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Minnesota files lawsuit to block federal immigration deployment
Minnesota has taken legal action against the Trump administration to prevent an influx of federal immigration agents into the state, calling the move an unconstitutional "federal invasion." The lawsuit, announced by Attorney General Keith Ellison on Monday, seeks a court ruling to halt the deployment, which state officials argue has disrupted communities and escalated tensions.
Shooting incident sparks protests and legal action
The lawsuit follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an immigration agent in Minneapolis last week. The incident ignited large-scale protests in the city and intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement operations. Federal authorities claim Good attempted to drive her vehicle into agents, while local officials dispute this account, arguing the use of lethal force was unnecessary.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting, though local officials report being excluded from the federal probe.
State alleges racial profiling and public safety risks
Minnesota officials contend the deployment violates the state's authority to safeguard residents. Attorney General Ellison accused federal agents of targeting individuals based on racial profiling, leading to a surge in 911 calls and forcing local police to allocate overtime resources to investigate ICE-related incidents.
"The unlawful deployment of thousands of armed, masked, and poorly trained federal agents is hurting Minnesota," Ellison stated during a press conference.
Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed these concerns, asserting that the presence of federal agents had created an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Trump administration defends deployment as necessary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dismissed the lawsuit as "baseless," vowing to defend the deployment in court. A DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, accused Ellison of "prioritizing politics over public safety."
The administration maintains that the agents are targeting undocumented migrants and that additional personnel are required to ensure operational safety. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced over the weekend that "hundreds more" agents would be sent to Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge, aimed at combating illegal immigration and crime.
According to CNN, approximately 1,000 Customs and Border Protection agents are being deployed to Minneapolis, citing federal law enforcement sources. Current estimates suggest around 2,000 agents are already operating in the state.
Legal battle escalates as Illinois joins challenge
Minnesota's lawsuit mirrors a separate legal challenge filed by Illinois and Chicago on Monday. The Illinois complaint describes the federal presence as an "organized bombardment" and "occupation," alleging that armed, military-trained personnel have been conducting operations in Chicago and surrounding areas for months.
Prosecutors in Minnesota indicated they would seek a temporary restraining order to block the deployment as early as Tuesday.
Political tensions rise over federal-state conflict
Ellison accused the Trump administration of targeting Minnesota due to its Democratic leadership, which controls both the governorship and state legislature. The legal confrontation underscores broader national debates over federal overreach, immigration enforcement, and the balance of power between state and federal authorities.
