Minnesota Officials Sue Federal Government Over Deployment of Immigration Agents

TL/DR –

Minnesota is suing the federal government to stop the deployment of thousands of immigration agents in the state, arguing that the action is a violation of the constitution and federal law. The lawsuit also includes the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as plaintiffs and names officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as defendants. The deployment has resulted in a surge of immigration arrests, leading to fear in local communities and criticism from local authorities who claim the deployment is “wildly disproportionate” and infringe on constitutional rights and public safety.

Minnesota Sues Federal Government Over Immigration Agent Deployment

Minnesota officials are suing the federal government to halt thousands of immigration agents’ deployment, according to the state’s top prosecutor.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison claims the targeting of the state for its diversity, democracy, and differences of opinion with the federal government is unconstitutional.

Ellison referred to the deployment as an invasion of the Twin Cities, indicating that it must cease.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, cites the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as defendants. It follows a surge of federal immigration agents following protests over the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin counters that Ellison prioritizes politics over public safety.

She stated that President Trump is bound to enforce the law and ensure American safety, regardless of local leaders’ stance.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey argues that the deployment is disproportionately large compared to his city’s police force.

Frey shared the detrimental impact on Minneapolis, with schools closing, fear inhibiting daily activities, and police resources stretched thin.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, a Laos refugee, now carries her passport and ID constantly.

Good’s death occurred after she allegedly weaponized her vehicle against an ICE officer, which local officials dispute.

Video footage reveals Good’s attempt to leave the scene before shots were fired.

Minnesota officials criticize federal authorities for excluding the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from Good’s death investigation.

The Trump administration increased immigration-related arrests in Minnesota in December, following a years-old scandal involving the Somali community.

Last week, over 2,000 officers from ICE and Homeland Security Investigations were deployed, following fraud accusations against Somali-run day care facilities.

Illinois also sued the Trump administration, alleging the use of unlawful tactics by immigration agents.

Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, voices horror at federal agents undermining Constitutional rights and public safety.

A White House spokeswoman contested the suit, arguing it aims to smear law enforcement and incite violence against them.

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