Maya Rao
Reporter
Race and ImmigrationRao wrote for The Press of Atlantic City and The Philadelphia Inquirer before moving to Minnesota in January 2012. She previously covered the federal government for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Maya Rao
Greater Minnesota
‘I just want to get out of here’: Immigrants make their case in court as ICE detention expands
Amid Trump’s push for mass deportation, ICE detainees in rural Minnesota appear for court hearings that determine who will go free or be sent back.
February 23, 2025
St. Paul
DNA testing links St. Paul man to three rapes since 2023
Additional charges have been filed against 18-year-old Rakai Eugene Davis, who is at large.
February 22, 2025
Greater Minnesota
ICE moving detainees from rural Minnesota to Texas jail
Attorneys say it indicates Minn. is running out of immigrant detention space as the Trump administration pushes for mass deportations, expanded jailing of unauthorized immigrants.
February 21, 2025
News & Politics
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota announces staff cuts
The decision was prompted by Trump orders halting flow of refugees, federal funding until further notice.
February 17, 2025
Twin Cities Suburbs
Hundreds of people mourn Brooklyn Park teen killed in crash
Martin Espino Martinez’s parents said they want the motorist who struck him criminally charged.
February 13, 2025
News & Politics
Amid sweeping immigration crackdown, Minnesota churches scrambling to respond
One Minneapolis church is creating a migrant support fund to “stand with immigrants.” Catholic bishops say they back Trump’s actions to deport immigrants with criminal records.
February 8, 2025
Minneapolis
University of Minnesota law school is halting search for new DEI leader in response to Trump’s ban
The university also is requiring all communications related to diversity, equity and inclusion be reviewed by attorneys.
February 3, 2025
Twin Cities
Immigrant groups organize in response to federal crackdown threats
Local officials are devising strategies to deal with immigration enforcement.
February 1, 2025
Twin Cities Suburbs
Hundreds of people mourn Brooklyn Park teen killed in crash
Martin Espino Martinez’s parents said they want the motorist who struck him criminally charged.
February 13, 2025
News & Politics
Amid sweeping immigration crackdown, Minnesota churches scrambling to respond
One Minneapolis church is creating a migrant support fund to “stand with immigrants.” Catholic bishops say they back Trump’s actions to deport immigrants with criminal records.
February 8, 2025
Minneapolis
University of Minnesota law school is halting search for new DEI leader in response to Trump’s ban
The university also is requiring all communications related to diversity, equity and inclusion be reviewed by attorneys.
February 3, 2025
Twin Cities
Immigrant groups organize in response to federal crackdown threats
Local officials are devising strategies to deal with immigration enforcement.
February 1, 2025