MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez declared that federal officers involved in a large immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters who are merely observing their activities. This decision emerged from a lawsuit filed in December by six activists who have been participating in observations of the actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents enforcing the Trump administration's immigration policies in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.
The confrontations between federal agents and demonstrators have intensified following the shooting of Renee Good, an immigrant rights activist, on January 7, 2026. Good was fatally shot in the head by an immigration agent while driving away from a location in Minneapolis, an incident that was recorded from multiple angles and has drawn significant public attention. Since the initiation of the crackdown, many individuals in the Twin Cities have faced arrest or temporary detainment.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota is representing the activists in the suit. They argue that the actions of the government violate the constitutional rights of residents in the Twin Cities. After the ruling, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded by asserting that her agency is taking appropriate measures to uphold the law and ensure the safety of both officers and the public, referring to instances of violence against law enforcement and property damage by protestors.
The ruling specifically prohibits federal officers from stopping vehicles unless they have reasonable suspicion of interference or obstruction. According to Judge Menendez, merely following agents at a safe distance does not constitute reasonable suspicion warranting a vehicle stop. Furthermore, she emphasized that arresting individuals requires probable cause or a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred or that someone is obstructing the officers' activities.
Judge Menendez is also overseeing a separate lawsuit initiated by the state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, which seeks to halt the enforcement crackdown on immigration. She noted that the legal matters presented are of tremendous importance but involve complex constitutional questions with limited precedents. Therefore, she has asked both parties to submit additional briefs for review next week.
In light of these developments, the ACLU did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the ruling. Meanwhile, McLaughlin reiterated the risks associated with what she labeled as rioting, reminding the public that obstructing law enforcement constitutes a federal crime, while assaulting officers is a felony.
The tensions arising from the immigration enforcement strategy continue to pose challenges for community relations and the enforcement agencies involved. As the legal battles progress, both state officials and activists are advocating for a reassessment of the interaction between law enforcement and the community, particularly in relation to peaceful protest and constitutional rights.
