Federal Judge Orders Release of Liberian Man in Controversial Immigration Raid

Fri Jan 16 2026 09:44:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A judge in Minnesota has ordered the release of Garrison Gibson, a Liberian man arrested during an immigration raid, citing violations of his constitutional rights.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan ruled that immigration agents unlawfully entered Garrison Gibson's home without a warrant, violating his Fourth Amendment rights. The raid, part of a broader enforcement operation in Minnesota, had sparked significant fear in the community. Gibson, who previously fled civil war in Liberia, was held in detention for days before the judge's ruling set him free, reflecting ongoing tensions around immigration policies.

In a striking ruling, a federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the release of Garrison Gibson, a 37-year-old man from Liberia, just days after armed immigration agents stormed his home. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan highlighted that the agents violated Gibson's Fourth Amendment rights, as they entered his residence without consent or a proper judicial warrant.

Gibson’s attorney, Marc Prokosch, expressed relief at the verdict, stating that the raid was a blatant violation of constitutional rights. Gibson, who fled Liberia during its civil war as a child, had been legally residing in the U.S. under an order of supervision.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has intensified immigration arrests in Minnesota, reportedly detaining over 2,500 individuals since the end of November. This recent operation has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly in the aftermath of violent incidents involving immigration officials.

DHS has yet to comment on this specific ruling amidst growing scrutiny over its tactics and enforcement policies. As these issues unfold, the fear and tension in the Twin Cities community continue to rise, showcasing the complexities of immigration reform and enforcement in the U.S.