A federal judge on Wednesday declined to immediately halt an expanded wave of immigration enforcement actions underway in Minnesota, allowing operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to continue for now. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said the court did not have enough time to fully assess the legal and constitutional questions raised in the state’s emergency request.
Minnesota, along with the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, is seeking a temporary restraining order, arguing that the surge in federal activity has led to warrantless arrests, excessive force, and violations of civil liberties. During the hearing, Judge Menendez noted that the case raises unusually complex issues with little direct precedent, making a same-day ruling inappropriate.
The judge ordered an expedited briefing schedule, requiring the U.S. Justice Department to respond by January 19, with follow-up filings from state and city officials due January 22. A decision on whether to grant or deny the restraining order is expected later in the month, after full arguments are reviewed.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened tension following the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, which has fueled protests and intensified scrutiny of federal tactics. State leaders say the enforcement actions are eroding community trust, while federal officials maintain they are lawful and will continue unless the court orders otherwise.
