UPDATE: A government lawyer has been abruptly removed from her immigration assignment in Minnesota after making shocking remarks during a court hearing, declaring that “this job sucks.” This incident highlights growing frustrations within the U.S. immigration enforcement system, which has surged dramatically since early January.
Julie Le, who was temporarily assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota, made her controversial comments during a hearing on October 17, 2023. She expressed her exhaustion and disappointment directly to U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell, saying, “What do you want me to do? The system sucks. This job sucks.” Her candid remarks came as she managed a staggering 88 cases in less than a month, underscoring the overwhelming workload faced by immigration attorneys amid a record surge in detentions.
Le’s assignment was ended by the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota following her comments, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The decision reflects the mounting pressures and criticisms facing the Justice Department, particularly as frustrations grow over immigration enforcement operations that have intensified in recent months.
During the hearing, Judge Blackwell expressed concern over the treatment of individuals arrested during these operations, noting that many are being held beyond court-ordered release dates. “Some of it is of your own making by not complying with orders,” he told Le, emphasizing the need for adherence to judicial directives.
Le previously worked for the Department of Homeland Security as an attorney for ICE but described her temporary detail in Minnesota as a “stupid” decision. She admitted to feeling unprepared and overwhelmed, stating, “Fixing a system, a broken system, I don’t have a magic button to do it.” The emotional toll of her job was evident as she expressed a desire to resign but felt unable to secure a replacement.
Kira Kelley, an attorney representing petitioners in the hearing, criticized the current immigration system, stating that the influx of cases is necessary due to the unlawful detention of many individuals. She remarked, “There’s no indication here that any new systems or bolded emails or any instructions to ICE are going to fix any of this.”
This incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny on immigration practices, particularly following fatal encounters involving federal agents. Several prosecutors have already departed the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota, citing frustration with the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
As the situation develops, legal experts and advocates are closely watching for changes in policy and practices within the Justice Department and ICE. The urgency of this matter reflects broader national conversations surrounding immigration reform and the treatment of detainees in the U.S.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as it continues to unfold.
