Dane Smith, Journalist and Author
(4-10-2026)   [Steve Francisco]

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Long-time journalist and author Dane Smith returns to our program with host Steve Francisco to offer a strong defense of the economic, social, and cultural contributions that Minnesota’s diverse immigrant communities are making to our state.

Dane shares data from recent studies by the conservative Chamber of Commerce and the Cato Institute that show how immigrants, in fact, are helping to grow our economy.

He also offers pointed criticism of the recent ICE Operation Surge and of the false accusations and narratives from that the Trump administration used to justify operation Metro Surge, which placed Minnesota in the national spotlight.

The source of data for Dane Smith’ articles is a report from April 2025 about Illegal Immigrant Incarceration Rates, 2010–2023, by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank that “generally aligns with conservative Republican policy positions, especially on taxes and regulation of business.” (see Minnpost Article by Dane Smith 03/20/2026 Minnesota stands out as an exceptionally generous and prosperous state, thanks to the contributions of immigrants