As we conclude this week, the Collaborative returns with another Stories of the Week recap. From President Trump sharing his reflections on the 2026 midterm elections to a nonprofit helping immigrants, refugees, and people in crisis, here are the top stories affecting immigrant and migrant well-being this week.
– Mia Portillo, Communications and Policy Intern
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
After the Democratic Party saw sweeping wins in the midterm elections, President Trump sat down with “60 Minutes” for an interview. When questioned about his reflections on the results, he stated his policies on immigration may have been ‘too tough’ — a stark difference from the zero-tolerance rhetoric that has defined the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. However, in the same weekend, Trump has also named Stephen Miller his new Chief of Staff — the architect of many of the administration’s harsh immigration policies.
‘60 Minutes’ takeaways: Trump calls his deportation policy ‘too tough’
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
ICE detention facility opens in western Minnesota
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has opened a new detention facility in Appleton, Minnesota which will be operated by CoreCivic. CoreCivic is a private company that contracts with the federal government and now runs more than 70 detention centers around the US. News of the facility has sparked organized protests against it, including a vigil and rally.
ICE Deportation Flight Carrying Iranians Turns Back and Lands in Arizona
A deportation flight carrying Iranian nationals that was planned to land in Pakistan was forced to return to the US after Pakistani authorities refused to accept the passengers. This flight highlights one of the many attempts by the Trump administration to deport foreign nationals through third-country arrangements.
ICE agent filmed punching man during arrest in Robbinsdale
Immigration enforcement officers arrested Jose Ruelas Viorato outside of his home in Robbinsdale, Minnesota despite claims of pursuing legal immigration status. A video taken by Viorato’s daughter of the encounter shows officers physically restraining him and punching him. The incident is part of a growing number of reported arrests involving immigration enforcement officers and violent tactics.
She gave a valedictorian speech in the spring. Now, she could be deported.
Maria Flores Garcia, a 19-year-old student at the University of Maryland who immigrated from El Salvador at nine years old has been detained by ICE officials. Alongside her mother, Garcia is now facing the possibility of deportation despite being granted a witholding of removal under the United Nations Convention Against Torture in 2021.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Belgian plan for ICE-style immigration raids on homes criticised as ‘law of fear’
As far-right parties have gained a strong influence across Europe, Belgium has begun to approve of legislation passed by the majority right-leaning coalition, which would permit police to conduct forced home raids to detain undocumented immigrants. Such actions marks a broader shift toward increasingly restrictive immigration enforcement policies in the region.
Canary Islands’ El Hierro declares emergency amid migrant, refugee influx
El Hierro, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, has declared a state of emergency in response to more than 3,300 migrant and refugee arrivals by boat from West Africa. Officials have asked Spain’s central government for additional assistance as arrivals continue.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Mia Portillo serves as the Communications and Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. She contributes by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.