Applaud the Judge for Protecting Refugees in Minnesota

A federal judge just delivered a powerful defense of human dignity, due process, and the rule of law — and it deserves recognition.

U.S. District Judge John Tunheim blocked a Trump administration policy that targeted lawful refugees in Minnesota for arrest and detention while they await green cards. These are people who followed the rules, passed extensive vetting, and came to the United States seeking safety. Subjecting them to fear, chaos, and warrantless arrests was not law enforcement — it was cruelty.

Judge Tunheim made the stakes clear: “At its best, America serves as a haven of individual liberties… We abandon that ideal when we subject our neighbors to fear and chaos.” His ruling puts urgently needed guardrails on federal agents and affirms that refugees have rights — including the right not to be arrested without cause.

This decision is a reminder that the Constitution still matters, that courts can still check abuse of power, and that our country is strongest when it protects the vulnerable rather than scapegoating them.

Add your name to applaud Judge Tunheim for standing up for refugees, defending basic civil liberties, and reminding the nation that America’s promise is rooted in justice, compassion, and the rule of law.