A federal judge, appointed by former President Joe Biden, declined a request from the Minnesota government to stop immigration enforcement in the state on Saturday.
Judge Katherine M. Menendez, who was appointed to the federal bench in 2021, rejected claims from Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They wanted to immediately remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, arguing that the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Operation MetroSurge was unconstitutional. The lawsuit against the Trump administration was filed on January 12.
Ellison’s office and St. Paul did not respond right away to requests for comments.
In her ruling, Menendez noted that Minnesota and the Twin Cities “provide no standard for determining when a lawful law enforcement agency constitutes an unlawful requisition,” simply stating that the excesses of Operation MetroSurge were so extreme that they overstepped reasonable boundaries. The New York Times reported on this.
Menendez also indicated that asserting Operation MetroSurge simply “went ‘across the line’” was an insufficient basis for a preliminary injunction.
Despite the rejection of the injunction, the lawsuit against the Trump administration is still proceeding, according to National Public Radio (NPR).
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem praised Menendez’s decision, stating it was a “victory for public safety and law and order.”
Noem’s announcement included a list of five criminal illegal immigrants arrested during the operation in Minneapolis the past week, with allegations including “terrorist threats” and “criminal sexual conduct” with minors.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed disappointment over the ruling, emphasizing that it does not change the fear and chaos the community has faced due to a federal operation he believes should not have taken place there.
Frey described the operation as “counterproductive” and even akin to an “invasion,” asserting that the city will continue to seek accountability from the Trump administration, emphasizing that Minneapolis aims to be a welcoming place for everyone.
On the other hand, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi referred to Menendez’s denial of the request for an injunction as a significant legal victory, reinforcing that sanctuary policies and lawsuits will not prevent the Trump administration from enforcing federal law in Minnesota.
Operation MetroSurge was initiated in early December 2025, following a major fraud scandal in Minnesota that involved many individuals of Somali descent.
Since the operation’s announcement, two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Preti, have been killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
DHS referred to Noem’s announcement for further comment when contacted.
