Federal Appeals Court Sides with T

A federal appeals court handed the Trump administration a major win by lifting restrictions that limited how ICE and DHS agents could respond to protests in Minneapolis.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court injunction that had barred agents from detaining or dispersing protesters without probable cause.

The three-judge panel said video evidence showed both peaceful and aggressive behavior and that agents acted appropriately.

The ruling allows federal officers to resume full enforcement operations under Operation Metro Surge, the administration’s immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.

The lawsuit was filed by six protesters who claimed their constitutional rights were violated.

A district judge had sided with them, citing incidents involving pepper spray and arrests of people she said were peaceful observers.

The appeals court disagreed, noting videos of protesters

“blocking roadways, surrounding federal vehicles, and attempting to interfere with ongoing arrests.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the ruling, saying, “Liberal judges tried to handcuff our federal law enforcement officers,”

adding that the decision ensures those restrictions “cannot stand.”