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A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to appear in court, citing repeated failures by federal officials to comply with court-ordered releases of detained immigrants.

Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued the order requiring ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to personally explain why court orders have allegedly been ignored in immigration detention cases in the Minneapolis area. The judge described the situation as part of a broader pattern connected to “Operation Metro Surge,” a heightened immigration enforcement effort that has resulted in a surge of lawsuits.

The court’s action stems from a case involving a man who remained in ICE custody despite a judge’s order directing his release. Judge Schiltz expressed growing frustration, accusing Trump administration officials of slow-walking or defying court rulings. He warned that continued noncompliance could result in Lyons being held in contempt of court.

Legal experts note that it is extremely rare for a federal judge to order the head of a federal agency to appear in court, highlighting the seriousness of the alleged violations. Judge Schiltz stated that the court’s patience with federal respondents has reached its limit.

The judge also indicated he would cancel Lyons’ court appearance if the detained individual is released before the scheduled hearing. Until then, the case underscores rising tensions between federal courts and immigration enforcement agencies over detention practices and judicial authority.

The outcome of the hearing could have broader implications for immigration enforcement, detainee rights, and federal compliance with judicial orders nationwide.

If you’ve seen the Sphere in Las Vegas, you already know it stops people in their tracks. Now imagine that level of immersive, can’t-look-away entertainment right here in the DMV. That’s exactly what could be coming to National Harbor.

Sphere Entertainment Co., along with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and the Peterson Companies, has announced plans to bring a Sphere venue to National Harbor. If approved, it would be the second Sphere location in the United States — and the very first built using a smaller-scale design.

This isn’t just another venue. It’s the kind of project that changes how people experience concerts, shows, and live events. The proposed National Harbor Sphere would seat about 6,000 people and feature the same mind-blowing technology that made the Las Vegas location famous — including a massive 16K LED screen, immersive sound you feel in your body, haptic seating, and environmental effects that pull you straight into the moment.

And yes, the outside would be just as iconic. The venue would include the Exosphere — that giant, glowing exterior display that turns the building itself into art and conversation, visible far beyond the Harbor.

State and local leaders say this project is about more than entertainment. Governor Wes Moore called it one of the largest economic development efforts in Prince George’s County history, pointing to the jobs, tourism, and long-term growth it could bring to Maryland. County Executive Aisha Braveboy described it as a major win that shows Prince George’s County can compete — and win on a national level.

From an economic standpoint, the impact is huge. The project would receive about $200 million in combined state, local, and private incentives. It’s expected to create roughly 2,500 construction jobs and nearly 4,750 permanent jobs once the venue opens. Once fully operational, Sphere National Harbor could generate more than $1 billion a year in economic activity for the region.

National Harbor already welcomes more than 15 million visitors every year for dining, shopping, conventions, and entertainment along the Potomac. A Sphere venue would add a year-round attraction, drawing locals and tourists alike for immersive shows, concerts, and brand experiences unlike anything else in the area.

Nothing is finalized just yet — the project still needs approvals and finalized agreements — but the vision is clear. If Sphere comes to National Harbor, Maryland won’t just be adding another venue to the map. It’ll be stepping into the future of live entertainment, right in the heart of the DMV