DOJ calls claims in Minnesota lawsuit seeking immediate stop to ICE surge "legally frivolous" [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: January 19, 2026 / 10:34 PM CST / CBS Minnesota


The U.S. Department of Justice says claims made in a lawsuit seeking an immediate stop to the surge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota are "legally frivolous."

The federal agency made the remark in a memorandum filed with the U.S. District Court in Minnesota on Monday, which argued against a motion made by the state of Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul for a temporary injunction. While Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday, the judge said the issue was too important to wait.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez is considering whether to grant an immediate temporary restraining order limiting ICE activities. She said last week she would not issue the temporary restraining order until she heard a response from the federal government.

The lawsuit, filed late last week, argues the unprecedented surge of an estimated 3,000 federal agents is endangering citizens. It accuses ICE of violating the First and Tenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/doj-appeal-ruling-limiting-ice-agents-tactics/