A federal court judge Tuesday ruled to block federal immigration agents from using aggressive tactics against protesters and journalists.
In a case filed by several plaintiffs, including "the Portland Chicken," journalists, veterans, and an elderly couple, federal officers were accused of using violent tactics similar to the ones used in 2020 during "Operation Diligent Valor," KATU2 ABC reported.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon ruled that federal agents have used excessive force on demonstrators outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland.
He also ordered ICE agents to pause using chemical munitions on people and that they must continue that until "the decision is made on the merits," according to KATU2 ABC.
He wrote the following in his preamble:
"Our nation is now at a crossroads. In helping our nation find its constitutional compass, an impartial and independent judiciary operating under the rule of law has a responsibility that it may not shirk."
Simon issued a temporary restraining order and insisted his decision reflected the important tenet of free speech, newsgathering and nonviolent protest in a democratic society, comparing that to authoritarian regimes.
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case," the judge wrote in his decision.