Federal Judge Denies Minnesota’s Request to Halt ICE Operation
A federal judge has rejected an appeal from Minnesota aimed at stopping U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Operation Metro Surge.
In a ruling issued on Saturday, the judge stated that the state and two cities failed to meet the stringent legal criteria necessary to block the federal law enforcement initiative at this point in the proceedings.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez, who signed the order, mentioned that the plaintiffs did not fulfill their obligation for the “exceptional relief” associated with a preliminary injunction.
In this case, blue states, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, initiated a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and federal immigration officials, seeking to halt ICE-led operations.
Their request for a preliminary injunction aimed to suspend the federal actions while the legal challenge moves forward. However, Menendez ultimately denied this request, stating the plaintiffs didn’t meet the necessary high legal standards for such extraordinary relief.
Following this ruling, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shared his thoughts on social media.
“We are, of course, disappointed. This decision doesn’t change the reality that people in our community are facing fear, chaos, and harm from a federal operation that shouldn’t have been in Minneapolis,” Frey expressed.
He noted that the operation “did not enhance public safety. Instead, it disrupted the essential order for a functioning city,” adding, “This is an invasion and it has to be stopped.”
Minnesota has recently turned into a battleground for opposition against federal immigration enforcement, with local Democratic leaders taking a strong stance against ICE activities.
Operation Metro Surge was initiated in early December 2025, leading to thousands of immigration enforcement agents being deployed to Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
According to government records, the operation has resulted in around 3,000 arrests in Minnesota.
DHS stated that Operation Metro Surge targets “criminal illegal aliens,” including convicted murderers, sex offenders, violent offenders, and drug traffickers.
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Preti have intensified public scrutiny and backlash against enforcement practices.
In a recent visit to Minnesota, White House Border Secretary Tom Homan met with state leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey.
During an interview, Homan reassured Fox News host Sean Hannity that there would be no modifications to the mass deportation efforts, directly countering claims that the administration was easing its stance on immigration enforcement.
“Let me be clear: My team is hearing a lot of misconceptions about President Trump’s commitment to mass deportations, and that’s simply not accurate,” Homan clarified.
He added, “Those who misinterpret what President Trump means by dispatching me to Minneapolis aren’t paying attention.”
