A federal judge has imposed significant restrictions on immigration enforcement operations during protests in Minnesota, marking a judicial rebuke of aggressive tactics employed by federal agents. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued an 83-page order on Friday compelling the Department of Homeland Security to overhaul its approach within 72 hours.
The ruling specifically prohibits the detention or arrest of peaceful protesters and their drivers while banning the use of pepper spray against demonstrators. This judicial intervention follows two separate incidents where federal agents discharged their weapons, resulting in one fatality and one injury within a single week.
The case emerges amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials. In a parallel development, CBS News reported that the Justice Department has launched investigations into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal officers. Both officials have advocated for peaceful demonstrations against immigration enforcement actions.
President Trump acknowledged the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which would authorize military deployment for domestic policing, but stated he currently sees ‘no reason’ to implement this extreme measure. The 1807 statute allows presidents to bypass the Posse Comitatus Act when confronting ‘armed rebellion’ or ‘domestic violence.’
The protests intensified dramatically following the January 7th fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Good’s family has retained legal representation to investigate the killing and potentially pursue action against the officer and government.
In a related development, Homeland Security confirmed that Heber Sanchez Dominguez, a 34-year-old Mexican national, died while in ICE custody on Wednesday. Agency data indicates at least four fatalities have occurred in immigration detention facilities this year.