OUTRAGEOUS: Trump-Appointed Judge DISMISSES Federal Lawsuit Against Minnesota’s Radical Sanctuary Policies — Upholds State’s Refusal to Help ICE

by Jim Hᴏft Jul. 21, 2026 8:15 am



Chief Judge Eric C. Tostrud (U.S. District Court, District Court of Minnesota)

In another slap in the face to law-abiding American citizens, federal court judges are once again shielding radical far-left politicians who put illegal aliens ahead of public safety!

In a stunning 56-page ruling issued Monday, Chief U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud tossed the Trump administration’s lawsuit challenging Minnesota’s web of sanctuary laws and local ordinances that deliberately obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

The case, United States v. State of Minnesota et al., targeted the State of Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison, the City of Minneapolis, the City of Saint Paul, Hennepin County, and Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt.

The DOJ argued that state constitutional interpretations, statutes restricting information-sharing with federal immigration authorities, limits on honoring ICE detainers, and local sanctuary ordinances unlawfully interfered with federal immigration enforcement.

Specifically, the DOJ alleged that:

  • Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s interpretation of the state constitution unlawfully prevented local officials from honoring ICE detainers.
  • State statutes improperly restricted the sharing of immigration-related information with federal authorities.
  • Minneapolis and St. Paul ordinances prohibited local police from assisting federal immigration enforcement.
  • Hennepin County’s sheriff unlawfully refused to hold illegal aliens solely on ICE detainers.

Judge Tostrud, a Trump appointee, disagreed. He granted the defendants’ motions to dismiss across the board.

According to the court order filed on Monday:

  • Claims against Hennepin County and Sheriff Dawanna Witt were largely dismissed, with several claims thrown out without prejudice for lack of jurisdiction and others dismissed with prejudice.
  • Claims against the City of St. Paul met the same fate, with the court dismissing both jurisdictional and substantive claims.
  • Claims against the State of Minnesota and Attorney General Keith Ellison were dismissed, including multiple claims dismissed with prejudice.
  • Claims against the City of Minneapolis were likewise dismissed under the court’s order.

In his 56-page opinion, the judge concluded that while the federal government possesses broad authority over immigration, it cannot force states or local governments to use their own personnel or resources to carry out federal immigration enforcement.

He ruled that the DOJ’s preemption claims largely failed because the federal government’s interpretation of immigration law would violate the Tenth Amendment’s anti-commandeering doctrine, which prohibits Washington from compelling states to administer or enforce federal regulatory programs.

The court also dismissed the DOJ’s claims under the doctrine of intergovernmental immunity, finding that Minnesota’s laws and policies do not unlawfully discriminate against the federal government.

Tostrud’s decision does not prevent federal immigration authorities from enforcing federal immigration laws themselves. Instead, it holds that Minnesota and its local governments generally cannot be forced to assist those efforts through the challenged policies.

Minnesota’s leaders have made their choice. They will continue shielding illegal aliens and handicapping ICE. Judge Tostrud just made it easier for them.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/202...wsuit-against/