A U.S. judge on Friday ordered federal law enforcement participating in the Minnesota immigration crackdown to stop pepper spraying, detaining and pulling over peaceful protesters.
The preliminary injunction by Judge Katherine Menendez of the U.S. District Court in Minnesota applies to participants in Operation Metro Surge, the controversial immigration crackdown launched by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has promised to round up criminal migrants for deportation across the country.
The ruling orders federal law enforcement to stop taking action against peaceful protesters, including those demonstrating against federal agents and officers.
The injunction for now prohibits “retaliating against persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity, including observing the activities of Operation Metro Surge,” according to Friday’s ruling.
Federal law enforcement is also ordered not to detain or arrest otherwise lawful protesters, use pepper spray against them as a crowd dispersal measure; or stop vehicles when there is no reasonable suspicion those inside are hindering federal agents’ and officers’ efforts on immigration.
The decision comes after an ICE officer in Minneapolis fatally shot a protester in her SUV in the area of federal law enforcement on Jan. 7. The killing of Renee Nicole Good, 37, set off widespread criticism, with federal officials saying the officer who shot her was acting in self defense, claiming she was trying to run the officer over.
Some, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have cast doubt on the department’s narrative. Eyewitness accounts and video of the incident reviewed by NBC News raise questions about whether the vehicle posed an immediate threat, though key details remain under investigation.
Plaintiffs represented by the ACLU are composed of a group of six protesters and observers who have been subjected to arrest, detention and pepper spraying during the immigration enforcement operation, according to the ruling.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Anna Sundberg and Ryan J. Reilly contributed.