Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, the chief federal judge in Minnesota, compiled a list of 96 court orders that ICE has violated in the past month. Schiltz was appointed by George W. Bush.
Judge Schiltz wrote:
“On January 8, 2026, petitioner Juan T.R. filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. The Court issued an order requiring respondents to file an answer no later than January 12, 2026. . . .
Respondents failed to answer. Accordingly, the Court granted the writ in part and ordered respondents to afford Juan a bond hearing within seven days or, failing that, to immediately release him from detention. ECF No. 4.
Respondents neither held a bond hearing within the required time nor released Juan.”
He continued:
“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. . .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.”
Questions:
- Do you find it acceptable for ICE to ignore court orders?
- What do these documents tell us about the current administration’s attitude toward the rule of law?