Appeals court pauses order limiting force against Minnesota protesters

A federal appeals court on Jan. 21 paused a lower court's order that had ordered federal immigration agents in Minnesota to stop using aggressive tactics such as tear gas and arrest against peaceful protesters.

The move by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals delivered a win to the Trump administration, which had vowed to appeal the lower court's order that restrained federal agents.

In her order last week, U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez said agents appeared to have engaged in "chilling conduct" and "intimidation tactics." She noted actions such as the "drawing and pointing of weapons," the "use of pepper spray and other non-lethal munitions" and "actual and threatened arrest and detainment of protesters and observers."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking on CBS News' "Face the Nation," called Menendez's order "a little ridiculous" and said it didn't "change anything for how we're operating on the ground."

The appeals court decision comes as legal battles escalate between the Trump administration and local and state officials in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross.

The Department of Justice on Jan. 20 delivered subpoenas to the offices of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, among other Democratic officials, related to allegations that they impeded the work of federal agents. Walz and Frey called the move "a partisan distraction" and effort to "intimidate local leaders."

Meanwhile, Menendez is weighing whether to halt immigration operations after the state, Minneapolis and St. Paul filed a lawsuit accusing the federal government of violating state rights.

JD Vance to visit Minneapolis amid protests, ICE raids

Vice President JD Vance will visit Minneapolis on Thursday, Jan. 22, a person familiar with his plans said Jan. 20.

Vance will hold a roundtable with community members and deliver remarks in the city where the Trump administration is fighting to continue its immigration operations.

Vance as been among the most ardent supporters of the agent who shot and killed Renee Good. He called the shooting "a tragedy of her own making" and alleged she was part of vast left-wing extremist network.

– Francesca Chambers

Statewide 'ICE out of Minneapolis' protest planned for Friday

Organizers in Minneapolis asked people to not go to work, skip school and refrain from buying anything as part of a protest against the ongoing immigration operations in the state.

"Faith leaders, business owners, workers, and concerned Minnesotans have called for a statewide day of public mourning and pause through 'No Work, No School and No Shopping' and a massive, peaceful march in downtown Minneapolis that afternoon," said a news release about the demonstration scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23.

In recent weeks, schools across the state have held walk-outs as protesters on the street have clashed with federal agents and recorded immigration enforcement operations.

Off-duty cops targeted by immigration agents in Minnesota: officials

Immigration agents have stopped off-duty officers in Minnesota "solely because of the color of their skin," a group of local police chiefs alleged on Jan. 21.

Brooklyn Park Police Department Chief Mark Bruley described an incident in which ICE agents blocked in an off-duty officer and demanded proof of citizenship. Bruley said agents knocked the officer's phone out of her hand when she tried to record the interaction and that the federal agents "had their guns drawn."

"I wish I could tell you this was an isolated incident," Bruley said, flanked by other heads of local law enforcement agencies. "If it is happening to our officers, it pains me to think of how many of our community members are falling victim to this every day. It has to stop."

In a statement to USA TODAY, the Department of Homeland Security said, "DHS is able to find no record of ICE or Border Patrol stopping and questioning a police officer. Without a name, we cannot verify these claims. We will continue to look into these claims."

Feds investigate protest at St. Paul church

The Department of Justice opened a probe into a protest that interrupted a Sunday service at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A group of protestors entered Cities Church on Jan. 18, alleging that Pastor David Easterwood serves as the ICE St. Paul Field Office acting director. Videos show dozens of protesters changing "Renee Good," and "don't shoot," as some verbally confronting churchgoers.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ is investigating the protest as a potential violation of the FACE Act, a federal law that prohibits the use of force, threats or physical obstruction to block people from reproductive health care or access to religious worship under the First Amendment's right of religious freedom.

St. Paul Police Department Public Information Officer Nikki Muehlhausen told USA TODAY the department is actively investigating the protest as disorderly conduct. In a statement, Walz's office said the governor "in no way supports interrupting a place of worship."

– Greta Cross

What do we know so far about DOJ subpoenas

The subpoenas delivered by the FBI on Jan. 20 seek records and testimony related to an investigation into Democratic officials accused of impeding federal law enforcement, officials said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the subpoenas – sent to Walz, Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison – will help build a case against the officials.

"When you have subpoenas out, it is not rocket science. Investigations are done by acquiring records, investigations are then furthered by putting witnesses in the grand jury and making a presentment for a case with our partners at the Department of Justice," Kash said in an interview on Fox News' "Hannity."

Those subpoenaed all criticized the investigation, calling it political theater. Ellison noted on X that the subpoenas came within days of him suing the Trump administration for the federal intervention in Minnesota.

"Trump is weaponizing the justice system against any leader who dares to stand up to him," Ellison said.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Contributing: Reuters