Judge warns acting ICE director Todd Lyons of contempt after repeated court order violations

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: A federal judge in Minnesota issued a stern warning to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday, signaling that the agency’s top leadership could face contempt charges for repeatedly ignoring court orders.

Chief US District Judge Patrick Schiltz ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court this Friday to explain the agency's compliance failures, particularly in immigration detention cases where bond hearings were not provided within mandated timeframes. 

The case centers on a detainee, Juan Tobay Robles, who was arrested by federal immigration agents in Minnesota earlier this month.

On January 14, Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz ordered the Trump administration to either provide Tobay Robles with a bond hearing within seven days or release him from detention. According to court records, neither action occurred and Robles remained in custody past the court's deadline. 

The continued detention without the mandated hearing prompted Schiltz to escalate the matter, summoning acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain the agency's action and why he should not be held in contempt for failing to comply with the order. 

Court says ICE violations are widespread

In a sharply worded order, Judge Schiltz made clear that this case was not an isolated incident.

He said ICE has failed to comply with numerous court orders in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about whether the agency is respecting the authority of the federal judiciary.

“This is one of dozens of court orders with which respondents have failed to comply in recent weeks,” Schiltz wrote, warning that the court's patience has run out.

The judge emphasized that ordering the leader of a federal agency to appear in court is an extraordinary measure.

However, he said the scale and frequency of ICE’s non-compliance left the court with few alternatives.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons (C) spoke at a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on October 30, 2025, in Gary, Indiana, outlining ongoing immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago and its suburbs. Noem highlighted new restrictions on commercial driver’s licenses for non‑citizens as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal initiative by President Trump’s administration targeting the Chicago region (by Jamie Kelter Davis/Getty Images)

“The Court’s patience is at an end,” Schiltz wrote, adding that lesser attempts to secure compliance have already failed.

Schiltz scheduled a hearing for Friday in Minneapolis, ordering Lyons to appear in person and “show cause” why he should not be held in contempt for violating the court’s January 14 order.

Contempt of court can carry serious consequences, including fines or further legal sanctions, though the judge has not yet indicated what penalties could be imposed if ICE is found to be in violation.

The judge said the hearing would be canceled only if Tobay Robles is released from custody before Friday. If that occurs, acting ICE Director Lyons would no longer be required to appear in court to explain the agency's actions. 

Rising tensions over immigration enforcement

The confrontation between the court and ICE comes as federal immigration enforcement has intensified nationwide under the Trump administration, with increased detentions and expanded operations in several states, including Minnesota.

Friday’s hearing could mark a significant moment in the broader legal fight over judicial oversight for ICE operations.

If Tobay Robles is not released before the hearing, Lyons will be required to answer questions directly from the court under oath.

Disclaimer:   This article contains remarks made on the internet by individuals and organizations. MEAWW cannot independently confirm them and does not support the claims or opinions being expressed online.