MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES MINNESOTA LAWSUIT OVER ICE TREATMENT OF OBSERVERS AND JOURNALISTS

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (September 28, 2026). A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing immigration agents of violating the constitutional rights of Minnesota residents, journalists and legal observers during Operation Metro Surge.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez granted the federal government’s dismissal request Sept. 18, finding that the operation’s conclusion and the subsequent reduction in federal agents meant the plaintiffs could no longer demonstrate an imminent threat of similar treatment.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and partner organizations filed the case on behalf of Minneapolis resident Susan Tincher and 10 other plaintiffs. A labor union and news organization were also involved.

The plaintiffs alleged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel assaulted, pepper-sprayed, detained and otherwise retaliated against people who were observing or recording federal enforcement operations.

Tincher said agents pushed her into a snowbank while she attempted to record an operation near her home on Dec. 9. She alleged that agents arrested her, transported her to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building and cut away some of her clothing and her wedding ring. She was later released without charges.

Menendez previously issued a preliminary injunction restricting agents from retaliating against peaceful observers or using excessive force. An appellate court blocked that order.

In her dismissal decision, Menendez described the allegations as troubling but found that past injuries alone did not establish an immediate risk sufficient to support prospective court restrictions.

The ACLU of Minnesota said it is evaluating its next steps. The organization has also filed more than 15 federal administrative claims seeking compensation for people allegedly injured during the operation.

The decision does not determine whether every alleged encounter occurred as described or whether individual agents committed misconduct. It resolves the lawsuit on the legal question of standing after the federal operation ended.

❤️ SUPPORT MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.

SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life