ACLU Sues DHS Over Minnesota Immigration Enforcement Operations

The federal government denies the allegations, saying it makes arrests based on ‘reasonable suspicion,’ not race, skin color, or ethnicity.

Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as tear gas is deployed at the scene of a reported shooting in Minneapolis. Minn., on Jan. 14, 2026. John Locher/AP Photo

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Jan. 15 filed a class action for Minnesotans who allege federal agents are violating their constitutional rights during ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the state.

The new lawsuit directed at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) comes amid civil unrest in Minnesota and widespread protests against federal immigration enforcement activities in the state.