US court protects peaceful protests in Minnesota

Migration policy in the USA

US court protects peaceful protests in Minnesota

After reports of aggressive actions by ICE forces, a court decision sets clear limits on their use in protests against immigration policies in Minnesota.

A US federal court has given the immigration agency ICE strict guidelines for dealing with non-violent protests in the state of Minnesota. Peaceful demonstrators may not be arrested or attacked with pepper spray or other non-lethal means. Judge Katherine Menendez decided this on Friday.

In addition, federal officials are only allowed to stop or inspect vehicles near protests if there is a concrete suspicion that their operations are being hindered; blanket controls are not permitted. Menendez referred to reports of aggressive actions by ICE forces, which may have violated constitutional rights.

The background is ongoing protests in Minneapolis and the surrounding area against ICE operations. The situation received additional attention after the death of the American Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE officer.

The Department of Homeland Security rejected allegations against the officials. They acted in accordance with the constitution and only used necessary force. The constitution protects peaceful assemblies, but not riots or attacks, it said on X.

The court’s order applies for the duration of the increased federal deployment in Minnesota. Menendez had previously rejected an urgent request for a complete stop to ICE operations. President Trump recently threatened military action based on the Insurrection Act, but ruled it out for the time being.