DOJ Seeks 7 Minnesota Judges' Removal From Immigration Cases Over New York Times Interview
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 2
DOJ Seeks 7 Minnesota Judges' Removal From Immigration Cases Over New York Times Interview
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 2
Summary
Seven Minnesota federal judges were hit with a judicial misconduct complaint asking the Eighth Circuit to investigate them and recuse Judges Patrick Schiltz and John Tunheim from DHS immigration cases.
The Justice Department says a Sept. 17 New York Times interview crossed an ethical line because the judges criticized Trump's immigration crackdown while related cases were still pending.
DOJ cited Schiltz's remarks about threats to the "constitutional order" and Tunheim's criticism of immigration arrests, arguing the comments created an appearance that issues had been prejudged.
The request now moves into the judiciary's internal process, where Chief Judge Steven Colloton must decide whether to dismiss it or send it to a special committee; the system cannot automatically disqualify judges.
The filing lands amid broader clashes over Operation Metro Surge, which DHS says produced more than 4,000 arrests in Minnesota, while state Attorney General Keith Ellison called the complaint political intimidation.