Minnesota Judge Orders ICE Director To Appear In Court
2 hours ago
A chief federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to appear in court this Friday to explain why the agency has repeatedly failed to comply with court orders requiring timely bond hearings for detained immigrants.
Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz described the violations as “extraordinary” and warned that he could hold ICE Director Todd Lyons in contempt if the agency cannot show cause for its noncompliance.
The judge’s order stems from a broader legal confrontation over ICE’s handling of immigration detentions in Minnesota, where the Trump administration deployed thousands of federal agents as part of an enforcement surge. Attorneys for detained migrants argued they were denied their constitutional right to bond hearings within a required timeframe.
Schiltz said he would cancel Lyons’ required appearance if the immigrant at the center of the case is released before Friday. The court’s decision underscores growing tensions between the judiciary and federal immigration authorities over enforcement practices and detainee rights.
The order arrives amid heightened scrutiny of ICE operations in Minnesota after two fatal encounters involving the agency earlier this month, which have intensified public protests and political debate.
Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz described the violations as “extraordinary” and warned that he could hold ICE Director Todd Lyons in contempt if the agency cannot show cause for its noncompliance.
The judge’s order stems from a broader legal confrontation over ICE’s handling of immigration detentions in Minnesota, where the Trump administration deployed thousands of federal agents as part of an enforcement surge. Attorneys for detained migrants argued they were denied their constitutional right to bond hearings within a required timeframe.
Schiltz said he would cancel Lyons’ required appearance if the immigrant at the center of the case is released before Friday. The court’s decision underscores growing tensions between the judiciary and federal immigration authorities over enforcement practices and detainee rights.
The order arrives amid heightened scrutiny of ICE operations in Minnesota after two fatal encounters involving the agency earlier this month, which have intensified public protests and political debate.
