Judge Keeps Block on Minnesota Refugee Detentions, Orders DHS to Produce Records

Overview

• U.S. District Judge John Tunheim on Monday refused to dissolve a temporary restraining order that halts arrests of legally admitted refugees in Minnesota.
• The order, first issued in late January, remains in effect through at least Feb. 25 or until the court rules on longer-term relief.
• The ruling applies only within Minnesota and pauses referrals for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention under Operation PARRIS.
• The judge cited extensive vetting of the refugees, risk of irreparable harm from sudden detention, and a likelihood that the policy violates the law.
• The government must turn over policy documents and report by 5 p.m. Wednesday on the release and return of refugees previously taken into ICE custody.