Paul Blume
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Articles by Paul Blume
Hope lost: Minnesota AG closes unit that freed wrongfully convicted prisoners Original
Minnesota Attorney General’s Office ends wrongful conviction reviews The Attorney General’s Office is closing its Conviction Review Unit (CRU), which has been responsible for investigating claims of wrongful conviction. The move comes after a loss of federal funding that state officials blame on the Trump administration pulling a half-million-dollar grant.
Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is suspending its Conviction Review Unit (CRU) after losing federal grant funding, with Attorney General Keith Ellison expressing disappointment over the decision. "Current budget constraints do not allow the program’s costs to be absorbed without compromising other core responsibilities," Ellison told the FOX 9 Investigators on Wednesday.
Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding
Follow Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding The Minnesota Attorney General's Office is suspending its Conviction Review Unit due to loss of federal funding. The office is blaming the shutdown on the Trump Administration's denial to renew the grant supporting the program.
Minnesota fraudster ordered to pay $2.5M for child food program scheme
The Brief A Minnesota man was ordered to pay nearly $2.5 million in damages and civil penalties for submitting more than 90,000 false claims to a food program for children during the pandemic. The fraud involved bogus reimbursements totaling nearly $200,000 in 2021. According to FOX 9 Investigators analysis, the state has struggled to recover restitution in similar cases, with less than 18% of ordered payments collected since 2020. ST. PAUL, Minn.
Minnesota fraudster ordered to pay $2.5M for child food program scheme
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Minnesota man has been ordered to pay millions after a jury found he defrauded a federal food program meant to help hungry children during the pandemic. State secures major civil penalty in food program fraud A jury found that Emaldeldin Ibrahim submitted more than 90,000 false claims totaling $188,351 in bogus reimbursements over three months in 2021. The money was intended for meals and snacks for hungry children.
Hennepin Co. paramedics vote no confidence in EMS chief over staffing concerns Original
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Hennepin County’s paramedics and EMTs are demanding new leadership after an overwhelming vote of no confidence in their department chief. The vote comes after the FOX 9 Investigators exposed chronic staffing shortages that have stressed and demoralized the rank-and-file emergency responders.
Minnesota Medicaid fraudster off probation despite owing $1.7M in restitution
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A recent FOX 9 investigation found that Medicaid fraudsters owe millions but pay back little, with several other defendants discharged from probation after making either minimal or no payments towards their court-imposed debts. Medicaid fraudster discharged from probation with unpaid debt Tommie Johnson, Sr., who pleaded guilty in 2023 to stealing Medicaid funds through a sprawling personal care assistance scheme, is no longer on probation.
Minnesota Medicaid fraudster off probation despite owing $1.7M in restitution Original
Minnesota Medicaid fraudster off probation despite owing $1.7M in restitution The Brief A man convicted of stealing Medicaid money in Minnesota is no longer on probation, even though he still owes nearly $1.7 million in restitution. Records show he made only minimum monthly payments, and authorities say it is unlikely he will ever pay back the full amount. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office wants stronger laws to help the state recover more stolen Medicaid funds.
Medicaid fraudster wants to shield bank account from prosecutors Original
Ahmed Nur pleaded guilty last year to two counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in a nearly $10 million Medicaid fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 180 days in the Hennepin County Workhouse and, along with nearly a dozen co-defendants, ordered to pay back more than $2.3 million in restitution. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A convicted fraudster is fighting to keep more than half-a-million dollars in a business account off limits as Minnesota tries to recover stolen Medicaid funds.
Minnesota wrongful conviction: Marvin Haynes one step closer to $4.5M after 20 years in prison
The Brief State lawmakers unanimously approved a $4.5 million compensation payment for Marvin Haynes, who spent nearly 20 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Haynes was wrongfully convicted as a teenager in a 2004 Minneapolis flower shop killing and later exonerated. The payment still needs approval from the state Senate, and Haynes has a separate federal lawsuit pending.
Minnesota wrongful conviction: Marvin Haynes one step closer to $4.5M after 20 years in prison
House lawmakers approve payment for Marvin Haynes Minnesota House lawmakers voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a $4.5 million payment for Marvin Haynes, who was wrongfully convicted as a teenager and spent almost 20 years in prison for a 2004 Minneapolis flower shop murder he did not commit. The compensation package is outlined in state law for $50,000 per year and is meant to account for every year that a wrongfully incarcerated person is kept locked up behind bars.
How did ICE operations impact federal courts? Read what the chief judge said.
During an interview with FOX 9 Investigator Paul Blume, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz details the unprecedented strain placed on Minnesota’s federal courts during the months-long immigration enforcement of Operation Metro Surge. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - You can read a portion of Schiltz’s interview with FOX 9 Investigator Paul Blume below. The transcript has been slightly edited for grammar, clarity and brevity.
How did ICE operations impact federal courts? Read what the chief judge said.
The Brief In his first interview since Operation Metro Surge, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz detailed the unprecedented strain placed on Minnesota’s federal courts during the enhanced, months-long immigration enforcement operation. Judicial ethics prevent Schiltz from commenting on specific cases, policies or the Trump Administration.
After ICE 'overwhelmed' federal courts, Chief Judge reflects on emotional toll Original
The emotional and legal toll on Minnesota’s federal judges In a rare interview with the FOX 9 Investigators, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz detailed the unprecedented wave of lawsuits from detained immigrants filed against the federal government during Operation Metro Surge. "We were all just overwhelmed with the number of cases," Schiltz said. Schiltz explained that habeas petitions from immigrants challenging their arrests and detention poured in at all hours, and the urgency was constant.
Hennepin Co. paramedics warn ‘chronic’ under-staffing creating crisis
Records show Hennepin County paramedics are consistently operating below staffing minimums as emergency call volumes increase, leading to union concerns about mental health and burnout. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Records show Hennepin County paramedics are consistently operating below staffing minimums as emergency call volumes increase, leading to union concerns about mental health and burnout.
Hennepin Co. paramedics warn ‘chronic’ under-staffing creating crisis
The Brief Hennepin County paramedics say chronic under-staffing is putting strain on emergency services and their mental health. Union survey results show more than half of the staff are considering leaving the profession due to high stress levels. County leaders acknowledge challenges but say response times remain steady and staffing will improve soon.
Hennepin Co. paramedics warn ‘chronic’ under-staffing creating crisis
The Brief Hennepin County paramedics say chronic under-staffing is putting strain on emergency services and their mental health. Union survey results show more than half of the staff are considering leaving the profession due to high stress levels. County leaders acknowledge challenges but say response times remain steady and staffing will improve soon.
Trump administration can hold ICE detainees without bond, appellate court rules
The Brief Federal judges in Minnesota repeatedly ruled in favor of ICE detainees who argued they were being wrongfully held without bond. The Trump Administration appealed to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals arguing it has the authority to hold immigrants in the country illegally without bond regardless of where they were detained and how long they had already been living in the United States.
Trump Administration can hold ICE detainees without bond, appellate court rules
An appeals court ruled Wednesday Minnesota's federal judges were wrong with their habeas immigration rulings, but it's not going to lead to any mass re-arrests of immigrants previously swept up by ICE, and then released. FOX 9's Paul Blume has more. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A federal appeals court ruled the Trump Administration has the authority to detain immigrants without bond.
ICE unlawfully arrested a college student… again
A Minnesota college student was wrongfully detained by ICE for a second time during the recent immigration surge after spending more than a month in custody last spring. Mohammed Hoque, a Minnesota State Mankato student, was first arrested by ICE last spring and spent 40 days in custody. FOX 9's Paul Blume has the story.
ICE unlawfully arrested a college student… again
The Brief An international college student who had already spent more than a month in ICE custody after being wrongfully detained last year, was unlawfully arrested again during the recent immigration surge, according to records obtained by the FOX 9 Investigators. The government admitted the Minnesota State Mankato student should not have been re-arrested during a raid at his home this winter. The case is now back before a federal judge for final consideration of contempt charges.
ICE unlawfully arrested a college student… again
The Brief An international college student who had already spent more than a month in ICE custody after being wrongfully detained last year, was unlawfully arrested again during the recent immigration surge, according to records obtained by the FOX 9 Investigators. The government admitted the Minnesota State Mankato student should not have been re-arrested during a raid at his home this winter. The case is now back before a federal judge for final consideration of contempt charges.
ICE in MN: El Salvador man released after DHS labels him 'Worst of the Worst'
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A man from El Salvador, once labeled as one of the "Worst of the Worst" by the Department of Homeland Security, has been released from custody without any criminal charges. Carlos Flores-Miguel's arrest Carlos Flores-Miguel was arrested by federal agents outside his workplace during Operation Metro Surge and accused by DHS of being an MS-13 gang member and registered sex offender.
ICE in MN: El Salvador man released after DHS labels him 'Worst of the Worst'
The Brief Carlos Flores-Miguel, labeled "Worst of the Worst" by DHS, has been released without charges. A judge ruled his detention was unlawfully prolonged due to government missteps. Flores-Miguel cannot return to El Salvador and faces uncertain deportation options. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A man from El Salvador, once labeled as one of the "Worst of the Worst" by the Department of Homeland Security, has been released from custody without any criminal charges.
ICE in MN: El Salvador man released after DHS labels him 'Worst of the Worst'
The Brief Carlos Flores-Miguel, labeled "Worst of the Worst" by DHS, has been released without charges. A judge ruled his detention was unlawfully prolonged due to government missteps. Flores-Miguel cannot return to El Salvador and faces uncertain deportation options. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A man from El Salvador, once labeled as one of the "Worst of the Worst" by the Department of Homeland Security, has been released from custody without any criminal charges.
ICE in Minnesota: Concerns over use of JAG Corps attorneys for criminal prosecutions
The Brief Former military attorneys are concerned about military lawyers prosecuting civilian cases in Minnesota’s federal court system. The Trump administration has used military attorneys to assist with DOJ cases. A hearing is set for next month to address the issue. (FOX 9) - A group of former military attorneys are raising alarms about military lawyers prosecuting civilian criminal cases in federal court.
ICE in Minnesota: Concerns over use of JAG Corps attorneys for criminal prosecutions
(FOX 9) - A group of former military attorneys are raising alarms about military lawyers prosecuting civilian criminal cases in federal court. Military attorneys in Minnesota The U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, facing staffing challenges, has brought in military lawyers, known as Judge Advocate General (JAG) attorneys, to help with both civil and criminal cases.
US Attorney seeks to disqualify judge over questions of impartiality
The Brief U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen has filed notice with the court to disqualify federal Judge Jeffrey Bryan from presiding over an ongoing habeas case because of potential bias. Rosen is asking Judge Bryan to recuse himself from the case because Bryan’s wife is the state’s Solicitor General, who is lead counsel on separate federal litigation in which Minnesota is challenging the overall constitutionality of Operation Metro Surge. This isn’t the first time Rosen and Bryan have been at odds.
US Attorney seeks to disqualify judge over questions of impartiality
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - In a motion obtained by the FOX 9 Investigators, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen is asking district court Judge Jeffrey Bryan to recuse himself from an ongoing habeas case because of potential impartiality involving separate litigation against the Trump Administration that Bryan’s wife is leading as Minnesota’s Solicitor General.
Judges called ICE operations ‘Orwellian' and 'craven'. What else did they say?
For the past year, the FOX 9 Investigators have tracked the Trump administration’s immigration operations and the subsequent legal fights playing out in the federal court system. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - For the past year, the FOX 9 Investigators have tracked the Trump administration’s immigration operations and the subsequent legal fights playing out in the federal court system.
Judges called ICE operations ‘Orwellian' and 'craven'. What else did they say?
The Brief Federal judges appointed by Republican and Democrat administrations accused the Department of Justice (DOJ) of violating hundreds of court orders. The Trump Administration has consistently pushed back on "activist judges" and defended its immigration tactics and policies. They described ICE operations as Orwellian, craven and disturbing.
ICE in Minnesota: Judge finds federal agents likely engaged in ‘unconstitutional’ immigration enforcement
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - While a federal judge found Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "likely maintained unconstitutional policies" of race-based immigration enforcement and warrantless arrests, he denied a request to block federal agents from carrying out the continued practices in Minnesota.
ICE in Minnesota: Judge finds federal agents likely engaged in ‘unconstitutional’ immigration enforcement
Tue, March 10, 2026 at 6:57 PM UTC The Brief A federal judge denied a request to block federal agents from carrying out the continued practices in Minnesota. The judge noted, however, that ICE "likely maintained unconstitutional policies" of race-based immigration enforcement and warrantless arrests. The ruling was part of a lawsuit filed by the ACLU to stop the arrests of what they described as racial profiling by ICE agents. ST. PAUL, Minn.
U.S. Attorney says ICE detainees no longer being sent to Texas
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen appeared in federal court again on Thursday as federal judges weigh contempt charges against government officials due to ongoing court violations linked to Operation Metro Surge. Senior District Court Judge John Tunheim ordered the hearing in connection to half-a-dozen immigration cases where the government is accused of violating orders to immediately return personal belongings to individuals who were unlawfully arrested.
U.S. Attorney says ICE detainees no longer being sent to Texas
The Brief The U.S. Attorney for Minnesota told a federal judge Thursday that ICE detainees are no longer being sent to El Paso because there are enough beds in Minnesota. This was the second time this week Rosen was ordered to appear in court due to ongoing litigation over ICE operations. On Tuesday, Rosen was in front of a separate judge facing similar contempt threats over government noncompliance with court orders.
ICE in Minnesota: U.S. Attorney heading back to court over violations
Minneapolis-FOX 9 - Federal judges in Minnesota are weighing contempt charges against government officials due to ongoing court violations linked to Operation Metro Surge. Federal judges consider contempt charges U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen will return to a federal courtroom Thursday where he will face possible contempt charges once again over violations of court orders.
Judge tells U.S. Attorney he hasn't ruled out imprisonment over ICE conduct
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - In ordering the sprawling contempt hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Bryan demanded the appearance of U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen as well as an ICE administrator with direct knowledge of what happened in the more than two dozen cases. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen ordered to court Schiltz characterized Rosen's response to those violations as an "attack" on the courts.
Judge tells U.S. Attorney he hasn't ruled out imprisonment over ICE conduct
The Brief U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Bryan warned U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen he has "not ruled out the consequence of imprisonment" over ICE court order violations during a hearing on Tuesday. Bryan demanded US. Attorney Daniel Rosen appear at the sprawling contempt hearing to explain why the government violated court orders in 28 cases connected to Operation Metro Surge.
ICE in MN: Judge blasts U.S. Attorney’s ‘attack’ on courts, repeated violations
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The chief federal judge in Minnesota is threatening to hold government officials in criminal contempt of court for continuously violating court orders during an explosion of litigation related to Operation Metro Surge. "One way or another, ICE will comply with this Court’s orders," Chief U.S. District Court Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote. The tension between the chief federal judge in Minnesota and the Trump administration escalated to another level this week.
ICE in MN: Judge blasts U.S. Attorney’s ‘attack’ on courts, repeated violations
The Brief Minnesota’s chief federal judge claims that ICE and the local U.S. Attorney’s Office have now violated more than 200 court orders during ongoing civil litigation related to Operation Metro Surge. Twice already, U.S. District Court judges have found the Trump administration in civil contempt for violating its orders regarding the release of unlawfully detained immigrants.
Minnesota's top federal prosecutor faces staffing crisis amid legal challenges
The Brief U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen's office is facing challenges with staffing, missed deadlines, and dozens of court order violations. Rosen remains focused on tackling fraud and major criminal investigations. Hiring efforts are ongoing, with support from the Trump administration.
Minnesota's top federal prosecutor faces staffing crisis amid legal challenges
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen addressed staffing challenges and ongoing efforts to combat crime in Minnesota in his first news conference since taking office last October, and his first news conference since Operation Metro Surge. Overwhelmed by immigration cases Rosen's office has been overwhelmed with civil immigration litigation, leading to dozens of court order violations, and twice now in recent days, federal judges have cited lawyers in the office with civil contempt.
ICE in Minnesota: Court filings provide drawdown specifics as federal agents leave town
Immigration-related court challenges dropped significantly last week amid the Trump Administration’s drawdown of Operation Metro Surge. FOX 9's Paul Blume digs into the numbers, and details the lifting of a contempt order. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A pair of court filings shed new light on the Trump administration’s drawdown to the enhanced immigration enforcement operations known as Metro Surge in Minnesota.
ICE in Minnesota: Sharp drop in weekly immigration habeas filings
Immigration-related court challenges dropped significantly last week amid the Trump Administration’s drawdown of Operation Metro Surge. FOX 9's Paul Blume digs into the numbers, and details the lifting of a contempt order. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Immigration arrests in Minnesota appear to be on the decline, with a notable drop in habeas filings in the last week.
ICE in Minnesota: Sharp drop in weekly immigration habeas filings
The Brief Immigration-related court challenges dropped significantly last week amid the Trump Administration’s drawdown of Operation Metro Surge. There had been a significant increase in habeas filings challenging unlawful detentions and arrests over the last few months. Approximately 1,000 habeas cases have been filed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota since Dec. 1.
ICE in Minnesota: Federal judge lifts contempt order, blasts government attorneys
The Brief U.S. District Court Judge Laura Provinzino lifted her contempt order on a Trump administration attorney after the government returned personal ID paperwork to a formerly detained immigrant. Provinzino had cited an attorney on special assignment with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, and imposed fines of $500 per day until the items were returned.
ICE in Minnesota: Federal judge lifts contempt order, blasts government attorneys
Blistering final order As FOX 9 first reported, Provinzino held a Trump administration military lawyer, on special assignment with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in civil contempt of court for violating her release orders in connection to a Mexican immigrant living in Big Lake, Minnesota. Rigoberto Soto Jimenez was arrested at work by immigration enforcement agents last month.
ICE in Minnesota: Federal judge's contempt ruling highlights Minnesota court frustrations
The Brief A government attorney was found in contempt by a federal judge in Minnesota for violating a court order. The U.S. Attorney’s Office admits to being understaffed and overwhelmed by civil litigation connected to Operation Metro Surge. The case involves the detainment and release of a Mexican immigrant from Big Lake.
ICE in Minnesota: Federal judge's contempt ruling highlights Minnesota court frustrations
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A federal judge in Minnesota has found a government attorney in contempt for not following court orders, highlighting issues within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 1,000 habeas cases Judge Laura Provinzino held Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Matthew Isihara in civil contempt for not complying with her court order in a habeas case involving Rigoberto Soto Jimenez, a Mexican immigrant from Big Lake, Minnesota.
ICE in Minnesota: Judge holds government attorney in contempt for violation of court order
The Brief U.S. District Court Judge Laura Provinzino has held a government attorney in civil contempt for not complying with her orders related to the release of a detained immigrant. The Mexican immigrant, who lives in Big Lake, Minnesota, was released from a Texas detention center without identification papers. The attorney faces a $500 daily fine until the papers are returned.
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