Professor Virgil Wiebe Discusses ICE Operations and Legal Advocacy

Professor Virgil Wiebe, a law professor at the University of St. Thomas and director of the university’s Immigrant Law Center, recently addressed the heightened anxiety within immigrant communities due to ongoing operations conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. In a conversation with WCCO Radio host Vineeta Sawkar, Wiebe highlighted the challenges faced by asylum seekers and their families, who are being detained and relocated far from legal assistance.

Concerns Over ICE Operations

During the interview, Sawkar pointed out that reports from community members indicate ongoing ICE activity, despite a shift in local enforcement personnel. Wiebe confirmed that the situation has indeed created a climate of fear among immigrant families. “There are a number of clients who are directly targeted by ICE operations. There is a lot of fear—fear of going out, fear of going to school or work,” he said.

Wiebe also praised his team of law students and staff, describing their efforts as akin to a fire department, ready to respond urgently to each case. “When ICE or Border Patrol arrests someone, they move them so quickly that we have to get into court immediately to try to stop their transfer to Texas,” he explained. This urgency underscores the increasing challenges faced by legal advocates working to protect the rights of vulnerable populations.

Impact of New Policies on Families

A particularly troubling example shared during the discussion involved a 5-year-old child from Columbia Heights, who remains in a detention center in Texas along with his father as they navigate the asylum process. Wiebe expressed concern about the government’s evolving legal arguments that allow for the detention of asylum seekers. “They are overturning decades of precedent about detention and access to bond,” he noted.

Wiebe emphasized that current policies appear designed to harm families as a means of coercion. He referenced Tom Homan, who was instrumental in creating the family separation policy in 2017-2018, which led to the intentional separation of over 4,500 families. Many of these families remain separated, with more than 1,000 children still ununited with their parents and the family reunification task force eliminated under the current administration.

Additionally, Wiebe highlighted Operation Paris, which targets over 5,000 fully vetted refugees in Minnesota for potential detention and transfer to Texas. This operation raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of individuals who have already undergone extensive vetting processes.

Despite the challenging environment, Wiebe expressed inspiration drawn from his students, colleagues, and immigration attorneys across Minnesota who are stepping up to provide pro bono assistance. “The mood is fear, but also determination,” he stated, reflecting the resilience of those committed to advocating for immigrant rights.

As the situation continues to evolve, the Immigrant Law Center remains dedicated to defending the rights of its clients and ensuring that families can stay together during these tumultuous times.