A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Minnesota's sanctuary immigration policies on July 22, 2026. Chief U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud ruled that the state cannot be compelled to assist federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing that states have the constitutional authority to determine how their officials engage with immigration enforcement. The lawsuit aimed to challenge Minnesota's laws that restrict local officials from detaining immigrants solely based on ICE detainers and limit the sharing of certain data with federal authorities.
In his 56-page opinion, Tostrud rejected all claims made by the Justice Department, stating that the challenged laws only regulate state and local officials, not the federal government. He noted that while Congress has broad authority over immigration, it cannot compel states to use their resources for federal regulatory programs. Tostrud's ruling marks a setback for the administration's efforts to challenge sanctuary policies nationwide.
Eric Wessan, an attorney in the Iowa Solicitor General's Office, expressed concerns that Tostrud's ruling may conflict with an earlier Eighth Circuit decision, which he believes provided stronger grounds for the federal government to challenge state laws that interfere with immigration enforcement. Wessan pointed out that while states cannot be required to assist the federal government, the legal question remains whether they can prohibit voluntary cooperation.
The ruling follows increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota, including a large-scale ICE initiative known as Operation Metro Surge, which has drawn national attention and sparked protests. Minnesota leaders have defended the state's policies, arguing that they encourage cooperation from immigrants by assuring them that reporting crimes will not lead to immigration enforcement actions.