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.
