A federal judge has denied a request to immediately halt Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement effort in Minnesota. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, which sought an emergency injunction to stop the operation. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez ruled that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement activities.
Core Facts & Developments
- Judge Denies Emergency Injunction: Judge Menendez rejected the request to halt Operation Metro Surge, stating that the plaintiffs did not meet the standard for an emergency order. The ruling does not address the legality of the operation itself.
- Legal Challenges Continue: Over 500 habeas corpus cases have been filed in Minnesota’s federal district court since the operation began on December 1, 2025. Judges have largely sided with detained immigrants, releasing many from custody.
Deeper Dive & Context
Operation Metro Surge and Legal Battles
The Trump administration launched Operation Metro Surge in December 2025 to increase immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The operation has led to thousands of arrests, but legal challenges have followed, with federal district judges releasing many detained immigrants. The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has seen over 500 habeas corpus cases, with judges siding against the administration in most instances. One notable exception was a ruling by U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor, who upheld the detention of an Ecuadorian immigrant, citing the president’s broad authority over immigration enforcement.
State and Local Opposition
Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, have criticized the operation, arguing that it disrupts local communities and diverts resources. They also allege racial profiling and harsh treatment of protesters. The state and local governments sought an emergency injunction, citing concerns over public safety and the impact on education, healthcare, and religious observances. However, Judge Menendez ruled that the perceived harms did not outweigh the federal government’s obligation to enforce immigration laws.
Protests and Public Reaction
The operation has sparked widespread protests in Minnesota, particularly after fatal shootings by immigration agents resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the administration’s actions, stating that neither sanctuary policies nor litigation would stop federal enforcement. Meanwhile, Governor Walz called for a drawdown of federal forces, arguing that the operation has not led to meaningful change.
Legal and Political Implications
The legal battles over Operation Metro Surge are likely to continue, with the possibility of appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The case highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state and local governments, particularly in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies. The outcome could have broader implications for immigration enforcement strategies under the Trump administration.