Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Refugee Deportation Policy in Minnesota
A federal judge in Minnesota has extended protection for refugees from a controversial Trump administration policy that would have allowed mass arrests and deportations of legally admitted refugees.
U.S. District Judge John Tunheim converted a temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction, blocking the Department of Homeland Security from implementing its February 18 policy in Minnesota. The policy would have required refugees to return to federal custody one year after admission while their green card applications are reviewed.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
In a 66-page opinion, Judge Tunheim criticized the administration's interpretation of immigration law, stating it would "terrorize refugees who immigrated to this country under the promise that they would be welcomed."
The judge highlighted the case of a refugee identified as D. Doe, who was arrested in January under false pretenses about a car accident, then flown to Texas in shackles for 16 hours of interrogation before being released on the streets.
Administration Defends Policy
The Trump administration maintains it has the authority to detain potentially tens of thousands of legally admitted refugees who don't yet have green cards. Justice Department attorney Brantley Mayers argued the government should have this right, though indicated arrests wouldn't always occur.
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have not responded to requests for comment on the ruling.
Limited Scope, Broader Implications
While the injunction only applies in Minnesota, it sets a precedent that could influence similar challenges nationwide. "Minnesota refugees can now live their lives without fear that their own government will snatch them off the street," said attorney Kimberly Grano from the International Refugee Assistance Project.
The case continues to develop as the administration faces growing legal challenges to its immigration enforcement policies across multiple states.