A Biden-appointed federal judge in Minnesota is attempting to restrict the actions of federal immigration agents as anti-ICE protests continue to disrupt the state. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued a temporary restraining order barring ICE and Border Patrol agents from arresting or detaining so-called peaceful protesters and from using chemical irritants against them, Fox 13 reported Friday.
The order also prohibits federal agents from stopping drivers who are not actively interfering with enforcement operations.
The ruling comes as President Donald Trump warned that Minnesota must enforce federal law or risk his invocation of the Insurrection Act.
“Because Minnesota Democrats, who rule the state and the city of Minneapolis without political opposition, refuse to cooperate with ICE, protect ICE from rioters, or stop the anti ICE riots, Trump really has no choice but pull the trigger on the Insurrection Act to restore law and order to what is becoming a lawless and violent Confederate city and state,” Breitbart News columnist John Nolte wrote.
In response to the ruling, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the agency “is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters.”
Menendez was nominated to the federal bench by former President Joe Biden in 2021.
The restraining order follows a surge of protests after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis after authorities say she attempted to weaponize her vehicle.
Left-wing activist groups rapidly mobilized in the state following the shooting, drawing large demonstrations that have repeatedly disrupted federal operations.
Brandy Shufutinsky, director of the Education and National Security Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the protests are part of a broader organized movement.
“It’s the same network of people that have thousands of Americans blocking the streets, waving communist and terrorist flags, and attacking law enforcement and innocents,” Shufutinsky said. “They are stoking the grievance industry that they built.”
One protester outside an ICE facility in Minneapolis admitted on Fox News that demonstrators were being paid to participate.
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said Saturday that the judge’s order would not prevent agents from protecting themselves and the public.
“We’re going to continue to use that minimum amount of force necessary to accomplish our mission,” Bovino said. “And we never did use tear gas or any other less lethal munitions against peaceful protesters.”
He added that agents fully support the First Amendment but will act when protests turn violent.
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“When they cross the line and they’re violent, we will use those less lethal munitions because it keeps them safe, it keeps our officers safe, and it keeps the public safe,” Bovino said.
CNN reported earlier this week that protesters physically interfered with an ICE operation during one confrontation in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have both criticized President Trump’s immigration enforcement response following the shooting.
Bovino said Minnesota law enforcement officers frustrated with Democratic leadership and ongoing unrest should consider joining federal agencies.
“We’ll welcome you with open arms,” he said.
