π¨πΊπΈ Protests Over Immigration Raids Erupt Across the US; More Expected This Weekend
ποΈ Texas Surrenders to DOJ on Undocumented Student Tuition: Questions About State-Federal Coordination π€ π Trumpβs Push for Record Immigration Arrests Faces Scrutiny Amid Mistakes and Protests π

ππ Curfew Enacted for Downtown L.A.; ICE Expands Immigration Raids Across Urban and Rural Areas
By The Los Angeles Times Staff.- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a curfew in downtown after four nights of sporadic protests following ICE's ongoing immigration raids. The protests, triggered by aggressive immigration enforcement in urban areas, have now spread into rural communities, where ICE has extended its operations. The raids are part of a broader national crackdown that has fueled tensions across the state. Local leaders express concern over the impact on immigrant communities, while the Trump administration remains committed to its enforcement strategy. The curfew aims to restore order amid rising unrest, but the expansion of ICEβs operations raises questions about the long-term effects on public safety and community relations.
π¨πΊπΈ Protests Over Immigration Raids Erupt Across the US; More Expected This Weekend
By Jim Vertuno, The Associated Press.- Nationwide protests sparked by Trump administration immigration raids, including those in Los Angeles, have spread to several major U.S. cities. From Chicago and Seattle to New York City, activists are rallying against ICE's aggressive enforcement actions, which have led to clashes with law enforcement. Demonstrations continue despite heightened security and the deployment of National Guard troops in California. Protests are planned to escalate in the coming days, aligning with Trumpβs scheduled military parade in Washington. Activists argue the raids disrupt immigrant communities and are calling for a halt to the deportations. While ICE vows to continue its operations, tensions mount as communities resist the ongoing crackdowns.
ποΈ Texas Lawmakers Push Immigration Bills: What Passed and What Didn't πΌ
Alejandro Serrano and Uriel J. GarcΓa, The Texas Tribune.- Texas lawmakers made strides in strengthening the stateβs immigration laws by passing Senate Bill 8, which mandates that most Texas counties cooperate with federal immigration authorities, and Senate Bill 36, which creates a new homeland security division within the Department of Public Safety. However, other proposals failed, including a study on the economic impact of illegal immigration, a requirement for businesses to verify workers' legal status via E-Verify, and a border wall tax incentive for landowners. The push for comprehensive immigration reform continues, but debates about the costs and benefits of these policies remain unresolved. The failure of key bills reflects the tensions between law enforcement objectives and concerns about the economic impact on Texasβs workforce, which includes many undocumented workers, particularly in sectors like hospitality, construction, and energy.
Central Data:
Senate Bill 8 mandates county cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Senate Bill 36 establishes a homeland security division within the Department of Public Safety.
Failed bills included E-Verify mandates for businesses and a study on the impact of illegal immigration.
A property tax break was approved for landowners, allowing border wall construction.
Efforts to authorize eminent domain for the border wall were not successful.
Proposals to address worker shortages with a guest worker program did not pass.
ποΈ Texas Surrenders to DOJ on Undocumented Student Tuition: Questions About State-Federal Coordination π€
Eleanor Klibanoff, The Texas Tribune.- Texas swiftly agreed to the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit challenging the state's long-standing law that allows undocumented students to receive in-state tuition. The fast resolution has raised concerns about possible collusion between state and federal authorities, as both Texas and DOJ officials took credit for the ruling. Legal experts are questioning whether the case lacked a legitimate dispute, with some suggesting that the swift agreement could be considered "collusion." While Texas has historically opposed federal intervention, this case demonstrates a surprising level of cooperation. Immigration advocates are exploring ways to challenge the ruling, which effectively nullifies the in-state tuition law. The case could set a precedent for other conservative states to follow Texas's lead in ending tuition benefits for undocumented students without going through the legislative process.
Trumpβs Push for Record Immigration Arrests Faces Scrutiny Amid Mistakes and Protests π
Hamed Aleaziz, The New York Times.- Under intense pressure from President Trump to meet aggressive deportation targets, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its operations, including workplace raids and the use of a new mapping app to track undocumented immigrants. With daily arrest goals of 3,000, ICE agents are working seven days a week, but former officials warn this push increases the likelihood of errors, such as incorrect status checks or collateral arrests. Amid protests and pushback, especially in Los Angeles, ICE's tactics have sparked debates over privacy, legal authority, and the potential for harm. While ICE is touting success with high arrest numbers, challenges such as outdated data and legal limitations persist. Trump remains undeterred, vowing to continue operations despite increasing public outcry.
Central Data:
ICE under pressure to meet record deportation targets, conducting workplace raids and using tech to track immigrants.
A new goal of 3,000 arrests per day has been set, up from the previous daily average.
The mapping app βAlien Trackerβ tracks over 700,000 undocumented people using government data.
Concerns were raised about errors in data and the legality of increased arrests, particularly regarding door-knocking operations.
Protests, particularly in Los Angeles, have escalated due to the crackdown, sparking debates on due process and privacy rights.