She also ordered federal agents not to use nonlethal munitions and crowd control tools.
Minnesota U.S. District Court Judge Kate Menendez issued a decision on Friday prohibiting federal officers from arresting protestors or using pepper balls or tear gas for crowd control as the lawsuit brought by state officials against the federal government proceeds. She previously denied the request to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would block U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting operations in the state,
The judge barred Homeland Security and ICE officials involved in Operation Metro Surge from “using pepper-spray or similar nonlethal munitions and crowd dispersal tools against persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity.” She also prohibited federal agents from stopping vehicles following them, as long as they maintain a safe and “appropriate” distance.
“The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly — not rioting,” Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated. “DHS is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters. We remind the public that rioting is dangerous — obstructing law enforcement is a federal crime and assaulting law enforcement is a felony.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the safety of ICE and DHS officers as activists increasingly attack them.
- For DHS Secretary Noem and Acting ICE Director Lyons as they oversee operations to enforce immigration laws.
- For wisdom for federal judges as they consider arguments in challenges to the president’s policies and orders.
Sources: Daily Wire, CBS News, Politico
