Judge denies request to halt immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota

State and local officials sought a quick order to limit the scope of the federal crackdown, but the judge ruled against their request.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:55pm

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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 an immigration enforcement surge in the state. The judge ruled against the preliminary injunction sought in a lawsuit that argues the Department of Homeland Security is violating constitutional protections. The federal government says the surge, dubbed Operation Metro Surge, is necessary to take criminal immigrants off the streets.

Why it matters

The ruling is a setback for state and local officials who have been vocal in their opposition to the federal immigration crackdown. Protests have erupted across Minnesota, particularly in Minneapolis, following the fatal police shootings of two people during recent immigration raids.

The details

Judge Katherine M. Menendez denied the request for a preliminary injunction on Saturday. The lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul argues the federal government is violating the Constitution's 10th Amendment by infringing on the sovereignty of states. The federal government has defended the surge as necessary to target criminal immigrants, claiming state and local 'sanctuary laws and policies' have hindered their efforts.

  • On January 7, federal officers fatally shot Renee Good during an immigration raid in Minneapolis.
  • On January 24, federal officers fatally shot Alex Pretti during another immigration raid in Minneapolis.
  • On January 31, 2026, Judge Menendez 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 seeking to limit the scope of the federal immigration crackdown.

Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who praised 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

“Another HUGE legal win for the Justice Department!”

— Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General (X)

“We're grateful when a court sees that the right thing has been done, and we'll continue to try to work with local law enforcement and state leadership on this effort.”

— Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security Secretary (Unrelated news conference in Miami)

“We're disappointed in the ruling, but the case is still in its infancy and we'll push forward with the lawsuit.”

— Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General (N/A)

What’s next

The judge's ruling focused on the 10th Amendment argument made by Minnesota officials. The lawsuit will continue to proceed as the state and local governments push forward with their legal challenge to the federal immigration enforcement surge.

The takeaway

This ruling is a setback for state and local officials who have been vocal opponents of the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota. However, the legal battle is far from over, as the state and cities vow to continue their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the enforcement surge.