A federal judge has declined to grant a preliminary injunction that would have halted the ongoing immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. On Saturday, Judge Katherine M. Menendez ruled against the request made by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of both cities, who filed a lawsuit arguing that the Department of Homeland Security is infringing on constitutional rights.

The enforcement actions, which have drawn significant criticism, have reportedly resulted in the fatalities of two individuals in Minneapolis: Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. In response to the lawsuit, attorneys representing the U.S. Department of Justice have dismissed the claims as legally frivolous. The ruling ensures that immigration enforcement will continue while the lawsuit is pending, escalating tensions between state and federal authorities.