A federal judge in Minnesota has warned Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons that he could face contempt charges for repeatedly ignoring court orders in immigration cases.
Court Orders Ignored
Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz set a hearing for Friday in Minneapolis. Lyons must explain why Juan Tobay Robles, arrested earlier this month, has not received a bond hearing or been released despite a court order.
“This is one of dozens of court orders that have not been followed in recent weeks,” Schiltz wrote. Moreover, he added that ordering a federal agency head to appear in person is “extraordinary,” but ICE’s repeated violations are equally serious.
If Tobay Robles is released before the hearing, the judge said Lyons’ appearance may be canceled.
Background on the Case
Tobay Robles, a citizen of Ecuador, first entered the U.S. illegally as a child around 1999. Then, his attorney, Graham Blair Ojala-Barbour, filed a petition on Jan. 8 challenging his detention at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
On Jan. 14, Schiltz ruled that Robles was not subject to mandatory detention and ordered a bond hearing within seven days. However, as of Jan. 23, the bond hearing had not occurred.
Administration Criticized
Schiltz highlighted the broader impact of the administration’s actions. The judge said ICE’s failure to comply has caused “significant hardship” for many immigrants, including those who have lived in the U.S. legally for years. In addition, he noted that thousands of agents were sent to Minnesota without preparing for hundreds of pending petitions or lawsuits.
President Trump and top officials have faced criticism for immigration operations in Minnesota. Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a border patrol agent, Trump announced that White House border czar Tom Homan would manage ICE operations on the ground. Meanwhile, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the focus would remain on arresting “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.”
