A federal judge on Saturday denied a state government request to block the Trump administration's deployment of thousands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a ruling, District Court Judge Katherine Menendez acknowledged the immigration enforcement operation 'has had, and will likely continue to have, profound and even heartbreaking consequences on the State of Minnesota.' However, she stated that state officials had not proved that the surge of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis was unlawful.

The ruling comes amidst nationwide protests following the fatal shootings of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents. Organizers have been urging Americans to participate in nationwide protests termed the National Shutdown, encouraging people to refrain from work and school to demonstrate against ICE's actions. Demonstrators recently gathered in Minneapolis, having previously protested in several major cities across the US, such as New York and Los Angeles.

Amidst calls for withdrawal of federal agents from Minneapolis by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the federal government insists that agents are targeting the 'worst of the worst' criminal illegal aliens. Nonetheless, critics argue that many individuals with clean records and US citizens have been caught up in the immigration enforcement efforts. This controversial Operation Metro Surge has led to significant public outcry, as community leaders and residents voice their concerns over the escalating federal presence and its implications for local safety and rights.