U.S. Judge Restricts Federal Agents’ Tactics During Minnesota Protests
MINNEAPOLIS, USA — A federal judge in Minnesota has imposed significant limits on how federal immigration agents can engage with demonstrators amid ongoing protests over immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued an injunction Friday barring agents — including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — from arresting, detaining or using force such as pepper spray, tear gas or non-lethal munitions against peaceful protesters and observers who are lawfully present and not interfering with operations.
The ruling also prohibits federal agents from stopping or detaining drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion of a crime or obstruction, a restriction meant to protect people simply following or recording enforcement activities.
The decision stems from a lawsuit filed in December by Minnesota residents and supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), alleging that federal agents violated protesters’ First and Fourth Amendment rights through aggressive tactics.
Tensions in Minneapolis have risen sharply since a federal agent fatally shot a woman earlier this month during one of the enforcement operations, prompting broader demonstrations and legal challenges to federal conduct.
The order will stay in effect until the federal operation ends or circumstances change, and it reflects judicial efforts to balance constitutional rights with federal enforcement activities on the ground.
