Operation PARRIS Targets Refugees in Minnesota
What is Happening to Refugees in Minnesota?
Refugees who arrived in Minnesota between 2021 and 2025 are facing targeted enforcement actions under a new Department of Homeland Security initiative called Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening).
Under this operation, federal immigration agents are reexamining refugee cases through new background checks, intensive verification, and reinterviews of refugees’ original stories of persecution. The initial focus is on approximately 5,600 refugees in Minnesota who haven’t yet been granted lawful permanent resident status (green cards), although many have pending applications.
Although these individuals entered the United States through a legal and highly vetted refugee process through the US Refugee Admissions Program, many have been detained – often without explanation. This treatment is unjust, harmful, and unacceptable.
Refugee Detentions
Detentions related to Operation PARRIS began on January 9. Our resettlement network estimates that more than 100 refugees across Minnesota were detained, with many transferred to detention facilities in Texas within 24 hours of arrest.
The Department of Homeland Security has described Minnesota as “ground zero” for this nationwide effort, which it claims is intended to reduce fraud. However, the impact on refugee families has been swift and devastating.
Arrive Ministries clients, who have lawful refugee status, were among those detained. Our community is grieving the trauma re-inflicted on people who already survived persecution, war, and displacement.
Court Orders ICE To Stop Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Refugees
Temporary Restraining Order
On January 29, 2026 a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order halting the arrest and detention of refugees. The order also calls for the release of all detained refugees in Minnesota and Texas. This order is the result of combined advocacy and legal efforts within our network and is a monumental step towards more humane treatment of our clients.
Nationwide Memo
A new order was released on February 19 expanding the reinterviewing of refugees to now include refugees beyond Minnesota and throughout the United States.
Injunction Order
On February 27, 2026, a federal judge issued an injunction order prohibiting the detention of refugees in Minnesota who have not yet received their green cards.
Excerpts from the February 27 injunction order
“In the Refugee Act, this Nation extended a helping hand to those escaping persecution. We made a simple promise: pass the vetting, follow the law, and you will be given a chance at a new beginning in safety. That promise was not symbolic. It was concrete. It meant the opportunity to work, to worship, to raise children without fear, and to build a future under the protection of American law. Stability — not more fear — was the commitment.”
“The Government’s actions in this case beg the question: Why?… Why subject them to warrantless arrests, place them in shackles, and transport them to distant detention facilities – facilities whose conditions likely resemble the refugee camps they once lived in – simply to conduct the required one-year interview that preceded adjustment to lawful permanent resident status?”
-U.S. District Judge John Tunheim
Read the full court order here
Call-in Letters Continue
While we celebrate the stop to detentions, refugees continue to receive call-in letters for revetting interviews, requiring them to retell their stories of persecution.
Refugees are admitted to the United States only after years of rigorous screening, background checks, and interviews. They are here legally.
What is happening now is retraumatizing men, women, and children who already endured unimaginable harm before fleeing their home countries.
The federal injunction preventing refugee detentions only applies to Minnesota at this time. Join us in advocating against refugee detentions and the revetting of refugees nationwide.
What Refugees Should Know
They do not have to allow entry to anyone without a valid warrant
Make a family preparedness plan in case of detention, including a Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) to appoint a caregiver for children.
- Read more on refugee revetting, identifying ICE, and refugee rights if detained – from the International Refugee Assistance Project
Arrive Ministries provides immigration legal assistance to refugees and immigrants living in Minnesota. If you or someone you know needs legal support, contact our team.
How to Help
Use your voice
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to stop refugee detentions and the revetting of refugees nationwide, and demand accountability.
Show up for refugee families
Check in, offer companionship, bring a warm meal, groceries, or needed household items.
Give generously
Donate to the Refugee Neighbors Belong Fund to help families with essentials, legal support, and urgent needs.
Support immigrant-owned businesses
Choose immigrant-owned shops, restaurants, and services.
Get your church community involved
Connect your church to Arrive Ministries to learn how to support refugee neighbors.
Pray
Hold our refugee neighbors and their families in prayer.
