Noem Calls Court Order ‘Ridiculous’ as Judge Cites ICE Use of Chemical Agents

In a televised interview on Sunday, Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, denied that her department had used pepper spray and other methods that were banned by a court order last week. However, when she was shown a video of federal agents using these methods against crowds in Minnesota, she changed her mind and blamed the protesters. Ms. Noem stated on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” , “That federal order was a little ridiculous, because that federal judge came down and told us we couldn’t do what we already aren’t doing,” But when she was shown a video that backed up what she had told the court, she changed her mind. She added that protesters were too responsible for the use of force and that federal authorities “only use those chemical agents when there’s violence happening and perpetuating.”

Kate M. Menendez of the Federal District Court in Minnesota ruled on Friday that chemical agents had been used against demonstrators at least four times and added that the proof of their use was "uncontroverted." The court said in her injunction that "federal agents used chemical irritants" to penalize demonstrators for exercising their "protected First Amendment rights to assemble and to observe and protest ICE operations." Judge Menendez threw out the government's assertions that all use of pepper spray and other chemical irritants occurred after agents were "attacked." He said that "protected conduct," such protesting and watching the operations, had "motivated" the agents' "adverse actions." Judge Menendez said that agents may not use "crowd dispersal tools" against those who were protesting protected speech. He also said that agents could not stop or detain protesters in cars who were not "forcibly obstructing or interfering with" agents.

Why This News Matters:

This story makes us think about the importance of civil rights, the responsibilities of the government, and whether violence is a solution. The judge did not say what Kristi Noem said which is a great example that shows that whatever officials say isn't always true. The choice makes it clear that anyone can protest and watch the police, even if they are worried about immigration issues. Things have gotten worse since Renee, but the Justice Department hasn't looked into the agent who was involved. Someone shot Good and killed him. People don't trust the government as much now that there have been more protests.

DHS Blames Protesters After ICE Shooting Sparks Lawsuit and Injunction

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, didn't answer Ms. Noem's first denial and then change of opinion regarding immigration authorities using force when asked about Ms. Noem's comments. She claimed that it is against the law to attack police officers and get in their way. She further reported that demonstrators had smashed police cars and hit them with fireworks and autos. The US Department of Homeland Security claimed it is doing everything it can to protect officers.

Last week, people who didn't like the crackdown or saw the department's activity in Minnesota submitted a complaint that resulted to the injunction. The case began in December. An immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was not armed, in Minneapolis on January 7. People protested even more against the crackdown after this. Ms. Good, 37, had partially blocked a lane where agents were working. When they instructed her to get out of her SUV, she didn't respond. An agent near the front of her car shot at her as she was about to leave.

Justice Department Rejects Investigation of ICE Shooting as Prosecutors Resign

On Sunday, Todd Blanche, the Deputy Attorney General, defended the Justice Department’s decision not to investigate the agent who mortally shot Ms. Good. “We investigate when it’s appropriate to investigate, and that is not the case here,” Mr. Blanche stated on Fox News Sunday. The Justice Department has instead initiated an investigation into Ms. Good’s widow, leading to the resignation of several federal prosecutors within the state. Ms. Noem stated during the interview that her department was undertaking a distinct, internal review of the agent's conduct.

Although critics of the government's tactics argue that the operations have indiscriminately detained individuals based on racial and ethnic profiling, Donald Trump and members of his administration maintain that they are targeted at violent offenders. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have consistently stated that 70 percent of those detained have been charged or convicted of an offense. Ms. Noem stated on Sunday that every individual apprehended by immigration authorities had violated the law. Ms. McLaughlin did not provide a direct response to that statement; however, she reiterated that seventy percent had been convicted or formally charged with some form of criminal offense.

Thousands of Federal Agents Deployed in Minneapolis as Troops Stand By

Numerous federal agents have been dispatched to the Minneapolis region in recent weeks to conduct immigration enforcement operations. A U.S. defense official informed CBS News that approximately 1,500 active-duty service members are on standby in Alaska for potential deployment to Minneapolis. The soldiers are members of the 11th Airborne Division stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks. No determination has yet been reached regarding the deployment of the personnel. The National Guard of the state has been mobilized and placed on alert.

The White House issued a formal critique of the decision. “This absurd ruling embraces a dishonest, left-wing narrative,” stated spokesperson Abigail Jackson to Politico. Furthermore, on Friday, the Department of Justice announced that it was conducting an investigation into Tim Walz and Jacob Frey regarding alleged efforts to obstruct federal immigration enforcement activities. “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic,” Walz stated in a formal declaration.