A U.S. federal judge ruled on February 1, 2026, to allow the continuation of “Operation Metro Surge,” a contentious immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota that has drawn nationwide scrutiny. The decision by U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez denies Minnesota’s emergency request to halt the operation, which began in December 2025 and involves over 3,000 federal agents in the Twin Cities region.
Legal and Community Impacts
Judge Menendez acknowledged the operation’s “profound and even heartbreaking consequences,” including allegations of racial profiling, excessive force, and disruptions to schools and emergency services. However, she stated that Minnesota’s constitutional arguments under the 10th Amendment lacked sufficient legal precedent for an immediate halt. The ruling follows a federal appeals court decision overturning her earlier restrictions on agents’ use of force.
Reactions and Next Steps
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the decision as a validation of federal authority, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned it as a blow to local communities. Over 3,000 arrests have been made since the operation began, with daily protests intensifying after two U.S. citizens were killed during enforcement actions. The state’s lawsuit will proceed, though emergency relief remains off the table.
