A U.S. federal appeals court overturned a lower court ruling that had limited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents' tactics while dealing with anti-immigration enforcement protesters in Minnesota. The decision restores the Trump administration's law enforcement authority in local immigration operations.
On the 26th (local time), Fox News reported that the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a three-judge panel decision, fully stayed the effect of a preliminary injunction issued by a federal district court in Minnesota. The lower court had barred ICE agents in Minneapolis from arresting or detaining protesters against immigration enforcement without substantial probability, using pepper spray, or taking retaliatory measures.
In its opinion, the appeals court said it had "reviewed the same footage the district court examined," noting that "the video included not only peaceful conduct but also numerous violent and threatening acts, and federal agents responded to these in various ways."
The lawsuit was filed by six protesters who were observing or objecting to immigration enforcement operations, claiming that federal authorities violated their constitutional rights. The lower court granted the injunction, saying federal agents likely infringed the protesters' First and Fourth Amendment rights.
The appeals court, however, put the brakes on that finding. Pam Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, said, "Liberal-leaning judges tied the hands of federal law enforcement officers and jeopardized safety," adding, "The Department of Justice appealed, and the appeals court determined such efforts cannot stand."
The Trump administration said the ruling removed legal constraints on ongoing immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Federal authorities are now expected to be able to take a tougher approach even in areas where anti-immigration enforcement protests continue.