Judge Restricts Federal Immigration Agents in Minneapolis From Detaining or Using Chemical Agents Against Peaceful Protesters

A federal court order limits arrests, detentions, and use of pepper spray by federal officers during an ongoing immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis.

By: Haitian Prime News Staff|January 17, 2026|Minneapolis, Minnesota

A U.S. district judge has issued a preliminary injunction restricting federal law enforcement officers participating in an immigration operation in Minneapolis from detaining lawful protesters or using chemical agents against peaceful demonstrators and observers.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez ruled Friday that federal officers may not arrest individuals without probable cause, retaliate against peaceful protesters, or deploy pepper spray or similar chemical agents against nonviolent individuals. The injunction will remain in effect while the underlying lawsuit proceeds.

The case originates from a lawsuit filed in December on behalf of six protesters and legal observers who alleged they were unlawfully arrested, detained, and pepper-sprayed during demonstrations. The incidents followed a weeklong federal enforcement surge that occurred after the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good.

In her 83-page order, Judge Menendez cited eyewitness testimony and video evidence indicating that chemical spray was used without warning and that unmarked vehicles were used to box in demonstrators. The judge described the conduct documented in the record as “disturbing,” noting reports from more than a dozen witnesses.

Plaintiffs argued that the actions of federal officers violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, as well as their Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The court found sufficient evidence to impose immediate limits on federal enforcement tactics.

As a result of the ruling, federal officers are prohibited from arresting individuals without probable cause and from interfering with lawful protest activity until the current federal enforcement surge concludes.

Federal government attorneys argued that the use of pepper spray was necessary to control what they described as violent, obstructive, dangerous, and criminal behavior. However, the court determined that such justifications did not outweigh documented evidence involving peaceful protesters and observers.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz encouraged residents to document enforcement activity, urging the public to help establish an accurate record of events occurring within their communities.

The ruling could have broader implications for Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative aimed at intensifying law enforcement operations in the Minneapolis area, as legal proceedings continue.

Sources

• U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, preliminary injunction order
• Federal court filings related to Operation Metro Surge
• Statements from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
• Legal filings submitted by plaintiffs’ attorneys