Department of Homeland Security

A Mexican lighthouse shines above the U.S.-Mexico border fence in San Diego, CA, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico on November 16, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Feb 21, 2019 3:39PM EST

Immigrant Advocacy Groups Seek Restraining Order to Block Trump Asylum Policy

They hope to prevent government officials from forcing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico until their cases can be heard in the United States.
Central American fathers and their children cuddle and lean against a fence as they wait to be taken into custody after crossing into El Paso, Texas from Mexico on February 01, 2019.
Shani Saxon  Feb 7, 2019 4:52PM EST

Thousands of Migrants Stalled at Texas Border, Pentagon Sends 250 Troops

Many asylum-seekers are considering moving to another official port of entry.
A group of Central American families, including men, women and children, are bundled up in colorful, warm clothing as they walk along the border fence after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on February 01, 2019.
Shani Saxon  Feb 4, 2019 4:50PM EST

Asylum Seekers Face Danger in Mexico as U.S. Begins Deportations

Many will be sent to “murderous and cartel-wracked” border cities, reports Reuters. 
Razor wire stretches out in the morning fog near the U.S.-Mexico border in Donna, Texas, on November 5, 2018 .
Shani Saxon  Jan 8, 2019 5:06PM EST

Just 12 Non-U.S. Citizens on Terror Watchlist Apprehended at Southern Border

As the Trump administration struggles to justify the need for a border wall, Vice President Mike Pence makes misleading claims about the number of “known or suspected terrorists” trying to enter the United States.
A man is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Los Angeles, California.
Shani Saxon  Jan 4, 2019 5:06PM EST

Judge Temporarily Blocks ICE Agents From Arresting Cambodian Refugees

Many of those targeted fled the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror as children, but are now facing deportation orders.
A is man wearing a striped shirt as he carries a child from and they descend a hill, just before crossing the U.S.-Mexico border fence and turning themselves in to the U.S. Border Patrol, on December 16, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Jan 2, 2019 5:09PM EST

Agents Fire Tear Gas at Migrants Attempting to Cross Southern Border

A Department of Homeland Security official called the families seeking asylum a “violent mob.” An eyewitness said otherwise.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent takes an immigrant into custody after she passed through a breach in the U.S.-Mexico border fence on the beach in Tijuana, Mexico on December 2, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Dec 20, 2018 5:29PM EST

Federal Judge Blocks Restrictions on Who Can Seek Asylum

He ruled that the Trump administration’s policy of denying asylum for survivors of domestic and gang violence is “arbitrary, capricious and in violation of the immigration law.”
A migrant wearing a green and black shirt carries a child as he approaches the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Tijuana, Mexico on December 16, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Dec 18, 2018 3:47PM EST

Asylum-Seekers Camp on U.S. Soil, Demand Immediate Processing

A group of Honduran migrants are challenging a United States’ decision to make people wait in Mexico if the nation is experiencing capacity strains.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stand guard at the Tecate, Mexico, port of entry into the United States on December 4, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Dec 17, 2018 5:14PM EST

Border Protection Didn't Tell Congress About Death of 7-Year-Old Migrant to Avoid 'Politicizing' Her Passing

Representative Joaquin Castro: “This is going to be a very serious problem for him and an issue that the next Congress will look into.”
U.S. Border Patrol agents walk back to their vehicles after taking immigrants into custody after they climbed over the U.S.-Mexico border fence from Tijuana, Mexico on December 2, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Dec 12, 2018 5:20PM EST

The Gov't Wants to Use Credit Scores to Keep Immigrants Out of U.S.

This targeting would disproportionately affect people of color.
A group of migrant women and children walk past a U.S. Border Patrol agent after crossing over the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Tijuana, Mexico on December 2, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Dec 11, 2018 5:10PM EST

Asylum Claims Jump Almost 70 Percent in 2018

The Department of Homeland Security released statistics that indicate a huge increase in asylum applications at the southwest border.
A blue sign points to the pedestrian crossing to the U.S. near the U.S./Mexico border.
Shani Saxon  Dec 4, 2018 5:13PM EST

Trump Can Continue to Ignore Environmental Laws While Building Border Wall

The Supreme Court will not hear a challenge brought by groups that say construction would pose a serious threat.
Small children wearing shorts stand with their mother outside a temporary migrant shelter near the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico on November 20, 2018.
Shani Saxon  Nov 27, 2018 5:19PM EST

Chaos Continues at U.S. Border, Migrants Explore Their Options

Many have to decide if they will continue to fight for asylum in the United States.
A U.S. border wall tops a levee near Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 15, 2017, near La Grulla, Texas.
Ayana Byrd  Oct 15, 2018 12:29PM EDT

Trump Administration to Suspend Dozens Of Environmental and Health Laws to Build Border Wall

Activists says residents and wildlife along the wall’s proposed route are in danger.
Border Patrol Agents Detain Migrants Near US-Mexico Border
Alfonso Serrano  Oct 10, 2018 12:47PM EDT

With Detention Centers at Capacity, ICE Begins Releasing Immigrant Families

Unable to keep up with case files at the Arizona-Mexico border, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is releasing apprehended immigrants to churches and other nonprofits.
Border Patrol Agents Detain Migrants Near US-Mexico Border
Alfonso Serrano  Oct 3, 2018 2:51PM EDT

Inspector General Issues Scathing Report on Family Separation Policy

The government watchdog spotlights widespread disarray among federal agencies tasked with implementing the Trump administration’s zero tolerance immigration policy.
Bill would bar DHS from arresting child sponsors on immigration violations.
Alfonso Serrano  Oct 2, 2018 12:19PM EDT

Bipartisan Bill Would Bar DHS from Arresting Immigrant Child Sponsors

The proposed measure comes after ICE arrested dozens of potential child custodians.
USCIS improperly vets civil surgeons who treat immigrants
Alfonso Serrano  Sep 26, 2018 2:33PM EDT

REPORT: Feds Hire Doctors with Criminal Records to Examine Immigrants

A new report from the Office of the Inspector General says that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ faulty vetting procedures are placing immigrants at risk.
Person holds mini flag to their chest, wearing blue and white striped shirt
catherine lizette gonzalez  Sep 24, 2018 5:48PM EDT

Trump Administration Plans to Restrict Green Cards For Immigrants Enrolled in Safety Net Programs

Per a new 447-page proposal, the federal government seeks to deny green cards to immigrants who have received benefits including Medicaid, housing vouchers and supplemental food assistance.
Jeff Sessions further limits judicial independence of immigration judges
Alfonso Serrano  Sep 20, 2018 11:32AM EDT

Attorney General Further Limits Judges' Ability to Dismiss Deportation Cases

Critics say the new directive from Jeff Sessions is the latest in a series of moves designed to limit judicial independece and integrity.