Federal attorney Julie Le told a Minneapolis judge, "This job sucks," expressing frustration at slow coordination between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DHS and ICE. Judge Jerry Blackwell has ordered the government to explain repeated failures to follow court orders, a pattern recently criticized by Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz. Le — who said she was assigned 88 cases in under a month and felt undertrained — was detailed from another agency and her detail has since ended. The comments come amid "Operation Metro Surge," which has led to thousands of arrests and sparked protests after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Federal Attorney Tells Judge, "This Job Sucks," As Tensions Rise Over ICE Compliance In Minneapolis
Demonstrators gather to march calling for an end to ICE operations in Minneapolis on Saturday. (John Moore / Getty Images)(John Moore)
An attorney representing the federal government conveyed blunt frustration during a Minneapolis immigration hearing, saying: "The system sucks. This job sucks." The comment came as judges pressed the government to explain repeated failures to comply with court orders amid a large immigration enforcement operation in the district.
Courtroom Exchange
Julie Le, detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota from another agency, told U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell that coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Justice Department felt like "pulling teeth." According to courtroom reporting, Le added, "I wish you could hold me in contempt so that I could get 24 hours of sleep."
"The system sucks. This job sucks. I wish you could hold me in contempt so that I could get 24 hours of sleep." — Julie Le
Judicial Rebukes And Compliance Concerns
Judge Blackwell ordered the government to explain why it had not followed multiple court orders, including why several detainees he ordered released remained in custody. In a separate, strongly worded opinion, Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz warned that his "patience is at an end" after documenting the government's persistent noncompliance with "dozens of court orders."
Staffing And Case Load
Court records show Le had been assigned roughly 88 cases in under a month and said she did not feel adequately trained for the role. An official familiar with the matter said Le's detail to the U.S. Attorney’s Office has ended; she remains listed as a DHS attorney in the Minnesota Judicial Branch database.
Office Turmoil And Resource Surge
People familiar with the U.S. Attorney’s Office said multiple prosecutors resigned in recent weeks citing ethical concerns, prompting the administration to surge additional staff and resources into the district to fill gaps.
Context: Operation Metro Surge And Local Fallout
Le's remarks came amid "Operation Metro Surge," a broad immigration enforcement effort in Minnesota that began in December and has resulted in thousands of arrests and widespread protests. The operation garnered national attention after two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal officers during enforcement actions.
The deaths and related enforcement practices prompted widespread condemnation and calls for independent reviews. According to reporting cited at the hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said body cameras would be provided to immigration agents operating in Minneapolis.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
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