US Court Lifts Restrictions on ICE Force, Pepper Spray Against Minnesota Protesters

• A federal appeals court temporarily removed restrictions on ICE operations during Minnesota protests, a win for the Trump administration.
• The Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals paused a preliminary injunction by Judge Katherine Menendez that limited ICE's authority.
• Judge Menendez's injunction had barred ICE from arresting peaceful protesters, using pepper spray, and stopping drivers without cause, citing a "chilling effect" on First Amendment rights.
• DHS defended ICE tactics, stating the agency acts within constitutional boundaries to uphold law and protect officers from "dangerous rioters."
• The ruling precedes Vice-President JD Vance's visit to Minneapolis to discuss "restoring law and order," amid backlash over a federal agent's killing of Renee Good.

Why It Matters: US appeals court temporarily allows ICE to use force and pepper spray against Minnesota protesters.