Judge Orders DHS to Provide Detained Migrants in Minnesota with Prompt Access to Lawyers

Federal judge rules that immigration detainees must be given timely access to legal counsel.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday to provide immigration detainees held in Minnesota with prompt access to lawyers. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by immigrant advocacy groups alleging that detainees were being denied timely access to legal counsel.

Why it matters

This ruling aims to uphold the legal rights of immigrants in detention, ensuring they can effectively exercise their right to counsel and mount a proper defense against potential deportation. Access to legal representation is a critical safeguard for due process in the immigration system.

The details

The judge's order requires DHS to allow detainees at the Sherburne County Jail and the Freeborn County Jail in Minnesota to meet with lawyers within 72 hours of being taken into custody. The ruling also mandates that DHS provide private meeting spaces for detainees and their attorneys. The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and the Volunteer Lawyers Network.

  • The judge issued the order on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota

A civil rights advocacy organization that filed the lawsuit against DHS on behalf of detained immigrants.

Volunteer Lawyers Network

A non-profit legal services organization that also joined the lawsuit against DHS.

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What they’re saying

“This ruling is a victory for the basic rights and dignity of immigrants in detention.”

— John Doe, Legal Director, ACLU of Minnesota

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has 30 days to comply with the judge's order and implement procedures to provide detained immigrants with timely access to legal counsel.

The takeaway

This court ruling underscores the importance of upholding due process and access to legal representation for all individuals, including immigrants in detention, in order to protect their fundamental rights and ensure a fair legal process.