Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis court considers whether Trump’s deployment of ICE agents violates constitution
A federal court in Minneapolis is hearing arguments on Monday on whether the Trump administration’s deployment of 3,000 immigration agents to Minnesota has crossed the line from law enforcement into unconstitutional occupation.
The extraordinary legal question centers on the 10th amendment, which reserves to the states all powers not explicitly granted to the federal government in the constitution. Lawyers for Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul claim in their suit that Operation Metro Surge has become so intrusive and dangerous that it amounts to an illegal occupation of the state.
They are asking Kate Menendez, a Biden-appointed US district judge, to immediately halt the operation, which they say has terrified residents, put public safety at risk and made it nearly impossible for local officials to do their jobs, from policing neighborhoods to keeping schools running normally.
The case, which was filed after the fatal shooting of Renee Good, has taken on new urgency following Saturday’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse and US citizen who was killed by federal agents while apparently filming an immigration operation. Videos verified by the Guardian contradict portions of the department of homeland security’s account of the incident.
Pretti’s death marks the third shooting involving federal agents this month.
Monday’s hearing began with state lawyer Lindsey Middlecamp demanding an immediate end to what she called an “unlawful and unchecked invasion” by federal agents, according to reporters in the court room. She cited the Pretti killing and described Operation Metro Surge as violent by design, relying on shows of force and aggressive racial profiling. She also alleged retaliation against critics, saying businesses who spoke out have faced audits and some protesters have had their global entry status revoked.
Much of the hearing, according to reporters, has focused on a letter from attorney general Pam Bondi, which the state characterizes as an extortion attempt that violates the 10th amendment. Minnesota’s lawyers argue the Trump administration is using Operation Metro Surge to force policy changes rather than letting courts resolve disputes. “They are not letting the courts work this stuff out,” the state said. “What they’re trying to get in court … they’re trying to get that same thing by putting 3,000 heavily armed agents on the streets of Minnesota.”
The Bondi letter explicitly linked ending the surge to three demands: access to voter registration records, welfare program data, and the repeal of sanctuary policies, none of which the state argues have anything to do with immigration enforcement. Bondi’s first demand to halt the operation asked the state to hand over Snap data, which Minnesota’s lawyers say makes clear the federal government is using the presence of armed agents to coerce compliance on unrelated matters.
Menendez expressed difficulty drawing the line between legitimate federal pressure and illegal coercion. “What helps me decide when this very rarely used doctrine gives me the power to kick ICE out of the state?” she said.
The state’s lawsuit argues the surge is motivated by a “desire to punish political opponents and score partisan points” rather than legitimate enforcement needs. It does not seek an end to all immigration enforcement in Minnesota, but asks for a return to pre-surge staffing levels and restrictions on how remaining agents operate.
Trump administration lawyers have dismissed the claims as lacking “a shred of legal support”. They describe the operation as lawful enforcement of immigration laws that has resulted in arrests of people convicted of serious crimes. “President Trump campaigned and won election on a promise to enforce immigration laws enacted by Congress,” government lawyers wrote. “For the last year, DHS has delivered on that promise.”
Legally speaking, it’s largely uncharted territory. Menendez has noted there is limited precedent for a state challenging federal law enforcement on 10th amendment grounds, though Illinois has filed a similar lawsuit seeking to block immigration enforcement without express congressional authorization.
In a letter filed hours after Saturday’s shooting, state and city lawyers wrote that “the situation is grave” and urged the judge to act.
“This cannot continue. We need the court to act to stop this surge before yet another resident dies because of Operation Metro Surge.”
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis salon is turning heads by mixing rock and roll with haircuts, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers.
A salon where music and haircuts go hand in hand
What we know:
HiFi Hair and Records sits on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, marked by a leopard print awning and a vibe that’s all about community through music.
“I tried to model it after a barbershop,” said Jonny Clifford, owner of the salon.
Clifford opened the shop in 2011, inspired by his father who introduced him to music and was battling terminal cancer at the time.
The salon brings together the hum of blow dryers and the sounds of rock and roll, with Clifford saying, “Music is the uniter. Most everyone who is alive today grew up on rock and roll.”
He added a record store the following year, letting customers browse new and used vinyl and CDs while waiting for their appointment.
“I jokingly refer to it as the coolest waiting room in the city,” said Clifford.
The shop is filled with memorabilia from music legends like Elvis, David Bowie and The Monkees. There’s even a wall dedicated to Minnesota’s local music scene.
Clifford said, “We’ve got Bobby V who I think never gets enough credit for his contributions to music in Minnesota.”
Clifford’s journey from punk haircuts to community hub
Why you should care:
Clifford started cutting hair in the early 1980s because he and his friends in southwest Minneapolis couldn’t afford the punk haircuts they wanted.
Now, he not only looks the part—”Ronny Wood, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, I’m always like old Keith Richards or young Keith Richards”—but he helps others feel like rock stars too.
“People are like make me look like a rock star and that is sort of a universal term right. Everyone wants to look like a rock star,” said Clifford.
His goal is simple:
“If I can make a living and raise my family, pay my bills, have a business and be a part of a community, that is important to me. I win. That’s everything,” said Clifford.
He is passionate about giving a boost to local musicians, saying, “I think they need it more. I love Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones, but they are doing fine. Our local people haven’t made it national yet. They could use a voice. They could use a boost, and they need to be heard.”
The salon’s rhythm is all about joy, music and community, and Clifford plans to keep it going.
“Til I kick over. I’ll probably be back standing behind the chair. And someone will complain I didn’t finish their haircut,” said Clifford.
HiFi Hair and Records continues to be a place where music and style meet, giving Minnesota’s music scene a little extra volume.
EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) – A deadly shooting in Edina sparked a massive police response and forced a lockdown at nearby businesses at Southdale Mall on Wednesday as police are searching for the suspects.
Deadly Edina shooting
What we know:
Edina police responded around 12:30 p.m. to the report of a shooting along West 66th Street near Southdale Mall.
At the scene, officers found one victim with a gunshot wound. Officers tried to revive the victim but say they ultimately died from their wounds.
Local perspective:
Police say the suspects ran from the scene. As a precaution, they advised nearby businesses to go into lockdown. FOX 9 learned that MHealth Fairview also went into lockdown procedures as a precaution.
Aerial video from the scene showed the investigation appeared to be focused around an apartment building across from the mall. Police say the apartment building is described as a transitional housing.
Avoid the area
Big picture view:
Police are asking the public to avoid the area as the investigation is underway. Officers have blocked off West 66th for the time being.
Police say they are looking for more than one suspect involved in the shooting.
What we don’t know:
Police say some people were taken into custody at the scene but it’s unclear what their role was in relation to the shooting.
Law enforcement near the 3300 block of W. 66th Street in Edina. (FOX 9)
Minneapolis, MN
Ellison, Minneapolis, St. Paul update lawsuit against Operation Metro Surge with new data
(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis and Saint Paul updated their lawsuit over Operation Metro Surge with new survey data on economic harm.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego conducted two surveys tied to the amended lawsuit. The lawsuit says the federal operation violated the Constitution and caused lasting economic damage.
The first survey was done between February and March and included nearly 1,400 residents. It found workers lost more than $240 million in wages during the operation.
A separate newly released survey of about 900 businesses found more than $600 million in lost revenue. The updated lawsuit from Keith Ellison and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul adds that new data to its claims.
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