A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reimburse a Mexican citizen after officials ignored a court order and flew him to Texas, only to release him there without his belongings during a winter storm.
U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud issued the ruling on Monday, finding the government in civil contempt. The case centers on Fernando T., who was detained in Minnesota in January 2026. Shortly after his arrest, the court issued an injunction specifically forbidding ICE from moving him out of the state while his legal case was pending.
Despite that legal boundary, ICE officials transferred Fernando to El Paso, Texas, on January 22. When the court discovered the move, it ordered the government to bring him back to Minnesota immediately.
Instead, on January 25, federal agents released him onto the streets of El Paso. He was left without his personal property or a way home, eventually relying on his lawyers to buy him a $568.29 plane ticket back to Minneapolis.
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The government’s legal team admitted to the blunder in court filings.
“The undersigned counsel was randomly assigned to this case at 1425 on January 20,” the U.S. Attorney’s office wrote. “In that same communication, ICE was informed of the Order enjoining removal of Petitioner from Minnesota. On the same day, at 1503, ICE replied Petitioner was still in Minnesota and would not be removed outside the state. This morning at 0955, Respondent was made aware Petitioner was transported to Texas.”
Later, the government acknowledged that releasing him in Texas was a mistake. “It is undisputable the Agency needed to consult with the undersigned counsel before making the decision to release Petitioner in Texas. That did not happen,” the government’s response stated.
They suggested that a major winter storm and a “state emergency declaration” in Texas had led to flight cancellations, which may have confused agents on the ground.
Judge Tostrud was not swayed by the weather excuse, noting that the original violation—moving Fernando to Texas in the first place—happened well before the snow started falling.
“Respondents provide no explanation for Fernando’s transfer to El Paso despite the enjoinment of his movement from this District,” the judge wrote. He added that the government offered no reason for why they kept the man’s personal belongings when they let him go.
The court has ordered the government to pay the $568.29 for the airfare by April 1. While Fernando’s team also asked for attorney fees, the judge noted they hadn’t yet filed the paperwork to prove those specific costs.
The federal officials named in the suit, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, are technically held “jointly and severally liable” for the payment, though the judge noted the court still isn’t sure which specific individual ignored the initial order.
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