Early Jan 2026 – ICE launches Operation Metro Surge, the largest‑ever immigration enforcement effort in Minnesota, assigning at least 88 cases to a new attorney within a month and sparking state‑local pushback over staffing, training, and detention conditions. [1][5]

Jan 10, 2026 – ICE detains an immigrant known as “Oscar,” orders his release on Jan 15, but delays his freedom for nearly two weeks; his attorney describes the detention conditions as “horrific” and likens the food to “dog food.” [1]

Jan 14, 2026 – Juan T.R. files a petition for a bond hearing within seven days, highlighting systemic delays in ICE’s compliance with court‑ordered releases. [3]

Jan 21, 2026 – A court orders an immigrant’s bond hearing or release by this date, but ICE fails to comply by Jan 23, exemplifying the agency’s pattern of ignoring deadlines. [2]

Jan 23, 2026 – The immigrant remains detained despite the missed bond‑hearing deadline, underscoring ICE’s continued non‑compliance. [3]

Jan 27, 2026 – Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz issues an extraordinary summons for Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear before the court on Friday, warning that contempt sanctions may follow if ICE does not obey. [2][3]

Jan 27, 2026 – In the same order, Schiltz cites over 2,000 illegal detentions, dozens of ignored court orders, and a case involving a two‑year‑old, intensifying judicial scrutiny of the Minnesota crackdown. [2]

Jan 27, 2026 – Schiltz notes that the Department of Homeland Security has failed to comply with dozens of recent mandates tied to the Minnesota operation, linking the agency’s actions to the deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents earlier in 2025. [3]

Late Jan 2026 – The White House replaces ICE field leader Greg Bovino with Tom Homan, aiming to ease tensions with Minnesota officials after the two fatal shootings and to adopt a more cooperative tone with local Democrats. [2]

Jan 30, 2026 – Judge Schiltz publicly condemns ICE for ignoring nearly 100 court orders since Jan 1, stating the agency’s non‑compliance “should give pause to anyone … who cares about the rule of law.” [6]

Jan 30, 2026 – Schiltz summons Lyons again, but the hearing is cancelled after the petitioner is released, demonstrating the court’s willingness to adjust proceedings based on ICE’s actions. [6]

Feb 4, 2026 – ICE attorney Julie Le tells Judge Jerry Blackwell that “the system sucks” and “this job sucks,” even asking the judge to hold her in contempt so she can get a full 24 hours of sleep; the outburst leads to her removal from the Minnesota detail. [5][1]

Feb 4, 2026 – Judge Blackwell warns Le that case volume does not excuse ignoring court orders and notes that detainees are often kept after judges order release, reinforcing the court’s intolerance for non‑compliance. [5]

Feb 4, 2026 – DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin calls Le’s conduct “unprofessional,” saying she lacks the dedication required of an ICE lawyer, reflecting internal criticism of agency morale. [5]

Feb 4, 2026 – Retired Judge John Jones cautions that Le’s frankness may cost her professionally, noting she considered resigning but stayed to push agency compliance. [1]

Feb 9, 2026 – U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen emails that Judge Schiltz “overstates ICE failures,” a claim the judge later rebuffs as an attempt to downplay the agency’s violations. [4]

Feb 27, 2026 – Judge Schiltz threatens criminal contempt against U.S. Attorney Rosen and ICE officials, ordering them to appear at a contempt hearing after confirming 97 violations in 66 cases and an additional 113 violations in 77 cases. [4]

Feb 27, 2026 – The contempt hearing is set for the following Tuesday, signaling a potential escalation toward criminal sanctions for continued defiance of court orders. [4]

Early March 2026 (planned) – ICE and the Justice Department continue hiring attorneys, with Rosen’s office reporting recruitment “at a good clip,” while the agency remains under intense judicial oversight. [4]