As Minneapolis Rages, Legislators Move to Restrict ICE in Their States

As Minneapolis Rages, Legislators Move to Restrict ICE in Their States

You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.
Credit…
Eric Lee for The New York Times
Supported by
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT
Listen to this article
· 8:39 min
Learn more
By
David W. Chen
Jan. 28, 2026
After the deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents, Democratic legislators across the country, aided by libertarian groups, are redoubling their efforts to restrict and challenge federal immigration tactics in their states.
A Colorado
bill
that was introduced in mid-January would enable individuals to sue federal law enforcement officials for civil rights violations.
In Delaware, a
bill
similar to one that was filed in New York last spring would prevent commercial airlines from receiving jet fuel tax exemptions if they transport people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement without warrants and due process.
And in the wake of the killing on Saturday of
Alex Pretti
in Minneapolis, a California lawmaker said he
would sponsor two bills
, one to require that any shooting by ICE agents be subject to an independent state investigation, and another to bar ICE from using state properties as a staging area for federal operations.
Image
Mourners gather Monday night at the site of the killing of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, Minn.
Credit…
Victor J. Blue for The New York Times
Ever since the second Trump administration embarked on its
large-scale deportation effort
, Democratic-leaning states have proposed — and passed, in some instances — countermeasures, such as banning masked or unidentified law enforcement officers. Last month, a dozen legislators from seven states announced that they would
coordinate
legislation in 2026 to complement the litigation already being used by Democratic attorneys general to challenge immigration policies.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and
log into
your Times account, or
subscribe
for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber?
Log in
.
Want all of The Times?
Subscribe
.
Related Content
Advertisement
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT