Coalition of local governments files amicus brief to block unlawful federal law enforcement deployment in Minnesota

For immediate release: Jan. 22, 2026

Media contact: Jackie Jena, jackie@publicrightsproject.org

Over 80 mayors, cities and counties warn about harm to public safety, communities and local law enforcement due to the Trump administration’s unlawful deployment of ICE to the Twin Cities.

BOSTON, MA — Today, more than 80 local governments and leaders across the country are challenging the Trump administration’s deployment of more than 3,000 armed federal immigration agents to the Twin Cities. They filed an amicus brief on the grounds that the deployment is unconstitutional. 

The brief argues that the Trump administration is violating the constitution by coercing local governments to redirect resources to support its federal immigration agenda and by sending an unprecedented number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who are deploying unlawful tactics, to Minneapolis and St. Paul. It was filed by Public Rights Project, the City of Boston and MSB Employment Justice LLP, on behalf of cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. The coalition is asking the court to block further unlawful actions taken by ICE and restore the status quo, citing the immense harm already done to the Twin Cities and its residents.

“The Trump Administration’s ongoing occupations of peaceful American cities are unconstitutional and illegal,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These politically-motivated invasions of cities, whether by ICE agents or the National Guard, endanger our residents and violate federal law. We are urging the courts to curb the dangerous impulses of a reckless federal administration.”

“Local governments shouldn’t have to govern under threat,” said Jill Habig, CEO of Public Rights Project. “Operation Metro Surge is a military occupation of an American city. Cities are standing together against this coercion campaign that spreads fear, diverts local resources and undermines public safety.”

The brief documents how Operation Metro Surge and similar federal deployments have caused widespread harm across America:

Public safety impacts: ICE agents have shot two people and were filmed using forceful tactics, including using tear gas on children. The brief also outlines the mounting fear, tensions and violence in cities based on the federal government’s actions.

Impacts on local law enforcement: When masked and armed ICE agents terrorize a city, victims may be afraid to call police, witnesses may be less willing to cooperate with prosecutors and local departments may need to spend more time and resources on de-escalation.

Community disruption: The presence of federal law enforcement prevents residents from going about their daily lives and damages the local economy. Schools have seen increased absences, and some families are avoiding hospitals and clinics out of fear.

“By deploying thousands of masked and armed federal agents, the Trump administration is attempting to transform local law enforcement nationwide into levers for its mass deportation agenda,” the brief states. “This is not targeted immigration enforcement — it is a calculated campaign of chaos and coercion.”

Public Rights Project served as amici counsel. The full list of mayors, cities and counties that joined is included in the brief. 

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