Trump administration issued DHS order requiring detention of legal refugees
Policy could affect nearly 200,000 refugees from Biden administration
Federal court hearing in Minnesota challenges the legality of the policy
Advocacy groups condemn the order as violating established immigration safeguards
📖 Full Retelling
The Trump administration has issued a sweeping new Department of Homeland Security order in February 2026 that could lead to the arrest of tens of thousands of refugees lawfully residing in the United States but lacking permanent residency, overturning years of legal safeguards and citing national security concerns, with a federal court hearing scheduled in Minnesota to address the controversial policy. According to a DHS memo filed ahead of a Thursday federal court hearing in Minnesota, refugees applying for green cards must return to federal custody one year after they were admitted to the U.S. for review of their applications, with DHS 'maintaining custody for the duration of the inspection and examination process.' The order, part of Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening), targets nearly 200,000 refugees who entered the country during the Biden administration, potentially upending their lives and sowing widespread fear within these communities. Advocacy and resettlement groups have strongly condemned the policy, which legal experts say conflicts with existing immigration law and contradicts the extensive vetting process refugees already undergo before being admitted to the United States.
🏷️ Themes
Immigration Policy, Legal Challenges, Refugee Rights
The new DHS order threatens to detain thousands of legal refugees who are lawfully in the U.S. but lack permanent residency, undermining established immigration protections and creating uncertainty for a large refugee population. It also raises legal and human rights concerns as the order could lead to indefinite detention without clear legal basis.
Context & Background
The Trump administration issued a memo requiring refugees to return to federal custody after one year of admission for green‑card review.
Minnesota judge John Tunheim has temporarily blocked the policy in the state, citing lack of legal authority.
Advocacy groups argue the order violates extensive vetting processes and threatens the safety of refugees.
What Happens Next
The federal court will decide whether to extend the temporary restraining order protecting Minnesota refugees. If the order is not extended, the DHS could enforce the new detention policy nationwide, potentially detaining many refugees. Legal challenges and congressional scrutiny are expected to intensify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the new DHS order require?
It requires refugees who have been in the U.S. for one year to return to federal custody while their green‑card applications are reviewed, and DHS may keep them in detention for the duration of the process.
Will all refugees be detained?
No, the policy is discretionary; DHS could choose not to detain every individual, but the memo allows for detention if they decide to exercise that discretion.
How can refugees challenge the order?
They can file lawsuits in federal court and seek temporary restraining orders or injunctions, as Minnesota refugees have already done with Judge Tunheim.
Original Source
By — Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Steve Karnowski, Associated Press By — Tim Sullivan, Associated Press Tim Sullivan, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter New DHS order could lead to detention of thousands of legal refugees in the U.S. Politics Feb 19, 2026 6:45 PM EST MINNEAPOLIS — The Trump administration has issued a sweeping new order that could lead to the arrest of tens of thousands of refugees who are lawfully in the United States but do not yet have permanent residency, overturning years of legal and immigration safeguards. A memo filed by the Department of Homeland Security ahead of a Thursday federal court hearing in Minnesota says refugees applying for green cards must return to federal custody one year after they were admitted to the U.S. for review of their applications. DHS "may maintain custody for the duration of the inspection and examination process," said the memo, which was filed Wednesday. WATCH: U.S. citizens detained by immigration agents describe how they were treated Advocacy and resettlement groups slammed the order, which will likely face legal challenges and could sow confusion and fear among the nearly 200,000 refugees who came to the United States during the Biden administration. The order is the latest in a series of immigration restrictions by the Trump administration, which has upended longstanding policies toward refugees, including dramatically reducing the number admitted into the country. A memo obtained by The Associated Press late last year said the administration was planning a review of all refugees admitted to the U.S. during the Biden administration, and immediately suspended green card approvals for refugees who arrived during those years. The administration has cited national security and economic concerns for its changed policies. Experts say refugees let into the country already undergo extensive vetting. The new orde...
