MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A federal judge in Minnesota found “compelling and troubling” evidence that federal immigration agents racially profiled Somali and Latino residents during a large enforcement effort known as Operation Metro Surge.
In a 111-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud wrote that plaintiffs presented substantial evidence suggesting federal officers conducted investigatory stops based on race or ethnicity without reasonable suspicion of immigration violations. The lawsuit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of several U.S. citizens who said they were wrongfully detained.
Despite the findings, the judge declined to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the federal government from continuing the practices. Tostrud said the enforcement operation is already winding down, reducing the likelihood that the plaintiffs will face similar treatment again in the near future.
The case centers on incidents involving U.S. citizens who said they were stopped, questioned, or detained by federal agents during the operation. One plaintiff testified that he was tackled and placed in a chokehold despite repeatedly stating he was a citizen.
Operation Metro Surge deployed roughly 3,000 federal immigration agents across Minnesota from December through February. The Department of Homeland Security described it as the largest immigration enforcement operation in the state’s history.
The lawsuit will continue, with the judge noting the claims may ultimately succeed on Fourth Amendment grounds.
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