Federal judge extends order protecting refugees in Minnesota from being arrested and deported

Associated Press (AP)EN 3 min read 100% complete by By STEVE KARNOWSKI and ED WHITEFebruary 28, 2026 at 08:53 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A federal judge in Minnesota extended an order on Friday protecting refugees lawfully in the U.S. from arrest and deportation. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim converted a temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction, halting a Trump administration policy that would require refugees applying for green cards to return to federal custody one year after entering the country for application review. The order applies specifically to Minnesota, preventing federal authorities from arresting and detaining refugees who don't yet have green cards. Advocates for refugees challenged the Department of Homeland Security's new policy, arguing it contradicts promises made to refugees seeking a new life in the U.S. The judge cited constitutional concerns and lack of congressional authorization in his decision, criticizing the policy as detrimental to refugees.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 40% Kimberly Grano 40% International Refugee Assistance Project 50% United States ×460% Trump administration ×270% Department of Homeland Security ×270% Minnesota ×380% John Tunheim ×490%

Keywords

refugees 100% deportation 80% immigration law 70% federal judge 70% green cards 60% trump administration 60% homeland security 60% minnesota 50% american dream 50% preliminary injunction 40%