Breaking: Families of more than 2,000 victims have now united in a sweeping legal action, filing a powerful lawsuit against Kristi Noem and agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In a major escalation of legal challenges against the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies, families representing more than 2,000 victims of alleged misconduct by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have filed a sweeping class-action lawsuit against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE agents. The suit, filed in federal court, accuses federal authorities of widespread violations including unlawful detentions, excessive force, warrantless arrests, family separations, and fatal shootings during large-scale operations.

The complaint, brought on behalf of affected families, immigrants, U.S. citizens mistakenly targeted, and community organizations, claims that under Secretary Noem’s oversight, ICE has implemented policies that disregard constitutional protections and long-standing safeguards. Plaintiffs allege that aggressive tactics—such as raids in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and courthouses—have terrorized communities, separated parents from children, and resulted in unnecessary violence.

Key incidents cited in the filing include the January 7, 2026, fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by an ICE agent during an enforcement action, as well as earlier cases where agents allegedly used excessive force, including shootings in Illinois and other states. Families describe harrowing accounts of loved ones detained without due process, deported despite pending relief applications, or injured in chaotic operations. One section highlights how ICE has reportedly ignored protections for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, detaining or removing individuals with deferred action status or pending U/T visas without required reviews.

The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief that these practices violate the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, the Administrative Procedure Act, and immigration statutes. It demands an immediate injunction to halt ongoing operations, restore sensitive locations policies, and provide accountability for affected families. Plaintiffs also request compensatory damages for emotional distress, medical costs, and lost wages stemming from the enforcement actions.

“This is not enforcement—it’s terror,” said a lead attorney for the plaintiffs in a statement. “Over 2,000 families have united because their loved ones were treated as disposable in a political campaign. Secretary Noem and ICE must be held accountable for turning communities into war zones.”

The action comes amid heightened controversy surrounding DHS under Noem’s leadership. Since early 2025, the department has rolled back protections for vulnerable immigrants, expanded mass deportation efforts, and deployed thousands of agents in operations like “Operation Metro Surge” in states such as Minnesota. Critics argue these moves have led to racial profiling, warrantless stops, and fear that has kept residents from schools, work, and essential services.

Noem has defended the policies as necessary to prioritize public safety and target criminal elements, though the lawsuit contends many victims had no criminal records and included U.S. citizens caught in broad sweeps. DHS officials have not yet issued a formal response to the filing but previously described similar challenges as politically motivated attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement.

Legal experts say the case could set precedents on federal overreach in immigration matters. If certified as a nationwide class action, it might affect thousands more individuals impacted by similar enforcement. The suit joins other ongoing litigation against Noem and DHS, including challenges to data-sharing with the IRS, surveillance of protesters, and terminations of deferred action programs for certain youth.

As the legal battle unfolds in Washington, immigrant rights groups are mobilizing support, urging Congress to investigate DHS practices. For the families involved, the lawsuit represents a long-awaited reckoning with what they describe as a pattern of abuse that has shattered lives and eroded trust in federal authorities.

The court has yet to schedule initial hearings, but the filing has already drawn national attention, amplifying debates over immigration policy in an already polarized environment. With enforcement operations continuing in multiple states, the outcome could reshape how the U.S. balances border security with civil rights protections.