Conflicts

Federal Judge Restricts ICE Tactics in Minneapolis Amid Protests and Security Mobilization

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Jan 17, 2026

THE BARE STORY

A U.S. District Judge in Minnesota issued an order Friday restricting the tactics federal law enforcement officers may use during ongoing protests in the Minneapolis area. Judge Kate Menendez’s ruling bars Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents from using tear gas, pepper spray, or non-lethal munitions against peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. The order, which also requires officers to have probable cause before detaining individuals, stems from a lawsuit alleging civil rights violations during demonstrations against "Operation Metro Surge," a federal immigration enforcement operation.

Tensions in the region have escalated following two recent shootings involving ICE agents, including the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good and a separate incident on Wednesday where an officer shot a man during an arrest. Demonstrations have persisted for over a week at federal facilities, with conflicting reports regarding violence. Department of Homeland Security officials alleged that rioters have assaulted law enforcement and vandalized property, while Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that protesters have struck officers with rocks and fireworks. Conversely, the judge's ruling noted that safely following officers at a distance does not justify police action.

Ahead of scheduled weekend protests, Minnesota officials urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. Major General Shawn Manke confirmed that the Minnesota National Guard has been mobilized following an order from Governor Tim Walz to assist if necessary. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen emphasized that while peaceful expression is protected, actions that harm people or destroy property will not be tolerated.

Separately, sources familiar with the matter stated that the U.S. Justice Department is investigating Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations of conspiracy to impede federal immigration agents. The inquiry reportedly centers on the officials' public statements regarding the deployment of federal agents. Additionally, the state of Minnesota and local cities have filed a lawsuit seeking to suspend the federal enforcement crackdown.

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• Reports of violence against officers Department of Homeland Security officials allege that rioters have assaulted law enforcement personnel and vandalized property during the demonstrations. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara supported these claims, stating that protesters have struck officers with rocks and fireworks.

• Investigation into interference with federal agents Sources familiar with the matter state that the U.S. Justice Department is investigating Governor Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey for alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration agents. The inquiry reportedly centers on public statements made by these officials regarding the deployment of federal agents in the region.

• Mobilization to maintain public order Amid the unrest, the Minnesota National Guard has been mobilized by Governor Walz to assist if necessary. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen emphasized that while peaceful expression is protected, actions that harm people or destroy property will not be tolerated.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader: Residents participating in Minneapolis protests are protected from specific non-lethal federal tactics like tear gas unless they obstruct authorities or lack probable cause for detention.

You may encounter heightened security and National Guard presence in Minnesota as officials mobilize resources to manage ongoing demonstrations and prevent property damage.

Immigration enforcement activities in the region may be paused or altered pending the outcome of lawsuits filed by state and local cities to suspend the federal operation.

The Justice Department investigation into the Governor and Mayor suggests potential future legal conflicts regarding the extent to which local officials can oppose federal agency deployments.

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