Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino affirmed the continued use of tear gas against violent protesters during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, despite a federal judge’s ruling prohibiting its use against peaceful demonstrators. The judge’s decision, backed by the ACLU, mandates that federal agents must have probable cause to detain or deploy non-lethal munitions against protesters. Tensions have escalated following a shooting involving an ICE agent, prompting calls for peaceful demonstrations. DHS officials emphasize that while they respect First Amendment rights, they will act against rioting and violence.
