Judge Curbs ICE Tactics At Minnesota Protests After Shooting

A federal judge has sharply limited how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may operate around protests in Minnesota, citing serious concerns about retaliation, excessive force and violations of constitutional rights.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez ruled Friday that ICE agents may not arrest, detain or retaliate against people engaged in peaceful, unobstructive protest activity.

Her order also bars officers from using pepper spray or other “nonlethal munitions” on demonstrators and blocks traffic stops unless agents have clear, articulable suspicion that protesters are forcibly interfering with federal officers.

The ruling follows a lawsuit brought by six protesters who allege ICE officers used chemical irritants, intimidation and unlawful detention during demonstrations last year. Menendez said sworn accounts from protesters outweighed statements submitted by ICE leadership.

One plaintiff, Somali-American U.S. citizen Abdikadir Noor, testified that he stopped his car after witnessing masked ICE officers pull over a vehicle occupied by two Latino passengers. Noor joined others in protesting and described officers dragging demonstrators away, throwing a pregnant woman to the ground, and later arresting him.

Noor said he was driven at high speed without being allowed to wear a seatbelt, detained without charges, and subjected to racist remarks, including claims that “Somalis drained Minnesota” and “should go back home.” He was released without paperwork.

Menendez cited additional eyewitness reports describing officers pointing firearms at protesters, using pepper spray, and forcefully detaining demonstrators to discourage dissent.

The case predates the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE officer last week — an incident that triggered nationwide protests. The Trump administration has defended the officer and labeled Good a “domestic terrorist,” claiming she attempted to run him over.

The ruling comes amid escalating tensions between the administration and Minnesota officials. The Justice Department has subpoenaed Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a move both Democrats condemned as intimidation.

ICE has also faced allegations this week of detaining Oglala Sioux tribal members in Minneapolis — claims the Department of Homeland Security says it cannot verify.

Key Takeaways

• A federal judge barred ICE from targeting peaceful protesters in Minnesota.

• The ruling follows allegations of excessive force, racial abuse and unlawful detentions.

• The decision deepens a growing clash between the Trump administration and local officials.

SOURCE THE HILL

About bloody time these thugs were muzzled!