Federal immigration agents detained a two-year-old girl and her father in Minneapolis on Thursday, transporting them to Texas, according to court records and the family’s lawyers.
Details of the Detention
The father, identified in court filings as Elvis Joel TE, and his daughter were detained around 1pm while returning home from a store. Despite a federal judge ordering the girl’s release by 9:30pm, federal officials transported both of them to a detention center in Texas. Lawyers for the family filed an emergency petition demanding their release.
On Friday afternoon, immigration officials flew the father and daughter back to Minnesota, releasing the two-year-old into her mother’s custody. However, the father remains detained in Minnesota.
Contested Arrest Details
According to filings by attorney Kira Kelley, agents entered the family’s property without a warrant. An agent allegedly broke the car window while the girl was inside. Agents reportedly prevented the father from immediately reuniting his daughter with her mother, who was present at the home. The family’s lawyers also state the immigration vehicle lacked a car seat.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the agents were conducting a “targeted enforcement operation” and identified Elvis Joel TE, labeling him an “illegal immigrant” who had allegedly unlawfully reentered the US and was “driving erratically with a child.” DHS alleged the father refused to open his door or window and that the mother initially declined to take the child, a claim refuted by the family’s lawyer, Irina Vaynerman.
During the arrest, a crowd gathered, and DHS reported deploying “crowd control measures,” with the Star Tribune reporting possible use of chemical irritants and flash-bang devices.
What Happens Next?
The family’s lawyers have requested a broader court order to prevent similar transfers for at least seven days after detention, allowing individuals time to secure legal representation. It is possible the court will consider this request, potentially impacting future ICE operations in Minnesota. The father’s pending asylum application will likely be the focus of upcoming legal proceedings. Depending on the court’s decisions, we could see increased scrutiny of ICE’s practices in the region, or a continuation of the current approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the father’s legal status?
The father, Elvis Joel TE, is originally from Ecuador and has a pending asylum application, according to his attorneys. He does not have a final order of removal.
How long has the girl lived in the United States?
The girl has lived in Minneapolis “since her arrival in the United States as a newborn,” according to her lawyers.
Did DHS respond to questions about the transfer to Texas?
DHS did not respond to questions regarding the transfer to Texas or their compliance with the judge’s release order.
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