A judge in Minnesota ruled on Friday that federal officers in the Minneapolis-area participating in a recent U.S. immigration enforcement operation cannot detain or tear gas peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities, even when they are observing the agents.
The ruling addresses a case filed on behalf of six Minnesota activists who have been monitoring the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers in the area. These activists are among thousands observing the enforcement of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Since the crackdown began, federal agents and demonstrators have repeatedly clashed, with tensions escalating after an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis. The incident was captured on video, leading to many arrests and brief detentions in the Twin Cities.
The activists involved in the case are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, which alleges that government officers are violating the constitutional rights of Twin Cities residents.
In response to the ruling, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that her agency is taking appropriate measures to uphold the rule of law and protect officers and the public.
McLaughlin emphasized that rioting and obstructing law enforcement are federal crimes and assault on law enforcement is a felony.
The ACLU has not yet responded to requests for comment following the ruling.
The ruling prohibits officers from detaining individuals in vehicles without reasonable suspicion of obstruction. Following agents at a distance does not justify a vehicle stop.
Judge Menendez also presides over a lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul seeking to suspend the enforcement crackdown. The legal issues in this case are similar, and further briefs are to be filed next week.
State Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter emphasized the need for a pause in the enforcement actions to lower the tension in the area.
Judge Menendez acknowledged the importance of the legal issues raised in the case and ordered both parties to submit additional briefs due to the complexity of the constitutional and legal matters involved.
McAvoy reported from Honolulu. Associated Press writer Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.
