Federal Judge Rules ICE Agents in Minnesota Illegally Detained People Based on Racial Profiling

Ruling finds 23 cases where federal agents detained individuals solely based on race during Operation Metro Surge

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents illegally detained people solely on the basis of their race during a law enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The judge found compelling evidence that ICE agents engaged in unconstitutional racial profiling practices on at least 23 occasions, detaining American citizens and legal immigrants without reasonable suspicion of immigration law violations.

Why it matters

This ruling highlights concerns over racial bias and civil liberties violations within federal immigration enforcement operations. It comes amid ongoing debates over the proper scope and oversight of ICE's activities, particularly in diverse urban communities. The case could set an important legal precedent and spur further scrutiny of ICE's detention and enforcement practices.

The details

According to the 110-page ruling by Federal Judge Eric Tostrud, ICE agents detained 34 individuals, most of whom were American citizens or legal immigrants, based solely on their race or ethnicity during Operation Metro Surge. While the judge found reasonable suspicion in 5 cases, he concluded that ICE had adopted an unconstitutional policy of conducting investigative stops based on race without justification. The ruling detailed troubling incidents, such as the detention of a 17-year-old U.S. citizen of Hispanic descent at a Target store in Richfield.

  • The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU of Minnesota in mid-January 2026.
  • Two hearings were held in the case, including live testimony from affected individuals.
  • The judge issued his ruling on March 11, 2026.

The players

Eric Tostrud

A federal judge who issued the ruling finding ICE agents engaged in unconstitutional racial profiling practices.

American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota

The organization that filed the lawsuit against ICE on behalf of individuals affected by the racial profiling practices.

Mubashir Hussen

A 20-year-old Somali American U.S. citizen who testified about being detained by ICE agents in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Greg Bovino

A former U.S. Border Patrol commander who led Operation Metro Surge before losing that position in late January and was involved in one of the cases where the judge found evidence of racial bias.

Catherine Ahlin-Halverson

A staff attorney with the ACLU working on the lawsuit, who expressed disappointment that the judge did not issue a preliminary injunction but said the ruling was still an important moment for accountability.

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What they’re saying

“I conclude that Plaintiffs have made a clear showing that Defendants have adopted a policy authorizing federal immigration officers to conduct investigatory stops based on ethnicity or race without reasonable suspicion that the individuals were violating immigration laws. The evidence from individual encounters is compelling and troubling.”

— Eric Tostrud, Federal Judge (cbsnews.com)

“This is an important moment for accountability in Minnesota. It's because of the brave Minnesotans who stood up and told their stories.”

— Catherine Ahlin-Halverson, ACLU Staff Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

With the lawsuit ongoing, the ACLU legal team says they are prepared to continue the litigation, encouraged by the judge's acknowledgement of ICE's unconstitutional tactics. The judge also noted that the plaintiff's side had not shown enough evidence to suggest ICE would present a problem for them in the future, given most were not arrested a second time.

The takeaway

This ruling underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability within federal immigration enforcement operations, particularly when it comes to protecting the civil liberties of all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity. It serves as an important check on the unchecked use of racial profiling by government agents, which erodes public trust and undermines the principles of equal protection under the law.