Judge Dismisses Minnesota Gun Case as Prosecutors Struggle With Resignations

NYT Homepage

by Ernesto Londoño and Mitch Smith

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A federal judge in Minnesota dismissed a criminal case against a man charged with unlawful possession of a firearm due to a violation of the defendant’s constitutional right to a timely trial. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson ruled that the prosecution, led by the U.S. attorney’s office, failed to meet deadlines primarily because of staffing shortages and an overwhelming caseload tied to immigration-related cases. The dismissal was made “with prejudice,” meaning federal prosecutors cannot refile charges based on the same evidence. This rare ruling highlights the challenges faced by the justice system in Minnesota as it grapples with a surge in immigration-related cases, including criminal charges against protesters and lawsuits challenging detentions. The U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota has been under significant strain due to an influx of cases stemming from the federal government’s immigration crackdown in the state. Over a dozen prosecutors have resigned this year, citing disagreements over how cases, particularly those involving immigrants, are being handled. These departures have exacerbated an already strained system, leading to missed deadlines and judicial criticism for violating court orders in numerous cases. Judge Magnuson’s decision underscores the broader issue of resource shortages and operational conflicts within federal prosecution offices across the country. This ruling also raises questions about the broader implications for justice and public trust. The combination of staffing shortages, ideological disputes over case handling, and backlogs caused by high-profile immigration enforcement efforts has created a challenging environment for both prosecutors and defendants. As courts and legal professionals navigate these complexities, the fairness and efficiency of the judicial system remain under scrutiny. This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to uphold justice while managing unprecedented challenges in law enforcement and prosecution.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026