Justice Department seeks removal of Minnesota judges from immigration cases

The Justice Department has asked for several Minnesota federal judges to be removed from immigration cases after accusing them of violating ethical rules in a New York Times interview about pending litigation. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department filed a judicial misconduct complaint with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals against seven judges, arguing that their public remarks about President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts could undermine confidence in their impartiality. The complaint centers on a Sept. 17, 2026, interview in which judges discussed the increase in immigration cases tied to the administration’s Operation Metro Surge and expressed concerns about the strain on court resources. The department specifically cited comments by Judges Patrick Schiltz and John Tunheim, saying their remarks touched on active matters and created the appearance of bias. The request will be reviewed within the federal judiciary’s misconduct process, not decided directly by the Justice Department. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison criticized the move as an attempt to pressure judges who ruled against the administration.