Judge Weighs Injunction Against Las Vegas Police
A federal court is reviewing a request to restrict how the local police department manages protest dispersal.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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A federal judge is considering a request for an injunction against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department following a 2025 civil rights lawsuit. The legal action seeks to limit how police manage protests and use non-lethal munitions like pepperballs.
Why it matters
The injunction request aims to protect First Amendment rights by preventing potential chilling effects on public protest. Plaintiffs argue the measures are necessary to avoid police reprisal for those exercising their right to demonstrate.
Chief U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon held a hearing on October 28, 2026, to review the request for a court-ordered injunction. Legal representatives are seeking to restrict police use of pepperballs and the enforcement of dispersal orders.
The players
Kathleen Cavalaro
She is the plaintiff who initiated a civil rights lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department following her arrest at a public protest.
Andrew Gordon
He is the Chief U.S. District Judge presiding over the federal hearing regarding the requested injunction against local law enforcement.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The local law enforcement agency currently facing a federal lawsuit and a potential injunction regarding its handling of public protests.
The details
Kathleen Cavalaro filed the lawsuit alleging civil rights violations and the fabrication of evidence after she was shot with pepperballs and arrested at a 2025 anti-ICE protest. Attorneys are asking the court to prohibit the use of pepperballs unless a target poses a physical threat or is committing serious criminal behavior.
Timeline
2020: Protesters were shot with pepperballs during BLM protests.
June 11, 2025: Cavalaro attended an anti-ICE protest.
2025: Cavalaro filed a lawsuit against Metro.
October 28, 2026: Judge held a hearing on the injunction request.
Legal Context
The current litigation follows a pattern of legal challenges to police crowd-control tactics that became prominent during the 2020 BLM protests. These cases continue to shape how departments navigate the balance between public safety and constitutional rights.
Local residents may see changes in how police respond to future public gatherings if the court limits the use of dispersal orders. The case directly impacts the standard procedures used by police to maintain safety during demonstrations in the city.
The takeaway
The court's decision will establish clear boundaries for how police munitions are deployed against protesters. This ruling could significantly alter the standard of conduct for law enforcement during future public demonstrations.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight at Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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Should courts impose stricter limits on how local police manage and disperse public protests?
