In the run-up to the Republican national convention in Saint Paul, police are starting to ramp up raids and arrests. Organizers say they're trying to derail organizing for the protests that will accompany the convention. Brian Edwards-Tiekert filed this report.

In the last 24 hours, the Twin Cities have seen escalating police activity, including a raid on a convergence center that protesters using to prepare, "snatch and grabs" of the RNC Welcoming Committee, an anarchist group doing some direct actions, and a raid on a Food Not Bombs station in a public park.

Law enforcement have also raided a house in which members of New York-based video production collective I-Witness Video are staying. Democracy Now's Amy Goodman made it inside the fence and was confronted by police. This report includes an interview with Mike Whalen, owner of the house that was raided. The video group asking for legal support.

All that and more in this report.

Photo by Jon Haynes