Author: Laura Perras

DHS has reported that all detainees have been transferred out of Alligator Alcatraz, but no one knows where to. The administration is stating that these transfers were out of concern for the safety of detainees as we enter the hurricane season, which lasts 6 months. The facility first opened in July of 2025, one month … Continued

A months-long standoff in Congress ended earlier this week when the president signed a reconciliation bill that provides an additional $70 billion to ICE and CBP. The funding had previously been blocked by Democrats in the Senate who had demanded greater accountability in immigration enforcement. Senate Republicans used the reconciliation process to sidestep a filibuster and pass the additional funding last week, and the bill just narrowly passed in the House on Tuesday. By using reconciliation, Republicans not only avoided Democratic demands for greater accountability, they also avoided most of the guardrails that are included in the normal appropriations process, such as reporting requirements around who is being detained and specific treatments for pregnant women in custody. Worryingly, the bill provides 3-years worth of funding for immigration enforcement, meaning that Congress will have little ability to revive such guardrails until 2029. 
In good news, a federal court in Rhode Island blocked a series of policies put forward by the Trump Administration that target immigrants according to their nationality. In its order last week, the court noted the hypocrisy . . .

The Senate took the first in a series of votes on Wednesday afternoon to pass a reconciliation bill that would add $70 billion to immigration enforcement. Senate leadership had planned to pass the funding last month, but faced a revolt in their own party against billions in funding for the president’s ballroom and “anti-weaponization” slush … Continued

Last week, USCIS released a policy memo which could have significant impacts on those already in the United States who seek to adjust status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident, a process that has been common and routine for decades. Adjustment of status has always been discretionary, but the new memo tips the scales … Continued