As we conclude this week, the Collaborative is back with another Stories of the Week recap. From the firing of former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to an anticipated rise of immigration to Europe from the Middle East, here are the top stories impacting im/migrant well-being this week.
– Sophia Benavente
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
On Thursday, President Trump ousted Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem was responsible for enforcing the administration’s immigration crackdown, and her tenure was marked by an aggressive campaign to expel millions of undocumented migrants from the country.
Kristi Noem, Trump’s Immigration Enforcer No More
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Markwayne Mullin, a staunch MAGA supporter set to continue Trump’s immigration agend
Senator Markwayne Mullin has been chosen to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the firing of Kristi Noem. The Republican Senator from Oklahoma has been one of President Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress and backs his “America First” immigration approach. Mullin will oversee immigration enforcement, border security, and relevant agencies, raising questions as to what this change will mean for immigrants in the U.S. today.
Court unanimously sides with government in immigration dispute
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that federal appeals courts must give deference to immigration authorities when reviewing asylum decisions. The decision makes it harder for asylum seekers to overturn denials in federal appeals courts because agencies must strongly defer to the agency’s factual conclusions.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Inside a Detention Site at the Heart of Europe’s Harsh New Approach to Immigration
Seven miles from Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, former military barracks house hundreds of migrants, most asylum seekers who are pressured to return home, or spend 18 months crammed in a cell. This is just one in a network of holding centers the E.U. has funded in a harsh new approach to immigration.
Europe braces for Middle East migration surge
Europe is preparing for a potential rise in immigration from the Middle East due to escalating conflict in the region. Officials in European countries are discussing how to handle this potential rise, including improving migration infrastructure and procedures, and cooperating with neighboring countries
Mosques attacked, children racially abused as hard right rises in UK
A rise in hard-right activity in the UK has coincided with attacks on mosques and racially abusive incidents targeting children of immigrant and Muslim backgrounds, causing many families to alter daily routines and withdraw from community spaces due to fear. These trends negatively affect social inclusion, mental health, and the sense of security for immigrant and minority communities.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
Why violence during immigration stops hasn’t shaken an LA man’s resolve to protect his neighbors
Crowds dine and demonstrate along Central Avenue to support immigrant-owned restaurants
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Rick Tzompa Chima serves as a Communications and Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. He contributes by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.