MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a landmark ruling on Friday, a U.S. District Judge in Minnesota determined that federal officers involved in the recent large-scale immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area are prohibited from detaining or using tear gas against peaceful protesters. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez's decision comes as a response to a lawsuit filed in December by six local activists, who sought to challenge the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers in the region.

Since early December, thousands of community members have been closely monitoring the enforcement activities amid heightened tensions surrounding the Trump administration's immigration policies. The activists, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, claimed that the federal officers were infringing upon the constitutional rights of Twin Cities residents with their aggressive tactics.

While government attorneys defended the actions of the officers, asserting they were operating within their legal authority and taking necessary precautions for their safety, Judge Menendez's ruling reinforces the legal protections for free assembly and expression. This case marks a pivotal moment for both activists and federal authorities as they navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement and civil rights.