Legal Challenges to Immigration Crackdown Grow in Minnesota

Mon Feb 02 2026 19:07:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Minnesota's Attorney General leads a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security following a wave of violence linked to federal immigration enforcement operations. A federal judge will consider arguments for a temporary halt to these activities.

Minnesota has initiated legal action against the Department of Homeland Security, demanding a suspension of aggressive immigration enforcement policies following two fatal incidents involving officers. The state, supported by major cities, aims to reinstate calmer pre-Trump administration practices and safeguard civil rights.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a significant legal clash, a federal judge will deliberate on Monday the potential temporary suspension of a controversial immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota, following tragic incidents where two individuals were fatally shot by federal officers.

In response, Attorney General Keith Ellison, representing the state along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. This legal action came shortly after the shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs officer and was further intensified by the death of Alex Pretti, shot by a Border Patrol officer, underscoring the urgency of the case.

The plaintiffs are demanding that U.S. District Judge Kathleen Menendez order a reduction of federal officers in the state and implement restrictions to limit their enforcement actions. They seek to restore conditions that existed before the controversial Operation Metro Surge instigated by the Trump administration.

Attorney General Ellison emphasized at a Sunday press conference that the recent surge in federal enforcement represents an unprecedented abuse of constitutional rights. He stated, No one can remember a time when we’ve witnessed something like this.”

The actions taken in Minnesota echo concerns for other states facing similar federal immigration operations, with attorneys general from 19 states joining in support of Minnesota's suit, warning that unchecked governmental power could lead to similar abuses elsewhere.

Justice Department representatives dismissed the lawsuit as legally frivolous,” arguing that Minnesota seeks an improper veto over federal law enforcement. They are pushing for dismissal of the request or at least a delay pending a likely appeal, while Ellison's office prepares for their case to be heard on Monday morning.

The outcome of this hearing could set crucial precedents for how immigration laws are enforced across the nation and draw attention to the long-standing discourse on federal versus state powers in law enforcement.