A federal judge in Minnesota has temporarily barred US immigration agents from retaliating against individuals peacefully protesting or observing activities related to Operation Metro Surge, a Department of Homeland Security operation. The order issued by US District Judge Katherine Menendez prohibits arresting or detaining protesters "in retaliation for their protected conduct" unless there is probable cause or reasonable suspicion that they have committed a crime.
The ruling, which applies to all persons involved in Operation Metro Surge and related operations, also bars Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from stopping drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion. Judge Menendez noted that following federal agents at an appropriate distance "does not, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop."
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of plaintiffs who alleged they were arrested for lawfully protesting or documenting DHS activity. Federal officials disputed some of the claims, stating that crowds often became large and hostile, with people throwing objects and surrounding officers.
Menendez's order will be shared with all agents in the area within 72 hours. The ruling comes after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good during a raid days earlier.
The ruling, which applies to all persons involved in Operation Metro Surge and related operations, also bars Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from stopping drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion. Judge Menendez noted that following federal agents at an appropriate distance "does not, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop."
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of plaintiffs who alleged they were arrested for lawfully protesting or documenting DHS activity. Federal officials disputed some of the claims, stating that crowds often became large and hostile, with people throwing objects and surrounding officers.
Menendez's order will be shared with all agents in the area within 72 hours. The ruling comes after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good during a raid days earlier.
can u believe this?! Judge Katherine Menendez is like, literally saving lives here!! I mean, think about it, ppl are fighting for their rights and now they're being protected from getting arrested or detained just 'cause they're protesting 
It's all about the 1st Amendment right to free speech and assembly, you know? The ACLU did an amazing job of bringing this lawsuit forward and now agents have to actually have probable cause or reasonableness before making a move 
I'm so grateful for ppl like Judge Menendez who are willing to stand up for justice 
And btw, Renee Nicole Good's family deserves all the support and justice too 
. but seriously, this ruling is a big deal and hopefully sets a precedent for more cases like this. gotta love when justice prevails 
and btw, can't wait to see some new gadgets to celebrate! 
I gotta say, this judge just saved so many lives by blocking those immigration agents from chasing down protesters for exercising their rights 
. I'm no expert, but it seems like a bunch of overzealous agents trying to squash dissenting voices instead of addressing the real issues. The fact that they're claiming people were throwing objects and surrounding officers is just ridiculous 
. Kudos to Judge Menendez, and shoutout to the ACLU for fighting for our rights 
gotta feel good about this one... finally some accountability for our immigration system 
the way these ICE agents were treating protesters was completely out of line - peaceful protests are a fundamental right in this country 
and it's time someone held the system to account 
judge Menendez is doing her job by keeping the agents in check 
we need more leaders like Judge Menendez who care about the little guy 
! I mean, can you even imagine being targeted just for exercising your rights? 
Not cool at all, DHS 
. This ruling is like, super important for keeping our streets safe and peaceful 
. I'm glad the ACLU stepped in to fight for these people's rights 
. We need more cases like this to bring attention to the issue and push for real change 
. Let's keep pushing forward, everyone! 
#JusticeForRenee #FreeSpeechIsKey #PeacefulProtestMatters