Legal Cases

Kettle v. Otter Tail County et al.

December 10, 2024

The ACLU of Minnesota and pro bono co-counsel Norton Rose Fulbright filed a lawsuit on behalf of Ramsey Kettle, who was subjected to extreme, punitive treatment in violation of his constitutional rights and standards for basic human dignity. Otter Tail County officers, with approval of the acting Jail Administrator, kept Mr. Kettle locked up in solitary confinement for days without food, water, or appropriate medical and mental health care.

Perryman v. City of Bloomington et al.

June 28, 2023

This lawsuit against the city of Bloomington, several of its police officers, and Hennepin County, alleges that law enforcement carelessly and incorrectly identified Perryman as another Black man, arresting and detaining him without probable cause.

Kariye v. Mayorkas 

March 24, 2022

In March 2022, the ACLU, ACLU-MN, and ACLU of Southern California filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Muslim Americans who have been subjected to intrusive questioning from border officers about their religious beliefs, practices, and associations in violation of their constitutional rights.

MNCOGI v. City of Minneapolis et al. 

June 3, 2021

The city of Minneapolis and its police department are willfully subverting our state’s Government Data Practices Act by withholding public data about disciplinary action taken against police for serious misconduct, according to this lawsuit.

Patrick Berry et al. v. Hennepin County et al. 

October 19, 2020

Seven homeless individuals who were evicted from their homes in city parks and saw their property destroyed filed a class action lawsuit in federal district court.

Jared Goyette et al. v. City of Minneapolis et al. 

June 3, 2020

The ACLU-MN filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of journalists targeted and attacked by law enforcement while covering the George Floyd and Daunte Wright protests.

Gilbert v. City of Willmar et at. 

SETTLED, November 19

The ACLU-MN filed a lawsuit on behalf of Derrick Gilbert, who was unlawfully arrested by Willmar police in a classic case of “walking while Black.”  

Request to Intervene in MVA Lawsuit to Defend Voting Rights

VICTORY! August 7, 2024

The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision upholds the district court’s ruling, meaning that Minnesotans on felony probation and parole can register and vote.

Wagner and Jones v. MNDOC

VICTORY! December 15, 2023

The Department of Corrections agreed it won't try to force ACLU-MN clients who are at high risk from COVID-19 to return to prison unless they violate the terms of their release. 

Kerlin Sanchez Villalobos et al. v. United States

SETTLED, October 6, 2022

Two teen sisters who experienced severe abuse and mistreatment while in the custody of Customs and Border Patrol have received an $80,000 settlement from the federal government for their pain and suffering.

Amy Jo Koopman v. City of Robbinsdale et al. 

Victory! October 3, 2022

Our client Amy Koopman, who faced criminal charges after recording Robbinsdale police while they held two Black men at gunpoint, won $70,000 and numerous police reforms in a settlement.

Aaryana Malcolm et al. V. M. Starr et al. 

Dismissed after court found it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, March 11, 2021

The lawsuit alleges that Waseca prison Warden M. Starr and Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal are refusing to release medically vulnerable people with conditions including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and obesity to ensure their safety from COVID-19, which would decrease the prison population and make social distancing possible. They’re also failing to provide adequate health care or sanitation.

Arnold Baker et al. v. Minnesota Department of Corrections 

Dismissed the case after finding that the State was doing what the ACLU-MN asked in terms of controlling COVID in the prisons, September 27, 2021

The ACLU-MN filed a class action lawsuit to force the Minnesota Department of Corrections to protect people in its custody from COVID-19. The lawsuit was filed in Ramsey County District Court against the DOC and its Commissioner Paul Schnell.  

Nekima Levy Armstrong et al. V. City of Minneapolis et al. 

Victory! November 30, 2022

The ACLU-MN and Fish & Richardson filed a class action lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of protesters who were injured during peaceful demonstrations over the murder of George Floyd.

NAACP Minnesota-Dakotas Area State Conference et al. v. Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon, in his official capacity 

Victory! September 17, 2020

The ACLU, ACLU-MN, and Faegre Drinker LLP have sued Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon to make voting safer in Minnesota in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kelli Jo Torres v. Hallas Hamm et al.

Victory! September 1, 2021

The ACLU-MN sued the Rock County Sheriff and two deputies who tried to forcibly conduct a vaginal search on the side of a public road in below-freezing temperatures. 

Dai Thao et al. v. Minnesota Secretary of State 

Victory! April 21, 2020

The ACLU-MN reached a consent decree that expands voting rights for people with disabilities or language barriers. The Minnesota Secretary of State agreed the law prohibiting assistance was preempted by the Constitution and Voting Rights Act, and was unenforceable.

Schroeder v. Minnesota Secretary of State 

February 15, 2023

Schroeder v. Minnesota Secretary of State was filed in Ramsey County District Court by the ACLU-MN and national ACLU on behalf of people with felony convictions who are barred from voting while they are on supervision or probation, even after they have finished any prison term or even if they’ve never spent a day in prison.

Rodriguez v. Riley 

Victory! November 30, 2020

The ACLU-MN is suing the City of Worthington and Worthington Police Department over an assault by police that put the victim in intensive care for five days, requiring multiple surgeries and medical procedures.

Esqueda v. Pompeo 

Victory! July 12, 2020

The ACLU-MN filed a complaint seeking declaratory relief in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, asking the court to declare a U.S. veteran a citizen and grant him a passport.

J.H. v. Anoka-Hennepin School District 

Victory! September 2020

N.H. came out shortly before he began his freshman year at Coon Rapids High School in 2015. Before N.H. started, his mother talked with the principal to get assurances that her transgender son would be safe.  The principal and other staff initially reassured her about his safety and appeared to be respectful of his transgender status. N.H. joined the boys’ swim team and used the boys’ locker room along with his fellow students for months, without any complaints and without any problems.

Then the School Board got involved and prohibited him from using the same boys’ locker room that he had used for months.

State v. Berger

Victory! January 7, 2019

The case argues the unlawful conviction of Jeffrey Berger, who was convicted of a misdemeanor public nuisance charge after marching on highway Interstate 94 in Saint Paul to protest police violence.  

Promvongsa v. Joe Joswiak et al. 

Victory! October 10, 2018

The ACLU-MN filed an excessive force lawsuit against the Worthington Police Department, the Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force and the City of Worthington along with a number of individual officers on behalf of their client, Anthony Promvongsa a local Worthington resident. Promvongsa was assaulted by Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force Officer Joe Joswiak in Worthington in 2016. Also present at the scene was Sergeant Tim Gaul of the Worthington Police Department.

Esparza et al. v. Nobles County 

Victory! May 3, 2022

The lawsuit alleges that Sheriff Kent Wilkening and Nobles County are violating Minnesota law by refusing to release people from custody when they attempt to post bond or should otherwise be released. Instead of releasing individuals, however, Sheriff Wilkening is re-arresting people and detaining them on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement without the authority to do so.

Parada v. Anoka County 

Victory! November 30, 2022

Ramsey County resident Myriam Parada was driving in Coon Rapids when a woman rear-ended her. The woman called the Coon Rapids Police Department. Despite the other driver's considerable driving violations, including 12 convictions for traffic violations since 2012, the officer did not cite her for rear-ending Parada and allowed her to leave the scene of the crime. The driver was also not cited for not having a Minnesota state driver's license, despite living in Minnesota. Parada provided the officer with proof of insurance, as well as a Mexican Consular card (commonly referred to as a Matricula Consular card). The Matricula Consular card listed Parada's full name, date of birth, address, and recent photo. The card itself has security features to ensure its authenticity. 

Jane Doe v. Rice County 

Victory! February 2018

The ACLU-MN filed a brief in Jane Doe v. Rice County. Rice County charged 14-year-old Jane Doe with distribution of child pornography after she distributed an image of herself using the mobile messaging application, Snapchat. If found guilty, Jane Doe could face up to 10 years on the sex offender registry.

Amicus brief in Hollamon v. County of Wright. et al.

November 22, 2024

A Wright County sheriff deputy shot Joshua Hollamon in the head three times with pepperball bullets, causing serious injuries. The ACLU-MN and pro bono partner Dorsey & Whitney LLP filed an amicus brief in Hollamon v. County of Wright, et al. before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The ACLU-MN asks the court of appeals to reverse the district court’s ruling dismissing Hollamon’s case. Wright County Sergeant Miller’s use of pepperball bullets against Hollamon – a peaceful protestor – was excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment. He and Wright County should be held accountable.

Amicus Brief in State v. Nagle

November 15, 2024

Police should have to verify an informant’s tip with their own investigation before rifling through someone’s drawers to protect Minnesotans from unreasonable searches that violate the constitution. That’s why the ACLU-MN filed an amicus brief on Friday, Nov. 15, in the case of State v. Nagle, which is before the Minnesota Supreme Court.  

Amicus Brief in Cooper v. USA Power Lifting 

August 30, 2024

JayCee Cooper sought to compete in powerlifting competitions in the women’s division. However, she was excluded from eligibility by USAPL because she is a trans woman. The ACLU-MN argues that this violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act and conflicts with federal courts’ consistent recognition that discriminating against trans women and girls is a form of sex discrimination.  

Amicus Brief In support of the constitutionality of ICWA and MIFPA 

August 28, 2024

The ACLU and ACLU-MN filed an amicus brief to urge the Minnesota Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA).

Amicus brief in State v. Contreras-Sanchez 

July 20, 2024

The ACLU-MN and the ACLU filed an amicus brief on Friday that urges the Minnesota Supreme Court to prevent law enforcement from using “geofence” searches.

Amicus Brief in State v. Plancarte

July 11, 2024

The ACLU-MN and the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers filed an amicus brief calling upon the Court to protect the rights of women, transgender, and gender nonconforming Minnesotans after the Appellant was convicted of indecent exposure. Not only is the statute vague, but it effectively criminalizes half the population's anatomy.

Amicus Brief in Locke v. County of Hubbard, et al. 

June 11, 2024

Matthew Locke was engaged in peaceful protest when he was met with excessive and unnecessary force from law enforcement, which left him with lasting facial paralysis.

Amicus in Nyynkpao Banyee v. Garland 

Amicus Brief in the Matter of the Welfare of C.T.B.

March 18, 2024

The ACLU-MN filed an amicus brief today asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to suppress evidence that was found when police frisked four boys because of an officer's hunch about "proximity." 

Amicus Brief in S.A.A. v Samantha Geisler, Maple Grove Police Officer 

January 2024

The ACLU-MN filed a brief in federal court in a case in which an innocent pregnant woman was treated brutally by Maple Grove police. 

Amicus Brief in Support of April Sky Weyaus, State of Minnesota 

October 26, 2023

The ACLU-MN filed an amicus brief today seeking to help overturn decisions by a Mille Lacs County district judge that could steal the vote from more than 50,000 Minnesotans.

More Amicus Briefs

Amicus Brief Supporting Amendment to Jury Management Rule

March 11, 2023

This amicus brief supports an amendment to Minnesota law that would allow individuals on felony probation and parole to serve as jurors. 

Wilwal v. Kelly 

March 2015

This case challenges an unlawful search and seizure, as prohibited in the 4th Amendment, and asserts the rights of U.S. citizens—particularly immigrants—traveling across borders. 

Emerson v. Leslie 

Settled on October 30, 2017

The ACLU-MN filed a lawsuit on behalf of its client, John Emerson, to prevent his DNA from being collected by the Dakota County Sheriff in violation of Mr. Emerson's constitutional rights.

Otto v. Wright County 

Closed April 18, 2018

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature did not violate the single-subject clause when it stuck into an omnibus bill a provision stripping the State Auditor’s office of substantial duties and funding. 

Webster v. Hennepin County 

Won on April 18, 2018

Tony Webster, a local data enthusiast, requested information about law enforcement use of biometric technologies like fingerprint scanners, iris, scanners, and facial recognition from various Minnesota law enforcement agencies. According to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act that information should be publicly available, however Hennepin County has failed to provide him with the information requested.

PRIVACY MATTERS V. U.S. DEPT OF EDUCATION

Dismissed on April 13, 2017

The ACLU-MN along with the ACLU filed a motion to intervene on behalf of a transgender student in a lawsuit that seeks to bar trans students from using locker rooms consistent with the student's gender identity.

Minnesota Voter's Alliance v. Simon

Won on September 28, 2016

The ACLU-MN fought against an attempt to remove same day voter registration in Minnesota. 

STATE V. LIEBL

Won on October 19, 2016

The ACLU-MN filed a brief in State v. Liebl, a case that questions the validity of warrantless GPS tracking in the context of a Department of Natural Resources investigation.

State V. Hensel 

Won on September 13, 2017

The ACLU filed a brief in the State v. Hensel case which involves the prosecution of an activist (a retired woman who had previously sued the city council to challenge their sign ordinance) for disorderly conduct for disturbing a city council public meeting when she moved her chair to an area between the Dais and the public seating area and refused to move it back to the public seating area.

Outfront v. Piper

Won, Filed on December 17, 2015

The ACLU and the ACLU-MN filed a lawsuit in Minnesota State Court to challenge the coverage ban on transition-related surgery for transgender people on Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, the state's public insurance programs for low-income residents.

Golden Valley v. Wiebesick 

Lost on July 19, 2017

The ACLU-MN believes that it is inappropriate to victimize housing tenants by subjecting them to unreasonable searches all in the name of protecting their rights. 

Jose Lopez Orellana v. Nobles County 

Settled in 2017

The ACLU-MN filed a lawsuit against the Nobles County Sheriff and their staff on the behalf of Jose Lopez Orellana. The Nobles County Sheriff denied Lopez Orellana his right to post bail set by a Minnesota court and was held unlawfully for ten days because of an immigration detainer.

State of Minnesota v. Montgomery 

Won in 2015

The ACLU-MN represented Kandace Montgomery, one of the Black Lives Matter defendants in a court case. She was one of the 11 individuals charged with multiple offenses that stem from a December 2014 rally at the Mall of America.

STRESEMANN D/B/A AFFILIATED COUNSELING CENTER, LLC V. JESSON ET AL

Won in August 2015

The ACLU-MN filed a brief in a case regarding prosecutorial immunity. The case involved extending prosecutorial immunity to non-prosecutors who are involved in the investigation stage of a case. The ACLU-MN argues that during the investigation stage of a case no one should have absolute immunity from monetary damages for their misconduct. 

Keefe v. Adams 

Lost in 2017

The ACLU-MN filed a brief in support of a nursing student's Free Speech rights. The student was dismissed from a state college nursing program based on the content of his personal Facebook page. 

State v. Bernard 

Dismissed in February 2015

Objection to Minnesota law criminalizing the refusal of alcohol level tests.

Minnesota v. Henderson 

MINNESOTA V. HENDERSON

Won on February 27, 2014, when Andrew Henderson was found not guilty by a Ramsey County Jury.

ACLU-MN asked the Ramsey County District Court to dismiss charges against Andrew Henderson, who was cited for peaceably filming paramedics and sheriff’s deputies in the parking lot of his apartment building. Henderson was charged in fall 2012 with disorderly conduct and obstruction of legal process after he passively filmed an interaction between a resident of his apartment building and Ramsey County Sheriff's deputies and paramedics.