In a significant ruling Thursday, a federal judge in Minnesota ordered the release of Garrison Gibson, a Liberian man arrested by immigration agents just days before. Gibson was detained after a chaotic raid on his home, where immigration officers forcibly entered without a warrant, leading the judge to declare the act a violation of Gibson's Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful searches and seizures.
Gibson, 37, was being held at an immigration detention center after his arrest, which occurred as part of a broader crackdown by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) involving over 2,500 arrests since November 29. His attorney, Marc Prokosch, expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision, emphasizing the lack of a judicial warrant during the raid and calling the actions of the immigration agents a blatant constitutional violation.
During the raid, Gibson's wife was present at their Minneapolis home alongside their nine-year-old child, leaving them deeply perturbed by the incident. Prior to his detention, Gibson had complied with immigration regulations, meeting regularly with authorities. His legal troubles reportedly stem from a 2008 drug conviction, which had been dismissed and had not hindered his legal presence in the U.S.
Judge Bryan pointed out that the failure to provide adequate notice of the revocation of Gibson's supervision order, along with the absence of a post-arrest interview, was also in violation of established protocols. As tensions rise in the Twin Cities following recent fatal confrontations between immigration officials and community members, the case has highlighted the fears and anger surrounding immigration enforcement policies.
Gibson, 37, was being held at an immigration detention center after his arrest, which occurred as part of a broader crackdown by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) involving over 2,500 arrests since November 29. His attorney, Marc Prokosch, expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision, emphasizing the lack of a judicial warrant during the raid and calling the actions of the immigration agents a blatant constitutional violation.
During the raid, Gibson's wife was present at their Minneapolis home alongside their nine-year-old child, leaving them deeply perturbed by the incident. Prior to his detention, Gibson had complied with immigration regulations, meeting regularly with authorities. His legal troubles reportedly stem from a 2008 drug conviction, which had been dismissed and had not hindered his legal presence in the U.S.
Judge Bryan pointed out that the failure to provide adequate notice of the revocation of Gibson's supervision order, along with the absence of a post-arrest interview, was also in violation of established protocols. As tensions rise in the Twin Cities following recent fatal confrontations between immigration officials and community members, the case has highlighted the fears and anger surrounding immigration enforcement policies.
