Case: Advocates for Human Rights v. Noem

0:26-cv-00749 | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Filed Date: Jan. 26, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

 Advocates for Human Rights (AHR) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis. AHR’s Immigration Legal Services Program (ILS) provides free legal representation to low-income immigrants in the upper Midwest, including asylum seekers, individuals in detention, unaccompanied children, and trafficking survivors. On January 27, an anonymous woman, L.H.M., arrived at the offices of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program in Bloomington, Minnesota, for a ch…

 Advocates for Human Rights (AHR) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis. AHR’s Immigration Legal Services Program (ILS) provides free legal representation to low-income immigrants in the upper Midwest, including asylum seekers, individuals in detention, unaccompanied children, and trafficking survivors. On January 27, an anonymous woman, L.H.M., arrived at the offices of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program in Bloomington, Minnesota, for a check-in as part of an Order of Supervision with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE arrested her after she entered the offices and, on information and belief, she is currently being detained by the government at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building. AHR brought suit on behalf of L.H.M. and all detainees in the Whipple Building. The plaintiff filed this complaint in the District Court of Minnesota on January 27, 2026. The case has been assigned to Judge Nancy Ellen Brasel.

AHR alleged that, since at least January 11, 2026, the government has not provided detainees at Whipple with constitutionally adequate or statutorily compliant access to counsel. Detainees claim that federal agents at Whipple, including FPS officers and at least one ICE attorney, have told attorneys for detainees that no visitation between detainees and attorneys is or has ever been permitted at Whipple. However, rooms at Whipple are specifically designated for attorney visitations. Further, detainees are either denied outgoing phone calls or are not allowed to use private phones to call counsel. On at least one occasion, an attorney visiting Whipple with permission from facility officials was threatened with arrest for moving toward the entrance. On another occasion, when a lawyer attempted to visit a client, he was confronted by six armed security personnel, one of whom said, “We’re not having a debate here—turn your car around and get the hell out of here.”

The proposed class brought their claims under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), claiming that ICE’s actions violate the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The plaintiffs pointed to numerous alleged actions that would contradict the National Detention Standards (NDS), which govern the operation of ICE detention facilities. The plaintiffs requested declaratory judgment, attorneys’ fees, and an order requiring ICE to provide detainees access to counsel. On January 28, 2026, the plaintiffs moved to certify the class and appoint class counsel.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Jinan Abufarha (1/30/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72196538/parties/the-advocates-for-human-rights-v-us-department-of-homeland-security/


Judge(s)

Brasel, Nancy Ellen (Minnesota)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Dougherty, Rachel (Minnesota)

Driscoll, Devin (Minnesota)

Huyser, Alethea M (Minnesota)

Severson, Margaret (Minnesota)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

0:26-cv-00749

Complaint

The Advocates for Human Rights et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security et al.

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72196538/the-advocates-for-human-rights-v-us-department-of-homeland-security/

Last updated Jan. 31, 2026, 12:05 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (filing fee $ 405, receipt number AMNDC-12589274) filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. Filer requests summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

Clearinghouse
2

MOTION to Proceed Under Initials filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

3

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 2 MOTION to Proceed Under Initials : Date and time to be determined. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

4

MEMORANDUM in Support re 2 MOTION to Proceed Under Initials filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate

View on PACER

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

5

Declaration of C.A. in Support of 2 MOTION to Proceed Under Initials filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

6

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 2 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

7

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 2 MOTION to Proceed Under Initials filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

Jan. 27, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026

8

(Text-Only) CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Nancy E. Brasel per 3rd/4th Civil Rights list, referred to Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko. Please use case number 26-cv-749 NEB/DLM.Notice: All Nongovernmental Corporate Parties must file a Rule 7.1 Corporate Disclosure Statement. (kt) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

9

(Text-Only) Notice re: Non-Admitted AttorneyWe have received documents listing Jeffrey B. Dubner, Aman T. George, Mark B. Samburg, Anashua Dutta, Elena Goldstein as counsel of record. If he or she wishes to be listed as an attorney of record in this case, he or she must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (a), (b) and (c) or temporarily admitted pro hac vice in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (d) or (e).For more admissions information and forms, please see the Attorney Forms Section of the courts website at www.mnd.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms. (kt) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

10

Summons Issued as to Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (kt) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

RECAP
11

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Anashua Dutta. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12592115 filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

12

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Aman T. George. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12592147 filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

13

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Elena Goldstein. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12592178 filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

14

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Jeffrey B. Dubner. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12592207 filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

15

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Mark B. Samburg. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12592237 filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

16

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation owning 10 percent or more of its stock, or any subsidiaries to report for The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

17

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

18

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested : Date and time to be determined. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

19

MEMORANDUM in Support re 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

20

Declaration of Kimberly Boche in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

21

Declaration of Danielle Robinson Briand in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

22

Declaration of Hannah Brown in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C)(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

23

Declaration of John Chitwood in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

24

Declaration of Gloria Contreras Edin in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

25

Declaration of Kevin Heinz in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

26

Declaration of J.I.B.C. in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

27

Declaration of J.J.B. in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

28

Declaration of Max Keller in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

29

Declaration of Kira Kelley in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C)(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

30

Declaration of Cedar Weyker in Support of 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

31

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 17 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

32

MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

33

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 32 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel : Date and time to be determined. (Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

34

MEMORANDUM in Support re 32 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

35

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 32 Motion to Certify Class filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

RECAP
36

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 32 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel filed by L.H.M., The Advocates for Human Rights.(Huyser, Alethea) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

RECAP
39

Briefing Order

Jan. 29, 2026

Jan. 29, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

Minnesota

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 26, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

This is a class action on on behalf of detainee L.H.M. and all individuals held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (District of Columbia), Federal

Kristi Noem (District of Columbia), Federal

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (District of Columbia), Federal

Todd Lyons (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

District of Minnesota 0:26-cv-00749

Special Case Type(s):

Habeas

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Habeas

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Immigration/Border:

Detention - conditions

Detention - procedures