Federal judge orders lawful refugees to be flown back to Minnesota, released

A federal judge in Minneapolis issued a temporary restraining order to protect lawful refugees in Minnesota from unwarranted arrest and detention by federal officers under Operation PARRIS. The judge, John Tunheim, emphasized refugees’ legal rights to live peacefully in the U.S. and criticized the “terror” of being detained without cause. The order mandates the release of detained refugees, both in Minnesota and Texas, and prohibits their release in distant locations or harsh conditions.

This decision follows a class action lawsuit and comes amid concerns that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has repeatedly violated court orders, with one judge noting ICE’s non-compliance exceeds that of many agencies in their entire history. The Department of Homeland Security initiated Operation PARRIS to reevaluate the refugee status of individuals awaiting Green Cards, leading to arrests described by advocates as warrantless and aggressive.

The ruling applies to refugees not facing removal proceedings and highlights the importance of due process. While the federal government is expected to appeal, the judge’s order underscores the principle that “ICE is not a law unto itself” and must adhere to judicial directives.

(Source：St. Paul Pioneer Press)