A federal judge on Friday ordered law enforcement officers involved in a major immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota to stop using pepper spray, detaining, or pulling over individuals engaged in peaceful protest activity.
The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez, applies to federal agents and officers participating in Operation Metro Surge, the immigration crackdown launched under President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a nationwide effort to arrest and deport criminal migrants.
Menendez wrote that the injunction will remain in effect until the operation concludes or until conditions change such that the restrictions are no longer necessary. The judge noted that the federal operation began in Minnesota on December 4.
Under the ruling, federal officers are prohibited from taking enforcement action against individuals engaged in peaceful and non-obstructive protest, including those observing or demonstrating against Operation Metro Surge activities.
The order specifically bars law enforcement from retaliating against peaceful protesters, detaining or arresting individuals engaged in lawful protest, using pepper spray as a crowd-control measure against nonviolent demonstrators, or stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion that occupants are interfering with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
