In Washington, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lawyer working on a temporary detail for the Justice Department in Minnesota was relieved of her duties after candidly expressing frustration about her job during a recent court hearing tied to intensified immigration enforcement efforts initiated in Minnesota.
Julie Le, originally part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was assigned as a Justice Department attorney on a temporary basis. However, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota terminated her assignment following her comments during a session on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with personnel affairs who requested anonymity.
During the hearing held in St. Paul for multiple immigration-related cases, Le voiced her wish that the presiding U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell would hold her in contempt of court, reportedly so she could obtain an uninterrupted 24 hours of sleep. Addressing the court, she remarked, "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," as cited in the hearing transcript.
These statements underscore the tremendous strain placed on the federal judiciary amid a significant increase in immigration enforcement since the presidential administration returned to office with a pledge to undertake mass deportations. Officials from ICE have indicated that the operation in Minnesota represents their largest immigration enforcement action since the surge began in early January.
The heightened enforcement activities have resulted in multiple departures from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota, reflecting frustration over how the surge is being managed and dissatisfaction with the Justice Department's handling of incidents, including fatal shootings of civilians by federal agents. Court records indicate that Le had management over at least 88 cases within a period of less than a month, underscoring the volume and pace of proceedings she faced.
Judge Blackwell communicated to Le that the volume of cases handled is not a valid reason to disregard court orders, noting concerns regarding detainees arrested during immigration operations who continue to be held in custody after judges have ordered their release.
He stated, "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."
Le explained that before her temporary detail in Minnesota, she worked as an ICE attorney in immigration court and had volunteered for this assignment despite feeling inadequately prepared, describing her decision as "stupid." She also expressed a desire to resign but was unable to find someone to replace her. Le indicated the absence of any quick fix, stating, "Fixing a system, a broken system, I don’t have a magic button to do it. I don’t have the power or the voice to do it."
In response, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin characterized Le as a probationary attorney and condemned her conduct as unprofessional and inappropriate for an ICE lawyer, emphasizing the expectation to uphold dedication and zeal for representing the interests of the United States Government.
Neither Le nor the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota provided immediate comments when contacted via email.
Kira Kelley, legal counsel representing two individuals petitioning in the hearing, remarked on the necessity of the increased volume of immigration petitions due to "so many people being detained without any semblance of a lawful basis." She expressed skepticism that any forthcoming procedural changes or communications within ICE will resolve the ongoing issues.