Story perspectives

Federal Judge Orders Release of Asylum Seeker, Criticizes ICE

3/26/2026

Center

Judge Releases Bankevich

A federal judge in Iowa, Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, criticized ICE for unlawfully detaining Andrei Bankevich and ordered his release.
Ebinger noted ICE's inaction violated Bankevich's due process rights and failed to justify the prolonged detention.
Bankevich, an asylum seeker from Belarus, has been incarcerated for over a year, raising concerns about the treatment of similar cases.

Left

ICE Admits Misconduct

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lawyers admitted they provided false information about the legality of mass arrests at immigration courts.
The admission surfaced in a New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) lawsuit challenging ICE's targeting of individuals seeking legal status.
The memo cited to justify arrests was found to lack authorization.
Amy Belsher, NYCLU attorney, said the admission undermines the legal basis for ongoing courthouse arrests and spurs investigations.

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Judge Releases Bankevich

A federal judge in Iowa, Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, criticized ICE for unlawfully detaining Andrei Bankevich and ordered his release.
Ebinger noted ICE's inaction violated Bankevich's due process rights and failed to justify the prolonged detention.
Bankevich, an asylum seeker from Belarus, has been incarcerated for over a year, raising concerns about the treatment of similar cases.

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