Overview
- U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez issued an injunction on Friday blocking federal immigration agents in the Twin Cities from arresting peaceful protesters or using tear gas or similar crowd-control agents against them.
- The ruling clarifies that observing operations is protected and says following agents from a safe distance does not justify stopping a vehicle, with arrests barred absent reasonable suspicion of interference.
- The case stems from a December lawsuit filed on behalf of six activists represented by the ACLU and will remain in effect for the duration of the ongoing enforcement surge unless circumstances change.
- Separately, multiple U.S. outlets reported that the Justice Department is examining possible obstruction by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey; DOJ declined comment as Frey called the reported inquiry an intimidation attempt.
- The courtroom action follows the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which the government defends as self-defense, while DHS officials warned against interfering with federal officers and said agents used only the minimum necessary force.