Minnesota Court Hears Case Against Federal Immigration Crackdown

Wed Jan 14 2026 23:05:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Minnesota judge deliberates on the state’s bid to pause aggressive immigration enforcement. Citizens express concerns over constitutional rights violations amid heightened tensions following a tragic incident involving an immigration agent.

In a tightly contested legal hearing, Minnesota officials seek a halt to federal immigration enforcement actions, which have intensified since the shooting of Renee Good. Local leaders argue that government actions violate constitutional rights, urging the court for a pause while federal agents continue controversial apprehensions.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has yet to reach a decision regarding the state's request to suspend the aggressive immigration enforcement actions implemented by the Trump administration. These federal initiatives have stirred tension, with reports of agents pulling individuals from vehicles and confronting local residents opposed to the operations.

In recent weeks, the use of tear gas and other crowd control measures has become commonplace in Minneapolis, especially following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, an immigration agent, in January. This incident has incited community outrage and calls for restraint from state officials.

What we need most of all right now is a pause. The temperature needs to be lowered, stated state Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter during a hearing concerning the lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez assured the parties involved that she would prioritize the case, allowing the justice department until Monday to respond to the request for a restraining order. Local leaders claim that the federal government's actions are infringing upon fundamental rights such as free speech.

During the court proceedings, Menendez noted the urgency of the matter, referencing the lack of legal precedents related to the case's key aspects. It is simply recognition that these are grave and important matters, she said.

While some government officials argued for a methodical approach in handling the case, the escalating escalations and community discontent emphasize the urgent need for resolutions. The Department of Homeland Security reports over 2,000 arrests made since December amidst these aggressive tactics.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted concerns over racial profiling, emphasizing how U.S. citizens have also been wrongfully detained in these enforcement efforts. Discrimination is taking place only on the basis of race: Are you Latino or are you Somali? he said, urging more awareness and action against these practices.