As we conclude this week, the Collaborative returns with another Stories of the Week recap. From disagreements over Trump’s $1.8 Billion settlement that delayed a vote on further immigration enforcement spending to a sharp decline in net migration in the UK, here are the top stories impacting im/migrant well-being this week.
– Sophia Benavente, Law & Policy Intern & Rick Tzompa Chimal, Communications and Policy Intern
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
Congressional Republicans are struggling to advance parts of President Trump’s funding agenda, including proposals connected to immigration enforcement and federal spending priorities. Delays or expansions in enforcement funding could directly impact im/migrant communities by shaping detention capacity, deportation operations, and access to humanitarian protections.
GOP rift over Trump’s $1.8B settlement fund delays immigration bill
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Suicides rise in ICE detention, 911 calls detail serious cases of self-harm
Emergency call logs obtained by NBC News reveal more than 1,000 calls were made from six ICE detention centers over the past year, including 28 involving serious self-harm incidents. Deteriorating mental health conditions are driven by prolonged uncertainty with some immigrants held for nearly a year.
More Republicans approve of Trump on immigration than economy: poll
New polling shows that many Americans are losing confidence in Trump’s handling of the economy, immigration, and foreign policy as inflation and global conflicts remain major concerns. Continued political division over immigration can increase fear and uncertainty for im/migrant communities facing heightened enforcement and negative public rhetoric.
ICE Agent Charged in Shooting of a Venezuelan Immigrant in Minnesota
A Minnesota ICE agent, has been charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime in connection with the January shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Sosa-Celis, making him the second federal officer to face felony charges stemming from Operation Metro Surge.
Mamdani Toughens New York’s Response to ICE, as Arrests Rise by 71%
Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for greater oversight and auditing of ICE activities in response to concerns about accountability and enforcement practices in New York. Increased scrutiny of ICE operations could help protect im/migrant communities by promoting transparency and limiting abuses of power.
Immigrants launch hunger strike, decry inhumane conditions at SoCal ICE detention facility
At least 20 immigrants detained at the facility have launched a hunger strike to protest conditions including mold, unsafe drinking water, and inadequate medical care. A recent California Department of Justice report found that conditions at the state’s immigration detention facilities have worsened with at least six detainee deaths in ICE custody across California since the start of 2025.
Trump orders banks to take a closer look at clients’ citizenship in new immigration enforcement move
President Trump ordered banks to more closely examine clients’ citizenship status as part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative tied to financial systems. This policy could discourage undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families from using banks, increasing financial insecurity and fear within im/migrant communities.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Spain to introduce job-matching plan for migrants granted legal status
Spain’s government is moving forward with a plan to legalize roughly half a million undocumented workers and has now added a job-matching component that will survey newly permitted migrants on their skills and connect them with sectors like construction, tourism, and care services.
Former premier Attal enters race for French president, sparking battle for centrist vote
Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal entered the 2027 presidential race while emphasizing stricter immigration policies and national identity issues. The growing focus on immigration crackdowns in French politics may contribute to harsher treatment and rhetoric toward migrant communities across Europe.
Deportees from US arrive in Sierra Leone under third-country agreement
Sierra Leone agreed to receive migrants deported from the United States who are originally from other West African countries under expanded deportation agreements. Sending deported migrants to third countries where they may lack support systems or legal protections could create instability and fear for im/migrant communities.
Net migration to the UK falls by nearly 50 percent amid tighter policies
Net migration to the United Kingdom fell by nearly 50 percent after the government implemented stricter immigration rules and tighter border policies. These restrictions may reduce opportunities and increase uncertainty for migrants, asylum seekers, and international students trying to build stable lives in the UK.
Voters across parties believe UK net migration is rising despite sharp drop
Voters in the UK widely believe net migration is still rising, despite figures showing a significant drop from last year. Research from thinktank British Future found that most people substantially overestimate the share of migrants arriving to seek asylum. Experts say the disconnect stems from emotive media coverage of Channel crossings and asylum hotels.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
Learn how community members celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in Philly
Ethiopian Bishops appeal for protection of migrants and respect for human dignity
Prosecutors drop charges against activists in Chicago immigration crackdown
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Sophia Benavente serves as a Law and Policy Intern and Rick Tzompa Chimal serves as a Communications and Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. They contribute by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.