The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the state of New Jersey over an executive order by Governor Mikie Sherrill that prohibits federal immigration agents from entering certain private areas of state property and using state facilities for immigration enforcement activities. The federal government argues that the order violates the U.S. Constitution's supremacy clause and obstructs federal law enforcement efforts, asserting that such restrictions discriminate against ICE and CBP agents. New Jersey officials contend that the order aims to ensure legal compliance and protect community rights, and they plan to defend it in court.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has allowed the IRS to continue sharing certain taxpayer data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), rejecting a request from immigrant rights groups to block the practice. The court found that the data sharing, established by a 2023 agreement, does not violate IRS privacy statutes and is unlikely to succeed on legal grounds. The agreement, criticized by advocacy groups, is intended to verify identities of undocumented immigrants and has been part of the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement efforts.
A former ICE lawyer and trainer testified that the agency's training program is "deficient, defective and broken," citing reductions in vital training hours and allegedly teaching recruits to violate constitutional rights. He also reported being ordered to teach cadets to enter homes without warrants. The Trump administration's rapid recruitment of over 12,000 new officers and recent incidents involving excessive force have heightened calls for review of ICE tactics and funding negotiations remain stalled in Congress.
The article reports that the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, aimed at deporting undocumented migrants and intimidating voters, was deemed a failure due to poor execution and negative public perception. Despite claims of detaining thousands of migrants, critics argue the operation was ineffective and costly, and it garnered widespread criticism for brutality and intimidation tactics. Local officials and public opinion strongly opposed the campaign, and experts suggest it may have backfired politically by increasing minority voter turnout rather than suppressing it.
Hundreds of community members gathered outside Romulus City Hall to protest the proposed ICE detention warehouse in Romulus on February 23, 2026. The rally included clashes between MAGA supporters and opponents, as well as speeches from local political figures, including Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. Several protestors were locked out of the city council meeting, which also saw debates among officials regarding the project.
A federal court in Washington, D.C., rejected a request from immigrant rights groups to temporarily block the IRS from sharing taxpayer data with ICE, allowing the data-sharing agreement to continue. The court determined that the groups are unlikely to succeed on the merits of their claim, as the shared information is not protected by the IRS privacy statute. The agreement, which facilitates immigration enforcement, has been controversial and prompted the resignation of the IRS acting commissioner. It was also revealed that the IRS mistakenly shared taxpayer information for thousands of individuals with DHS, verifying only a small portion of the requested names.
The author reflects on their experience visiting a gun range to better understand gun culture and safety, contrasting it with the violence depicted in videos of ICE officers killing Alex Pretti. They learned about the physical and cultural aspects of firearm use, noting the diversity among gun owners and the importance of safety measures. Ultimately, the visit deepened the author's empathy for Pretti and highlighted contradictions in gun policies, such as permitting young children to shoot and the safety protocols that may not fully prevent tragedies. The article emphasizes the complex relationship between gun culture, safety, and violence.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander stated that the cancellation of ICE's proposed detention facility in Merrimack is a positive development, thanks to local opposition and efforts to protect community interests. She emphasized her ongoing commitment to legislation that increases transparency and accountability for federal facility decisions and highlighted her opposition to the initial plans since December 2025. Goodlander has also been active in advocating for reforms and funding reallocations to support local law enforcement and oppose the detention center.
Three Colorado Democratic lawmakers have urged ICE to immediately abandon plans to reopen the dormant Big Horn Correctional Facility in Hudson as an immigrant detention center, citing concerns over potential harm to detainees and lack of transparency regarding contracts and safety standards. The facility, operated by GEO Group, has been empty since 2014, despite a contract awarded in December 2023 for detention services. Opponents criticize the plan amid broader opposition to ICE's expansion and treatment of detainees, with protests and calls for oversight and accountability.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed in North Carolina on behalf of five individuals and a broader class to challenge warrantless immigration arrests by DHS, ICE, CBP, and USBP, asserting that these arrests often lack probable cause and violate legal standards. The plaintiffs, including U.S. citizens and lawful residents, allege they were unlawfully detained without warrants, amid reports of violence and property damage during arrests. The lawsuit seeks to declare the federal agencies’ arrest policies unlawful and to prevent further warrantless detentions, asserting that such practices violate civil rights and federal law.
Immigrant advocates in Arizona are urging Congress to investigate Home Depot's alleged cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including reports of ICE targeting parking lots and scanning license plates at Phoenix stores. Critics argue that the retailer's security infrastructure may be aiding ICE operations, leading to increased arrests of day laborers and community fear. Home Depot officials stated they are not involved in immigration enforcement activities, but community members remain concerned about the impact on immigrant workers. Activists have called for increased oversight and accountability while advising day laborers on safety precautions.
U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and Representative Brittany Pettersen have called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to abandon plans to establish a new ICE detention facility in Hudson, Colorado, citing concerns over increased detention capacity, lack of transparency, and barriers to oversight and legal access. They oppose a reported $39 million contract with the GEO Group for the Big Horn Facility, expressing fears it will diminish oversight, hinder legal and family visits, and exacerbate community concerns about ICE's practices. The officials have requested detailed responses to oversight questions and urged DHS to reconsider expanding detention capacity in the state.
