Judge Menendez Holds Hearing on Temporary Enforcement Pause On Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez began hearing arguments on whether to temporarily suspend the federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota that began on Dec. 1, 2025 [1][2]. Plaintiffs – the state of Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul – seek an order to roll back Operation Metro Surge to pre‑surge staffing levels and to limit the scope of the operation [1][2]. The hearing follows a lawsuit filed five days after activist Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer and intensified after protester Alex Pretti was killed by a Border Patrol officer [1][2].

Renee Good and Alex Pretti Shootings Intensify Legal Challenge Immigrant activist Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer on Jan. 21, 2026, sparking the initial lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security [1][2]. Six days later, on Jan. 26, Border Patrol officer Michael Hernandez (name reported in court filings) fatally shot protester Alex Pretti during a demonstration, adding urgency to the plaintiffs’ request for relief [1][2]. Both deaths have been cited by state officials as evidence that the surge creates dangerous conditions for communities and erodes public trust [1][2].

Federal Government Defends Operation Metro Surge as Lawful The Justice Department argued the suit is “legally frivolous,” asserting that Minnesota is attempting to obtain a veto over federal law‑enforcement actions and that the court should reject or stay any relief [1][2]. President Donald Trump publicly claimed a “very good” phone call with Governor Tim Walz about the Minneapolis shooting and announced that border‑security chief Tom Homan will travel to Minnesota to report directly to him [1][2]. DOJ officials maintain that the surge is a lawful exercise of federal authority aimed at securing the border and managing immigration flows [1][2].

Broad State Support Highlights National Concern Over Enforcement Attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia, led by California, filed a friend‑of‑the‑court brief backing Minnesota’s request, warning that unchecked federal enforcement could embolden similar actions elsewhere [1][2]. The amicus brief emphasizes potential constitutional and civil‑rights implications if the surge continues unchecked [1][2]. Prior court orders, including Menendez’s Jan. 16 injunction barring detentions of peaceful protesters and Judge Eric Tostrud’s order preserving evidence, underscore ongoing judicial scrutiny of the enforcement tactics [2].