The Trump administration scored a clear legal win on Monday as the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court ruling that had tied the hands of ICE agents dealing with anti-ICE agitators in Minnesota. Yes, actual law enforcement can now do law enforcement again—what a concept.
The three-judge panel placed a stay on a previous decision that had blocked federal officers from arresting, detaining, pepper-spraying, or responding to protesters in Minneapolis without probable cause while anti-ICE agitators continued confronting authorities during enforcement operations.
“We accessed and viewed the same videos the district court did,” the appeals court stated. “What they show is observers and protesters engaging in a wide range of conduct, some of it peaceful but much of it not. They also show federal agents responding in various ways.” Translation: it wasn’t exactly a peaceful poetry reading out there.
The lawsuit claimed that federal authorities violated the civil rights of six protesters. However, just last week the court temporarily lifted restrictions on ICE agents’ use of force, and Monday’s ruling made it official. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the court issued a “FULL STAY.”
“Liberal judges tried to handcuff our federal law enforcement officers, restrict their actions, and put their safety at risk when responding to violent agitators,” Bondi wrote on X. “The DOJ went to court. We got a temporary stay. NOW, the 8th Circuit has fully agreed that this reckless attempt to undermine law enforcement cannot stand.” Funny how defending officers doing their jobs suddenly looks controversial in some circles.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez had sided with protesters and issued a preliminary injunction after they sued the Department of Homeland Security and ICE over their treatment during immigration enforcement operations tied to Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities.
Menendez claimed the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in arguing that federal agents violated their First and Fourth Amendment rights. She pointed to incidents where ICE agents allegedly used pepper spray, pointed weapons, made arrests, and conducted traffic stops against individuals who were peacefully observing or protesting immigration enforcement.
Now, thanks to the appeals court, those restrictions are no longer standing in the way of federal agents responding to real-world confrontations, restoring their ability to protect themselves and enforce the law. It’s a strong reminder that public safety still matters—and under President Trump, law enforcement doesn’t have to apologize for doing its job.
