Todd Lyons

Judge Orders ICE Chief to Court Over Due Process Denials

AP News reports that a Minnesota federal judge has ordered the acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, to appear in court due to the Trump administration’s failure to comply with court orders regarding hearings for detained immigrants. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz cited the administration’s ongoing violations despite previous assurances of compliance. This order follows multiple instances of non-compliance, including a case where a bond hearing was not provided within the court-mandated timeframe. The judge has emphasized the need for Lyons’ personal appearance, recognizing the extraordinary nature of the situation.

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ICE May Deport Migrants to Torture-Risk Countries with Little Notice, Memo Reveals

A new ICE memo outlines a policy enabling the deportation of immigrants to countries where they have no prior connection, potentially with as little as six hours’ notice. The memo, issued by acting Director Todd Lyons, provides guidance to ICE employees, permitting deportations even when there’s a risk of persecution or torture. While the memo emphasizes diplomatic assurances from the receiving country, it allows for expedited removals in “exigent circumstances,” raising concerns about due process, especially if these assurances are not in place. Critics like Trina Realmuto argue that the policy disregards legal requirements and may lead to serious consequences for those deported.

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