A massive civil rights battle is unfolding in the Twin Cities as more than 80 Minnesota residents have come forward to detail harrowing encounters with federal immigration agents. In an expanded class-action lawsuit, plaintiffs allege a systemic pattern of ICE misconduct in Minnesota that includes the indiscriminate use of chemical irritants, physical violence, and blatant First Amendment retaliation.
At Police Brutality Center, we believe that no one is above the law, especially those sworn to uphold it. These new filings represent a critical moment for accountability in Minnesota, highlighting the urgent need for legal protection for those who have suffered at the hands of federal authorities.
Key Facts of the Federal Misconduct
The legal challenge, initially filed in December 2025, has grown significantly with the addition of over 100 sworn declarations. These documents paint a disturbing picture of “Operation Metro Surge,” a federal campaign that residents say has turned their neighborhoods into zones of intimidation. Allegations include agents pointing assault rifles at peaceful observers, deploying “bear spray” into occupied vehicles, and following protesters to their private homes to threaten them. Many residents report being targeted not for suspected crimes, but for the act of recording agents in public—a constitutionally protected right that has been met with federal agents excessive force.
Witnessing the Violence
The testimony included in the lawsuit is visceral. Susan Tincher, a lead plaintiff, describes being shoved into a snowbank by an agent while simply trying to gather information. Another declarant, identified as C.K., recounted being body-slammed and having pepper spray discharged directly behind their glasses while they were unable to breathe. Alicia Granse, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Minnesota, emphasized that these are not isolated incidents: “The sheer number and the egregious conduct will show the court this is not… a series of one-offs. This is the manifestation of a national policy… to retaliate against observers and protesters”.
Legal Implications and Community Impact
The implications of this lawsuit extend far beyond the borders of Minnesota. They touch on the core of our civil liberties, particularly the right to be free from racial profiling by immigration agents and unreasonable seizures. Attorney General Keith Ellison has noted that the surge has caused “economic devastation” and deep trauma, with agents reportedly entering hospitals and schools without warrants. For victims of such misconduct, the path to justice is often blocked by claims of “absolute immunity” from the federal government. However, legal actions like these are vital to breaking down those barriers and ensuring that civil rights are preserved for every resident, regardless of their background.
Standing with Victims of Abuse
Police Brutality Center remains dedicated to advocating for those who have been hurt or had their rights trampled by law enforcement. Whether it is police brutality victims rights in our streets or abuse within juvenile detention centers and prisons, our legal partners fight to achieve justice for the vulnerable. We understand the anger and fear that follow such encounters, and we are here to provide a meaningful pathway to accountability.
Contact Us Today
If you have experienced police brutality firsthand or have lost a loved one due to police misconduct, we may be able to connect you with a civil rights lawyer to help you pursue justice. Our mission is to prevent further harm and ensure that those responsible for misconduct are held to account. Contact Police Brutality Center for a free consultation and let us help you fight for the justice you deserve.