Federal Judge Adjusts Contempt Threat Against ICE Director

A federal judge in Minnesota has stepped back from a potential contempt ruling against Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), regarding an alleged violation of a court order.

Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schultz has canceled a hearing that was set for Friday. This hearing was intended to address how ICE handled tactics in the Trump administration’s efforts to combat illegal immigration.

The hearing was initially arranged after ICE did not follow a January 14 court order that required the agency to either hold a bail hearing for Juan Hugo Tobay Robles or release him within a week. Schultz noted that the hearing or release did not happen, which led to the contempt threat.

However, on Wednesday, Graham Ojala Barber, Tobay Robles’ attorney, informed Fox News Digital that his client has now been released from custody in Texas.

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In the order for Tobay Robles’ release, Judge Schultz expressed ongoing concern about ICE’s compliance with orders. He revealed that since January 1, 2026, ICE has allegedly violated orders in 74 and 96 cases.

Schultz emphasized that the court’s concerns are not limited to this incident, stating, “The extent of ICE’s noncompliance is almost certainly substantially underestimated.” He further remarked that this situation should alarm anyone who values the rule of law, independent of political views. He mentioned that ICE might have exceeded the number of court order violations recorded by other federal agencies in their entire histories.

Although the hearing was canceled, Schultz warned that the ICE leaders, including Lyons, could still be required to appear in court over these issues.

ICE’s Compliance Under Scrutiny

Additionally, Schultz mentioned that Tobay Robles has expressed a desire to hold a hearing to share evidence about the difficulties he faced due to ICE’s inaction following the January order, although a hearing hasn’t been scheduled yet.

He added, “If Mr. Huang wishes to seek monetary sanctions, he may file a motion with appropriate support to that effect.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.