Trump admin wins court victory freeing ICE agents from Minnesota protest restrictions
A federal appeals court on Monday ruled in favor of the Trump administration, blocking restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ tactics in dealing with anti-ICE demonstrators in Minnesota.
The three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay against a previous lower court order that had barred ICE officers from arresting, detaining, using pepper spray, or taking retaliatory action against protesters in Minneapolis without probable cause. The decision comes amid ongoing clashes between anti-ICE activists and federal authorities carrying out enforcement operations.
“We reviewed the same footage the district court examined,” the appeals court stated in its decision, noting that the videos showed protesters engaged in both peaceful and disruptive conduct, and federal agents responding accordingly.
The case centers on allegations that federal authorities violated the civil rights of six demonstrators. Last week, the court had temporarily lifted the restrictions on ICE’s use of force; Monday’s ruling now grants a “full stay,” according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
District Judge Menendez had previously concluded that the plaintiffs were likely to prove ICE agents violated their First and Fourth Amendment rights during protests and observation of operations tied to “Operation Metro Surge” in the Twin Cities. Her findings referenced multiple incidents where agents allegedly used pepper spray, pointed firearms, and conducted arrests or traffic stops targeting individuals peacefully observing immigration enforcement activities.