Trump-Appointed Judge Finds Admin in Civil Contempt

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump found the Trump administration in civil contempt after officials transferred an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee from Minnesota to Texas in violation of a court order and then released him without his belongings. The judge ordered the administration to reimburse the detainee's travel costs.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between the federal government and the judiciary, with a Trump-appointed judge ruling against the administration for violating a court order regarding the treatment of an immigration detainee. It raises questions about the administration's compliance with judicial oversight and the potential consequences for government agencies that defy court directives.

The details

The case began in January when a Mexican citizen detained in Minnesota on immigration violations, identified as Fernando T., filed for a writ of habeas corpus. On January 20, Judge Eric Tostrud ordered ICE not to move him out of Minnesota while the case was pending, but officials transferred him to El Paso, Texas anyway. When the court demanded his return, the administration promised he'd be back in Minnesota by January 24. Instead, he was released in Texas the following day without his belongings. The administration acknowledged the violations but offered explanations, including a canceled flight and a winter storm, that the judge found insufficient to excuse the contempt.

• On January 20, Judge Tostrud ordered ICE not to move the detainee out of Minnesota.
• The detainee was transferred to El Paso, Texas anyway.
• The administration promised the detainee would be returned to Minnesota by January 24.
• Instead, the detainee was released in Texas on January 25 without his belongings.

What’s next

Judge Tostrud ordered the administration to reimburse $568.29 to cover the plane ticket the detainee needed to return to Minnesota.