Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters Wednesday that the Justice Department has filed a judicial misconduct complaint targeting almost every federal judge in Minnesota. The move seeks to have the judges recuse themselves from any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration cases.

Complaint stems from judges’ public remarks

Blanche said the action was prompted by a recent New York Times article in which six federal judges described the DOJ’s staffing shortages during the winter immigration surge as a grave threat to the rule of law. The judges argued that the department’s inability to meet court orders hindered immigration enforcement.

According to Blanche, the judges’ statements were “overtly political” and violated judicial ethics, revealing an “obvious bias” against the Department of Homeland Security. He argued that such public commentary undermines the proper functioning of the courts and the administration’s ability to enforce immigration law.

Legal process and likely impact

The misconduct complaint is now pending before the federal appeals court that oversees Minnesota’s federal bench. While the filing signals a sharp escalation in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary, experts note that similar complaints have historically had limited effect.

Previous attempts by the administration to challenge judges perceived as hostile—including an unsuccessful lawsuit against the entire federal bench in Maryland—have not succeeded in altering court rulings. Nonetheless, the administration’s willingness to use strong language and formal complaints reflects its broader strategy of defending its immigration agenda.

Broader context

Across the country, judges have raised concerns about the administration’s rhetoric, warning that harsh public criticism could create a climate of intimidation. The DOJ’s latest move adds to a pattern of confrontations over immigration policy, a core priority of President Trump’s administration.

Blanche emphasized that the department views the judges’ media comments as a clear breach of ethical duties, and he urged the courts to act swiftly to protect the integrity of immigration enforcement.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.