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Rigoberto Soto Jimenez released without documents despite court order, DOJ attorney held in contempt

Feb 19, 2026·Location: Minnesota

Country of origin: Mexico

Rigoberto Soto Jimenez released without documents despite court order, DOJ attorney held in contempt
Photo via Mother Jones

Rigoberto Soto Jimenez, a Mexican immigrant, was ordered released by a federal judge in Minnesota but ICE released him in Texas without his driver's license, work permit, or Mexican consular ID card. The Department of Justice failed to comply with the court's February 9 order to return his belongings by the February 17 deadline. At a February 18 show cause hearing, U.S. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isihara was found in civil contempt of court, and Judge Laura M. Provinzino ordered him to pay $500 daily fines beginning February 20 until the documents were returned. On February 19, the DOJ returned Soto Jimenez's documents via overnight delivery, and the judge dismissed the contempt order without imposing fines.

Timeline

Feb 19, 2026—Department of Justice returned Soto Jimenez's documents via overnight delivery
Feb 19, 2026—Judge dismissed contempt order and attorney was not fined
Feb 18, 2026—Judge held U.S. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isihara in civil contempt of court and ordered $500 daily fines beginning February 20
Feb 17, 2026—DOJ failed to comply with deadline to return documents to Soto Jimenez
Feb 9, 2026—Federal judge ordered Soto Jimenez's release and return of all belongings
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