Judge says she won’t halt the immigration enforcement surge as a lawsuit proceeds

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by By MARGERY A. BECKJanuary 31, 2026 at 06:53 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A federal judge in Minnesota has denied a request to halt the ongoing immigration enforcement surge, known as Operation Metro Surge, in the state and the Twin Cities. The lawsuit, filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, alleges that the Department of Homeland Security is violating constitutional protections. The plaintiffs sought a preliminary injunction to immediately stop or limit the enforcement action. The judge's decision focused on the argument that the surge violates the 10th Amendment, limiting federal power over states. The federal government argues the surge is necessary to remove criminal immigrants, citing hindered efforts due to state and local "sanctuary" policies, while state and local officials claim it is retaliation for failed attempts to withhold federal funding and an unconstitutional drain on resources.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Renee Good ×340% St. Paul 60% U.S. Department of Justice 60% Department of Homeland Security 70% Minneapolis ×370% Keith Ellison 70% Operation Metro Surge 70% United States 80% Katherine M. Menendez 80% Minnesota ×390%

Keywords

immigration enforcement surge 90% lawsuit 80% preliminary injunction 70% 10th amendment 60% department of homeland security 60% constitutional protections 60% sanctuary laws 50% federal government 50% state sovereignty 40%