Federal Judge Orders Release of Liberian Man Arrested by Immigration Agents in Minnesota
A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the release of a Liberian man, Garrison Gibson, who was arrested by immigration agents after they forcibly entered his home without a warrant. The judge ruled that the agents violated Gibson's Fourth Amendment rights. This incident is part of the Department of Homeland Security's increased immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, where over 2,500 people have been arrested since late November.
Gibson's attorney, Marc Prokosch, filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the arrest as a constitutional violation due to the lack of a proper warrant. Gibson's wife and child were present during the raid, causing distress to his family. Gibson, who fled the Liberian civil war as a child, had been ordered for removal from the U.S. based on a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. He had been living in the U.S. under an order of supervision.
The judge's order highlighted that officials failed to provide Gibson with adequate notice and reasoning for revoking his order of supervision. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on the case. Contrary to statements made by a department spokesperson, court records show that Gibson's legal history includes only one felony conviction in 2008 and minor offenses.
The Twin Cities have been a focal point of President Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, leading to fear and tension in the community. The recent incidents involving immigration agents have raised concerns about the use of force and the impact on immigrant communities. Gibson's release marks a significant development in his case and highlights the challenges faced by immigrants in the current enforcement environment.