A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s detaining of refugees in Minnesota, following numerous arrests in the state. Over 100 refugees, who were lawfully resettled, faced arrests recently. Many were taken to detention centers in Texas, causing distress as they had to find their own way home after being released.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim ordered a stop to these arrests while a lawsuit regarding the government’s “re-vetting” policy moves along. He mandated the immediate release of all detained refugees in Minnesota and those taken to Texas within five days.
This decision follows a class-action lawsuit filed by attorneys after the Trump administration announced “Operation Parris” – an initiative involving new background checks and thorough reviews of refugee cases. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that around 5,600 refugees, who are not yet permanent residents, would undergo this vetting.
One of the plaintiffs, identified as D Doe, recounted a shocking experience. A man in plain clothes knocked on his door, claiming to have hit his car. When he checked outside, armed agents surrounded him and arrested him. He was detained in Minnesota, then transferred to Texas, where he faced intense questioning about his refugee status. Released without assistance, he had to find his way back home.
Doe shared his fears, saying, “I fled my home country because I was facing government repression. I can’t believe it’s happening again here.” His wife, also a refugee, has since been too afraid to leave the house, fearing more agents might come for her.
The recent arrests have led to widespread panic among Minnesota’s refugee community. Many feel anxious about leaving their homes or going to work. There are thousands of immigration agents conducting sweeps across the state, raising fears of racial profiling.
Before entering the U.S., refugees undergo thorough vetting, which can take years. They arrive through government-coordinated flights. Michele Garnett McKenzie, the executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights, called the operation an “unprecedented assault” on human rights. She praised the court’s ruling, highlighting the distress caused by sudden detentions and expedited transfers.
Many refugees don’t have legal representation, as they were already vetted before resettling. McKenzie warned that the rapid detaining process leaves families scrambling to find loved ones and secure legal help. In some distressing cases, refugees were released in Minnesota suddenly and unexpectedly, with no prior notification to their families.
One refugee was put on a flight from Texas without being told his destination, leading him to believe he might be deported. Others were released without personal belongings or money.
Judge Tunheim noted that the distress caused by these detentions constituted a threat that warranted immediate intervention. “The stories of terror and trauma make this harm impossible to ignore,” he stated.
This episode raises crucial discussions about human rights and how immigrant communities are treated. As policies evolve, continued scrutiny will be necessary to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations. For more about the legal challenges surrounding refugee policies, visit the American Civil Liberties Union.
