Afghan asylum seekers

Judge Bars ICE from Re-Detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge has issued a temporary order preventing U.S. immigration authorities from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident. The ruling came after Abrego Garcia’s release from a Pennsylvania detention facility, and in anticipation of a routine ICE check-in. This decision follows months of litigation after Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador, despite having been granted protection from deportation. The DHS has criticized the order, claiming it lacks legal basis. Abrego Garcia is currently facing criminal charges and has a pending asylum application.

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Judge Orders Immediate Release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE Custody Amidst Ongoing Detention Battles

A federal judge in Maryland has ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s immediate release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody while his legal challenge against deportation proceeds. The order stems from Abrego Garcia’s wrongful deportation to El Salvador and subsequent re-detainment by ICE, despite a previous ruling preventing his deportation there. The Department of Homeland Security has strongly criticized the decision. Abrego Garcia is also seeking asylum and facing criminal charges, with a judge expressing concerns about potential vindictive prosecution.

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Trump Administration to Charge Migrants $5,000 “Apprehension Fee”

The Trump administration has implemented a $5,000 apprehension fee for migrants without legal status, applicable to those aged 14 and older apprehended after crossing the border. This new fee, stemming from provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” expands the financial penalties associated with unauthorized entry. The legislation also increases other immigration-related fees and introduces new fees for humanitarian protections, such as asylum applications. Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation to reverse some of these provisions, particularly those affecting unaccompanied children, citing potential negative impacts on their safety and legal rights.

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ICE Barbie’s Asylum Answers: Criticism of Noem’s Vetting Stance

During a Sunday interview, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem struggled to address the fact that the suspected National Guard shooter’s asylum request was approved during the Trump administration. Noem instead shifted blame to the Biden administration, stating that vetting procedures were lacking under Biden, despite the asylum being granted in April after Trump had assumed office. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 and is accused of firing on National Guard members, resulting in one fatality. Critics on social media have also pointed to the appointment of Thomas Fugate, a former landscaper, to head up U.S. terror prevention as a potential security concern.

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Noem: National Guard Shooting Suspect Radicalized in US, Not Before

U.S. authorities believe the Afghan immigrant accused of ambushing National Guard members in Washington, D.C., was not radicalized until after he came to the United States, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Sunday. The core of this statement immediately raises questions. If he wasn’t radicalized beforehand, what prompted such a violent act? It feels like we’re being presented with a simplified narrative, especially when you consider the complexity of the situation. This administration’s tendency to simplify and control the narrative is concerning. It’s difficult to trust information coming from them.

The fact that this individual was vetted and approved for asylum by the Trump administration in April adds another layer of complexity.… Continue reading

Suspect in National Guard Shooting Charged with First-Degree Murder, Trump Blames Biden

Following the death of one National Guard member, charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two soldiers, have been upgraded to first-degree murder. The incident, which occurred near the White House, resulted in Specialist Sarah Beckstrom’s death, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the shooting, with Lakanwal, an Afghan national, also facing assault with intent to kill charges. In response, the U.S. government has announced a pause on all asylum decisions.

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Officials Criticize Biden Vetting as Trump Granted Asylum to Afghan Shooting Suspect

Officials criticize Biden’s vetting processes, but a stark reality underscores this critique: the Afghan shooting suspect, the very individual who ignited this political firestorm, was granted asylum during the Trump administration. This seemingly simple fact throws a wrench into the narrative.

The focus on the current administration’s perceived failings often overshadows the context of the events. It’s a recurring pattern: when things go wrong, the blame game begins, and the spotlight shifts to the opposing side. In this instance, the scrutiny of Biden’s vetting protocols, while valid on its own, seems to conveniently overlook the fact that the asylum was granted under Trump.… Continue reading

US Halts Afghan Immigration After Shooting: Critics Decry Policy as Racist and Inept

Following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House by an Afghan national, the US has halted all immigration requests from Afghanistan. The suspect, who entered the US in September 2021 under a program for Afghan refugees, had previously been granted asylum. In response, President Trump has stated the need to reassess all Afghan immigrants, and the Pentagon is deploying additional National Guard members to the capital. This action follows the implementation of a travel ban and the termination of a program offering deportation protections for Afghans.

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Argentina: Refuge for LGBTQ+ Russians and Ukrainians Fleeing Persecution

Argentina has, seemingly, become a beacon of hope, a place of refuge for a specific group: LGBTQ+ Russians fleeing the escalating anti-gay crackdown orchestrated by Vladimir Putin’s regime. It’s a complex situation, one that goes beyond just the LGBTQ+ community, as the influx of refugees from both Ukraine and Russia since the war’s commencement has been quite noticeable.

It’s clear that Argentina, for a while now, has been a place where people seek sanctuary from persecution. There’s a history of offering safe haven, dating back at least two decades. The stories of individuals finding freedom and safety in Argentina are moving and a reminder that everyone, everywhere, deserves to live without fear of discrimination.… Continue reading

US Plans to Deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia by October 31

According to a Friday court filing, the U.S. government intends to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, potentially as soon as October 31. This follows a previous mistaken deportation to El Salvador, in violation of a settlement agreement. Abrego Garcia’s legal team argues this new deportation attempt is punitive and designed to inflict hardship, particularly since he has no connection to Liberia and has applied for asylum in the United States. Furthermore, the Salvadoran national is also facing criminal charges in Tennessee, adding another layer of complexity to his immigration case.

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