Minnesota Sues Trump
Minnesota’s Democratic leadership has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a large-scale immigration enforcement operation launched by the Trump administration in the Twin Cities.
State Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Monday that the state, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is asking a federal judge to halt what officials describe as an unprecedented deployment of federal immigration agents.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened tensions following a fatal shooting last week involving a federal officer during an enforcement action.
State Leaders Claim Federal Overreach
Ellison accused the Trump administration of targeting Minnesota due to political disagreements with state leadership, arguing the operation exceeds federal authority.
According to the lawsuit, the surge violates the Tenth Amendment, infringes on state sovereignty, and represents retaliation against local governments that oppose federal immigration policy.
“This deployment goes far beyond routine enforcement,” Ellison said, calling the situation unacceptable and urging immediate court intervention.
Cities Join Legal Challenge
Minneapolis and St. Paul joined the state in the lawsuit, which seeks to block not only the enforcement surge itself but also several tactics allegedly being used by federal agents.
Local officials argue that the large-scale presence of armed agents has caused widespread concern among residents and disrupted normal civic life.
The complaint asks the court to declare the operation unlawful and issue an injunction stopping its continuation.
DHS Defends Enforcement Effort
The Department of Homeland Security strongly rejected the claims, criticizing Minnesota’s Democratic leadership for attempting to obstruct federal law enforcement.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said it was “remarkable” that state officials were invoking constitutional arguments to prevent federal officers from enforcing federal law.
She emphasized that Donald Trump has a duty to protect the public and enforce immigration statutes, regardless of opposition from local or state officials.
“We are confident the Constitution is on our side,” McLaughlin said, adding that the administration looks forward to defending its actions in court.
The lawsuit names DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal officials as defendants.
Scope of the Federal Deployment
The Trump administration has stated that roughly 2,000 DHS agents have been sent to the Twin Cities area — a number that local officials say exceeds the combined sworn police forces of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
State leaders argue residents are entitled to protections against unlawful searches, excessive force, and retaliatory enforcement actions under both state and federal law.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said she has begun carrying identification at all times out of concern she could be questioned by federal officers, despite being a U.S. citizen.
Fraud Investigations Factor Into Federal Focus
Federal officials have pointed to Minnesota’s role in large-scale pandemic-era fraud schemes as a major reason for the enforcement operation.
Authorities estimate that hundreds of millions of dollars — possibly up to $1 billion — were stolen from federally funded nutrition programs through multiple criminal plots.
A widely shared video last December alleging fraud at child care centers further intensified scrutiny from federal agencies.
Community Impact and Ongoing Protests
Despite the administration’s focus on fraud, critics argue that enforcement efforts have disproportionately affected the Twin Cities’ Somali community.
Some residents say the actions of a small number of individuals have unfairly placed an entire population under suspicion.
The recent shooting has sparked protests in areas already critical of federal immigration enforcement.
Similar Lawsuits Filed in Other States
Minnesota is not alone in its legal challenge.
Officials in Illinois and Chicago filed a similar lawsuit this week, accusing the administration of conducting what they describe as an aggressive enforcement campaign.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said federal agents were acting more like occupiers than traditional law enforcement officers.
Illinois previously won an early court ruling that resulted in the withdrawal of National Guard troops from the state.
What Happens Next
Minnesota officials say they will seek a temporary restraining order to immediately halt the enforcement operation while the case moves forward.
A federal judge is expected to hear arguments as early as this week.
