AI Overview
Based on reports from early 2026, federal immigration agents (ICE and CBP) operating in Minnesota as part of "Operation Metro Surge" were accused of routinely exceeding their legal authority, prompting lawsuits, federal court orders, and severe criticism from state officials.
Key details regarding allegations that ICE broke the law in Minnesota include:
- Violations of Court Orders: A federal judge in Minnesota noted that ICE had violated nearly 100 court orders during its enforcement crackdown in the state, according to a late January 2026 report.
- Unlawful Detentions: A federal judge ordered the release of legally admitted refugees who were detained without warrants or cause in their homes, at church, or while running errands.
- Use of Force and Tactics: Agents were accused of using excessive force, including pointing firearms at individuals who posed no threat and using tactics designed to evade legal scrutiny, such as rapidly moving detainees to Texas.
- Forced Entry: Reports indicated that ICE agents were acting under a new policy allowing them to enter homes without a judicial warrant, using only administrative warrants signed by an immigration official.
- Deaths of U.S. Citizens: The operation resulted in the fatal shooting of at least two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis.
- Civil Rights Violations: Attorney General Keith Ellison and city officials alleged that the agents' actions violated the First and Tenth Amendments of the Constitution.