A federal judge in Minnesota on Wednesday temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from arresting or detaining refugees who have not yet received green cards, ruling that the practice likely violates federal law.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration launched an operation to target and reexamine the legal status of thousands of refugees in Minnesota who have not yet secured permanent residency status. The Trump administration argued that the "sweeping initiative" intended to reevaluate refugee cases "through new background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims."
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Plaintiffs sued, arguing that operation allowed the arrest and detention of refugees who have already undergone rigorous background checks and vetting and were merely awaiting their green cards. None have been charged with any ground for removal from the country.
U.S. District Court Judge John R. Tunheim sided with the plaintiffs, ruling that the Trump administration cannot arrest or detain anyone in Minnesota "on the basis that they are a refugee who has not yet adjusted to lawful permanent resident status." The judge also ordered the Trump administration to immediately release those who are currently in detention.
"This case squarely presents the issue of whether the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has violated provisions of federal statute and longstanding agency practice by implementing a policy that involves arresting and detaining individuals who are lawful refugees in Minnesota," Judge Tunheim stated. "These individuals were admitted to the country, have followed the rules, and are waiting to have their status adjusted to lawful permanent residents of the United States."
The ruling comes amid a massive immigration crackdown by the Trump administration in Minnesota, which has resulted in widespread protests and the deaths of multiple people — including Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom died during altercations with federal immigration officers.
