A federal judge says she won't halt the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota and the Twin Cities as a lawsuit over it proceeds.
Judge Katherine M. Menendez on Saturday denied a preliminary injunction requested by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul in a lawsuit filed earlier this month.
The lawsuit argues that the Department of Homeland Security is violating constitutional protections under the 10th Amendment through Operation Metro Surge. State and local officials wanted an immediate order to stop or limit the enforcement action.
"Because there is evidence supporting both sides' arguments as to motivation and the relative merits of each side's competing positions are unclear, the Court is reluctant to find that the likelihood-of-success factor weighs sufficiently in favor of granting a preliminary injunction.
— Judge Katherine M. Menendez
The judge focused heavily on whether the plaintiffs are likely to ultimately win on their claim that the federal surge infringes on state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment.
The federal government defended the operation as necessary to remove criminal immigrants from communities and said state and local sanctuary policies have obstructed federal efforts.
Minnesota officials called the surge retaliatory after failed attempts to withhold federal funding, and said it has caused schools and businesses to close due to fear and aggressive federal actions.
Judge's Key Reasoning and Criticism
Judge Menendez noted the government's recent win at the 8th Circuit, which overturned her earlier limits on use of force against peaceful protesters. She said stopping the entire operation would go even further.
Despite denying the injunction, she described the surge's impact as 'profound and even heartbreaking,' citing shootings of residents, racial profiling, and excessive force by ICE and CBP agents.
Reactions to the Ruling
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called it 'another HUGE' win for the Justice Department. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is grateful and will seek to work with local leaders.
Main Takeaways from Officials and Community
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the operation an 'invasion' that has brought fear and disruption rather than safety.
Attorney General Keith Ellison vowed to continue the fight, saying the surge is an unconstitutional attempt to intimidate and control the state.
✓ Preliminary injunction denied
✓ Lawsuit continues – no final decision yet
✓ Judge acknowledges serious harm to communities
✓ Recent fatal shootings by federal agents fuel protests
Protests continue across Minnesota and the country after two fatal shootings of residents by federal officers in Minneapolis.
Current Situation on the Ground
Thousands have protested in Minneapolis and nationwide. Community members report fear keeping children from school and widespread disruption in daily life.
Local voices describe the ruling as disappointing but say it will not stop demonstrations or the legal challenge.
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.— Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
The underlying lawsuit remains active. Both sides expect further court battles over the constitutionality and impact of Operation Metro Surge.
