For Sofia Barnett ’25, a former section editor for The Herald, reporting on the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in Minnesota is crucial.
As a reporter for the immigration team at the Minnesota Star Tribune, Barnett has been actively covering ICE activity in Minnesota. “It’s not just informing the public. It’s not just accountability reporting,” she said in an interview with The Herald. “This is foundational to our democracy.”
In December, thousands of federal agents were deployed in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota as part of an immigration enforcement action by the Trump administration. In January, Alex Pretti and Renee Good were killed in encounters with federal immigration officials, prompting nationwide protests.
Barnett is no stranger to volatile political situations. Her first article for the Minnesota Star Tribune reported on the assassination of former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman and attempted assassination of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman, which occurred just two days before her first day.
Typically, Barnett starts her day with a sweep of the encrypted messaging app Signal, monitoring for any potential news. The rest of her day depends on whether something occurs that needs a “rapid response,” like an “ICE escalation or confrontation,” she said.
Barnett takes her “tactical gear” — including a gas mask, respirator and ballistic goggles — with her everywhere. The basic steps of keeping herself safe include wearing appropriate gear and ensuring that an editor’s and lawyer’s phone numbers are written on her body.
“I’ve just never been in as much physical danger while doing my job than I have been the past, like, two months,” she said.
Barnett noted that “it can be challenging at times to reconcile the journalist and the community member, or the journalist and the person who’s actively experiencing the stories.” But, she takes inspiration and strength from the “resilience of the City of Minneapolis” and her colleagues.
These escalations must be covered for “accountability” purposes, Barnett added, which includes “monitoring ICE tactics” and noting the individuals involved in these events.
“Whatever you’re reading about in the news, whatever you’re seeing about the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, just maximize that by, like, times five and that’s probably closer to the reality of the situation,” she said.
ICE did not immediately respond to The Herald’s request for comment.
Abby Simons, Minnesota Star Tribune’s public safety editor, described Barnett as “fearless.”
“She is not only not afraid of anything, but she’s capable of handling anything,” Simons said. “She is just such a huge asset to the Star Tribune, and as if her talent weren’t enough, she’s just a genuinely cool and gracious and fun colleague.”
According to Liz Sawyer, a reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune, “when you spend time talking to (Barnett), you’re sort of surprised that she’s only 23.” Sawyer also described Barnett as “very well-read and just a super compassionate person.”
“We’re really lucky to have her on staff,” she added.
Amy Remensnyder, professor of history, met Barnett while teaching HIST 0150C: “Locked Up: A Global History of Prison and Captivity.” It was a large class, Remensnyder said, but Barnett sat in the front row and asked “extraordinary questions that were so insightful and penetrating and really opened the subject up to all of us.”
“It’s so important to have a voice like Sofia’s illuminating the situation that’s going on there,” Remensnyder said of Barnett’s work in Minnesota. “She’s really an extraordinarily talented individual who has such a strong set of core values that she’s really putting into action in her writing.”
Barnett emphasized the importance of media outlets and independent publications to do “independent fact checking,” “accountability reporting” and document claims during times of disinformation.
“I believe in the truth,” Barnett said. “I think it’s important that some people are willing to dedicate their lives to making sure that the truth can be heard.”
Rebecca Goodman is a university news senior staff writer covering career and alumni. She is a junior from Cambridge, MA, studying English. Outside of writing, you can find her at the Avon or in the basement of the Rock.
Samah Hamid is a university news editor covering faculty and career & alumni. She is from Sharon, Massachusetts and plans to concentrate in Biology. In her free time, you can find her taking a nap, reading, or baking a sweet treat.
