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The state of Minnesota is suing the Trump administration to obtain evidence related to a series of shootings involving federal agents that have drawn criticism from Democrats during the state’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington DC, by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO), the state, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, names the Department of Justice, US Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as defendants.
The case seeks evidence related to the shooting of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the killing of Julio Sosa-Celis, who is an illegal immigrant, and said the authorities are deliberately withholding these resources.
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A card with photos of Renée Good and Alex Pretti is among flowers and other memorials at a memorial in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 27, 2026. Minnesota is suing the Trump administration to get evidence of both shootings. (Octavio Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
State and local authorities have been tight-lipped about information about the shooting, which occurred during a major administrative campaign.
“It’s surprising that we need to file this case,” said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Collaboration between state and federal law enforcement in Minnesota is the norm: local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Minnesota have been working together for decades and share a desire to solve crimes and keep people safe.”
“It should go without saying that we share power with the federal government in this case: these incidents occurred in Minnesota and fall under state law, regardless of whether federal agents are involved,” he added.
Minnesota officials are blaming federal agents for the shooting, despite immigration authorities facing resistance from anti-ICE activists as they try to arrest illegal immigrants.
“These shootings are just three examples of acts of violence by federal agents in Minnesota during an operation,” the complaint states. “Federal agents also conducted illegal stops, sweeps, arrests, and high-risk raids in sensitive public areas. The operation caused widespread fear among Minnesota residents, residents, and nonresidents alike.”
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Anti-ICE protesters gather in Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
Good was shot and killed on Jan. 7 when he tried to raid his car at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, DHS said.
Pretti was shot dead on Jan. 24 when he was confronted by the agents, which provoked the anger of the critics of this operation. Sosa-Celis was shot on January 14 after authorities say he attacked them with a shovel.
However, charges against the Venezuelan man were dropped after video evidence suggested the officials involved may have made “false statements,” ICE Director Todd Lyons said at the time.
Operation Metro Surge ended shortly after the shooting of Pretti and federal agents in Minnesota in February.
The lawsuit alleges that the federal government’s policy of withholding evidence is illegal and prevents local authorities from performing an important duty to the people of Minnesota.
Alex Pretti was seen on video days before the shooting in another incident. (News Movement and Michael Pretti/AP)
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“That responsibility rests with the Minnesota law enforcement and prosecuting authorities — in this case, the Plaintiffs — who must gather evidence, evaluate the facts, and determine whether Minnesota criminal law has been violated,” it said.
