Conservative judge in Minnesota tries to keep Trump administration in check during crackdown

3 weeks ago 7

By ED WHITE

A law enforcement agency executing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has been described as a serial violator of court orders in Minnesota.

The declaration didn’t come from the Democratic governor or Minneapolis’ Democratic mayor, who have repeatedly traded barbs with President Donald Trump. It was a federal judge with a conservative pedigree who has added a powerful voice to a saga that has stirred the nation.

“ICE is not a law unto itself,” Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote this week, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This undated photo provided by the U.S. District Court of Minnesota Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, shows Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz posing for a portrait in his Minneapolis courtroom. (U.S. District Court of Minnesota via AP)