Minnesota Challenges Trump's Immigration Crackdown Amid Rising Tensions

Wed Jan 14 2026 22:41:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As federal agents intensify immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, state officials seek a pause in actions that some argue violate constitutional rights.

In Minneapolis, a federal judge has yet to rule on Minnesota's request to halt aggressive immigration enforcement by federal agents, following violent incidents and protests. State leaders argue that the government's actions infringe on civil liberties, calling for an urgent review of the methods being used, particularly after an immigration agent fatally shot a resident. The Department of Homeland Security stands by its actions, asserting over 2,000 arrests in the state since December. Local officials describe the situation as discriminatory and chaotic, raising concerns about the impact on communities.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge made no immediate decision Wednesday on Minnesota’s request to suspend the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the state, where federal agents have been forcefully detaining individuals in public encounters. The continued deployment of tactics such as the use of tear gas and aggressive arrests have sparked protests across the city, particularly since the tragic shooting death of local resident Renee Good by an immigration agent earlier this year.

During the initial hearing for the lawsuit filed by Minnesota and its cities, Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter emphasized the need for a suspension of these operations to diffuse tensions. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez has asked the Department of Justice to respond to the state’s request, thereby keeping the matter urgent and responsive.

Local leaders are speaking out against what they see as violations of constitutional rights, particularly focusing on racial discrimination in these arrests. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed deep concerns, suggesting that innocent citizens, including U.S. citizens of particular backgrounds, have been affected. The Department of Homeland Security, however, maintains that their operations are necessary as they report significant success in arrests since the crackdown began.