Justice Department Files Complaint Against Minnesota Judges

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a judicial-misconduct complaint over Minnesota federal judges’ comments about Operation Metro Surge.

The complaint concerns interviews with The New York Times. Attorney General Todd Blanche alleges the judges violated ethics rules and wants them removed from cases involving the Department of Homeland Security.

Judge Patrick Schiltz disputes that claim, saying his comments were permitted under rules allowing judges to discuss the rule of law and judicial independence.

The complaint asks the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to investigate.