Minneapolis/Chicago (dpa) – The US states of Minnesota and Illinois want to put a stop to the activities of the immigration authorities ICE with lawsuits. Both see the large-scale deployment of Department of Homeland Security officials as violating the US Constitution and states’ rights. The cities of Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Paul joined the two separate lawsuits. They are directed, among other things, against the Department of Homeland Security and its department head Kristi Noem.
ICE and the Border Patrol are under the department and have been deployed to various U.S. cities with the task of locating and deporting people without lawful immigration status. The “largest deportation operation” in US history was one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises. Several cities and states are fighting the move in court.
Deadly shots in Minneapolis, injured in Portland
Last week, US citizen Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minnesota. Government officials accused the 37-year-old of trying to run over the officer. However, videos of the incident show the ICE agent to the left of the car turning to the right – away from him – as he shoots. Authorities in Minnesota opened an investigation into the incident, which sparked protests and tense atmospheres in various cities. A few days later, a similar incident occurred in Portland, Oregon, with two people injured.
An “invasion” in Minnesota, “far-reaching trauma” in Illinois
The Minnesota lawsuit now describes the deployment of federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul as an “invasion.” At more than 2,000, their manpower exceeds that of the police authorities in the two cities. The aim of the lawsuit is to have the operation classified as unconstitutional and illegal and stopped. Meanwhile, the term invasion is often used in the Trump camp when it is claimed that the USA is being overrun by illegal immigrants.
The lawsuit from Illinois also accuses the federal authorities of using militarized operations to create a “climate of fear” and “causing widespread trauma” to the population. In addition, the state’s ability to enforce laws and act as a sovereign government would be significantly impaired.
The lawsuits were filed in district courts in Minnesota and Illinois. The next courts of appeal and the US Supreme Court would be considered. Previous legal action against the deployment of officers had produced mixed results.
