‘If I am forced to act, it will be solved quickly’: Donald Trump warns after judge limits Minnesota ICE raids
Trump’s comments came as a federal court placed new limits on how immigration officers may operate during a major enforcement drive in the Minneapolis–St Paul area.
A demonstrator holds a sign outside of the Tesla Diner during a protest to denounce the Trump administration's immigration enforcement polices. (Photo: AP)
US President Donald Trump warned Minnesota leaders that federal intervention could follow unrest linked to immigration enforcement. His warning came after a judge ruled that federal agents cannot detain or use force against peaceful protesters observing immigration operations.
“In Minnesota, the Troublemakers, Agitators, and Insurrectionists are, in many cases, highly paid professionals,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “The Governor and Mayor don’t know what to do… If, and when, I am forced to act, it will be solved, QUICKLY and EFFECTIVELY!”
Trump’s comments came as a federal court placed new limits on how immigration officers may operate during a major enforcement drive in the Minneapolis–St Paul area.
Judge Restricts Detentions and Use of Force
US District Judge Kate Menendez ruled that federal officers involved in the operation cannot detain, arrest or deploy tear gas against protesters who are not obstructing or interfering with law enforcement.
The judge said that following or observing immigration agents “at an appropriate distance” does not by itself provide reasonable suspicion for a vehicle stop or detention. Officers must have probable cause or reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed in December by six Minnesota activists, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, who argued that federal officers were violating constitutional rights.
Escalating Tensions During Crackdown
Federal agents and demonstrators have clashed repeatedly since the enforcement campaign began last month. Tensions intensified after an immigration officer fatally shot Renee Good on January 7 as she drove away from a scene in Minneapolis. The shooting was captured on video.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the operation, saying officers were acting lawfully. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said authorities were taking “appropriate and constitutional measures” to protect officers and the public.
Demonstrators march and hold signs outside the Tesla Diner during a protest to denounce the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement polices. (Photo: AP)
“Rioting is dangerous,” she said. “Obstructing law enforcement is a federal crime, and assaulting law enforcement is a felony.”
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Menendez is also hearing a separate lawsuit by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul seeking to suspend the enforcement operation. She has ordered additional legal briefs from both sides.
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A demonstrator holds a sign outside of the Tesla Diner during a protest to denounce the Trump administration's immigration enforcement polices. (Photo: AP) 
