Top Minnesota ICE Lawyer Resigns Amid Surge in Immigration Lawsuits
The recent resignation of Minnesota’s top immigration lawyer has raised eyebrows amid an ongoing surge in immigration lawsuits. Jim Stolley, who served as the chief counsel for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, has retired after a lengthy career of 31 years with the agency. His departure comes during a tumultuous time for immigration litigation in the state.
Background on Immigration Lawsuits in Minnesota
The immigration crackdown initiated by the Trump administration in December has led to an unprecedented number of legal challenges. As a result, Minnesota’s judiciary system is currently overwhelmed with cases related to deportation orders and detention circumstances.
Legal Chaos in the Federal Court System
- Over 427 immigration lawsuits were filed in January 2026 alone, as noted by U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
- Immigration courts face a backlog of 3.8 million pending deportation cases, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
- Both the immigration judges and government lawyers are struggling to manage the influx of cases.
Federal Judge Patrick J. Schiltz criticized ICE for violating more than 100 judicial orders, which include mandates for the release of detainees. He pointed out that the agency likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal entities have in their entire existence.
Impact of Stolley’s Departure on ICE
Stolley’s resignation occurred shortly after a lawyer from ICE highlighted the unmanageable number of lawsuits, stating, “The system sucks. This job sucks.” This statement reflects the frustration faced by legal professionals struggling under the weight of these cases.
Stolley was recognized for his diligence and meticulousness during his tenure. Colleagues described him as an “extremely bright” professional committed to his work. His sudden exit raises concerns about the ability of ICE to handle the current surge in legal challenges.
Community Response and Future Implications
Legal experts, including Linus Chan from the University of Minnesota, expressed concern over Stolley’s abrupt departure. Chan highlighted that the exit of seasoned lawyers during such challenging times is never a good sign for the agency’s stability.
The implications of this resignation could be profound as ICE continues to navigate an increasingly complicated immigration landscape. With the court system under pressure, questions remain about how the agency will address the mounting legal issues effectively.
