Federal judge backs away from threat to hold ICE leader in contempt

Acting ICE director avoids contempt hearing as judge releases scathing criticism of agency's alleged widespread violations of court orders.

Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Todd Lyons attends a press conference in Gary, Ind., on Oct. 30, 2025. (Reuters/Leah Millis)

Schiltz made it clear in an order following Tobay Robles' release that the court still had concerns about ICE's actions beyond the case that sparked the now-canceled Friday hearing. He said that ICE had violated 96 orders in 74 cases since Jan. 1, 2026.

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An agitator, left, and a federal law enforcement officer argue outside a house on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn.  (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

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Schiltz said that while Tobay Robles requested that the court hold a hearing where he could present evidence of his suffering since ICE's failure to comply with the Jan. 14 order, the court would not schedule one at this time.

"If Juan wants to seek monetary sanctions, he may file a properly supported motion to that effect," Schiltz added.

Fox News Digital reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment.

Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.

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