Biden-Appointed Judge Denies Minnesota Request to End Operation Metro Surge
A federal judge has denied a request from the State of Minnesota to immediately halt “Operation Metro Surge,” the expansive federal immigration enforcement initiative currently underway in the Twin Cities. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, an appointee of President Joe Biden, ruled on Saturday that state officials had not met the necessary legal burden to secure a temporary restraining order against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem responded to the ruling by declaring it a victory, stating on social media that the decision is “a win for public safety” and confirming that federal operations will continue. The operation, which began in December 2025, has deployed thousands of federal agents, including personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), into Minneapolis and St. Paul to conduct large-scale enforcement actions.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, joined by city officials from Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed the lawsuit earlier this month, arguing that the federal surge violates the Tenth Amendment and infringes upon state sovereignty. The plaintiffs contended that the operation serves as a “militarized” campaign designed to coerce local governments and terrorize residents, specifically targeting Somali and Latino communities. Legal filings from the state cited “unprecedented” disruptions to daily life and highlighted recent violent incidents, including the fatal shootings of residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents, as proof of the operation’s danger.
In her decision, Judge Menendez clarified that while she was denying the immediate injunction, she was not making a final ruling on the merits of the state’s claims regarding the legality of the DHS actions. She acknowledged the severity of the situation, writing that the crackdown “has had, and will likely continue to have, profound and even heartbreaking, consequences on the State of Minnesota.” However, she concluded that the court could not intervene at this preliminary stage without more definitive proof that the federal government’s actions amounted to unconstitutional coercion.
The Trump administration has defended Operation Metro Surge as a necessary measure to target criminal activity and fraud within sanctuary jurisdictions. Federal officials argue that the increased presence is required to enforce immigration laws that local authorities refuse to uphold. Conversely, local leaders describe the surge as a politically motivated “invasion” that undermines community trust and public safety. The lawsuit is expected to proceed, with further hearings scheduled to address the broader constitutional questions raised by the state.
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