A federal judge on Friday, January 16, sharply limited how Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis can respond to protests tied to “Operation Metro Surge.” The order blocks arrests of peaceful protesters without probable cause. It also limits pepper spray and other crowd-control tactics against people engaged in lawful protest activity.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued the preliminary injunction in a case centered on protests and monitoring of immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. Her ruling covers federal agents conducting immigration operations as part of the surge. It also covers agents responding to protests that follow those operations.
Menendez stated that the First Amendment protects people who observe, record, and peacefully protest. The injunction bars retaliation against individuals engaged in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity. It also restricts vehicle stops, stating that safely following agents at an appropriate distance does not, by itself, justify a stop.
Operation Metro Surge has been underway in Minnesota since early December 2025. The increased presence of enforcement has led to persistent protests and a developing disagreement between federal officials and Minnesota lawmakers.
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