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New DHS Policy Expands ICE's Authority to Detain Legal Refugees

KVIA•Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:29 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a new memorandum allowing federal immigration authorities to detain legal refugees who have not adjusted their status to permanent residents within one year of their admission to the U.S. This change, justified by national security concerns, revokes previous policies that protected refugees from detention if they had not yet obtained residency. Critics, including refugee resettlement organizations, argue that this policy could lead to the deportation of thousands of legally admitted refugees. A federal case in Minnesota has temporarily blocked the government from acting against 5,600 refugees awaiting permanent residency, with a hearing scheduled soon. The implications of this policy are significant for the refugee community and raise concerns about their legal status and rights.

Key Details: • New policy allows detention of refugees after one year of admission if they haven't adjusted status. • Previous protections against detention for refugees are now revoked. • Federal case in Minnesota temporarily blocks action against 5,600 refugees. • Hearing regarding the Minnesota case is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

immigration ice dhs refugees legal-status

People & Organizations

Department of Homeland SecurityDonald TrumpMinnesotaUnited StatesTodd LyonsJoseph EdlowLaurie Ball CooperInternational Refugee Assistance ProjectBeth OppenheimHIAS

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