During a House committee hearing, Rep. Kiley questioned whether undocumented migrants are entitled to the same due process as citizens, a claim Rep. Crockett refuted citing the Constitution’s guarantee of due process to all on US soil. Kiley countered citing Supreme Court rulings on context-dependent due process, but Crockett maintained that the Supreme Court consistently upholds due process rights for everyone regardless of immigration status. The debate, punctuated by laughter from the House floor, ultimately concluded without resolution. Rep. Jayapal’s attempt to submit the US Constitution for the record highlighted the central disagreement.
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During a Senate hearing, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem incorrectly defined habeas corpus as the president’s right to deport individuals, rather than the right of detained persons to challenge their detention. This misunderstanding occurred as the Trump administration considers suspending habeas corpus for immigrants facing deportation. Senator Hassan’s question regarding the definition of habeas corpus prompted Noem’s inaccurate response. Noem’s answer highlights a significant gap in understanding of fundamental legal rights amidst discussions of mass deportations.
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The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration, halting a lower court’s injunction that preserved Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans. This decision potentially exposes these individuals to deportation, overturning a ruling by a San Francisco judge who cited the significant disruption and economic impact of ending TPS. The Supreme Court offered no explanation for its ruling, a common practice in emergency appeals. This action follows similar recent appeals by the Trump administration concerning immigration, demonstrating an aggressive push to limit immigration protections.
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In response to a new DHS program offering financial and travel assistance for undocumented immigrants’ self-deportation, Rep. Randy Weber expressed disapproval, advocating for harsher consequences. He jokingly suggested “punishing” them by dropping them from airplanes over their home countries, a comment he quickly attempted to retract. His remarks, made on the “Washington Watch” program, sparked immediate attention and controversy. The exchange highlights a stark difference in approaches to immigration enforcement.
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President Trump vehemently criticized the Supreme Court’s temporary block on his administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite migrant deportations. This followed a 7-2 Supreme Court decision citing insufficient due process afforded to migrants facing deportation. Trump, amplifying a suggestion from an advisor, shared a post proposing the release of “terrorists” near the homes of justices. This action came after the administration ignored a court order to return a deported man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to the United States. The president’s response underscores his frustration with judicial oversight of his immigration policies.
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President Trump, in a series of Truth Social posts, vehemently attacked birthright citizenship, labeling the U.S. as “stupid” and its citizens as “suckers,” while the Supreme Court considered a case challenging the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to those born within U.S. borders. Trump’s claims falsely narrowed the 14th Amendment’s historical context to solely encompass the children of slaves, ignoring its broader application and established legal precedent. Despite this, the 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868, overturned the Dred Scott decision and has been consistently interpreted to include children of immigrants, as affirmed by the 1898 Wong Kim Ark Supreme Court case. The Supreme Court is now tasked with resolving the conflict between Trump’s executive order and longstanding legal interpretation.
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Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted on Tuesday for allegedly obstructing the arrest of an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, by guiding him out of her courtroom to evade ICE agents. The charges, concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of proceedings, carry a potential six-year prison sentence and $350,000 fine. Dugan’s lawyer asserts her innocence, while the indictment highlights escalating tensions between the White House and the judiciary over immigration enforcement. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Dugan pending the outcome of the case.
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Following a Supreme Court setback regarding his administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants, President Trump vehemently criticized the court on Truth Social, claiming that preventing the deportation of alleged criminals would destroy the nation. He sought Supreme Court approval for the deportation of nearly 200 Venezuelan migrants detained in Texas, referring to them as “murderers” and “criminals.” Public opinion on Trump’s immigration policies remains divided, with recent polls showing fluctuating levels of approval. The Supreme Court is also set to hear arguments on Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship.
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In his inaugural address, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, referencing Francis’s frequent calls to “build bridges, not walls,” a clear counterpoint to former President Trump’s immigration policies. Echoing this sentiment, Cardinal Robert Prevost, also American, advocated for migrant rights and a Church that embraces all in need. The new pontiff’s speech, delivered in multiple languages, emphasized peace, charity, and unity, directly addressing global concerns and implicitly criticizing divisive rhetoric. His election has been met with both celebration and criticism, highlighting the starkly contrasting views within the American populace.
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Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first American Pope, has been elected as Leo XIV. His extensive social media history reveals outspoken criticisms of Trump administration immigration policies and individuals like J.D. Vance for their stances on the issue. Prevost’s previous posts also addressed various social justice concerns, including gun control, climate change, and racial injustice, alongside traditional Catholic positions on abortion and the death penalty. His election has sparked a strong reaction from the MAGA right, while Trump and Vance offered more measured congratulations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker