Former ICE Chief Declared in Contempt for Ordering Arrest of Ethiopian Citizen

A federal judge found Vernon Liggins, former interim director of ICE in Baltimore, in contempt of court for ordering a new detention. The person affected was Ibrahim Mohammed, a 44-year-old Ethiopian citizen protected against deportation to Ethiopia.

Judge John W. deGravelles concluded that Liggins was aware of the court orders and nevertheless authorized the arrest. The case puts ICE’s authority to detain individuals whose deportation cannot be executed under scrutiny. It also demonstrates the judicial limits that immigration officials must respect.

Why Did the Judge Find Liggins in Contempt?

Liggins ordered Mohammed detained on July 28, despite the court having required his release. It was the third detention of the Ethiopian citizen in just over 1 year. During an emergency hearing, government attorneys acknowledged that the arrest violated existing orders. The judge ordered Mohammed’s immediate release and warned that more severe sanctions could be imposed.

The decision also ordered ICE to cover Mohammed’s legal fees. Additionally, the court awarded $180 for the time he remained detained. Civil contempt seeks to enforce court orders and compensate damages caused by noncompliance. It does not automatically amount to a criminal conviction against the official.

Why Cannot Mohammed Be Deported to Ethiopia?

An immigration judge ordered Mohammed’s deportation in 2023. However, the judge also concluded that he could not be sent to Ethiopia because he would face a risk of torture. Mohammed belongs to the Amhara community and participated in political protests, according to case records. The inability to send him to his country left open the search for an alternative nation.

ICE attempted to find a third country, but failed to complete that deportation. Mohammed had served a prison sentence for sexual abuse of a minor. The original sentence was 21 years, but he was released after 6 years for good behavior. The judge noted that the existence of that conviction did not permit ignoring orders regarding his immigration detention.

How Many Times Was Mohammed Detained?

ICE kept Mohammed in immigration custody for 23 months before releasing him in November 2024. The agency had determined that he was not violent and posed no danger to society. Subsequently, ICE revoked his supervised release in July 2025.

The agency transferred him to Camp 57, a unit located within the Louisiana state penitentiary. The court also blocked an attempt to deport him to Eswatini. The judge questioned ICE’s lack of transparency regarding the procedure and proposed destination. These decisions demonstrate that a deportation order does not always authorize indefinite detention.

What Limits Does ICE Face Regarding Court Orders?

ICE must comply with federal court orders, even when the person has criminal history. Agents cannot prolong detention simply because they wish to expedite a deportation. Detention may req