Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Judge Allows ICE Operation to Continue Amid Protests
A federal judge named Katherine M. Menendez decided that a big immigration operation called Metro Surge can keep going in Minnesota.
Some state and local leaders are upset because they think this operation is making people scared and causing problems for local officials.
They also say it's using up too many local resources.
The leaders think the operation is stepping on the state's powers, but the judge didn't agree.
People across the country are protesting against this operation, and there have been some sad events linked to it.
The president said he won't interfere unless local officials ask for help.
Federal Judge Katherine M. Menendez allowed ICE's Operation Metro Surge to continue in Minnesota.
Protests spread across the U.S. against the operation, with demonstrators calling for ICE agents to leave their cities.
Minnesota and cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis sued federal officials, calling the operation a 'federal invasion'.
The judge acknowledged evidence of racial profiling and excessive force but allowed the operation to continue.
Minnesota officials expressed disappointment and vowed to continue the lawsuit, while nationwide protests and memorial events continued.
- Who
- Judge Katherine M. Menendez, ICE, Minnesota officials, Protesters
- What
- Federal court decision allowing ICE's Operation Metro Surge to continue amid protests
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Minnesota and nationwide protests
- Why
- The judge ruled that the operation does not violate the Tenth Amendment, despite claims from state and local leaders and ongoing protests
- Judge
- Katherine M. Menendez
- Operation
- Metro Surge
- Agency
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
- Location
- Minnesota
- Legal Basis
- Tenth Amendment
- Protests
- Nationwide
- Deaths Linked
- Two
- President
- Donald Trump
Sources
Who is Judge Katherine M. Menendez? Federal Judge Allows ICE’s Operation Metro Surge to Continue in Minnesota
Minnesota judge rejects plea to halt Trump's immigration enforcement surge; Minneapolis mayor Frey says ‘disappointed’
