Attempts by anti-ICE activists to impede federal immigration actions in Minneapolis and other areas faced a setback on Wednesday.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, along with three local law firms, filed a lawsuit on December 17 against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The suit claims that ICE agents infringed upon the constitutional rights of various activists, including a woman from Minnesota and a Somali-American. Both have accused ICE employees of wrongdoing.
A federal judge, appointed by President Joe Biden, seemed to favor the activists in last week’s ruling.
“A liberal judge in Minnesota tries to restrict ICE operations,” was a notable quote from the ruling.
U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez issued an order preventing federal officials from participating in specific operations in Minnesota, including measures during “Operation Metro Surge.” These measures included:
- A retaliation against those involved in peaceful protests.
- The arrest of such individuals.
- Using pepper spray and similar non-lethal devices against peaceful protesters.
- Stopping or restraining vehicle occupants without clear suspicion of interference with federal activities.
The Department of Homeland Security quickly appealed Judge Menendez’s decision to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. On Wednesday, the appeals court granted a pause on her preliminary injunction.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed satisfaction with the Court’s ruling.
“A liberal judge in Minnesota attempted to restrict ICE agents enforcing immigration laws,” Bondi stated in a Wednesday announcement.
She added, “The Eighth Circuit granted an administrative stay to lift restrictions aimed at undermining federal law enforcement. This Department of Justice will safeguard federal agents from threats on the streets and judicial overreach.”
Federal agents acted swiftly, taking advantage of their renewed authority.
Just hours after the ruling, Greg Bovino from the U.S. Border Patrol was captured on video warning a hostile gathering of anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis about the impending use of tear gas, which was soon deployed.
The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Border Patrol agents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area were frequently interfered with by hostile crowds seeking to disrupt their operations, even during restroom breaks.
“At every gas station stop, agitators would confront employees, harassing them and trying to block law enforcement vehicles from exiting, creating a tense atmosphere,” said a Homeland Security spokesperson. “One staff member faced a barrage of food items thrown by the crowd, and at one station, someone spat at them. When the staff attempted to confront the person spitting, they were surrounded and attacked.”
