Minneapolis, Hennepin County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Minnesota federal judge declined to pause a major immigration surge on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Judge declines broad halt
U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez said state lawyers showed real harm. She pointed to shootings and claims of racial profiling. She said the effects were severe across the Twin Cities.
But Menendez would not stop the full operation. She said the request went too far. She also cited a recent appeals ruling from the Eighth Circuit.
That earlier ruling overturned a narrower order. It limited how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could deal with protesters. Menendez said a wider ban was not allowed.
Menendez was appointed by former President Joe Biden. She wrote that the state had made a strong showing. She still denied the emergency request.
Claims and federal response
The lawsuit targets a surge led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis are plaintiffs. They want the court to block or narrow the crackdown.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said agents profiled residents by race. He said agents detained lawful residents for hours. He also said the tactics spread fear.
The Trump administration rejected the claims. Officials said the operation enforces federal immigration law. Some officials said it could end sooner. They urged Minnesota to drop some protections.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he was disappointed. He said the city will keep pressing the case. Frey said residents faced fear and disruption.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the ruling a win for the Justice Department. She said the effort will continue in Minnesota.
Shootings fuel protests
Tensions rose after two fatal shootings linked to the operation. Renee Good was killed on Jan. 7. She was shot in her car. Bystander video spread widely online.
Alex Pretti was killed on Jan. 24. A Border Patrol agent shot him during a struggle. The video showed Pretti appeared disarmed.
The Trump administration said agents acted in self-defense. Critics said the videos raised doubts. Local leaders called for criminal reviews.
Federal agencies did not cooperate with local investigations, according to the lawsuit. The state said that the refusal blocked key fact-finding.
What happens next
President Donald Trump and Gov. Tim Walz spoke on Monday, Jan. 26. Both said the call was productive. They discussed steps to lower tensions.
Trump has deployed federal officers to other Democratic-led cities. Those cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Portland. Trump said the moves fight crime and enforce immigration rules. Democrats said he abused his power.
More court hearings are expected in the Minnesota case. State lawyers say they will keep seeking limits. Federal lawyers say the surge is lawful.
Related resources
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.