Stories
Jose “Julian” Morales Calderon, a man living in the U.S. since infancy, was detained by St. Charles police for a traffic violation and a warrant out for his arrest. After his bond was paid, he was unexpectedly taken into ICE custody due to an ICE detainer related to reentry after illegal reentry into the country. ICE subsequently confirmed they took him into custody, and he is now held in a Missouri jail.
Curtis Wright, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S since 2001 with a valid green card, has been detained by ICE in Pearsall, Texas, since November after re-entering from Mexico. His family states his detention is due to a 22-year-old misdemeanor drug charge, and they have filed a legal challenge arguing his rights are violated and he poses no flight risk. The family and local officials are advocating for his release, citing his longstanding residence, clean record, and family ties in the U.S.
The Chittenden County State’s Attorney declined to prosecute 13 individuals involved in a non-violent protest at an ICE office in Williston, citing that pursuing charges would not serve justice or residents' interests. The protesters were protesting against the ICE facility, and despite some being charged or cited for trespassing, authorities will enforce trespassing laws only at their discretion. Protest organizers indicated their plans to continue demonstrating at the site.
Dianne Farah criticized President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, calling it dishonest and disrespectful, and expressed disappointment that he did not apologize to families of those affected by ICE actions. She emphasized the need for policy reforms including fair immigration, universal healthcare, economic equity, and improved public safety, asserting that the current government does not represent her or her community. Farah called for political and social change to prioritize community compassion and progress.
Denver officials have implemented policies to limit federal immigration enforcement within the city, including an executive order requiring police to intervene if ICE officers use excessive force, and prohibiting ICE from entering city-owned buildings. The city is also working on measures to restrict law enforcement officers from wearing masks that conceal their identities and to create templates for private businesses to restrict immigration enforcement on their premises. These actions come amid increased federal immigration activity nationwide and ongoing legislative efforts in Colorado to hold federal agents accountable.
A report from the Washington Examiner reveals that despite claims by President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that no unauthorized immigrants had been allowed into the U.S. since early summer, some individuals have been released into the country after apprehension. While Border Patrol can hold detainees for up to 72 hours, ICE is reportedly releasing some of these individuals through existing "Alternatives to Detention" programs, contradicting official assertions. This comes amid broader scrutiny of Noem's handling of border security and internal reports on airport security issues.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reported allegations of illegal "family voting" during the Gorton and Denton by-election to police and the Electoral Commission, amid concerns raised by election observer group Democracy Volunteers, who observed high levels of such voting at multiple polling stations. Democracy Volunteers identified 32 instances of family voting, which is prohibited under the 2023 Ballot Secrecy Act. Manchester City Council and police are reviewing the reports, while the Electoral Commission noted it is working with authorities and does not investigate electoral fraud directly.
A series of bills advancing through Hawaiʻi's legislature aim to protect immigrant rights and limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies, reflecting heightened concerns over recent federal immigration tactics. These bills include prohibitions on police mask-wearing, restrictions on law enforcement assisting with immigration enforcement, and safeguards for community members' rights, with some proponents seeking to fast-track legislation to the governor’s approval. The legislative efforts are motivated by recent incidents and national trends indicating increased immigration enforcement, and lawmakers aim to strengthen protections despite potential legal challenges.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Dick Durbin sent a letter urging the DOJ's Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate the decision by FBI Director Kash Patel and senior DOJ officials to block a civil rights investigation into the death of Renée Good in Minneapolis. The senators claim the decision was politically motivated, citing reports that officials concerned over public scrutiny and false claims about the incident led to the closure of the probe, prompting mass resignations from prosecutors and FBI agents involved. They also highlight credible whistleblower evidence indicating efforts to alter evidence and suppress the investigation.
Mexico is amid recovery from widespread unrest following the killing of a cartel leader, with ongoing violence and disruptions reported in some areas. Meanwhile, U.S. immigration officials are monitoring activists documenting ICE activities, leading to detentions and citations, while new court documents reveal that ICE is conducting operations to track activists. Additionally, border barriers are impacting wildlife, specifically causing harm to endangered bighorn sheep by restricting their migratory pathways and prompting conservation efforts to install wildlife crossings and openings.
Radiohead condemned the use of their song “Let Down” in a promotional video by ICE, which appeared in a Trump administration campaign. The band demanded the video be taken down, expressing their disapproval and stating, “go f-ck yourselves.” Several other musicians have also opposed their music being used for political messaging without permission.
Two women were convicted of stalking a U.S. ICE agent after following him to his home in Baldwin Park during Los Angeles immigration protests. The trial highlighted issues related to the limits of protest tactics, with the women being found guilty of stalking and disclosing personal information, although they argued they did not intend to harass or identify the agent's residence. The case underscores tensions between protest freedoms and federal laws protecting personal information, with the women potentially facing up to five years in prison, and their sentencing scheduled for June.