Operation Metro Surge allowed to continue after judge denies preliminary injunction

MN ICE lawsuit: AG Ellison updates after hearing [FULL]

A federal judge heard arguments Monday on whether she should temporarily halt the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which has led to three shootings, including two fatal shootings, by federal officials this month. Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison spoke after Monday's hearing.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Operation Metro Surge will continue in Minnesota after a federal judge denied a preliminary injunction that was sought by the state’s attorney general as well as the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Federal judge won’t halt Operation Metro Surge

Trump admin faces deadline to respond to MN ICE lawsuit

The Trump administration faces a Monday deadline to respond to a lawsuit filed by the state seeking to halt ICE operations. This comes as the Pentagon placed 1,500 active soldiers on standby for potential deployment to Minnesota amid ongoing anti-ICE protests.

What they're saying:

Judge Katherine M. Menedez ruled against a preliminary injunction lawsuit that claimed Operation Metro Surge was violating constitutional protections. 

The federal lawsuit aimed to halt the surge of immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota or limit the scope of their mission.

Attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice said the lawsuit was "legally frivolous," according to the Associated Press. 

After the ruling, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the ruling, which was made by a judge appointed by former U.S. President Biden, was "A win for public safety and law and order."

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shared the following statement on the ruling:

"Of course, we’re disappointed. This decision doesn’t change what people here have lived through — fear, disruption, and harm caused by a federal operation that never belonged in Minneapolis in the first place. This operation has not brought public safety. It’s brought the opposite and has detracted from the order we need for a working city. It’s an invasion, and it needs to stop."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison shared the following statement in response to the judge’s denial: 

"We’re obviously disappointed in the court’s ruling today, but this case is in its infancy and there is much legal road in front of us, so we’re fighting on. We will continue to protect Minnesotans and raise the critical legal and constitutional issues at stake, and we will continue to be unrelenting in doing so. We know that these 3,000 immigration agents are here to intimidate Minnesota and bend the state to the federal government’s will. That is unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment and the principle of equal sovereignty. We’re not letting up in defending our state's constitutional powers.

"Together, we Minnesotans are using every tool we have and can dream of to protect each other during this harmful and dangerous surge. Everyday Minnesotans, small businesses, nonprofits, and others are creating and enacting brilliant and courageous nonviolent, civil-resistance strategies every day. My office and other public offices are adding creative legal strategies that very often are successful, and we will keep using the law in every way we can think of to protect Minnesotans. Many more people are adding their own unheralded actions. Everyone who values their neighbors, communities, and our way of life in our beloved state has something to contribute.

"History is on our side and Minnesotans are meeting its call. I will keep matching your bravery."

Minnesota vs. ICE lawsuit: Latest details

A lawsuit seeking to end ICE agents’ current operations in Minnesota is being heard be a judge in Minneapolis. FOX 9’s Bill Keller has the latest on the current ruling.

The backstory:

The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 12, 2026, less than a week after the fatal shooting of Renee Good. 

READ MORE: Minnesota ICE lawsuit: Judge allows ICE to continue operation amid legal arguments

In its argument, the state cites "harm" brought by the surge, including the shooting of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent, among other conflicts.

State officials argue the operation isn't about safety or fraud as federal officials claim, but rather political retribution.

The full lawsuit can be read below: