7 JAN 26 SITREP

1. Woman Tries To Run Over ICE Officer In Minnesota, Gets Fatally Shot 

• A fatal shooting occurred in South Minneapolis during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in a residential area adjacent to Powderhorn Park. A maroon SUV was positioned perpendicular to the roadway, obstructing traffic and federal movement during the operation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz later acknowledged the incident publicly as the scene was secured as an active law-enforcement investigation.
• Video footage shows an ICE officer standing directly in front of the SUV while giving commands. The vehicle accelerated forward toward the officer, appearing to strike or narrowly miss him. The officer discharged his weapon in response to the immediate threat.
• The SUV traveled a short distance and collided with a nearby telephone pole. The female driver was pronounced dead at the scene by responding emergency personnel. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued public remarks following confirmation of the fatality.
• In response to concerns about potential unrest, Governor Walz issued a “warning order” to prepare the Minnesota National Guard for possible deployment if rioting occurs. Walz emphasized the Guard has not been activated and described the order as preparatory, while Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson outlined lawful protest activity and warned that violence, property damage, or roadway obstruction could result in arrests.

2. White House Releases Major Federal Dietary Guideline Shift Emphasizing Real Food and Metabolic Health

• The White House’s MAHA initiative unveiled new federal dietary guidelines described as the most significant shift in US nutrition policy in decades. The framework replaces grain-heavy recommendations with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, proteins, dairy, and healthy fats. Whole grains are now placed at the bottom of an inverted food pyramid.
• Health officials said the redesigned model reflects updated priorities around metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, and food quality. The guidance moves away from processed carbohydrates and toward nutrient-dense whole foods. The new guidelines are published on the federal website realfood.gov.
• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the changes prioritize foods that improve health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs. He emphasized that the framework does not eliminate personal choice, including access to vaccines. Officials stressed the guidelines are advisory, not mandates.
• CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz linked the dietary shift to federal spending, citing obesity as a major driver of Medicare costs. He said improved nutrition could reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals for weight loss and autoimmune conditions. Officials framed the update as both a public health and fiscal strategy.

3. US Seizes Russian-Flagged and Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tankers in Escalated Sanctions Enforcement

• The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinera (formerly Bella-1), in the North Atlantic near Iceland after tracking it for more than two weeks. US officials said the seizure was conducted for violations of US sanctions. Russian military assets were operating in the region at the time, though no confrontation was reported.
• The operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard with support from the US military. The tanker had previously evaded enforcement in the Caribbean, re-registered under a Russian flag, and changed its name to avoid seizure. Its final destination remains unconfirmed.
• In a separate operation, the Coast Guard intercepted the Panama-flagged M/T Sophia, described as a stateless “dark fleet” tanker linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel was operating with transponders turned off and is being escorted to the United States for final disposition.
• The seizures follow intensified US efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports and come amid broader geopolitical pressure on sanctioned energy shipments. Officials said the actions reinforce the continued enforcement of US sanctions and maritime control against illicit oil trade.

FINAL WORD

These events collectively signal rising friction across domestic enforcement, public health governance, and international energy security. Each development increases the risk of escalation through public reaction, market impact, or geopolitical response. Sustained control, disciplined messaging, and timely follow-on actions will determine whether these pressures stabilize or compound.