On January 12, 2026, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a lawsuit against the federal government, specifically targeting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in response to a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the state. This legal action follows the fatal shooting of resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which has led to widespread protests in Minneapolis and surrounding areas.

The lawsuit alleges that the DHS has employed excessive and lethal force, conducted warrantless arrests, and violated the Administrative Procedures Act through arbitrary federal actions. Ellison characterized the deployment of over 2,000 armed DHS agents as a "federal invasion" of Minnesota, asserting that their presence has negatively impacted community safety, resulted in school closures, and harmed local businesses.

Ellison criticized the training of federal agents, contrasting it with that of local police, and highlighted instances where ICE agents allegedly conducted unconstitutional arrests and used excessive force. He noted that local law enforcement has had to respond to multiple incidents involving ICE agents detaining residents.

Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter indicated that a motion for a temporary restraining order would be filed alongside the lawsuit, seeking to limit federal enforcement actions within the state. Ellison emphasized the importance of the First Amendment and encouraged media personnel who experienced aggression from federal agents to file complaints.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the influx of federal agents as an invasion, questioning the stated safety rationale behind it. He argued that if the goal were truly safety, alternative methods would be employed. Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, a Hmong-American immigrant, expressed personal concern about being detained, underscoring the broader implications of federal tactics on community members' sense of security. The DHS has not yet responded to the allegations or the lawsuit.