In a bold move to counter the federal government's controversial actions, Keith Ellison, the Attorney General of Minnesota, alongside the mayors of the Twin Cities, Kaohly Her and Jacob Frey, have taken unprecedented legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and related agencies. This legal maneuver, filed in the U.S. District Court in Minnesota, alleges violations of the First and Tenth Amendments and seeks to halt an aggressive enforcement surge by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The lawsuit, initiated in response to the federal government's "Operation Metro Surge," is a direct challenge to what Ellison and the Twin Cities officials describe as an "unlawful and unprecedented" deployment of federal law enforcement agents. The operation, which saw the deployment of over 2,000 ICE, Border Patrol, and DHS agents, was described by federal officials as a fraud-fighting initiative. However, Ellison and the Twin Cities leaders perceive it as a retaliatory measure following a deadly ICE shooting.
The Twin Cities officials and Ellison argue that this surge of federal agents has disrupted the community and poses significant legal and constitutional concerns. The lawsuit aims to end this surge and declare it unconstitutional and unlawful. The legal action follows a series of contentious developments, including a deadly ICE shooting, which has further escalated tensions between local and federal authorities.
Ellison, joined by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and other state officials, made the announcement at a press conference. They emphasized that the federal government's actions are not only disruptive but also potentially retaliatory, aimed at undermining the state's efforts to maintain law and order.
The lawsuit seeks to address multiple issues, including alleged violations of the First and Tenth Amendments, which protect freedom of speech and the rights of states. The legal action highlights the broader debate over federal versus state authority, particularly in matters of law enforcement and immigration.
As Minnesota and the Twin Cities navigate this complex legal battle, the spotlight remains on Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose leadership has been pivotal in challenging federal overreach. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how states handle federal interventions in local matters, particularly in the context of immigration and law enforcement.
