Courts are mulling whether ICE violated observers' civil rights. But does ICE listen to courts?

Source: MinnPost URL: https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/01/courts-are-mulling-whether-ice-violated-observers-civil-rights-lawsuits/ Authors: Cleo Krejci and Matthew Blake Published: January 22, 2026

Key Facts

The Incident: A northeast Minneapolis resident named Ethan was pepper-sprayed by a federal agent while recording an ICE detention on a Sunday in January 2026.

Judge's Ruling: Federal Judge Katherine Menendez issued an 83-page order prohibiting ICE from:

• Using pepper spray against peaceful observers
• Drawing/pointing weapons at protesters
• Stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion of interference

Appeals Court Action: Six days after the ruling, a federal appeals court paused Menendez's order while both sides prepared arguments.

The Legal Landscape

• The ACLU filed suit on behalf of six complainants and all Twin Cities observers during "Operation Metro Surge"
• Minnesota AG Keith Ellison filed a separate suit arguing ICE violates state sovereignty
• The Trump administration called the ruling "replete with vague terms"

Did the Order Change Behavior?

Reports conflict. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the order "didn't change anything." Attorney William Stancil observed reduced aggression during the order's brief window, but reported being tear-gassed twice after it was paused.

Expert Assessment

Mitchell Hamline law professor Peter Larsen noted the administration has shown a pattern of delayed compliance, with appeals likely extending through multiple court levels.