By Trendsetter Tribune 
A Minnesota federal judge has refused to block President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, despite a lawsuit from state officials alleging widespread civil rights abuses.
U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez acknowledged that immigration agents’ tactics, including shootings and racial profiling, had caused “profound and even heartbreaking consequences” for Minnesotans. However, she said halting the entire operation would go too far, citing a recent appeals court decision that overturned a narrower injunction against ICE actions in the state.
The lawsuit sought to stop a massive deployment of federal agents to Minneapolis-St. Paul, which has sparked protests and, in recent weeks, led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison accused the agents of racial profiling, unlawful detentions, and targeting the state for political reasons.
The Trump administration defended the operation, saying the agents were enforcing federal immigration laws and acted in self-defense. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the ruling a “HUGE” win for the Justice Department, saying, “Neither sanctuary policies nor meritless litigation will stop the Trump Administration from enforcing federal law in Minnesota.”
Tensions rose sharply after the fatal shootings of Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, with bystander videos raising questions about the agents’ actions. Local authorities and federal agents have refused to cooperate on investigations, even as President Trump and Governor Tim Walz spoke about de-escalation.
Trump has similarly deployed federal officers to other Democratic-led cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Portland, prompting accusations that he is abusing his powers to enforce immigration laws.