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Judge Imposes $500 Daily Fine on DOJ Lawyer for Contempt

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Laura M. Provinzino of Minnesota found Justice Department lawyer Matthew Isihara in civil contempt for failing to return the immigrant's identity papers.
She ordered a $500-per-day penalty until compliance.
The ruling marks the first civil contempt decision in U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term.
Legal experts note nationwide frustrations, with at least 35 cases where judges demanded government explanations since August.

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Story summary

Judge Laura M. Provinzino of Minnesota found Justice Department lawyer Matthew Isihara in civil contempt for failing to return the immigrant's identity papers.
She ordered a $500-per-day penalty until compliance.
The ruling marks the first civil contempt decision in U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term.
Legal experts note nationwide frustrations, with at least 35 cases where judges demanded government explanations since August.