As we close out this week, the Collaborative is back with another Stories of the Week recap. From threats to sanctuary cities to fears as students enter the new school year, here are the top stories impacting the well-being of im/migrants this week.
– Sophia Benavente
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
As the Trump administration has deployed federal law enforcement throughout the nation’s capital, the D.C. police chief has rolled out a policy allowing officers to assist in federal immigration enforcement. The policy arrives after the arrest of over two-dozen immigrants earlier this week, sparking outrage and fear.
Bondi seeks to rescind D.C. police immigration policies as enforcement ramps up
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Florida to use shuttered prison as 2nd immigration detention center after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
On Thursday, Florida Governor DeSantis announced that the state will open a second immigration detention center inside a state prison that has been dormant for a couple of years. The state plans to spend up to $6 million on the correctional facility, which is set to hold over 1,300 people who are awaiting deportation.
Pam Bondi threatens prosecution for leaders not complying with immigration officers
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has sent “sanctuary city” letters to the mayors of 32 cities, warning she intends to prosecute political leaders she does not believe to be sufficiently supportive of immigration enforcement. Leaders have been asked to provide a response that expresses a “commitment with complying with federal law.”
Trump’s immigration crackdown is raising fears as the school year gets underway in Los Angeles
Earlier this week, LA students and teachers returned to class for the new academic year, despite concerns that schools could become the next of many targets of enforcement activities by immigration authorities.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
How many people cross the Channel in small boats?
Since the start of the year, over 27,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel. This BBC analysis breaks down the statistics of people who cross the English Channel in small boats, as well as what recent policies and agreements across Europe could mean for these individuals.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
Father of New Zealand woman held in US by ICE along with six-year-old son voices hope for release
Poll Finds 56% Oppose ICE Actions in Hospitals and Clinics
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Sophia Benavente is a Law & Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. She contributes by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.