A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to stop arresting peaceful protesters, using pepper spray, and conducting vehicle stops without reasonable suspicion, marking a significant legal rebuke to federal tactics amid escalating protests over the fatal shooting of a local woman. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez on Friday, imposes strict limits on how thousands of federal officers deployed to Minneapolis can interact with demonstrators, following days of unrest that have drawn national attention.
Judge Menendez’s 83-page order explicitly prohibits ICE and other federal agents from retaliating against individuals engaged in peaceful protest or observation, barring arrests absent probable cause of a crime or obstruction. It also prevents agents from stopping or detaining people in vehicles without reasonable articulable suspicion, noting that merely following federal law enforcement does not justify a stop. Additionally, the use of pepper spray and other non-lethal munitions against crowds is restricted, aiming to de-escalate tensions in a city gripped by nightly demonstrations.
The judge’s decision comes in response to the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent last week while in her SUV during a protest in Minneapolis. Federal authorities claim Good attempted to run over the agent, but local officials and witnesses describe her as a legal observer who posed no threat. Her death has sparked outrage and intensified scrutiny of ICE’s Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative that has deployed agents to the city, leading to widespread calls for accountability and reform.
Concurrently, the U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations they obstructed ICE operations, adding a political dimension to the conflict. Both Democrats have denounced the probe as politically motivated, with Walz calling it an ‘authoritarian tactic’ and Frey vowing not to be intimidated. President Donald Trump has criticized local leaders and protesters on social media, though he has stated he does not currently plan to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell the unrest.
The ruling represents a major check on the Trump administration’s use of federal agents in Democratic-led cities, highlighting ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement and protest rights. Similar restrictions have been sought in states like Oregon and California, but this order is among the most comprehensive to date, potentially setting a precedent for how federal forces engage with demonstrators nationwide. Legal experts note that it underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing national security concerns with civil liberties.
With thousands of ICE agents remaining deployed in Minnesota, the order is expected to reduce confrontations at protests, though tensions persist as community members demand justice for Good. The FBI is investigating her shooting, but no federal civil rights inquiry has been announced, leaving local authorities frustrated over their exclusion from the process. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Ilhan Omar and Pramila Jayapal, have condemned ICE’s actions and called for reforms such as mandatory body cameras and name tags for agents.
Looking ahead, the ruling could influence future court decisions on federal law enforcement tactics, particularly as protests continue across the U.S. over immigration policies. It also raises questions about the long-term impact on ICE’s operations and the broader political clash between state and federal authorities. As Minneapolis braces for more demonstrations, the focus remains on ensuring peaceful assembly while addressing the underlying issues that sparked the crisis.
