The U.S. Justice Department filed a judicial misconduct complaint Wednesday against Minnesota judges who gave on-record interviews to the New York Times about the surge in immigration enforcement activity in the state, alleging their conduct was unethical and politically motivated.
The judges told the Times in September that the Trump administration showed a “disregard for court orders” and that its actions threatened the rule of law. Two of the judges made those comments on the record, which is unusual for sitting federal judges commenting on newsworthy cases.
Todd Blanche Calls Interviews a Clear Ethics Violation
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the judges’ decision to speak with the press was a “clear violation of their ethical duties” and faulted them for commenting on pending cases. The complaint, signed by the second- and third-ranking officials at the Justice Department, described the judges’ conduct as “particularly egregious.
Blanche also called on the judges to recuse themselves from any case involving the Department of Homeland Security, arguing they had demonstrated bias against the administration. According to Justice Department complaint against Minnesota judges, the move is part of a broader confrontation between the administration and the federal judiciary over immigration enforcement.
Judge Patrick Schiltz Defends His Decision to Speak Out
Judge Patrick Schiltz pushed back firmly against the complaint in a statement to MPR News. I was acting well within the ethical rules that apply to federal judges in speaking to the New York Times,” Schiltz said.
He pointed to a formal advisory opinion issued in February by the Committee on Codes of Conduct, which stated that federal judges may “speak[] and writ[e] on core judiciary matters such as advocacy for the rule of law and judicial independence.” Schiltz said his comments were entirely consistent with that guidance. “That is exactly what I did,” he said.
What Comes Next for the Judges and the Cases
The recusal demand adds a new layer of complexity to ongoing immigration cases in Minnesota’s federal courts. If the judges decline to step aside, the Justice Department may pursue additional avenues to remove them from those proceedings.
The complaint marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary over immigration enforcement, and legal observers will be watching closely to see how judicial oversight bodies respond to the misconduct allegations.
