Federal officers in the Minneapolis area participating in immigration enforcement operations are prohibited from detaining or using tear gas against peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities, according to a ruling Friday by a judge in Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez's decision addresses a case filed in December on behalf of six Minnesota activists who have been observing the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers.
The ruling comes amid increased scrutiny of the use of force by federal agents during demonstrations. The lawsuit alleged that federal agents had used excessive force against peaceful protesters, including detaining them without cause and deploying tear gas. "The court finds that the plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claim that the defendants violated their First Amendment rights," Judge Menendez wrote in her order.
The six activists are among thousands who have been monitoring the immigration enforcement activities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since last month, following the Trump administration's increased focus on immigration enforcement. Clashes between federal agents and demonstrators have occurred repeatedly since the crackdown began, often escalating quickly.
The Justice Department opened an investigation into the Minnesota governor and Minneapolis mayor. The specific details of the investigation were not immediately available, but it is believed to be related to the handling of the protests and the interactions between federal agents and demonstrators.
The ruling is a significant victory for the activists and raises questions about the appropriate use of force by federal agents during protests. It underscores the importance of the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and protest, even when observing government activities. The government has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the ruling. The case is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected.
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