DHS responds to Denver mayor banning ICE from city property, legal experts weigh in - Denver7
The Department of Homeland Security is responding to Denver's newest executive order, calling it "legally illiterate."
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The Department of Homeland Security is responding to Denver's newest executive order, calling it "legally illiterate."
A 1977 executive order mandates federal agencies avoid direct or indirect floodplain development when alternatives exist.
Rising grocery prices, with a 2.1% increase over the past year, may cause higher grocery bills for consumers adopting the dietary guidelines proposed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which emphasize whole foods, proteins, and healthy fats. A typical family of four could see an additional $4 to $5 weekly due to inflation alone, with potential further costs depending on food choices. However, recent egg oversupply has lowered egg prices significantly, offering some potential savings.
Elmina (Ellie) Aghayeva, a Columbia University student from Azerbaijan, was detained by ICE from her university apartment, nearly a year after the detention of Mahmoud Khalil. The incident prompted campus protests and vocal support from students and local officials, with Aghayeva later released and reported to be safe. The university and community responded with demonstrations and actions aimed at raising awareness of immigration issues and ICE tactics.
The ICE agency failed to publish mandated detention data on schedule for the second time this year, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Despite claims of being "the most transparent in history," delays in releasing immigration enforcement information persist, hindering public access to critical data. The author urges ICE and Congress to ensure timely publication of this information to support informed oversight.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem proposed purchasing a $70 million luxury jet using deportation funds, causing controversy within the Trump administration and concern among officials about the expense and misuse of taxpayer funds. The jet, currently leased, is intended to be bought as a cost-saving measure, but critics question its necessity and highlight its luxurious features, fueling internal dissent and political criticism amid ongoing government shutdowns.
A Denver-based nonprofit law firm served Sheriff Lou Vallario and the Garfield County Sheriff's Office with a cease-and-desist letter, alleging they illegally assisted ICE with immigration enforcement activities. The letter cites violations of Colorado laws restricting detention, information sharing, and collaboration with federal immigration authorities, including specific cases such as the detention of Luis Rivas Martinez. It also alleges that the SPEAR task force was created improperly and facilitated transfers to ICE, contrary to state law. The sheriff's office has not responded to requests for comment.
Michigan officials are attempting various legal and administrative measures to block the proposed ICE detention facility in Romulus and ICE office space in Southfield, amid federal plans to proceed with the projects. Despite local opposition, protests, and governmental resistance, federal records indicate that ICE has already purchased the Romulus warehouse and plans to establish a detention center, citing economic benefits and safety improvements. State and local officials express concerns over transparency, legal hurdles, and community impacts, while federal authorities maintain their plans are progressing regardless of local opposition. Similar debates are occurring nationwide as ICE acquires warehouses for immigration enforcement without community consent.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized federal officials for neglecting public and environmental concerns related to ICE's plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus into a detention facility, citing lack of community engagement and permits. The federal floodplain notice reveals ICE's intent to acquire and retrofit the property, which is located near schools and wetlands, despite evaluating limited alternatives and not consulting state or local agencies. Local officials, including the Romulus mayor, have expressed opposition and indicated they will not issue permits for the project. ICE claims the facility will create jobs and meet detention standards, but Nessel urges the agency to cease development and comply with legal requirements.
A Russian immigrant in ICE custody in San Francisco is set to lose his eviction case because he cannot appear in court, as his detention prevents his participation. The landlord's attorneys declined to postpone the hearing despite awareness of the tenant's detention, raising concerns about due process for those in immigration detention. The case highlights broader issues regarding the ability of detained individuals to participate in civil proceedings such as housing court.
Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly posed as police officers and used a missing child flyer to gain entry to a Columbia University student's apartment, leading to her arrest for overstaying her visa. The operation has drawn criticism for its deceptive tactics, raising concerns about erosion of public trust in law enforcement and impacting community cooperation. Columbia University officials and law enforcement agencies have disputed parts of the narrative, and the incident has sparked protests and calls for investigation.
Liberty Vans have been deployed across several US cities to support and document immigrant communities targeted by ICE raids, offering legal, moral, and spiritual assistance while recording operations to hold authorities accountable. Created by a diverse coalition led by Mary Corcoran and Steve Schmidt, the vans aim to increase public awareness of ICE's actions and have documented instances of violence, violations, and human stories, sharing footage with media and authorities. Support for abolishing or limiting ICE has increased significantly, reflecting growing public concern over enforcement tactics.