A federal judge has decided to allow the federal government’s increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota and the Twin Cities to continue while a lawsuit against it moves forward.
Judge Katherine M. Menendez turned down a request to stop the enforcement action, which was filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They argued that the Department of Homeland Security is overstepping its authority and violating the Constitution. The federal government says the operation is needed to remove criminal illegal immigrants from the streets, especially where state and local policies hinder federal efforts.
The judge’s decision looked closely at whether the lawsuit was likely to succeed. She considered arguments from both sides about whether the federal government was infringing on the state’s rights, as protected by the 10th Amendment.
State and local officials claimed the surge was a form of retaliation after the federal government previously tried to withhold funding to force cooperation on immigration matters. They also argued that the surge was draining state and local resources, with schools and businesses closing due to aggressive actions by federal officers.
The judge acknowledged that both sides had valid points and that the motivations behind the surge were unclear. She also noted a recent appeals court decision that sided with the government on limiting the use of force by immigration officers against protesters.
Despite allowing the enforcement to continue, the judge expressed concerns about the impact on Minnesota residents, citing reports of shootings by federal agents and allegations of racial profiling and excessive force.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the ruling as a victory for the Justice Department. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her agency would try to work with local law enforcement and state leaders on its effort.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed disappointment, saying the operation has brought fear and disruption instead of public safety. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison vowed to continue the lawsuit, arguing that the federal government is trying to intimidate the state and overstep its constitutional bounds.
The increased federal presence in Minnesota has led to protests, particularly after federal officers fatally shot two people in Minneapolis. Demonstrators have voiced concerns about the ruling and its impact on their communities.
