A US federal judge restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents' crowd control tactics against Minneapolis protesters. Judge Katherine Menendez's order, issued Friday night, prohibits arrests and pepper spray use on peaceful demonstrators. This includes those monitoring ICE agents.
The ruling precedes planned weekend protests against immigration actions in Minneapolis. It follows the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security stated it is taking steps to protect officers from rioters. Minnesota officials urged peaceful and orderly protests. The state's National Guard is on alert. Law enforcement is deployed for both anti-ICE demonstrations and a counter-protest planned by a conservative influencer.
The order immediately limits ICE's response to protesters. It is unclear how this will affect planned demonstrations. The 83-page order specifically bars federal agents from arresting and "using pepper-spray or similar non-lethal methods" on peaceful protesters.
ICE's actions in Minneapolis have faced increasing scrutiny. Critics argue their tactics are overly aggressive. Supporters maintain they are necessary for maintaining order.
Future protests will test the limits of this new order. Further legal challenges are possible. The situation remains fluid.
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