A federal judge will hear arguments today on whether to halt Minnesota’s intensified immigration enforcement, following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in under a month. The state and cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are suing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), seeking to reduce the number of federal agents in the state to pre-surge levels.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Key Developments:
- Federal Judge Kathleen Menendez will hear arguments on whether to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge, an ICE-led crackdown in Minnesota.
- The lawsuit, filed by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, follows the deaths of Renee Good (Jan. 20, 2026) and Alex Pretti (Jan. 25, 2026), both U.S. citizens, at the hands of federal agents.
The state and cities argue the surge violates constitutional rights, citing reports of excessive force, including teargassing schoolchildren and armed officers appearing at daycares, churches, and mosques. The DHS has called the lawsuit “legally frivolous,” asserting federal authority over immigration enforcement.
Deeper Dive & Context
Legal and Political Responses
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) described the surge as an “unprecedented abuse of the Constitution,” while the Justice Department argues the state is attempting to “veto federal law enforcement.” The case could set precedents for other states facing similar federal immigration operations.
Operation Metro Surge
The surge, launched on Dec. 1, 2025, deployed roughly 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota—outnumbering the Minneapolis police force five to one. Critics allege the operation has instilled fear in communities, while supporters argue it is necessary to combat undocumented immigration.
Public and Bipartisan Reactions
Protests, including the “ICE OUT! Noise Demo,” have erupted in Minneapolis. Bipartisan opposition has grown, with lawmakers calling for a full investigation into the shootings. The judge’s ruling could determine whether the crackdown continues or is scaled back.