Federal Judge Threatens Contempt for ICE and DOJ Officials Over Violated Orders in Minnesota
A federal judge in Minnesota has threatened Trump administration officials with contempt of court for failing to comply with previous orders regarding the arrest and detention of refugees. The escalating legal battle centers on Operation PARRIS, a controversial initiative that has sparked concerns about the unlawful targeting of resettled refugees.
Background: Operation PARRIS and the TRO
In January 2026, a federal judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) halting Operation PARRIS, which involved the arrest and detention of lawfully resettled refugees in Minnesota. The judge also mandated the immediate release of all detained refugees within the state and those transferred to Texas within five days. The lawsuit challenging the practice was brought by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), Berger Montague and the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CHRCL), with The Advocates for Human Rights serving as an organizational plaintiff.
Judge’s Recent Action and 210 Violated Orders
The recent action by the judge stems from the discovery that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Justice (DOJ) officials have not complied with 210 orders issued in 143 cases in Minnesota. The judge has ordered officials from both agencies to appear before the court to explain the non-compliance. News From The States reported on this development three hours ago.
Concerns Over ICE Practices and Potential Tenth Amendment Violations
The legal challenges extend beyond the immediate issue of the TRO. A separate lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul argues that Operation Metro Surge (as the Trump administration refers to the broader deployment of federal agents) violates the Tenth Amendment. Plaintiffs contend the administration is attempting to coerce the state into abandoning its “sanctuary” laws, which limit state and local assistance to federal immigration enforcement. State Court Report details these arguments, noting that the judge emphasized her initial ruling doesn’t necessarily foreshadow a final decision.
Immediate Impact and Refugee Concerns
Prior to the TRO, refugees in Minnesota lived in fear of being arrested and detained, with some being transferred to Texas. Kimberly Grano, Staff Attorney at IRAP, stated that the TRO was a necessary step to “place in place desperately-needed guardrails on ICE and protect resettled refugees from being unlawfully targeted for arrest and detention.” Refugee Rights published a press release detailing these concerns on January 28, 2026.
Ongoing Legal Battles
The ultimate outcome of these cases remains uncertain, with any decisions from the district court likely to be appealed. The legal battles highlight the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and states and cities with more protective policies for immigrants and refugees.