As we conclude this week, the Collaborative returns with another Stories of the Week recap. From detained immigrants participating in hunger strikes to finding hope in Día de Muertos celebrations, here are the top stories impacting im/migrant well-being this week.
– Mia Portillo, Communications and Policy Intern
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
Detained individuals in Texas’ El Valle Detention Facility have continued to participate in a hunger strike, calling for access to bond hearings while their immigration cases remain pending. The strike began September 29th and includes eleven Iranian nationals and one Turkish national.
Immigrants in Texas ICE Camp Begin Hunger Strike to Protest Indefinite Detention
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
GOP senators warn that Trump has fumbled immigration issue
After running on a promise to carry out mass deportations, the Trump Administration is facing scrutiny from several GOP senators. Critics have stated that current policies are becoming too aggressive and “gone too far,” which are also reflected in recent public polls taken.
Trump administration to assign government lawyers to migrant kids’ cases, worrying advocates
The future of unaccompanied migrant minors in the U.S. is uncertain as the Trump Administration has announced its plan to assign attorneys to these children’s cases. This action has raised concerns from advocates who state that a lack of independent representation will increase risks of deportation.
Hearing for Kilmar Ábrego Garcia abruptly canceled as he battles deportation to Liberia
Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March 2025, is now facing the possibility of deportation to Liberia. However, this past Tuesday, García’s hearing was canceled for reasons that remain unclear, leaving the future of his case uncertain.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Australia’s opposition party’s plans to make significant cuts to immigration by abolishing temporary graduate visas and reducing international student arrivals, has drawn widespread criticism. Policy advocates warn that these changes could threaten the higher education sector, and have also raised concerns about the country’s trade agreement with India.
Nearly 1,500 migrants arrive in Myanmar from Malaysia despite UN warnings
Malaysia continues to deport vast amounts of Myanmar nationals within their borders back to Myanmar, despite warnings from the United Nations. The United Nations refugee agency has raised several concerns about the risks of persecution amid the nation’s ongoing civil conflict.
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.