Judge Urged by Trump Administration to Dismiss Minnesota’s Bid Against ICE Surge
The Trump administration has requested a federal judge to allow the continuation of an immigration agency surge in Minnesota. This comes despite a lawsuit from state and local officials claiming the deployment, known as Operation Metro Surge, is unconstitutional. Their legal arguments emphasize a violation of Minnesota’s sovereignty protected by the 10th Amendment.
Background of the Lawsuit
Last week, Minneapolis and St. Paul, alongside state officials, filed suit against the federal government. They argue that the actions of immigration agents are intended to create community unrest and emotional distress, ultimately hampering local officials’ ability to serve and protect residents.
Government’s Response
The Justice Department dismissed these claims as an “absurdity,” insisting that local preferences should not undermine the supremacy of federal law. They urged that blocking the immigration operation would represent significant judicial overreach.
Status of the Judicial Proceedings
- Judge Kate M. Menendez is overseeing the case.
- No immediate ruling has been made following a recent hearing.
- The court is assessing the legality of deploying approximately 3,000 federal agents.
During a hearing last week, Judge Menendez noted that the Trump administration required additional time to respond to the lawsuit. Although another hearing could be scheduled imminently, it has not yet been confirmed.
Contextual Concerns
The Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge reportedly led to over 3,000 arrests and incidents of violence, including protests and two shootings involving ICE agents. The administration defends these actions as essential for cracking down on illegal immigration and social service fraud. However, they face increasing scrutiny and legal challenges from states like Illinois, which filed a similar suit against the administration for civil immigration enforcement without explicit congressional backing.
Political Ramifications
Amid escalating tensions, Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have described a potential federal investigation into their actions as a misuse of law enforcement power. This follows a deadly incident involving an ICE agent shooting a U.S. citizen in January and another recent shooting during an arrest attempt.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Judge Menendez also presides over a separate lawsuit concerning ICE agents’ treatment of protesters, imposing a preliminary injunction to limit agent interactions with demonstrators. The Trump administration has indicated their intention to appeal this ruling.
