Julie Lay, the U.S. Department of Justice’s attorney in Minnesota, was fired for comments she made in court during a hearing on ICE-related arrests. Le, who is working on detail with the DOJ, is originally with the Department of Homeland Security.
Federal agents detain a protester in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 3, 2026. (AFP)On Tuesday, he caused a row after telling a federal judge that his job was “humiliating” and asked the judge to hold him in contempt of court so he could “sleep for 24 hours.” The comments came after he dropped 88 cases in less than a month, NBC News reported.
“The system is bad. This job is bad. I hope you can hold me in contempt so I can sleep for 24 hours,” the attorney told the judge.
Here’s what you need to know about under-fire attorney Julie Lay:
Who is Julie Leigh? 5 facts about under-fire attorneys1. He is basically a DHS lawyer: According to Minnesota court databases, Julie Lay is primarily a lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security and has represented ICE in immigration court.
2. He was fired after the “Bad Job” row: Lake was fired from his detail with the DOJ in Minnesota after his comments made headlines on Monday. According to reports, he is now back with his original duties.
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3. He took 88 cases in less than a month: Court records show attorney Julie Le is working under intense pressure amid a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota. He has received more than 88 cases related to ICE operations in less than 30 days.
4. He complained about ICE’s failure to follow orders: Julie Leigh made extensive allegations before the judge that ICE agents were not following court orders properly. “I’m here to make sure agencies understand how important it is to comply with court orders,” he told the court, likening the task of agents following orders to “pulling teeth.”
5. He was a volunteer with the DOJ: According to reports, Julie Ley volunteered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office last month amid a flood of habeas corpus petitions in federal court for immigration raids and anti-ICE protests.
