Minnesota ICE surge upheld as judge finds 'balance of harms' lacking
Saturday, January 31, 2026
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A federal judge has upheld the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge," allowing ICE to continue its aggressive immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which has already led to thousands of arrests and terrified residents.
The decision, made by U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez, comes despite evidence of ICE and CBP agents engaging in racial profiling, excessive use of force, and other harmful actions, as noted by the judge herself.
The lawsuit, filed by the state of Minnesota and lawyers for St. Paul and Minneapolis, argued that the operation violates the Tenth Amendment and is a partisan attempt to punish political opponents, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling it "an invasion" that needs to stop.
Judge Menendez acknowledged the "profound and even heartbreaking" consequences of the operation, but ultimately ruled that the "balance of harms" did not favor an injunction, sparking outrage from local officials and advocates.
The federal government has dismissed the state's argument as "absurdity" and "legally frivolous," with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claiming the judge's decision is "a win for public safety and law and order."
The city of Minneapolis has vowed to continue pursuing the lawsuit to hold the Trump administration accountable, with Mayor Frey emphasizing that the operation has "brought the opposite" of public safety and detracted from the city's ability to serve its constituents.
The surge has also been linked to the tragic shooting death of 37-year-old Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, highlighting the deadly consequences of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
