Federal judges in Minnesota addressed two significant cases on March 15, 2024, focusing on the state’s immigration enforcement operations. The first case centers on a request from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to end Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative aimed at apprehending undocumented immigrants. This move follows the recent shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, which has intensified scrutiny over the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Katherine Menendez heard more than two hours of arguments but did not issue an immediate ruling. She remarked on the “shockingly unusual times” in Minnesota but expressed uncertainty about whether the 10th Amendment could provide her the authority to grant the requested relief.
Further complicating matters, a letter from Pam Bondi, Florida’s Attorney General, accused local authorities in Minnesota of violating federal immigration laws. Ellison responded, stating, “The Pam Bondi letter reveals what this is all about. This is not about fraud, immigration, or law enforcement. It’s about handing over documents of the state of Minnesota, including private voting information to the federal government.”
In a separate hearing on the same day, federal Judge Eric Tostrud examined a case concerning the preservation of evidence related to ICE’s activities in Minnesota. Tostrud issued a ruling to prevent the Trump administration from “destroying or altering evidence” pertinent to the investigation of Pretti’s shooting. This measure aims to ensure that any relevant information remains available for potential future legal proceedings.
As the situation unfolds, Minnesota’s legal battles against federal immigration enforcement highlight ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities. The outcomes of these cases may have lasting implications on immigration policy and enforcement practices in the state and beyond.
