ACLU of Minnesota Sues ICE Over Alleged Rights Violations
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, alleging that they have violated the rights of Minnesotans who observed recent enforcement actions. The lawsuit, which includes a 63-page complaint, claims that ICE agents have engaged in a pattern of behavior that includes pepper-spraying, violently subduing, arresting, and intimidating observers, including those who were simply standing on the sidewalk and exercising their First Amendment rights.
According to the lawsuit, the alleged incidents occurred during ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge,” which began on December 1 and has resulted in the arrest of over 400 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. The operation has been criticized by local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who have said that it is targeting specific communities, including Somali and Latino residents, and causing fear and a decline in business for immigrant-owned businesses.
Allegations of Excessive Force and Intimidation
The lawsuit includes allegations of excessive force and intimidation by ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray, physical violence, and verbal abuse. One plaintiff, Susan Tincher, a 55-year-old Minneapolis resident, described being grabbed and slammed into the snow by ICE agents after asking if they were with ICE. She was arrested and taken to the Whipple Building, where she was held for several hours before being released without charges.
Another plaintiff, Abdikadir Abdi Noor, a 43-year-old Somali man who is a U.S. citizen, was detained while observing ICE agents arrest three people near Karmel Mall in Minneapolis. He was tackled and arrested by ICE agents, who allegedly disparaged him for his national origin. The lawsuit also includes allegations of ICE agents ramming observers with their cars and using pepper balls and pepper spray on peaceful protesters.
ACLU Demands Action
The ACLU of Minnesota is demanding that the court halt ICE’s “attack” on the constitutional rights of Minnesotans and issue a permanent order prohibiting ICE agents from engaging in unlawful practices. The organization is also seeking a temporary restraining order to protect Minnesotans from further retaliation. “This lawsuit aims to vindicate the rights of Minnesotans who have been victimized by their own government simply for exercising their First Amendment rights,” said Alicia Granse, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Minnesota.
ICE has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The agency has said that its operation is targeting “criminal illegal aliens” with prior convictions for serious crimes, but critics argue that the operation is overly broad and is causing harm to innocent people. For more information, visit Here
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