Federal Judge Rules Immigrant's Arrest Unlawful in Minnesota

Fri Jan 16 2026 09:39:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Minnesota federal judge has ruled that immigration agents violated a man's Fourth Amendment rights during his arrest, leading to his release from detention.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the release of Garrison Gibson, a Liberian man arrested by immigration agents at his home. Judge Jeffrey Bryan stated that the agents violated Gibson's constitutional rights by entering his home without consent or a warrant. Gibson's attorney described the arrest as a clear violation of law, raising concerns about the handling of immigration cases under the current enforcement operations.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the release of Garrison Gibson, a Liberian man arrested by heavily armed immigration agents at his home. The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan, asserted that the agents breached Gibson’s Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure.

Judge Bryan emphasized that the agents forcibly entered the home without consent or a judicial warrant, which he deemed unlawful.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased immigration arrests across Minnesota, declaring it part of its largest enforcement initiative. Since November 29, the DHS claims to have detained over 2,500 individuals.

Gibson's attorney, Marc Prokosch, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision and described the arrest as a significant constitutional violation, prompting him to file a habeas corpus petition.

During the raid, Gibson’s wife and their 9-year-old child were at home. Prokosch noted that his wife was profoundly affected by the incident.

Previously, Gibson had been detained at an immigration center after being held at a larger facility on the Fort Bliss Army base in Texas.

DHS did not immediately respond to inquiries concerning the case.

Gibson, who fled Liberia during the civil war as a child, faced removal from the U.S. following a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. Despite this, he was able to stay in the country under an order of supervision, which required him to regularly check in with immigration authorities.

Judge Bryan concurred with Gibson's claims that the DHS had violated regulations by not providing adequate notice or an interview after his detention.

A spokesperson for the DHS cited Gibson's prior legal issues, referencing a history that included a robbery and drug possession, although court documents indicate that only one felony in 2008 exists alongside some minor offenses.

The situation in the Twin Cities has been tense amid heightened immigration enforcement, spurred by political climates and recent incidents involving violence during arrests, which have led to public outcry and concern.