Minnesota officials face off at fiery Senate hearing over ICE

Senators questioned Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and federal immigration officials over tactics and policies in the state

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Senators faced off with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during a fiery hearing that brought bitter divisions over the actions of federal immigration law enforcement officials in Minnesota to Capitol Hill. Ellison defended his criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while GOP witnesses attacked Democrats in Minnesota. The heads of three major federal immigration agencies also faced intense questioning from lawmakers over the Trump administration's handling of enforcement in the state, as White House border czar Tom Homan announced the crackdown was coming to an end.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with Democrats pushing for reforms to curb what they see as overly aggressive tactics by ICE and CBP agents. It also came as Congress faces a deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats seeking to use the must-pass legislation to impose new limits on immigration agencies.

The details

Republicans went on the attack against Ellison, blaming him for the deaths of two individuals in separate incidents involving federal law enforcement. Ellison accused the GOP of engaging in political theater and said their claims were untrue. Senators also questioned federal immigration officials about their tactics and training, with Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Ruben Gallego raising concerns about the use of force and lack of de-escalation policies. Democrats stressed their demands for reform, including banning masked federal agents and requiring judicial warrants for immigration arrests, as part of the DHS funding fight.

  • The hearing took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Keith Ellison

The Minnesota Attorney General who defended his criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the hearing.

Ron Johnson

A Republican senator from Wisconsin who blamed Ellison for the deaths of two individuals in separate incidents involving federal law enforcement.

Josh Hawley

A Republican senator from Missouri who accused Ellison and his family of profiting from a major welfare fraud scheme in Minnesota.

Rand Paul

A Republican senator from Kentucky who joined Democrats in questioning federal immigration officials about their tactics and policies.

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic senator from Arizona and former Marine who questioned acting ICE Director Todd Lyons about the training period for ICE officers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.