MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge will hear arguments on whether to temporarily stop the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, linked to the recent fatal shootings of two individuals by government officers.
The state of Minnesota alongside the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security following these incidents, particularly the shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs officer. The urgency of the case has increased after Border Patrol's officer's shooting of Alex Pretti, prompting legal action to halt what they deem an abusive and unprecedented federal operation.
The state and local governments are seeking an order from U.S. District Judge Kathleen Menendez to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota and reestablish conditions prior to the December launch of Operation Metro Surge. Attorney General Keith Ellison is expected to personally attend the hearing.
The Justice Department has described the lawsuit as 'legally frivolous', arguing that Minnesota seeks undue control over federal law enforcement and calling for the dismissal of the case.
Ellison stated the lawsuit reflects a grave constitutional violation. 'We have never witnessed a surge like this, and it could embolden federal agencies to conduct similar operations across the nation,' he asserted.
The implications of this case extend beyond Minnesota, with a collective of attorneys general from 19 other states expressing support for Minnesota's stance, emphasizing that federal overreach in immigration enforcement cannot be left unchecked.
The hearing is anticipated to be closely followed, with potential repercussions for immigration law enforcement across the United States.
