A federal judge on Wednesday declined to pause immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, at least until the Department of Justice responds to a lawsuit claiming a “federal invasion” within the state.

Judge Katherine Menendez decided not to issue an immediate ruling on an emergency plea from Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This plea sought to prevent the Trump administration from utilizing ICE to intensify immigration enforcement in the state.

Judge Menendez noted the necessity for additional time to consider the case, which lacks substantial precedent. She assured that the case would receive priority attention and instructed federal authorities to submit their response to Minnesota’s request for a restraining order by the following Monday.

“This simply acknowledges the seriousness and importance of these issues,” Menendez remarked.

During the hearing, Minnesota Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter contended that an immediate ruling was essential to mitigate social unrest within the state.

“What we need most of all right now is a pause,” Carter said. “The temperature needs to be lowered.”

But Justice Department lawyer Andrew Warden supported Menendez’s decision to hold off on issuing a rush judgment on the bid for a temporary restraining order against ICE.

The suit was filed after immigration agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed anti-ICE protester Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 in her car.

The moment was captured on video and has been highly polarizing, as President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security have claimed Ross was hit by Good’s car and that he was justified to shoot her in self-defense.

Meanwhile, Democrats and lefty activists have decried Ross’ use of deadly force and the encounter has sparked a surge of protests against ICE in the state.

On Wednesday, DHS claimed that Ross suffered internal bleeding after Good’s car made contact with him as she drove away.

More than 2,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Minnesota since early December, according to the agency, which said it didn’t plan to slow its crackdown. 

With Post wires