At a Glance
- A federal judge has ordered federal agents in Minnesota to stop using pepper spray, detaining or pulling over peaceful protesters.
- The injunction applies to all federal personnel involved in Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown that began Dec. 4.
- The ruling bars retaliation against demonstrators and limits vehicle stops to cases with reasonable suspicion of hindering immigration enforcement.
- Why it matters: The decision protects First Amendment rights amid heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of protester Renee Nicole Good and clashes between demonstrators and federal officers.
A U.S. judge on Friday issued a preliminary injunction barring federal law-enforcement personnel in Minnesota from pepper-spraying, detaining or stopping vehicles carrying peaceful protesters, marking the first court-imposed limits on the Trump administration’s expanding immigration enforcement operation.
Court Order Curbs Federal Tactics
Judge Katherine Menendez of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled that federal agents and officers participating in Operation Metro Surge must immediately cease retaliatory actions against demonstrators. The injunction, which remains in effect until the operation ends or conditions change, specifically prohibits:
- Arresting or detaining individuals solely for peacefully protesting or observing federal activities
- Deploying pepper spray as a crowd-control tactic against non-violent assemblies
- Stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion that occupants are obstructing immigration enforcement
The order responds to a lawsuit filed Dec. 17 by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of six protesters who allege constitutional violations during the crackdown that started Dec. 4. Plaintiffs claim they were subjected to arrest, detention, pepper-spraying and having firearms pointed at them while demonstrating.
Lawsuit Names Top Homeland Security Officials
Named defendants include Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons, and multiple agencies under the department. The suit argues the federal actions infringe on freedom of speech and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
In her ruling, Judge Menendez found plaintiffs “generally participated in protected activity” and were “sometimes subjected to retaliatory action.” She noted one incident in which multiple plaintiffs were stopped without any cited violation of state traffic law.
DHS Defends Officer Conduct
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the personnel, asserting officers “have displayed restraint amid riotous protests.” In a statement emailed to News Of Losangeles, she said:
> “DHS is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters. Rioters and terrorists have assaulted law enforcement, launched fireworks at them, slashed the tires of their vehicles, and vandalized federal property.”
McLaughlin added that agents “have followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary.” She did not indicate whether the administration will appeal the injunction.
Tensions Escalate After Fatal Shooting
The court action follows the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of protester Renee Nicole Good, 37, by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Federal officials claim the officer fired in self-defense, alleging Good attempted to run over agents. Eyewitness accounts and video reviewed by Jonathan P. Miller raise questions about the immediacy of the threat, though key details remain under investigation.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has cast doubt on the federal narrative. The killing intensified demonstrations and prompted President Trump to threaten invocation of the Insurrection Act, a rarely used 1807 law allowing domestic military deployment without congressional approval. On Thursday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that state leaders must control “professional agitators” and “insurrectionists” attacking ICE personnel.
Additional Violence and Protests
Further confrontations occurred Wednesday when a federal officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during an attempted traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security alleges the man fled and, along with two others, attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom, prompting “defensive shots.” Protesters later gathered, some throwing snowballs at agents, who deployed flash-bang devices and chemical irritants, according to video from News Of Losangeles affiliate KARE.
Judge Denies Government Request to Stay Order
Judge Menendez denied the government’s bid to pause the injunction but left room for either side to seek modifications, stating:
> “The Court has endeavored to balance the ongoing irreparable harm to Plaintiffs against harm to Defendants from limiting their activities.”
The Trump administration has prioritized high-profile immigration sweeps in cities including San Diego, Los Angeles and New York, pushing agencies to produce large arrest totals. Officials have framed the effort as targeting hundreds of thousands of criminals in the country illegally.
Key Takeaways
- Federal agents in Minnesota must halt retaliatory tactics against peaceful protesters under a new court order.
- The injunction stems from an ACLU lawsuit alleging constitutional violations during Operation Metro Surge.
- Homeland Security stands by its officers, citing assaults by violent demonstrators.
- The ruling lands amid heightened unrest following protester Renee Nicole Good’s fatal shooting and Trump’s Insurrection Act threat.
- Judge Menendez’s decision remains in force until the immigration operation ends or conditions warrant change.
