The state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have taken legal action against the Trump administration to halt an increased enforcement operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement following a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer.
A lawsuit was filed in federal court by the state and cities on Monday, alleging that the Department of Homeland Security is infringing on First Amendment and other constitutional rights. The legal action aims to obtain a temporary restraining order to stop or limit the enforcement activities.
During a news conference, Attorney General Keith Ellison described the enforcement surge as a “federal invasion” of the Twin Cities in Minnesota and demanded its cessation, citing alleged widespread unlawful behavior by federal agents.
Homeland Security has announced plans to deploy over 2,000 immigration officers in Minnesota and has reported more than 2,000 arrests since December, marking it as the largest enforcement operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of targeting Democratic-leaning Minnesota for political reasons, alleging a violation of free speech rights. In response, a Homeland Security spokesperson accused Minnesota officials of disregarding public safety concerns.
The spokesperson emphasized President Trump’s duty to uphold the law and protect American citizens regardless of political affiliations, citing constitutional support for the administration’s actions and expressing confidence in the legal process.
In a separate lawsuit, the government is facing legal challenges over a similar crackdown in Illinois, where more than 4,300 individuals were arrested in an operation known as “Operation Midway Blitz,” leading to accusations that the campaign instilled fear among residents and hindered their access to public services.
Recent events involving federal officers firing tear gas to disperse a crowd in Minneapolis following a car crash involving immigration agents have added to the tensions. The incident occurred close to where Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was fatally shot by an ICE agent.
While officials have portrayed the victim as a threat, her family, friends, and neighbors remember her as a compassionate and loving individual. Renee, along with her son and wife, had recently relocated to Minneapolis from Kansas City, settling in a peaceful neighborhood characterized by older homes and festive decorations.
Her social media profiles depict her as a writer, wife, and mother, expressing joy in experiencing her new surroundings in Minneapolis. Described as non-activist by her ex-husband, Renee’s tragic encounter with ICE agents has sparked controversy and disbelief among state and local officials, who reject the administration’s depiction of the incident as an act of self-defense.