Following a “Know Your Rights with ICE” webinar hosted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Trump administration official Tom Homan questioned whether the event obstructed immigration enforcement efforts, suggesting potential legal repercussions for Ocasio-Cortez. Ocasio-Cortez retorted by suggesting Homan review the Constitution, defending her actions as educating individuals—citizens and non-citizens alike—about their rights during potential ICE encounters. Homan’s criticism follows similar threats levied against other officials who have been critical of Trump administration immigration policies.
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President Trump’s frustration mounts as immigration officials struggle to meet his ambitious deportation goals. While thousands of arrests have been made, daily totals fall short of the administration’s 1,200-1,500 target, failing to reach the “millions” promised during the campaign. The administration attributes the slower-than-expected pace to factors like leaks and limited detention capacity, while also highlighting the recent passage of the Laken Riley Act, which expands the grounds for detention. Despite these challenges, the administration maintains its commitment to prioritizing the deportation of high-threat individuals before expanding to those accused of lesser offenses.
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Recent reports of widespread ICE arrests across the US proved to be largely based on outdated press releases. A review revealed that numerous ICE press releases, some dating back over a decade, were manipulated to display a January 24, 2025, update timestamp, artificially boosting their search engine ranking and creating a false impression of recent activity. This tactic, likely employed to stoke fear among immigrant communities, highlights a potential strategy of disseminating misleading information through search engine optimization. Following inquiries from the Guardian, some of the manipulated press releases were subsequently corrected.
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Despite the Trump administration’s publicized arrests of over 8,000 immigrants and promises of mass deportations, some detainees have been released onto a monitoring program due to limited ICE detention capacity and court orders. This program, known as Alternatives to Detention, utilizes ankle monitors or other methods to track individuals. The releases are partly attributed to countries refusing to accept deportees, and ICE prioritizes detaining those considered public safety threats. While the administration aims to end “catch and release,” capacity limitations necessitate releases even within the country.
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Eighteen-year-old Zeneyda Barrera, a Nicaraguan national with legal status in the U.S., was arrested by ICE after a minor altercation with her brother. The incident, involving a push during a cell phone argument, resulted in a misdemeanor assault and battery charge. Despite the Essex County District Attorney’s agreement to divert the case, ICE apprehended Barrera before arraignment, transferring her to a Maine jail. This action has raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on community interaction with law enforcement.
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Beginning January 27th, 2025, Buckley Space Force Base will provide facilities to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing detained migrants in support of increased ICE operations in the Denver metro area. The Department of Homeland Security requested the base’s use, and no military personnel will participate in ICE’s activities. ICE will utilize the facilities for a temporary operations center, staging area, and holding location. These increased arrests are a continuation of policies implemented during the Trump administration.
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A substitute teacher at North Side High School in Fort Worth, Texas, prompted an investigation by Fort Worth ISD after posting on X, urging ICE agents to the school to remove students believed to be undocumented. The post, which included details about students’ limited English proficiency, followed a recent presidential directive allowing ICE actions in sensitive locations. The district swiftly responded, stating the substitute teacher would be off-campus during the investigation and affirming its commitment to supporting all families. The district is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
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U.S. Secret Service agents, investigating a threat against a protected government official, visited a home and Hamline Elementary School in Chicago. Initially misidentified as ICE agents, the Secret Service agents were turned away by school administrators who followed established protocols. The agents did not gain access to students or staff, and the school maintained a safe learning environment. This incident followed recent threats of mass deportations in Chicago and the CPS’s policy to deny ICE access without a criminal judicial warrant.
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Following an attempted entry by unidentified agents at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago, school staff adhered to established protocols, barring entry and refusing communication. Chicago Public Schools officials confirmed that the district only permits ICE access with a federal judicial warrant, rejecting administrative warrants or detainers. While ICE denied involvement, the incident occurred amidst a recent policy shift allowing federal immigration enforcement in sensitive locations like schools, sparking concerns among immigrant advocates. School officials emphasized their commitment to student safety and the district’s adherence to the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker