Federal Judge Rejects Minnesota's Plea to Halt ICE Surge Amid Two Fatal Shootings in Minneapolis

In a recent decision, U.S. District Judge Wilhelmino M. Leitao Jr. dismissed a request by Minnesota's state government, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, to halt the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge in the city. The operation, which has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, has sparked weeks of protests.

The most recent fatality occurred on January 26, 2026, when Renee Good, a 31-year-old Minneapolis resident, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Good's death followed another fatal shooting in November 2025, when ICE agents fatally shot a man during a raid.

The state, along with the cities, had filed a lawsuit demanding an end to the immigration operation, citing concerns for public safety and the potential for further violence. In denying the request, Judge Leitao ruled that the plaintiffs had not provided sufficient evidence to justify an immediate halt to the operation.

According to the court filing, the plaintiffs argued that Operation Metro Surge has resulted in "unconstitutional actions" by ICE agents, including "excessive force, false arrests, and racial profiling." However, Judge Leitao found that the plaintiffs had not presented "clear and convincing evidence" to support their claims.

The judge's decision comes amid growing national concern over the Trump administration's immigration policies and the role of ICE in local communities. Critics argue that the agency's tactics, including raids and arrests, have disproportionately targeted communities of color and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Supporters of the operation argue that it is necessary to enforce immigration laws and maintain public safety. ICE officials maintain that their agents are following proper protocols and have been acting in response to criminal activity.

The ruling is likely to fuel further debate and protests in Minneapolis and beyond. As the legal battle continues, community members and advocacy groups are calling for transparency and accountability from ICE and the Trump administration.

Sources:

• "Judge denies Minnesota’s request to end ICE surge in Minneapolis" (The Guardian, 31 Jan. 2026)
• "Minnesota sues to halt ICE's 'surge' in Minneapolis" (Star Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026)