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A Minnesota judge has summoned acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons to explain why he should not face contempt charges for allegedly disregarding a prior court order.
The case centers around a habeas petition submitted on behalf of a detainee identified as Juan T.R., granted by the court on January 14, 2026. The ruling mandated that respondents conduct a bond hearing for T.R. within seven days. The judge explicitly warned that failing to hold the hearing within this timeframe would necessitate T.R.’s immediate release. However, a January 26 order revealed that as of January 23, T.R.’s legal counsel informed the court that the mandated hearing had not occurred, and T.R. remained in custody.
In a recent order issued on Monday, Judge Patrick J. Schiltz instructed Lyons to appear in court at 1:00 p.m. local time on Friday. Lyons must demonstrate why he should not be held in contempt for violating the January 14 order. Nonetheless, Judge Schiltz indicated that the hearing would be canceled if ICE released T.R. before Friday afternoon.
Judge Schiltz expressed his frustration, stating, “This Court has been extremely patient with respondents. Despite sending thousands of agents to Minnesota to detain individuals, they have failed to manage the influx of habeas petitions and lawsuits that ensued.” His tone reflected a growing impatience, as he continued by saying, “The Court’s patience is at an end. Accordingly, I will order Todd Lyons, the Acting Director of ICE, to personally appear before the Court to explain his non-compliance with the Court’s orders.”
Furthermore, Schiltz pointed out that various officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Lyons, and the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul office, David Easterwood, had assured the Court of their commitment to comply with judicial directives. However, these assurances have not translated into compliance, and violations have persisted.
Though Judge Schiltz acknowledged that summoning Lyons personally represents an extraordinary measure, he felt compelled to act due to the extent of ICE’s non-compliance. Schiltz noted that previous attempts to resolve the issues fell short, leading to this decisive step.
Compounding the situation, federal immigration enforcement authorities have faced mounting pressure in Minnesota following a series of violent incidents. These have underscored the ongoing tension between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
Recent Shootings Heighten Tensions
Earlier this month, two fatal shootings have intensified scrutiny of ICE in Minnesota. The first incident involved 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was killed on January 7. Her death ignited protests against federal enforcement actions and drew the attention of state leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
The second shooting incident involved Border Patrol agents fatally shooting Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This tragic event occurred during an immigration enforcement operation targeting Jose Huerta-Chuma, a known illegal immigrant with a history of criminal offenses, including domestic assault and driving without a valid license.
Witnesses and information provided by Homeland Security officials indicate that Pretti approached Border Patrol agents while armed and failed to comply with disarmament attempts. However, Pretti’s family disputes the government’s claims, asserting he was not holding a weapon at the time of the confrontation. They described the government’s narrative as abhorrent and inconsistent with the reality of the incident.
In a statement, Pretti’s family shared their devastation, stating, “The sickening lies spread by the administration are reprehensible. Our son was not holding a gun; he had his phone in one hand and tried to protect a woman during a chaotic moment. We demand the truth be acknowledged. He was a good man.”
Political Responses and Community Impact
These tragic events have had a ripple effect throughout the community. Politicians and law enforcement leaders have been vocal, calling for better oversight and accountability within federal immigration enforcement. They are demanding that federal agencies coordinate more efficiently with local authorities to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to violence.
Schiltz’s decision to call Lyons to court reflects a growing frustration among state leaders regarding the actions of federal agencies. Advocates are urging for immigration reform that balances enforcement with human rights, particularly in light of recent fatalities.
As public pressure mounts, the case of Juan T.R. serves as a focal point in the ongoing debate about immigration policy and enforcement strategies. Advocates for reform hope to see a shift toward more humane practices, highlighting the need for comprehensive changes.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comments regarding these recent events and the implications of the judge’s order.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
