MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz of Minnesota has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday. This action follows the Trump administration's failure to comply with court mandates requiring hearings for detained immigrants.
In his order, Judge Schiltz expressed frustration with the administration's handling of bond hearings, stating, This Court has been extremely patient with respondents, even though respondents decided to send thousands of agents to Minnesota to detain aliens without making any provision for dealing with the hundreds of habeas petitions and other lawsuits that were sure to result.
This ruling comes just after President Trump tasked border czar Tom Homan with overseeing immigration enforcement in Minnesota amid rising concerns following two deaths linked to immigration enforcement actions this month.
Judge Schiltz emphasized the need for accountability, noting, Unfortunately, though, the violations continue. He recognizes that calling a federal agency head to court is an extraordinary measure, but insists the situation merits it due to ICE's ongoing non-compliance with court orders.
The order specifically details a case involving a petitioner identified only as Juan T.R., who has been awaiting a bond hearing since a January 14 petition granted by the court. Legal representatives reported that the petitioner remains in detention, prompting the court to take action.
If the petitioner is released before Lyons' scheduled appearance, the judge indicated he may cancel the order.
