Federal Judge Limits ICE Tactics in Minnesota Amidst Escalating Protests and DOJ Probe
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A federal judge’s ruling on Friday restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota from arresting or using certain crowd-control measures against peaceful protesters, as tensions rise following recent shootings and a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into state and local leaders. The order comes as demonstrations continue against the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge” immigration crackdown.
A preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez prohibits federal agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters and bars the use of “pepper-spray or similar nonlethal munitions and crowd dispersal tools” against them. The judge also stipulated that agents cannot stop and detain drivers without “reasonable articulable suspicion” of obstruction, clarifying that simply following officers “at an appropriate distance” does not justify a vehicle stop.
DOJ Investigates Walz and Frey
The restrictions on federal agents coincide with reports that the DOJ is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for potential obstruction of federal law enforcement. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking to CNN, indicated the probe could lead to criminal consequences for the two Democratic leaders, who have publicly criticized the increased federal presence in the state. Neither Walz nor Frey have confirmed the investigation, but both have accused the Trump administration of attempting to intimidate political opponents. A chorus of Democratic governors and members of Congress have echoed these concerns, labeling the reported investigation an abuse of power.
Escalating Tensions and Fatal Shootings
Protests have intensified in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, a mother of three, by an ICE agent last week. The demonstrations reignited a week later when another agent shot and injured a Venezuelan man, who authorities claim was “violently” resisting arrest, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These incidents have fueled outrage and accusations of excessive force.
Scope of the Injunction and DHS Response
The court order applies specifically to agents involved in Operation Metro Surge within Minnesota and does not extend to other federal officers performing routine duties elsewhere. In response to the ruling, the DHS stated it is “taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters.” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin affirmed that agents are trained to use “the minimum amount of force necessary” to ensure safety.
Separate Lawsuits Challenge Federal Operations
The preliminary injunction was sought by activists who allege the federal government is violating their constitutional rights. This legal challenge is separate from a lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the Twin Cities earlier this week, which seeks a court order to end what they describe as a “federal invasion” during Operation Metro Surge.
Ongoing Protests and Potential for Further Action
Protests continued Friday at Minneapolis’ Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the central staging facility for immigration operations. Witnesses reported federal officers in tactical gear forcefully dispersing protesters, with at least one individual appearing to be detained following a significant response from multiple agents. CNN has reached out to DHS for further details.
President Trump reiterated Friday his willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy U.S. troops to Minnesota, but stated, “I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it.” He has repeatedly threatened to utilize the centuries-old law if state and local leaders fail to quell unrest.
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The situation in Minnesota remains fluid, with protests expected to continue and the DOJ investigation looming, raising significant questions about the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
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