Acquired Through MGN Online on 01/07/2026MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that U.S. immigration agents may not use tear gas or detain peaceful protesters during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. U.S. District Judge Kate Menen dez issued the order Friday in response to a lawsuit filed by Minnesota activists who alleged that agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol violated their constitutional rights while carrying out arrests under a federal immigration operation. The injunction bars federal agents from using tear gas, pepper spray or other chemical agents against people who are peacefully protesting or observing enforcement activity. It also prohibits officers from stopping or detaining individuals unless they have reasonable suspicion the person is committing a crime or obstructing law enforcement. Menendez wrote that merely filming officers, shouting at them, or following them at a lawful distance does not justify detention or arrest. The lawsuit was filed in December by six activists and was supported by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, which argued that federal agents used excessive force and unlawfully detained bystanders during enforcement actions. The ruling applies specifically to federal immigration operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and does not halt immigration arrests altogether. The Department of Homeland Security has defended its tactics, saying agents are enforcing federal immigration law and taking steps to ensure officer safety. Federal officials have not said whether they will appeal the ruling. The decision comes amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement and protests targeting federal agents in Minnesota. Separate legal challenges involving state and local officials remain pending in federal court. ...read more read less