Overview
- A Feb. 18 directive filed in federal court instructs ICE to take refugees who have not obtained green cards one year after admission into custody for “inspection and examination.”
- The memo, signed by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, authorizes detention for the duration of the re-inspection and directs arrests if individuals do not appear voluntarily.
- The policy overturns a 2010 ICE memorandum that said failure to adjust to lawful permanent resident status within a year was not a basis for detention or removal.
- In Minnesota, U.S. District Judge John Tunheim previously issued a temporary restraining order blocking arrests tied to Operation PARRIS and will hear arguments today on extending those protections.
- Operation PARRIS targets about 5,600 Minnesota refugees awaiting green cards, drawing advocacy claims of door-to-door arrests and transfers to Texas, while the administration cites fraud and security concerns.