Verdict . News

•Operation PARRIS targets 5,600 Minnesota refugees who haven't transitioned to permanent residency after one year

Legal News

1w ago•4 min read

U.S. District Court

Federal Court Weighs Challenge to Minnesota Refugee Detention Sweep

The Justice Department and human rights advocates clashed in federal court Wednesday over Operation PARRIS, a federal initiative targeting 5,600 refugees in Minnesota for detention. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim questioned the government's interpretation of federal law that would require arrest of refugees who haven't gained permanent residency after one year.

•Federal judge questions government's interpretation of law requiring refugee 'inspection' as justification for detention

•DHS reversed a 30-year policy protecting schools from immigration enforcement without explanation in 2021

Regulatory

1w ago•4 min read

Minnesota federal court

Minnesota Schools Sue DHS Over Immigration Crackdown on Campuses

Two Minnesota school districts and a teachers union filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, challenging a policy change that allows immigration enforcement in and around schools for the first time in 30 years. The lawsuit stems from concerns over plummeting attendance as parents fear sending children to school during 'Operation Metro Surge.'

•Operation Metro Surge deployed 3,000 agents to Twin Cities, causing widespread fear and plummeting school attendance

•Justice Jackson questioned whether excluding discriminatory Black Codes undermines the Bruen historical test for gun regulations

1w ago•4 min read

Supreme Court

Justice Jackson Challenges Gun Rights Historical Test in Hawaii Case

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson questioned whether the Supreme Court's historical approach to gun regulations adequately accounts for discriminatory laws like post-Civil War Black Codes during oral arguments in Wolford v. Lopez. The case challenges Hawaii's law requiring property owner consent for licensed gun carry in public establishments.

•Hawaii's law requires property owner consent for licensed gun carry in public establishments

State Court

•Hawaii Supreme Court rejected Austin Rosa's certiorari petition against Kauai Police Department and county officials

Supreme Court of Hawaii

Hawaii Supreme Court Rejects Police Misconduct Appeal by Austin Rosa

The Hawaii Supreme Court rejected a petition for review in *Rosa v. Kaua'i Police Department*, ending a civil rights lawsuit by self-represented plaintiff Austin Rosa against the Kauai Police Department, prosecutor's office, and county government. The February 4, 2026 order represents the final appellate option in Hawaii's state court system.

•Self-represented plaintiff exhausted all state court appeals following adverse Intermediate Court of Appeals ruling

Regulatory

•ICE arrests in Virginia increased to 4,264 in first seven months of 2025, nearly tripling 2024 totals

Virginia Advocates Push for ICE Restrictions as Arrests Triple

The Virginia Coalition of Immigrant Organizations is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation restricting ICE enforcement following a surge in immigration arrests. ICE arrests in Virginia have nearly tripled in the first seven months of 2025 compared to 2024.

•Virginia Coalition of Immigrant Organizations leading push for state legislation to restrict ICE enforcement

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Fourth Circuit Affirms Montgomery County School Board in Education Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling in favor of the Montgomery County Board of Education in a lawsuit brought by the Association for Education Fairness. The unpublished decision, filed February 3, 2026, upheld the district court's judgment.

•Fourth Circuit affirmed district court ruling favoring Montgomery County Board of Education

•Association for Education Fairness, represented by Pacific Legal Foundation, was unsuccessful in appeal

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

3rd Circuit Vacates Target Dismissal in Pro Se Employment Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated a district court's dismissal of Marquitta Regaolo's employment discrimination lawsuit against Target Corporation. The appeals court ordered the case remanded for further proceedings after finding the lower court erred in dismissing the pro se plaintiff's complaint.

•Third Circuit vacated district court dismissal of pro se employment discrimination case

•Appeals court found error in dismissing case solely for failure to file opposition brief

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Affirms Dismissal of ADA Case Against Electronic Materials Co.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's dismissal of an ADA lawsuit brought by Robert Koscielski, a 20-year employee of DDP Specialty Electronic Materials who was terminated after developing a rare brain condition affecting his balance. The court held that Koscielski could not perform essential job functions even with accommodation.

•Sixth Circuit affirmed dismissal of ADA lawsuit against DDP Specialty Electronic Materials

•20-year employee terminated after developing permanent neurological condition affecting balance

Supreme Court

•Supreme Court 'Martin-ized' Danny Howell, permanently barring him from filing future noncriminal petitions without paying fees

Supreme Court

Supreme Court Bars Prisoner From Future Fee-Waived Filings

The Supreme Court dismissed Danny Howell's petition and permanently barred him from filing future noncriminal petitions without paying fees, a practice called 'Martin-izing.' Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, warning about access-to-justice barriers for incarcerated individuals.

•Justice Jackson issued rare dissent warning about access-to-justice concerns for incarcerated petitioners