A federal judge on Saturday denied a state government request to block the Trump administration's deployment of thousands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a ruling, District Court Judge Katherine Menendez stated that the immigration enforcement operation 'has had, and will likely continue to have, profound and even heartbreaking, consequences on the State of Minnesota'.
However, state officials failed to demonstrate that the surge of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents was unlawful. This decision emerges as thousands across the country protest against the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents, leading to calls for significant changes in immigration enforcement.
Demonstrators are expected to gather in Minneapolis following protests in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. The recent deaths have sparked widespread public outcry, prompting criticisms from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Earlier on Friday, the US Justice Department announced a civil rights investigation into one of the deaths, that of Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal immigration officials, making him the second Minneapolis resident killed by such force under the recent ICE operation.
In her ruling, Judge Menendez acknowledged evidence of racial profiling and excessive force by ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents. Yet, she noted state officials provided no metrics to differentiate between lawful law enforcement and unlawful commandeering, as the Trump administration had stationed some 3,000 agents in the state.
Protests organized as part of the 'National Shutdown' campaign called for citizens to refrain from working or attending school to express their opposition to ICE. Protesters have displayed their dissent by forming letters on frozen lakes and carrying banners that emphasize constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, President Trump has reiterated his commitment to maintaining national safety amidst these events, confirming the continued presence of federal agents in Minnesota, despite growing calls for their withdrawal by state and city officials.
However, state officials failed to demonstrate that the surge of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents was unlawful. This decision emerges as thousands across the country protest against the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents, leading to calls for significant changes in immigration enforcement.
Demonstrators are expected to gather in Minneapolis following protests in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. The recent deaths have sparked widespread public outcry, prompting criticisms from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Earlier on Friday, the US Justice Department announced a civil rights investigation into one of the deaths, that of Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal immigration officials, making him the second Minneapolis resident killed by such force under the recent ICE operation.
In her ruling, Judge Menendez acknowledged evidence of racial profiling and excessive force by ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents. Yet, she noted state officials provided no metrics to differentiate between lawful law enforcement and unlawful commandeering, as the Trump administration had stationed some 3,000 agents in the state.
Protests organized as part of the 'National Shutdown' campaign called for citizens to refrain from working or attending school to express their opposition to ICE. Protesters have displayed their dissent by forming letters on frozen lakes and carrying banners that emphasize constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, President Trump has reiterated his commitment to maintaining national safety amidst these events, confirming the continued presence of federal agents in Minnesota, despite growing calls for their withdrawal by state and city officials.
