A federal judge in the United States has not issued an immediate ruling on a request from the state of Minnesota to suspend a controversial immigration enforcement operation ordered by the Trump administration.
Court Hearing Seeks to 'Lower the Temperature'
The first hearing in a lawsuit filed by Minnesota, alongside the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, took place on Wednesday 14 January 2026. State Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter argued for a judicial pause, stating, "What we need most of all right now is a pause. The temperature needs to be lowered." The legal challenge accuses federal agents of violating constitutional rights, including free speech, during their operations.
Escalating Tensions and Arrests
The request for a restraining order follows weeks of heightened tension in Minneapolis. Scenes of tear gas, chemical irritants, and protest whistles have become commonplace. The situation intensified after an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good in the head on 7 January as she drove away. Federal agents have been accused of pulling people from vehicles and confronting angry bystanders.
The Department of Homeland Security reports making more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and vows to continue its operations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the tactics in an interview with Fox News, alleging discrimination based on ethnicity and the detention of U.S. citizens.
Legal Process and Next Steps
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez presided over the hearing and promised to keep the case "on the front burner." She granted the U.S. Justice Department until the following Monday to file a formal response to the restraining order request. The state and cities will then have additional days to reply.
Judge Menendez acknowledged the gravity of the case, noting a lack of clear legal precedents for some key points. Government attorney Andrew Warden agreed with the judge's measured approach to the timetable. All parties now await the next development in a case that highlights deep divisions over immigration enforcement in America.
