ICE Detainees Lose Belongings, Face Fines

U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen faced a federal judge in Minneapolis regarding the repeated failure to return belongings to ICE detainees. Judge John Tunheim is expected to issue a court order imposing a deadline for the Department of Homeland Security to either return property or provide compensation, with daily civil fines potentially levied for missed deadlines.

Rosen argued that penalties are inappropriate, attributing the issues to "mistakes" made under pressure from numerous release orders, particularly for detainees transferred to Texas. He suggested the problems would subside as detention facility bed capacity improved in Minnesota. Attorneys for five petitioners emphasized that only contempt threats prompted federal response to their clients' lost property.

One client, Riky, detained since January 5, 2026, was released without his work permit, social security card, approximately $100 cash, and a nail gun. While the social security card was reportedly located, the other items are missing. The government disputes the cash and nail gun claim but will reimburse Riky based on his account, and may replace the work permit if eligibility is confirmed.

In another case, a Guatemalan man's identification forms, including his Guatemalan Consular ID, Guatemalan driver's license, and Minnesota driver's license, are "lost." Efforts to locate these documents have been unsuccessful, with compensation offered. Replacing the Guatemalan documentation is difficult, requiring travel to Guatemala or Chicago. The man expressed fear of re-detainment due to the lack of identification.

Judge Tunheim acknowledged the impact of the partial government shutdown on DHS's ability to resolve claims but stressed the paramount importance of returning owed property after unlawful detainments. A decision on a specific deadline is anticipated via a court order.