Minneapolis ICE Protest Restriction Ruling: Judge Curbs Federal Tactics
On January 17, 2026, a federal judge issued the Minneapolis ICE protest restriction ruling, barring agents from using pepper spray on peaceful protesters. The White House and DOJ have reacted sharply.
A federal judge just drew a line in the snow. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis are now barred from pepper-spraying peaceful protesters or stopping cars without clear evidence of a crime.
The Minneapolis ICE Protest Restriction Ruling Explained
Judge Katherine Menendez issued an 83-page order late Friday night, effectively tying the hands of federal agents ahead of planned weekend demonstrations. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed in December and follows the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7.
The order specifically prohibits agents from arresting or using non-lethal munitions like pepper spray against those engaged in "peaceful and unobstructive protest activity." Notably, the judge ruled that safely following federal agents at a distance doesn't constitute "reasonable suspicion" for a vehicle stop—a common tactic used during recent enforcement actions.
White House Slams 'Absurd' Court Decision
The backlash from the White House was immediate. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson labeled the decision an "absurd ruling" that embraces a "dishonest, left-wing narrative." Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains it's taking constitutional measures to protect its officers from what it describes as dangerous rioters.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Justice Department announced an investigation into Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly impeding ICE operations. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that "no one is above the law," while Walz countered by calling the probe an "authoritarian tactic."
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