The state of Minnesota has launched a major legal challenge against the federal government, seeking an immediate end to a controversial surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents within its borders. The lawsuit, announced by Attorney General Keith Ellison, follows escalating tensions and a fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
A 'Federal Invasion' and a Fatal Incident
Attorney General Keith Ellison did not mince words during a press conference on Monday, describing the influx of federal agents as a "federal invasion of the Twin Cities." He argued that the operation has destabilised communities, forcing local schools to shut down and businesses to close. "This surge has made us less safe," Ellison stated unequivocally.
The legal action comes directly in the aftermath of a tragic incident last week, where an ICE agent fatally shot Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good while she was behind the wheel of her vehicle. The shooting has sparked significant local protests and intensified scrutiny of the agents' conduct and authority.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Conduct
Ellison's lawsuit, filed against the US Department of Homeland Security, levies serious accusations against the deployed ICE personnel. He characterised the agents as poorly trained, contrasting them with local Minneapolis police. According to the Attorney General, local police have been called to respond to 20 separate instances involving what appeared to be the abduction of residents by ICE agents.
"They're making unconstitutional arrests and using excessive force," Ellison alleged. "This has to stop. Let's be clear; this should have never started." The lawsuit aims to compel a federal court to halt the ongoing enforcement operation across Minnesota.
Political Motivations Suggested
Beyond the legal arguments, Ellison suggested that the Trump administration's focus on Minnesota is driven by political bias. "Donald Trump doesn't seem to like our state very much," he remarked, implying the aggressive immigration raids are a form of political retribution.
The situation reached a visible flashpoint on 12 January 2026, when federal agents clashed with community members during ongoing raids in Minneapolis. Photographs from the scene depict a tense standoff, underscoring the deep divisions and raw emotions the federal operation has triggered.
As the lawsuit progresses through the courts, Minnesota is taking a definitive stand against federal immigration enforcement tactics, setting the stage for a significant constitutional and political clash.
