A federal court ruling that limited aggressive tactics by immigration authorities in Minnesota was temporarily halted by an appeals court on Wednesday.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decided to stay a federal judge's order that banned the use of tear gas and other measures against peaceful protesters while the administration appeals.

"Operation Metro Surge," an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota's Twin Cities, began in early December.

Attorneys for the government argued last week that the injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez "undermines the ability of officers to protect themselves and the public in potentially volatile situations."

Minnesota remains a primary target for immigration enforcement operations by agencies under the Department of Homeland Security. State and local officials who oppose the operation received federal grand jury subpoenas on Tuesday, demanding that they turn over records that could be evidence they attempted to obstruct the crackdown.

A political action committee founded by former Vice President Kamala Harris is urging donors to support and contribute to a defense fund for Governor Tim Walz, her potential running mate in 2024.

Harris's email referred to President Donald Trump, stating that the "Justice Department is tracking a list of Trump adversaries."

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, said in a statement titled "Minnesota Court Victory" that "this Department of Justice will protect federal law enforcement agents from criminals on the streets and activist judges in the courtroom."

Meanwhile, in Maine, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, stated that she would not authorize the issuance of undercover license plates requested by Customs and Border Protection, a decision that reflects her aversion to tactics used by immigration enforcement officials in other jurisdictions, the Associated Press reported.

Typically, undercover license plates assist law enforcement agencies in conducting surveillance and investigations without revealing their identities, and they are issued to government agencies for legitimate investigative purposes, providing anonymity.

Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 7.

"We haven't canceled existing plates, but we have stopped issuing new plates," Bellows said. "I want to be assured that Maine plates will not be used for illicit purposes."

Portland Public Schools, the largest and most diverse school district in Maine, announced on Tuesday that it locked the entrances of two schools for a few minutes due to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

"It is natural that tensions are escalating in our community with the increasing reports and rumors of immigration enforcement actions," the school stated.

Greg Bovino, head of the U.S. Border Patrol's operations targeting large cities under the Trump administration, said that over 10,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested in Minnesota over the past year, including "the most dangerous criminals" during the recent six-week "Operation Metro Surge," totaling 3,000.

Bovino defended his "troops," claiming their actions were "legal, ethical, and moral."

Julia De La Cruz, policy director for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, said there is no way for advocates to verify the accuracy of the government's arrest numbers and descriptions of detainees.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Reporter, NNP US / Special Contributor to this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com