Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota – Minnesota and its Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt a sweeping immigration enforcement operation. Local officials have described the federal operation as a “federal invasion,” which recently resulted in the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis mother of three, shot by an ICE agent during the crackdown.

Details of the Lawsuit

The legal action, filed on January 13, 2026, includes a request for a temporary restraining order to immediately stop the ongoing immigration enforcement surge. Reports indicate that an additional 1,000 Border Patrol officers are being deployed to join the 2,000 existing federal agents operating across Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described this as its largest enforcement operation in U.S. history.

State Attorney General Keith Ellison condemned the federal actions as unconstitutional, accusing the Trump administration of terrorizing Minnesota residents with aggressive, armed agents. “This is, in essence, a federal invasion of the Twin Cities and Minnesota, and it must stop,” Ellison said during a news conference announcing the legal challenge.

Allegations Against Federal Agents

The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of constitutional rights, including:

• Deployment of excessive and lethal force
• Warrantless arrests
• Targeting of schools, courts, and churches

Ellison also stated that local police have responded to 20 instances of apparent abductions of Minneapolis residents by ICE officers, further highlighting the widespread fear created by the federal operation.

Death of Renee Nicole Good

The crackdown drew national attention following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026. The 37-year-old mother of three was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a brief 40-second encounter while seated in her car. Video evidence of the incident has sparked conflicting interpretations, with critics accusing the Trump administration of misrepresenting the events.

The incident has triggered mass protests across Minneapolis and nationwide, as residents demand accountability and an end to aggressive ICE tactics.

Community Response and Fear

Videos circulating on social media show federal agents questioning members of Minnesota’s Somali community and demanding proof of citizenship, amplifying concerns about the targeting of legally resident Americans.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the operation as indiscriminate, saying federal authorities targeted individuals without verifying their legal status. “The Somali people who would be arrested or deported are all legal. They’re all U.S. citizens,” Frey stated, noting that the enforcement surge disrupted daily life, closing schools and businesses and leaving residents afraid to leave their homes.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, a Hmong American immigrant, revealed she now carries her identification at all times, fearing arbitrary detention. “We are being attacked as American citizens right now,” she said.

Political and Demographic Context

Attorney General Ellison pointed out that Minnesota’s non-citizen immigrant population is just 1.5%, half the national average and lower than states like Texas, Utah, and Florida. He suggested the state may have been targeted for political reasons.

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, a migrant advocacy organization, accused the federal operation of operating under a “racist pretense” targeting the Somali community under the guise of fraud investigations.

Federal Response

The DHS has defended the operation, with Secretary Kristi Noem stating that additional agents are being deployed to ensure enforcement occurs safely amid protests. Since December, more than 2,000 arrests have been made as part of the crackdown, intensifying public outrage and political scrutiny.

Public Protests

The crackdown has sparked widespread demonstrations in Minnesota and across the United States. Hundreds gathered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, after reports surfaced of ICE officers targeting Somali-owned businesses. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar condemned the operation as “unconscionable” and emphasized the risks it poses to communities and civil liberties.

Conclusion

Minnesota’s lawsuit against the Trump administration represents a major legal challenge to federal immigration policy, highlighting concerns over civil liberties, federal overreach, and the use of lethal force. As residents grapple with fear, uncertainty, and community disruption, the case could have lasting implications for immigration enforcement across the United States.