News|MigrationMinnesota sues Trump administration over immigration crackdownLawsuit seeks to halt operation that officials have called a ‘federal invasion’ and that left a mother of three dead.
## Legal Action Against Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
Legal Action Against Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
The state of Minnesota, including its major cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, has initiated legal proceedings against the U.S. federal government. The lawsuit seeks to halt a recent immigration enforcement operation, which local officials have termed a "federal invasion."
Filed on Mon, Jan 8, 2026, the lawsuit also includes a request for a temporary restraining order. This legal action follows reports of 1,000 additional Border Patrol officers being deployed, joining the 2,000 immigration agents already present in the state. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) describes this as its largest enforcement operation in history.
State Attorney General Keith Ellison has accused federal authorities of constitutional violations during a news conference. He stated that the federal presence has led to numerous instances of alleged unlawful conduct by federal agents.
The lawsuit claims that DHS has engaged in excessive and lethal force, conducted arrests without warrants, and targeted public spaces such as courts, churches, and schools. Local police have reported around 20 incidents involving alleged abductions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The state of Minnesota, including its major cities Minneapolis and St.
Following the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good on Jan 7, widespread protests have occurred. Mayor Jacob Frey has criticized the operation for being indiscriminate and for its impact on local communities, leading to business closures and public fear.
Mayor Frey expressed concerns about the federal operation's impact on daily life and local economies. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, an immigrant herself, has reported carrying identification documents at all times due to the current climate.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar described the situation as dangerous, criticizing the government's actions as unconscionable.
The DHS has defended the operation, with Secretary Kristi Noem stating that the increased federal presence is to ensure safety amid protests. Since the operation began in December, over 2,000 arrests have been reported.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.