Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the federal government on 12/1, naming Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem and several federal immigration officials as defendants. Ellison requested a federal court in Minnesota declare the policy of increasing immigration enforcement forces in the state unconstitutional and unlawful.

Minnesota accused the Trump administration of "racially discriminating against its citizens" and targeting the state due to its "Democratic political leanings." State officials plan to ask the court for a temporary restraining order against the enforcement campaign as early as 13/1, when the court is scheduled to hold a hearing.

"The deployment of thousands of masked, armed DHS agents has caused severe harm to Minnesota. This is, in essence, a federal government invasion of the entire state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities area (Minneapolis and St. Paul). This must end," Ellison stated during a press conference.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison speaking at a press conference in St. Paul in 2025. Photo: AFP

On the same day, Illinois filed a similar lawsuit, with Democratic Governor JB Pritzker describing the immigration enforcement operations in his state as a "dangerous use of force" by DHS.

Illinois's lawsuit requests the court prevent U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from conducting immigration enforcement activities in the state. It also seeks to restrict repressive measures such as using tear gas, invading private property, and obscuring license plates to conceal official activities.

Minnesota requested a ban on federal agents threatening to use force, or drawing and brandishing weapons against individuals not subject to arrest for illegal immigration. State officials also demanded that agents wear clear identification badges, activate body cameras, and not cover their faces.

The two midwestern states filed their lawsuits after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, on 7/1, sparking protests in many major cities. The FBI is currently investigating the shooting, but Minnesota state officials announced on 9/1 that they would launch their own criminal investigation, accusing the FBI of refusing to cooperate with state investigators.

Governor Tim Walz has also requested the Minnesota National Guard be ready for deployment to stabilize the situation if necessary.

Duc Trung (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)