Minnesota ICE Chief Counsel Retires as Immigration Cases Surge

The Chief Counsel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, Jim Stolley, has officially retired after 31 years. His departure coincides with growing concerns over an increase in immigration cases facing the agency. The announcement was made by Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, who confirmed that Stolley’s retirement was planned in advance.

Surging Immigration Cases in Minnesota

The state has seen a significant rise in immigration cases since December, when the Trump administration ramped up enforcement efforts. This surge has strained resources, leading to challenges in handling the influx of cases.

Controversial Remarks from ICE Attorney

• ICE attorney Julie Le was removed from her position after expressing frustration during a court hearing.
• She candidly stated, “this job sucks,” highlighting the overwhelming workload.
• Her comments underscored the lack of legal personnel, complicating compliance with court orders.

Le’s comments occurred before Stolley’s retirement, providing insight into the operational difficulties at ICE. She indicated that correcting errors was a cumbersome process and that the staff available was insufficient to manage the caseload effectively.

Response from the Trump Administration

In light of these challenges, the Trump administration announced a scale-back of immigration operations in Minnesota. This includes the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal law enforcement personnel. President Trump indicated a shift towards a “softer touch” in enforcement tactics while maintaining a firm stance on immigration issues.

Community Impact and Protests

The intensified immigration enforcement has not come without controversy. Recently, two U.S. citizens were shot by federal agents in Minnesota, triggering widespread protests within the community. Local and state officials have voiced their discontent, urging the federal judiciary to intervene, though their efforts to temporarily halt operations were unsuccessful.

As ICE navigates these tumultuous waters, the retirement of Chief Counsel Jim Stolley marks a significant moment amid an escalating crisis in immigration enforcement in Minnesota.