4). The victory marks Stevenson's fourth weight class title, cementing his standing among boxing's elite. On the global stage, tensions are rising over nuclear arms and critical minerals. China's rapid nuclear buildup has drawn concern from world leaders, with the Doomsday Clock advancing to 85 seconds to midnight – closer to Armageddon than ever before (Source 9). The US, UK, EU, Australia, and other countries are set to meet in Washington to discuss a strategic alliance over critical minerals, including rare earths (Source 6). The meeting is seen as a step to repair transatlantic ties fractured by a year of conflict with Donald Trump and pave the way for other alliances to help countries de-risk from China. However, critics argue that the focus on critical minerals and nuclear arms is a distraction from more pressing issues, such as climate change and global hunger. As Robert Topinka notes, the left has been struggling to win back the internet, with infighting and disorganization hindering their efforts (Source 5). However, some progressives are turning the tide, using social media and online platforms to mobilize and organize. In a related development, Chicago's mayor, Brandon Johnson, has ordered police to investigate and document alleged illegal activity by federal immigration agents in the city (Source 10). The move is seen as a challenge to the Trump administration's immigration policies and a step towards greater accountability. As the world grapples with these complex and interconnected issues, one thing is clear: the need for informed and nuanced discussion has never been more pressing. By synthesizing information from multiple sources and presenting facts objectively, we can work towards a deeper understanding of the challenges we face and the solutions that can bring us together. Sources: 1. Resistance to Trump 2.0 is getting more confrontational | Dana R Fisher 2. ‘We’re fighting for the soul of the country’: how Minnesota residents came together to face ICE 3. Handling of Epstein files is ‘outrageous’, say attorneys of his sex trafficking survivors 4. Shakur Stevenson: ‘I picked him apart’ after López clinic as Benn crashes ring 5. How the left can win back the internet – and rise again | Robert Topinka 6. US, UK, EU, Australia and more to meet to discuss critical minerals alliance 7. Carlos Alcaraz v Novak Djokovic: Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final – live 8. Stevenson outboxes López to seize junior welterweight crown in Garden masterclass 9. China is leading the charge to nuclear Armageddon – and Starmer barely noticed | Simon Tisdall 10. Chicago mayor orders police to investigate alleged illegal ICE activity in city