A federal judge has denied the State of Minnesota’s request to halt Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale federal immigration enforcement campaign deployed in the Twin Cities, allowing the controversial operation to continue while legal challenges move forward.
On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Katherine M. Menendez ruled against Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul’s effort to obtain a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order that would have stopped the surge of federal immigration agents now operating across the state. The officials argued that the operation, led largely by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, overstepped constitutional boundaries and has caused widespread harm to local communities.
In her written decision, Judge Menendez said that the plaintiffs had not met the high legal threshold required to justify interrupting a major federal law enforcement effort at this early stage of the lawsuit. She noted that while there are serious concerns about the effects of Operation Metro Surge, the evidence supporting both sides’ arguments made it unclear whether the state’s claims would ultimately prevail. As a result, she declined to halt the ongoing operation while the broader case continues to be litigated.
Minnesota officials had claimed that the deployment of approximately 3,000 immigration agents — part of a federal campaign initiated late last year — infringed on state sovereignty and violated the 10th Amendment, which protects state control over internal governance. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, also alleged that the operation punished sanctuary city policies and exacerbated tensions in the community.
The operation has drawn intense national scrutiny after several high-profile incidents, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens — Renee Good and Alex Pretti — by federal agents during enforcement actions. These events fueled protests and widespread public opposition, with many community leaders arguing that the surge has done more harm than good.
Despite these concerns, federal officials defended the surge as a lawful enforcement of immigration laws intended to remove dangerous offenders and combat violent crime linked to undocumented individuals. Supporters of the operation have repeatedly dismissed claims that it represents retaliation or coercion against local elected officials.
In her opinion, Judge Menendez referenced a recent appellate decision that overturned a previous injunction limiting federal officers’ interactions with peaceful protesters, suggesting that if a narrower restriction was too broad, a full halt to the entire operation would be even more extreme.
After the ruling was issued, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed disappointment but vowed to continue the legal battle in court. Ellison reiterated that state officials believe federal actions have undermined local law enforcement and community safety.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also criticized the decision, calling the operation an “invasion” that has brought fear and disruption to residents. Local leaders have said they will pursue all available legal avenues as the case proceeds.
The judge’s decision to allow Operation Metro Surge to continue comes as protests and legal challenges persist, raising broader questions about the limits of federal enforcement authority and the balance between national immigration policy and state sovereignty.
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