CNN Legal Expert Elie Honig Calls Illinois and Minnesota ICE Lawsuits Against Trump "Close to Completely Meritless" in 2026

ByQalamkaar -

CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig discussing federal immigration law and constitutional issues
CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig discussing federal immigration law and constitutional issues


CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig explains why 2026 lawsuits from Illinois and Minnesota challenging the Trump administration's ICE immigration enforcement surge lack legal precedent and are likely to fail under the Supremacy Clause. Full analysis and updates
 

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  • Secondary: minnesota illinois sue trump administration, federal immigration raids midwest, supremacy clause immigration law, unconstitutional ice tactics, trump immigration policy lawsuits
  • Long-tail: why illinois minnesota lawsuits against trump ice may fail, elie honig cnn analysis 2026
  • Suggested High-DA Dofollow Backlinks:
    In early 2026, Democratic-led states Illinois and Minnesota launched separate federal lawsuits against the Trump administration, targeting intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. These actions followed a sharp increase in arrests — including some involving U.S. citizens — at homes, workplaces, schools, and public gatherings. State officials argue the tactics are unlawful, unconstitutional, and politically motivated against blue cities. However, CNN senior legal analyst and former prosecutor Elie Honig has described both lawsuits as "close to completely meritless," pointing to strong constitutional barriers favoring federal authority.
  • The complaints, filed in federal district courts, seek to restrict or halt ICE activities. Minnesota focuses on blocking the recent "surge" of agents, while Illinois requests a broader statewide ban on enforcement. Both states also ask for rulings declaring certain ICE methods — such as arrests without clear justification or in sensitive locations — unconstitutional.
  • Why Experts See Little Chance of SuccessHonig stresses that no legal precedent exists for courts to prevent federal agents from enforcing federal immigration law within a state. He highlights two core principles:
    • Supremacy Clause: Federal law overrides conflicting state interests.
    • Executive Authority: The president has broad power to enforce laws passed by Congress.
    "There is no example... of a judge prohibiting a federal law enforcement agent from enforcing federal law in a given state," Honig noted. He predicts judges are unlikely to issue blanket injunctions, as any such order would face swift reversal on appeal.This differs from a 2025 case where Illinois successfully blocked Trump administration attempts to federalize the state's National Guard — a ruling rooted in specific statutory limits, not applicable here.
  • Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
  • Even under sympathetic judges, the most plausible result might be limited fact-finding hearings on ICE training and procedures, potentially leading to narrower guidelines rather than full bans. Individual claims of rights violations could proceed through separate cases, but broad state-level blocks remain improbable.
  • A Minnesota hearing occurred shortly after filing, with the judge declining an immediate restraining order while seeking more evidence. Illinois awaits scheduling.
  • Shareable Quote:
    "Fundamentally, what they’re asking for is legally completely unwarranted. There’s no way a judge is going to say, ‘I hereby block you, ICE, from carrying out enforcement activities.’"
    — Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst

  • Influencer & Thread:
    • Quote Honig and tag legal commentators on X for discussion.
    • Share Minnesota AG Keith Ellison's press conference clips (search X for recent posts from
      @AGEllison
      or news accounts).
    • Link to real-time updates from accounts like
      @StarTribune
      (Minnesota hearings) or
      @Suntimes
      (Illinois/Chicago angle) to drive engagement.
    This developing story highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration authority and state sanctuary policies. Stay tuned for court rulings that could shape enforcement nationwide.Sources linked throughout for full details. Last updated January 15, 2026.

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