Federal Judge Patrick J. Schiltz after an oath of citizenship ceremony. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via Getty Images))
Schiltz's background has come into view as the Department of Justice has faced high-profile setbacks in federal court in Minnesota and internal challenges in the U.S. Attorney's Office there.
Schiltz, the chief judge in Minnesota, demanded Lyons appear in federal court on Friday to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court for failing to follow an order regarding an Ecuadoran national who was detained this month after entering the country illegally three decades ago. Schiltz said the man, Juan Hugo Tobay Robles, should have been given a bond hearing or be released within seven days and that the Department of Homeland Security failed to follow that order and many others.
"This is one of dozens of court orders with which respondents have failed to comply in recent weeks," Schiltz wrote, adding that the court's "patience is at an end."
MINNESOTA DRAGS TRUMP'S ICE TO COURT IN EFFORT TO PAUSE IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN
Don Lemon remained defiant after a federal magistrate judge on Thursday rejected the Justice Department’s attempt to bring charges against. (The Don Lemon Show/screengrab)
It was not immediately clear how much money Schiltz has contributed to the nonprofit, but Tom Fitton, who leads a conservative legal watchdog, raised questions about Schiltz's recusal. Judges donating to nonprofits is not grounds for recusal unless they create a conflict of interest.
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The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota has a history of advocating for all immigrants, including those without documentation, and targets its advertising at those with low incomes.
In 2023, the group celebrated passage of a liberal law permitting illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The group has also repeatedly blasted ICE’s presence in the state.
Fox News' Bill Mears contributed to this report.
Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-threatening-ice-director-contempt-once-supported-group-helping-illegal-immigrants