MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge will hear arguments Monday on whether to at least temporarily halt the immigration crackdown in Minnesota that has led to the fatal shootings of two people by government officers.
The state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul sued the Department of Homeland Security earlier this month, shortly after Renee Good was shot by an Immigration and Customs officer. The urgency of the case intensified following the shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer last Saturday.
In response to these events, the state and cities have significantly expanded their original lawsuit, seeking a return to the enforcement levels that existed prior to the Trump administration's aggressive Operation Metro Surge initiated in December 2022.
During the upcoming hearing in federal court in Minneapolis, Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will present arguments demanding the reduction of federal immigration officers and agents in Minnesota while introducing strict limitations on how they enforce immigration laws.
The Department of Justice has dismissed the lawsuit as legally frivolous, arguing that Minnesota cannot impose limitations on federal law enforcement practices. They have requested the judge to dismiss the request or stay her order pending an appeal.
Ellison articulated the rationale behind the lawsuit at a recent press conference, labeling the current surge in immigration operations unprecedented and a gross abuse of constitutional rights. He emphasized the need for this action in light of increasing federal aggression.
The outcome of this case bears implications not just for Minnesota but for other states facing potential federal immigration enforcement operations. Attorneys from 19 states and the District of Columbia have filed a supportive brief for Minnesota, expressing concerns of unchecked federal authority.
On January 16, Judge Menendez ruled previously that federal officers in Minnesota could not detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities, although a subsequent appeals court suspended that ruling just before the recent events.
Amid these tensions, Ellison has urged for preserving evidence related to the shooting incidents, marking a critical point in a conflict that raises larger questions about the bounds of federal immigration authority.
