Federal immigration officers confront protesters outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
A federal appeals court has extended a pause on an earlier ruling that would’ve restricted how federal agents can respond to anti-immigration enforcement protesters.
The appellate court granted an initial pause at the request of federal agents last week. On Monday, a three-judge appellate panel for the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals extended that pause, finding the federal government’s argument is likely to win on further appeal.
U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Menendez had issued an order prohibiting immigration agents in Minnesota from arresting, detaining, or retaliating against peaceful protesters or observers. The order included provisions regarding traffic stops on legal observers and the use of tear gas.
However, the government argued that the order wasn’t workable in day-to-day operations for its agents.
The appellate panel agreed that Menendez’s ruling was “too broad” and “too vague,” adding that even the more specific provisions require agents to “predict what the district court would consider ‘peaceful and unobstructive protest activity.’”
Menendez issued her ruling after a group of citizens accused federal agents of depriving them of civil rights.
Dozens of other challenges have been filed amid the surge of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota since the start of last month.
Several major cases, including the state’s effort to halt the surge and preserve evidence in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, are still under judicial advisement. Other rulings have taken issue with immigration operations.
On Monday, Minnesota’s chief federal judge ordered the head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appear in person over his agency’s failure to comply with judicial orders.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS continues to track all of the developments related to ICE operations in the state. Follow KSTP-TV on social media at the links below and download the KSTP app to avoid missing any updates.
