The Justice Department is preparing for potential additional resignations among federal prosecutors in Minnesota after disputed immigration enforcement actions prompted internal objections. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen urged staff to support the Trump administration’s policies but did not allay concerns that some steps may be unlawful. Officials in Washington are redeploying prosecutors and the Pentagon is sending military lawyers, while Attorney General Pam Bondi visited to boost morale amid rising tensions with the federal court.
Justice Department Braces for More Resignations in Minnesota After Immigration Enforcement Clash
Demonstrators take part in an anti-Trump protest, after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7 during an immigration raid, outside of the Capitol building, in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 20, 2026. - Tim Evans/Reuters
The Justice Department is preparing for another potential wave of resignations within the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota after internal disputes over recent immigration enforcement actions, according to sources familiar with the matter.
During a recent meeting, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen urged prosecutors to align with the Trump administration’s enforcement priorities in Minnesota. Several prosecutors reportedly threatened to resign, saying they remain concerned that some actions being pursued could be unlawful. Rosen’s appeal has not eased those concerns.
One source warned that if the threatened departures occur, they could seriously weaken the U.S. Attorney’s Office at a time when it is handling cases involving immigrants and protesters. The office’s staffing is already strained after an earlier round of resignations tied to the Justice Department’s handling of a federal officer’s shooting of Renee Good.
Federal Response and Support
Justice Department officials in Washington are closely monitoring the situation. The department has begun redeploying prosecutors from other Midwestern offices to Minnesota to provide temporary assistance, and officials said additional personnel could be requested if needed. The Justice Department declined to comment for this report.
Separately, the Pentagon is sending dozens of military lawyers to Minneapolis to assist with federal prosecutions, a move meant to shore up capacity as the local office faces potential departures.
Political Visits and Court Tensions
Attorney General Pam Bondi visited Minnesota on Wednesday—her second trip in as many weeks—in part to bolster morale at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a person familiar with her schedule said.
At the same time, tensions between the federal judiciary and federal law enforcement have risen. The chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Minnesota issued a sharply worded order saying he believes Department of Homeland Security officials have been violating court orders "by the dozens" this month in cases involving immigrants in custody. The court and prosecutors are handling overlapping tasks—search and arrest warrants tied to protests and requests for relief from immigrant detainees—which has heightened strain between judges and prosecutors.
The unfolding personnel crisis, the reassignment of prosecutors, military legal assistance, and escalating friction with the court collectively underscore the operational and legal challenges facing the Justice Department in Minnesota.
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