A federal judge in the United States has denied a request by Minnesota to end an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis that has led to two fatal shootings and weeks of protests. Judge Kate Menendez ruled on Saturday that the state, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, failed to prove that the operation violated the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution, which limits federal intervention in state affairs.
The operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, involves around 3,000 ICE agents. It has sparked controversy after Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier this month, followed by the fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti. The deaths prompted the lawsuit and widespread demonstrations.
In her ruling, Judge Menendez acknowledged the 'profound and even heartbreaking' impact on Minneapolis and noted evidence of 'racial profiling, excessive use of force, and other harmful actions' by agents. However, she stated that the plaintiffs had not provided a clear legal standard to distinguish lawful law enforcement from unconstitutional overreach, describing their argument as a 'thin reed' for a preliminary injunction.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed disappointment, calling the operation an 'invasion' that has brought fear rather than safety. US Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the decision as a 'HUGE' win for the administration, asserting that federal law enforcement would continue regardless of sanctuary policies or lawsuits.
The ruling coincides with nationwide protests organised by the grassroots group 50501, with over 300 demonstrations expected across all 50 states and Washington DC on Saturday. The protests, branded 'ICE Out of Everywhere', demand an end to the federal immigration crackdown following the recent deaths in Minneapolis and other incidents involving ICE agents.
