Judge declines to halt major immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota during lawsuit

Federal judge rules against state and local officials seeking to block 'Operation Metro Surge' targeting criminal immigrants

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A federal judge has denied a request by Minnesota's attorney general and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul to halt a major immigration enforcement surge in the state, known as 'Operation Metro Surge.' The judge ruled that the state and local officials' argument that the federal government is violating the Constitution's 10th Amendment is not likely to succeed in court. The federal government has defended the surge as necessary to target criminal immigrants, while state and local officials argue it is an unconstitutional drain on their resources and has led to aggressive tactics by federal agents.

Why it matters

This ruling is a setback for state and local officials in Minnesota who have sought to block the federal immigration enforcement surge, arguing it violates the state's sovereignty. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and states and cities over immigration policy and enforcement. It also raises concerns about the impact of the aggressive tactics used by federal agents on immigrant communities and the broader public.

The details

Judge Katherine M. Menendez denied the request for a preliminary injunction, ruling that the state and local officials' argument that the federal government is violating the 10th Amendment is not likely to succeed. The federal government has defended the surge, dubbed 'Operation Metro Surge,' as necessary to take criminal immigrants off the streets, arguing that its efforts have been hindered by state and local 'sanctuary laws and policies.' However, state and local officials have argued the surge amounts to retaliation and an unconstitutional drain on their resources, noting that schools and businesses have been shuttered due to the presence of what they describe as 'aggressive, poorly trained and armed federal officers.'

  • On January 7, federal officers fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.
  • On January 24, federal officers fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
  • On February 1, the judge denied the request for a preliminary injunction to halt the immigration enforcement surge.

The players

Judge Katherine M. Menendez

The federal judge who denied the request for a preliminary injunction to halt the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.

Keith Ellison

The Minnesota Attorney General who filed the lawsuit against the federal government over the immigration enforcement surge.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis who joined the lawsuit against the federal government over the immigration enforcement surge.

Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who lauded the judge's ruling as a 'HUGE' legal win for the Justice Department.

Kristi Noem

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary who said the agency is 'grateful' the court saw the 'right thing has been done.'

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What they’re saying

“This decision doesn't change what people here have lived through — fear, disruption, and harm caused by a federal operation that never belonged in Minneapolis in the first place. This operation has not brought public safety. It's brought the opposite and has detracted from the order we need for a working city. It's an invasion, and it needs to stop.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (Associated Press)

“We know that these 3,000 immigration agents are here to intimidate Minnesota and bend the state to the federal government's will. That is unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment and the principle of equal sovereignty. We're not letting up in defending our state's constitutional powers.”

— Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General (Associated Press)

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Minnesota officials is still in its early stages, and they have vowed to push forward with their challenge to the federal immigration enforcement surge.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and state and local officials over immigration enforcement, with the judge acknowledging the 'profound and even heartbreaking' impact the surge has had on Minnesota residents. The case underscores the complex legal and political battles being waged over the balance of power between federal, state, and local authorities on immigration policy.