Judge Threatens Contempt of Court over ICE Director’s Donation

A federal judge in Minnesota has expressed intentions to hold Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in contempt of court. This stems from Lyons’s financial contributions to a nonprofit organization that offers legal aid to undocumented immigrants.

Judge Patrick Schultz, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, was highlighted in a 2019 report from the Minnesota Immigration Law Center, an organization that frequently criticizes the Trump administration while providing free legal counsel to immigrants and refugees.

“I’ve been a long-time supporter of the Minnesota Immigration Law Center,” Schultz stated. He also mentioned his ongoing donations to Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, emphasizing his belief that underprivileged individuals should have access to legal representation.

Though Schultz is known as a conservative, having served as a law clerk for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, this situation adds complexity to his judicial persona.

Recently, the Justice Department has encountered challenges in federal court in Minnesota, alongside issues within the state’s U.S. attorney’s office. Just days ago, Judge Schultz summoned Lyons to federal court for an explanation regarding his inaction over the release of an Ecuadorian man, Juan Hugo Toby Robles, who entered the U.S. illegally three decades ago. Schultz argued that Robles should have been released without a bail hearing within seven days of his detention.

Schultz remarked, “This is just one of the many court orders that have been ignored recently,” indicating that the court’s patience is “stretched thin.”

Interestingly, it appears that Robles was released from custody, which could lead to Lyons avoiding legal repercussions. Still, as of the time of reporting, Schultz had not issued a new ruling.

Moreover, Schultz declined a request from the Justice Department to overturn a magistrate judge’s decision regarding charges against several individuals, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who had protested against ICE at a Minnesota church. The Justice Department later appealed this decision, but a panel of judges rejected the request.

The precise amount Schultz contributed to the nonprofit remains unclear. However, a conservative legal watchdog leader has raised questions about Schultz’s involvement. A judge’s donation typically doesn’t warrant conflict of interest concerns unless it directly influences decision-making.

The Minnesota Immigration Law Center has a history of championing the rights of all immigrants. In 2023, the organization celebrated the passage of legislation enabling undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses and has consistently criticized ICE’s activities in the state.