ACLU and Minnesota lawmakers say federal "Operation Metro Surge" violated rights; state bills proposed

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota told state lawmakers that federal immigration-enforcement actions dubbed "Operation Metro Surge" have produced what the ACLU called "one of the largest deprivations of constitutional protections" in recent state history. John Bealer, policy counsel for the ACLU of Minnesota, said the organization’s reporting portal has received more than 700 reports in two months and that the federal government has, in his words, "trampled on our constitutional protections," citing alleged violations of multiple amendments and court orders.

Senator Erin May Critt (Senate District 56) amplified the testimony, saying the operation remains active and has led to detentions, family separations and community trauma. "We are still having our neighbors kidnapped," Critt said, and described what she called generational devastation across Minnesota communities.

Representative Lee Finke (House District 66A) framed two legislative responses she will carry this session: a bill to prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks while on duty (with exemptions for health and public safety), and a bill to require vehicles intended to detain people to be marked as law-enforcement vehicles and equipped with safety mechanisms for secure transport. Finke said the measures are straightforward and urged bipartisan votes but acknowledged GOP support was uncertain.

During a question-and-answer period, an unidentified respondent noted that organizers are pursuing multiple bills and stressed the need for independent investigation and accountability. The session included an exchange about investigative access after an unidentified questioner said the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) reported being barred by the FBI from some investigative materials; the respondent said they were "shocked" and reiterated the need for independent review.

The ACLU and lawmakers acknowledged the limits of state power and the likelihood of court challenges. The groups said they will press legislative avenues they believe can be enforced at the state level while preparing for litigation. No formal votes or enacted laws were recorded at the session; Representative Finke said the bills will depend on building broader support.

What’s next: advocates said they will continue outreach to legislators, pursue the bills named by Finke, and prepare for anticipated court litigation if the measures pass.