Story perspectives

Trump-Nominated Judge Dismisses DOJ Challenge to Minnesota Sanctuary Law

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud, a Trump-nominated judge, dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking to block Minnesota’s sanctuary ordinances.
He said the provisions do not single out the federal government, leaving the decision pending appeal.
Attorney General Keith Ellison called the suit political retaliation after Operation Metro Surge deployed agents, made over 4,000 arrests and caused the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

History

Historical Context

San Francisco became the nation’s first sanctuary city in 1989 when Mayor Art Agnos passed a resolution shielding about 5,000 undocumented residents and earmarking $2 million a year for legal aid. Decades later, U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud dismissed the Justice Department’s challenge to Minnesota’s sanctuary ordinances, reinforcing the city-level defiance that began in San Francisco.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud, a Trump-nominated judge, dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking to block Minnesota’s sanctuary ordinances.
He said the provisions do not single out the federal government, leaving the decision pending appeal.
Attorney General Keith Ellison called the suit political retaliation after Operation Metro Surge deployed agents, made over 4,000 arrests and caused the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

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