In a significant ruling, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz of the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis has criticized the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for breaching nearly 100 court orders within the past month alone. This startling revelation raises serious questions about the agency’s adherence to legal protocols, irrespective of political affiliations.
In a court filing made on Wednesday, Judge Schiltz expressed his deep concern over ICE’s conduct, stating, “This list should give pause to anyone — no matter his or her political beliefs — who cares about the rule of law.” The judge highlighted the alarming frequency of these violations, noting that ICE may have infringed upon more court orders in January 2026 than many federal agencies have throughout their entire operational histories.
This issue has prompted Judge Schiltz to call for accountability, indicating his intention to hold a hearing where acting ICE Director Todd Lyons must justify why he should not be held in contempt of court for these persistent violations. The judge asserted that failure to comply with future judicial orders could lead to the requirement that Lyons or other responsible government officials personally appear in court to explain their actions.
Schiltz remarked, “ICE is not a law unto itself,” and underscored the agency’s right to contest court orders. However, he emphasized, “ICE must follow those orders unless and until they are overturned or vacated.”
The violations cited by Judge Schiltz pertained primarily to “habeas” cases, which challenge the legality of an individual’s detention. The unfolding situation reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. and reinforces the critical need for compliance with judicial mandates, a cornerstone of the rule of law.
In a turn of events, the contempt proceedings initially set for Friday against Lyons were canceled by the judge, suggesting a potential path for resolution without immediate court sanctions, yet the underlying issues concerning ICE’s operational conduct remain pressing and significant.