Judge Orders ICE Head to Court Over Detainees’ Due Process Denial
A federal judge has ordered the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to explain why detainees are being denied due process. This ruling comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants in detention.
ICE Head Ordered to Court
On Monday, Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued a court order requiring ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to appear in Minneapolis on Friday. The judge’s directive emphasizes the Trump administration’s failure to adhere to judicial mandates regarding the timely hearings for detained immigrants.
Details of the Court Order
Judge Schiltz expressed frustration over ICE’s lack of compliance. He noted that while the agency sends thousands of agents to Minnesota for detentions, it neglects its legal obligations to process habeas petitions and other lawsuits. The order states:
- “This court has been extremely patient with respondents.”
- “Unfortunately, the violations continue.”
During the upcoming court appearance, Lyons must justify why he should not be held in contempt. The hearing is set for 1 p.m. on Friday.
Government Response and Detainee Status
The federal government has until the end of the week to release a detainee linked to this case. The court granted the detainee’s petition on January 14. However, as of January 23, the individual remained in custody, according to their legal counsel.
Context of the Situation
This ruling follows a directive from President Donald Trump for Border Czar Tom Homan to take control of Operation Metro Surge. This announcement came just days after federal agents were involved in a fatal shooting incident.
As the situation develops, ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have not yet commented on the court’s order.
