DOJ Seeks Recusal of Two Minnesota Judges From Immigration Cases
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is requesting two Minnesota judges, Patrick Schiltz and John Tunheim, to recuse themselves from immigration-related cases. The DOJ cited public comments made by the judges about immigration enforcement operations, which they argue could raise questions…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, October 23, 2026 —
The U.S. Department of Justice is asking Minnesota judges Patrick Schiltz and John Tunheim to recuse themselves from immigration-related cases, citing public comments they made about immigration enforcement operations.
The department argues that the comments could raise questions about the judges’ impartiality. The information provided does not specify which cases are involved or describe the comments themselves, so the precise basis for the requests cannot be assessed from the available details.
It is also not specified when the DOJ made its requests, how they were submitted, or whether either judge has responded. The available information does not indicate whether the judges have decided to step aside or whether a court has ruled on the requests.
The matter concerns whether the judges should continue handling immigration-related cases in light of the department’s stated concerns. The requests, as described, are based on the DOJ’s argument about the potential appearance of impartiality; no finding of bias is reported.
Further details about the judges’ public remarks, the cases at issue and any responses from the judges were not provided. Without those details, the scope and procedural status of the recusal requests remain unclear.
Story summarized from the original created by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid on kstp.com, see more information here.
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