Justice Department files misconduct complaints against Minnesota federal judges over immigration comments

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a judicial misconduct complaint with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals targeting multiple federal judges based in Minnesota. The complaint stems from one outlet's piece in which Judge Patrick Schlitz and Judge John Tunheim discussed the Trump administration's deportation surge in Minneapolis, offering remarks the department deems partisan. The filing seeks to prevent the judges from presiding over any cases involving the Department of Homeland Security, noting that many immigration matters are pending in the District of Minnesota.

It also calls for a review of the judges' conduct. The Justice Department argues that such statements raise reasonable doubts about the judges' neutrality in immigration litigation.