Minnesota Court Issues Protective Order Shielding Immigration Demonstrators From Federal Enforcement Actions

**Minneapolis Court Issues Restraining Order Against Immigration Agents**

A federal court has intervened in Minneapolis to protect demonstrators' constitutional rights during ongoing immigration enforcement operations. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued an 83-page restraining order Friday night, specifically targeting Department of Homeland Security agents conducting Operation Metro Surge.

The judicial ruling prohibits federal officers from detaining or using force against individuals peacefully observing or demonstrating during immigration raids. According to court documents, agents can only make arrests when they have probable cause of criminal activity or when protesters obstruct enforcement operations.

This legal action stems from a lawsuit filed by Minneapolis residents who alleged constitutional violations by federal agents. The plaintiffs claimed officers retaliated against them for exercising their First Amendment rights while monitoring immigration activities in their neighborhoods.

The order also restricts agents from using pepper spray or non-lethal munitions against peaceful demonstrators. This development comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following recent confrontations between community members and immigration officers, including incidents that have drawn significant community concern and federal investigation.

The ruling remains in effect as litigation continues.