State and city officials in Minnesota and Illinois initiated federal lawsuits against the Trump administration, asserting that the deployment of immigration agents in the Minneapolis and Chicago areas contravenes the U.S. Constitution and infringes upon states' rights. The state of Illinois requested a judicial order to prevent U.S. Customs and Border Protection from conducting civil immigration enforcement within its borders without explicit congressional authorization. Similarly, the Minnesota lawsuit sought to block the federal government from executing what it termed an unprecedented surge in immigration enforcement in the state.

These lawsuits were filed separately in U.S. District Courts in both states, which are led by Democratic officials, and follow a recent increase in immigration enforcement activities in Minnesota and a visible campaign in Chicago. Both lawsuits argue that the federal actions violate state sovereignty as outlined in the 10th Amendment of the Constitution.

Federal officials have defended their operations in these states, characterizing the enforcement actions as essential to implementing President Trump's immigration policies, particularly in response to what they describe as non-cooperation from state and local governments. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, labeled the Illinois lawsuit as baseless and expressed confidence in the government's position, stating that enforcing federal law is a clear constitutional responsibility.