ICE Is Not A Law Unto Itself

That does not end the Court's concerns, however.  Attached to this order is an appendix that identifies 96 court orders that ICE has violated in 74 cases.  The extent of ICE's noncompliance is almost certainly substantially understated.  This list is confined to orders issued since January 1, 2026, and the list was hurriedly compiled by extraordinarily busy judges.  Undoubtedly, mistakes were made, and orders that should have appeared on this list were omitted.

This list should give pause to anyone -- no matter his or her political beliefs -- who cares about the rule of law.  ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.  The Court warns ICE that future noncompliance with court orders may result in future show‐cause orders requiring the personal appearances of Lyons or other government officials.  ICE is not a law unto itself.  ICE has every right to challenge the orders of this Court, but, like any litigant, ICE must follow those orders unless and until they are overturned or vacated.

-- Patrick J. Schiltz, Chief Judge of the District of Minnesota, issuing a ruling in a case brought against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, and others (28 January 2026)