In brief
U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez ruled that federal officers cannot detain or tear gas peaceful protesters during immigration enforcement activities in the Minneapolis area. The ruling came as part of a case filed by six Minnesota activists, supported by the ACLU, who argue that officers are violating the constitutional rights of citizens.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a significant legal decision, a U.S. judge in Minnesota ruled on Friday that federal officers participating in a large-scale immigration enforcement operation cannot detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters. This ruling by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez addresses concerns raised by six Minnesota activists represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU), who argue that the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers violate the constitutional rights of residents in the Twin Cities. Since early December, thousands of residents have been monitoring the enforcement activities associated with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. In contrast, government attorneys claimed that these officers were acting within their legal authority to enforce immigration laws while ensuring their safety.
