Federal Judge Reviews Request to Suspend Enforcement U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez began hearing arguments on Monday to temporarily halt the federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota after two individuals were killed by government officers—activist Renee Good shot by an ICE officer and protester Alex Pretti shot by a Border Patrol officer[1][2]. The hearing follows a lawsuit filed by the state, Minneapolis and St. Paul seeking relief from the ongoing operation. Plaintiffs argue the surge endangers public safety and civil rights.

State and Cities Seek Rollback of Operation Metro Surge The lawsuit asks the court to order a reduction of federal immigration officers and agents in Minnesota back to the numbers that existed before Operation Metro Surge launched on Dec. 1, and to limit the scope of the enforcement effort[1]. The plaintiffs also request that the federal government cease any further expansion of the operation. The filing underscores the states’ demand to restore pre‑surge conditions.

Trump Announces Direct Intervention and Border‑Security Czar Visit President Donald Trump said he had a “very good” conversation with Governor Tim Walz about the Minneapolis shooting and announced that border‑security chief Tom Homan will travel to Minnesota and report directly to him[1]. Trump’s statement framed the federal response as coordinated with state leadership. The announcement adds political pressure to the ongoing legal dispute.

Broad State Support Reinforces Minnesota’s Position Attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia, led by California, submitted a friend‑of‑the‑court brief backing Minnesota’s request[1][2]. The brief warns that unchecked federal enforcement could inspire similar actions in other jurisdictions. This coalition amplifies the argument that the surge poses a national concern.

Justice Department Defends Enforcement and Labels Suit Frivolous DOJ attorneys argue the case lacks merit, claiming Minnesota is attempting to obtain a veto over federal law‑enforcement actions and urging the judge to reject the relief or stay any order pending appeal[1]. The department characterizes the lawsuit as “legally frivolous.” Their stance highlights the federal government’s commitment to maintaining the current enforcement posture.

Prior Court Orders Shape Current Legal Landscape Menendez’s Jan. 16 order barred federal officers from detaining or tear‑gassing peaceful protesters, but an appeals court temporarily suspended that order three days before Pretti’s death[2]. Additionally, Judge Eric Tostrud issued an order preventing the administration from destroying or altering evidence related to the shootings, with a hearing set for Monday[2]. These rulings influence the arguments presented in the current hearing.