A federal judge, Katherine Menendez, has limited the crowd control tactics that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can use against “peaceful and non-disruptive” protesters in Minneapolis. Her ruling prohibits federal agents from arresting or using pepper spray on peaceful demonstrators. This decision comes ahead of anticipated protests against large-scale immigration measures, following the shooting death of Renee Good by ICE agents.
Minnesota officials have urged protesters to remain peaceful, with the state’s National Guard being placed on alert and local law enforcement deployed to manage expected demonstrations and counter-marches. Judge Menendez’s 83-page order, stemming from a lawsuit filed by protesters, restricts officials from detaining individuals unless there’s clear suspicion of interference with business operations.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security stated it is taking constitutional steps to protect its personnel and the public. The White House criticized the ruling, labeling it as containing “disingenuous left-wing rhetoric.”
Tensions have escalated in Minneapolis since the shooting, with numerous protests and clashes between federal agents and activists. Additionally, the Justice Department has announced an investigation into Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal immigration operations, prompting criticism from both officials who view it as an authoritarian tactic.
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