Patrick J. Schiltz

Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz (D. Minn.) deserves credit and a shout-out for heroic — “rule of law” decisions in these trying times in Minnesota. 1) He treated due process as non-negotiable—even in a "law enforcement/gov. surge." In Juan T.R. (26-CV-0107), Judge Schiltz granted habeas relief after the government failed to respond on time and ordered: (a) no § 1225(b)(2) mandatory detention, (b) a § 1226(a) bond hearing within 7 days, and (c) release if they don’t comply. 2) He escalated from “patient” to “accountable” when ICE kept ignoring orders. When counsel reported the bond hearing still hadn’t happened and the petitioner remained detained, Schiltz issued an Order to Show Cause bluntly describing the real-world harms of noncompliance (extended detention, transfers, being dumped far from home) and stating: “The Court’s patience is at an end.” He then took the “extraordinary step” of ordering Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear personally and explain why contempt should not issue. The mandamus “end-run” and why Schiltz’s reaction matters. -- Multiple reports describe DOJ / the government attempting to short-circuit the district court process via a sealed mandamus petition—and Schiltz responding sharply that he wasn’t even served and couldn’t access the filing because it was sealed “apparently even from” him. That posture (forced secrecy + no notice) is exactly the sort of procedural bypass that federal judges view as corrosive to due process and institutional legitimacy—especially amid a high-volume enforcement surge. I could go on. His conduct is heroic and I'm not being hyperbolic. Schiltz didn’t just criticize policy. He enforced process: timely responses, legally correct detention authority, and obedience to court orders—and he backed it with escalating sanctions tools when the executive branch didn’t comply. So hat's off to a true American hero!

Nothing much to say other than the fact that this judge moves on personal emotions more than any other person on on the bench. Unprofessional in many aspects and forces his opinion regardless of facts and data.

Most evenhanded judge in the district.

Lacks judicial temperament. Often shows bias.

Incredibly smart and very well prepared. He takes a long time to rule on anything. Oral argument in front of him is as good as anywhere--he gives the attorneys plenty of time to make their arguments but largely directs the flow of discussion through questioning. You will not be able to soliloquize. He is hesitant to certify class actions.

Very well prepared at hearings and very smart. Will know the case law better than the lawyers.

Nice enough off the bench; a terror on it. Has zero litigation sense and is intoxicated with his Article III power. Cannot keep up with his work and is a constant complainer. A poor imitation of a federal judicial officer.

This courtroom clown masquerading as a federal judge should go back to teaching, and fast, while they might still take him back. He is is a poster child for the reason why law professors usually make horrible judges, and why the framers screwed up with life tenure. Petty, lazy and sanction-happy with his new power. Please, please go back to spewing black letter law from Gilberts!

Obviously a bright guy but has no clue about civil litigation of judging and is totaly clueless in criminal cases. Not qualified to be a federal judge and shows it. Very slow in getting rulings out - dumps his work to quickly on the Mag Judges - but then he may be samrt enough to realize they are all much better judges than he is or will likely be.