A judge weighs extending protections for refugees in Minnesota facing arrest and deportation

Associated Press (AP)EN 4 min read 100% complete by By STEVE KARNOWSKIFebruary 19, 2026 at 08:23 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A federal judge in Minnesota is considering extending protections for refugees lawfully residing in the U.S. who are facing potential arrest and deportation. Judge John Tunheim previously issued a temporary restraining order blocking the government from targeting these refugees, set to expire on February 25th. Refugee rights groups filed a lawsuit in January following the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launching Operation PARRIS in mid-December. This initiative aimed to reexamine the cases of 5,600 Minnesota refugees who haven't yet received permanent resident status. The judge will hear arguments on Thursday regarding a more permanent preliminary injunction.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

St. Paul ×240% Trump administration 50% Operation PARRIS 60% Department of Homeland Security 60% U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 60% United States 70% John Tunheim 70% Minnesota ×590%

Keywords

refugee protection 90% deportation 80% minnesota 70% immigration crackdown 60% court order 60% operation parris 50% refugee rights 50% department of homeland security 50% permanent resident status 40%