Judge orders ICE to stop rapid transfers of detainees out of Minnesota
Whipple Federal Building visited by attorneys
Attorneys were allowed inside the Whipple Federal Building to visit clients and see conditions after a court order granted them access. FOX 9’s Soyoung Kim has the latest.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against ICE to address claims of non-citizen detainees having their constitutional rights violated at the Whipple Federal Building.
READ MORE: Immigration attorneys detail Whipple Building visit in court filings
Court ruling on detainee access to attorneys
Lawmakers visit Whipple Detention Facility
The federal Whipple Detention Facility, used by ICE agents to hold detainees in Minnesota, was visited by three lawmakers on Friday. FOX 9’s Rob Olson is live outside with the latest.
Big picture view:
According to a lawsuit filed in federal court, there is documented evidence of ICE agents severely limiting detainees' access to legal counsel, violating their Fifth Amendment rights.
The order states ICE must not transfer detainees out of Minnesota within the first 72 hours of detention.
The order also requires ICE to provide detainees with their unique seven-digit identification number, known as their A-number, a list of legal service providers, and access to private, un-monitored phone calls within one hour of detention.
READ MORE: US Rep. Morrison conducts oversight at Whipple, 2 other lawmakers denied access
MN protesters clash with feds at Whipple Building
Protesters are clashing outside the Whipple Federal Building a day after ICE was involved in a second shooting in Minneapolis.
Dig deeper:
Detainees have been frequently and quickly moved out of the state throughout Operation Metro Surge, making it difficult for attorneys to locate and communicate with their clients.
The court noted that ICE's practices at Whipple effectively denied detainees access to legal representation.
Attorneys also said in the lawsuit that ICE agents have been pressuring detainees to sign voluntary self-deportation documents without access to legal counsel.
READ MORE: Volunteers help ICE detainees find rides, phones and comfort in MN
What's next:
The lawsuit states a status hearing is set for noon on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2026.
The TRO is set to remain in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, 2026.
The Source: This story uses information gathered from court documents and previous FOX 9 reporting.