The state of Minnesota has launched a major legal challenge against the federal government, seeking an immediate end to a controversial surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents within its borders. The lawsuit, announced by Attorney General Keith Ellison, follows escalating tensions, including the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by an ICE agent and widespread community protests.
Legal Action Follows Fatal Incident and "Federal Invasion"
Attorney General Keith Ellison unveiled the lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security on Monday, 12 January 2026. The move comes directly in the aftermath of a deadly incident last week, where an ICE agent fatally shot Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good while she was behind the wheel of her vehicle.
Ellison condemned the federal operation, describing it as a "federal invasion of the Twin Cities" that has forced local schools to shut down and businesses to close. He argued that the presence of the additional federal agents has destabilised communities, stating emphatically that "this surge has made us less safe."
Allegations of Unconstitutional Conduct and Political Bias
The lawsuit and accompanying statements from Ellison level serious accusations against the conduct of the deployed ICE agents. Ellison characterised the agents as poorly trained, contrasting them with local Minneapolis police. He revealed that city police have had to respond to 20 separate instances of what appeared to be the abduction of residents by ICE personnel.
"They're making unconstitutional arrests and using excessive force," Ellison asserted during a press conference. "This has to stop. Let's be clear; this should have never started." The Attorney General further suggested that the Trump administration's focus on Minnesota was motivated by political animus, remarking, "Donald Trump doesn't seem to like our state very much."
Community Clashes and Ongoing Fallout
The situation on the ground remains volatile. On the same day the lawsuit was announced, 12 January 2026, federal agents clashed with community members during ongoing immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Photographs from the scene depict a tense standoff, underscoring the deep divisions the raids have provoked.
The death of Renee Nicole Good has become a flashpoint, galvanising local opposition and leading to sustained protests. The state's legal action now represents a formal, high-stakes attempt to compel the federal government to withdraw its enhanced immigration enforcement presence, framing the issue as one of safety, constitutional rights, and state sovereignty.
