ICE Lawyer Removed from Minnesota Immigration Detail After Telling Judge 'This Job Sucks'
In a shocking display of frustration, an ICE lawyer was removed from her post in Minnesota after telling a judge that her job 'sucks' during a court hearing. The incident has sparked concerns about the intense strain on the federal court system and the impact of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge.ICE Lawyer's Comments Spark Controversy
Julie Le, an ICE lawyer, made the comments during a hearing in St. Paul, Minnesota, for several immigration cases. According to a transcript, she told U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell that she wishes he could hold her in contempt of court 'so that I can have a full 24 hours of sleep.' She went on to say, 'What do you want me to do? The system sucks. This job sucks. And I am trying every breath that I have so that I can get you what you need.'
Judge Expresses Concerns About Court Orders
Judge Blackwell expressed concern about the volume of cases and the fact that people arrested in immigration enforcement operations are routinely jailed for days after judges have ordered their release from custody. He told Le, 'And I hear the concerns about all the energy that this is causing the DOJ to expend, but, with respect, some of it is of your own making by not complying with orders.'
ICE Lawyer's Background and Assignment
Le was assigned at least 88 cases in less than a month, according to online court records. She had been working for the Justice Department on a detail, but the U.S. attorney in Minnesota ended her assignment after her comments in court. Le had previously worked as an ICE attorney in immigration court before volunteering to work the detail in Minnesota.
Impact of Immigration Enforcement Surge
The incident has highlighted the intense strain on the federal court system since President Trump returned to the White House with a promise to carry out mass deportations. Several prosecutors have left the U.S. Attorney's office in Minnesota amid frustration with the immigration enforcement surge and the Justice Department's response to fatal shootings of two civilians by federal agents.
The removal of Julie Le from her post is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the federal court system and the impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect the ongoing debate about immigration reform and the role of the Justice Department in enforcing federal laws.
