Federal Judge Extends Protection for Minnesota Refugees Against Arrest and Deportation
A federal judge has extended his order protecting refugees in Minnesota who are lawfully in the United States from being arrested and deported. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim granted a motion by refugee advocates to convert a temporary restraining order issued in January into a more permanent preliminary injunction as the case progresses.
Judge Criticizes Policy as 'Dystopian Nightmare'
In a strongly worded 66-page opinion, Judge Tunheim stated that a Trump administration policy turns the 'American Dream into a dystopian nightmare.' He emphasized that the U.S. had promised refugees fleeing persecution they could build new lives after rigorous background checks. 'We promised them the hope that one day they could achieve the American Dream,' Tunheim said. 'The Government’s new policy breaks that promise — without congressional authorization — and raises serious constitutional concerns.'
Background of the Case and National Implications
The order applies specifically in Minnesota, but the implications of a new national policy on refugees announced by the Department of Homeland Security on February 19 were a key focus during a hearing held by the judge the following day. The Trump administration asserts it has the right to arrest potentially tens of thousands of refugees across the U.S. who entered legally but do not yet have green cards. A new Homeland Security memo interprets immigration law to require refugees applying for green cards to return to federal custody one year after admission for application review.
Judge Tunheim expressed disbelief at this interpretation, stating, 'This Court will not allow federal authorities to use a new and erroneous statutory interpretation to terrorize refugees who immigrated to this country under the promise that they would be welcomed and allowed to live in peace, far from the persecution they fled.'
Reactions and Legal Proceedings
Kimberly Grano, an attorney with the International Refugee Assistance Project, told The Associated Press, 'Minnesota refugees can now live their lives without fear that their own government will snatch them off the street and imprison them far from loved ones.' During a court hearing last week, Justice Department attorney Brantley Mayers argued the government should have the right to arrest refugees one year after entry but indicated this would not always occur.
The judge highlighted a specific case involving a refugee identified as D. Doe, who was arrested in January after being informed someone had struck his car. 'He was immediately flown to Texas, where he was interrogated about his refugee status. He was kept in 'shackles and handcuffs' for sixteen hours. D. Doe was ultimately released on the streets of Texas, left to find his way back to Minnesota,' Tunheim noted.
Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services did not immediately return requests for comment on Friday. The case continues to develop, with the preliminary injunction providing temporary relief for refugees in Minnesota amid ongoing legal challenges to the federal policy.
