Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is now begging Republicans to help Democrats fight what he calls “unconstitutional federal actions”—apparently unaware that enforcing immigration law is exactly what voters elected Trump to do. Democrats Challenge Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Saint Paul officials filed a federal lawsuit on January 12, 2026, attempting to halt “Operation Metro Surge”—the Trump administration’s comprehensive immigration enforcement operation. The lawsuit targets the Department of Homeland Security and seeks to stop federal agents from enforcing immigration law in Minnesota. This represents a direct challenge to the constitutional authority of the federal government to secure America’s borders and enforce existing immigration statutes. Sanctuary State Officials Cry Federal Overreach Ellison characterized the federal enforcement operation as a “federal invasion,” revealing the disconnect between Democratic leaders and constitutional reality. Mayor Frey complained that Minneapolis is “paying the price” for federal immigration enforcement, apparently forgetting that harboring illegal immigrants violates federal law. The officials claim Operation Metro Surge uses “wildly disproportionate” resources, with up to 50 agents involved in single arrests. This response demonstrates how sanctuary policies have emboldened local officials to obstruct legitimate federal law enforcement. The lawsuit alleges First Amendment violations, claiming the Trump administration targets Minnesota due to its Democratic leadership and voting patterns. However, Minnesota’s designation as a sanctuary jurisdiction and its active resistance to immigration enforcement provides ample legal justification for enhanced federal attention. The state’s policies have created safe havens for individuals who entered the country illegally, necessitating robust federal intervention to restore rule of law. Constitutional Claims Ignore Federal Immigration Authority Democratic officials invoke Tenth Amendment protections, arguing that immigration enforcement interferes with state authority over schools and local police resources. This argument fundamentally misunderstands constitutional federalism—immigration enforcement remains an exclusive federal power that supersedes state preferences. The Constitution grants Congress plenary authority over immigration, and the executive branch has clear responsibility to enforce these laws regardless of local political opposition. Minnesota’s resistance to federal immigration enforcement actually violates the Supremacy Clause. The lawsuit also challenges enforcement actions at sensitive locations including churches and courthouses, claiming these violate administrative procedures. However, criminals who violate immigration law don’t gain sanctuary simply by location. The complaint about “warrantless arrests” ignores established precedent allowing immigration agents to arrest individuals based on administrative violations. These legal theories represent desperate attempts to shield illegal immigrants from consequences of violating federal law. Trump Administration Delivers on Campaign Promises Operation Metro Surge represents exactly the type of immigration enforcement that American voters demanded when they elected President Trump. The operation addresses years of sanctuary policies that allowed illegal immigrants to evade federal law with impunity. Minnesota officials’ characterization of lawful enforcement as “chaos” reveals their fundamental opposition to border security and immigration control. Their lawsuit seeks to maintain the failed policies that contributed to America’s immigration crisis under the previous administration. The enforcement operation has reportedly impacted job sites and businesses where illegal workers perform essential functions, demonstrating how sanctuary policies enable exploitation of both illegal immigrants and American workers. By removing illegal workers, Operation Metro Surge creates opportunities for legal residents and citizens while ensuring employers follow federal hiring requirements. This enforcement benefits American communities by restoring respect for immigration law and protecting legal workers from unfair competition. Sources: Minneapolis City Government – Attorney General Lawsuit Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – ICE Communication ABC7 Chicago – Minnesota Twin Cities Sue Federal Government Associated Press – Minnesota and Twin Cities Sue Federal Government