U.S. Fast-Tracks Asylum Claims to Accelerate Deportations of Newly Arrived Migrants
A summary of the main news from the U.S. - Mexico border
U.S. Fast-Tracks Asylum Claims to Accelerate Deportations of Newly Arrived Migrants
Rebecca Santana and Elliot Spagat, Associated Press.- The Biden administration introduced a new "recent arrivals docket" in immigration courts to expedite asylum claims, reducing the current processing time from years to about six months. This fast-track system will initially be implemented in five major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. The Department of Justice has allocated ten judges to handle these cases to address the backlog that incentivizes migrants with weaker claims to enter the U.S. This measure seeks to streamline the legal process and enforce immigration laws more effectively amidst ongoing debates over national immigration policies.
Daughter of Pastor Claims State Persecution in Forced Labor Trial Involving Migrants
Blanca Carmona, La Verdad Juárez.- During a distressing court session on May 22, 2024, Velia H.G., a pastor accused of exploiting migrants for forced labor, wept as her daughter, Grissel Ramírez Hernández, testified in defense. The trial, which began 40 days ago, revolves around allegations that Velia coerced six migrants into construction work under threat of eviction and immigration consequences. Grissel insisted that her brother managed the shelter and that their mother provided only spiritual support. The defense argues that the accusations misrepresent Velia's lifelong dedication to community service. The prosecutor's office is seeking a 180-year prison sentence for Velia, asserting she played a central role in the abuse at the Aposento Alto shelter.
New York City Enforces New Rules to Evict Some Migrants from Shelters
Philip Marcelo, Associated Press.- In a move to manage the burgeoning population in its shelters, New York City has started enforcing stricter regulations that require certain migrants to vacate shelters within a month unless they prove extenuating circumstances for an extension. This new policy primarily affects adult asylum-seekers without children, who must seek alternative accommodations after 30 or 60 days for those aged 18-23. As the city's shelter system strains under the weight of continuous new arrivals, this policy aims to streamline operations and focus resources on those most in need. However, this has raised concerns among migrant advocates about potential street homelessness and the overall fairness of the eviction process.
Denver Launches Six-Month Housing and Job Training Program for Migrants
Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press.- Denver has unveiled a pioneering support program for migrants, contrasting sharply with the short-term solutions previously adopted by cities like New York and Chicago. Initiated with an orientation in a hotel conference room, this program offers 650 migrants, including Dallenis Martinez and her two children, a comprehensive six-month package. This includes apartment stays, food and utility support, English language and job training courses aimed at equipping them for employment in various sectors such as construction and healthcare. Unlike other cities that have struggled with the cost of temporary shelters, Denver’s strategy focuses on long-term integration, providing migrants with the tools to become self-sufficient. This approach promises to ease the immediate strain on the city’s resources and addresses the broader challenge of integrating migrants into the community and workforce.
Justice Department Sues Oklahoma Over New Immigration Law Enforcement
Sean Murphy, Associated Press.- The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against Oklahoma to challenge its new law that imposes criminal penalties for residing in the state without legal immigration status. This legal action, filed in federal court in Oklahoma City, seeks to prevent the enforcement of the state statute, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution. Similar laws in Texas and Iowa are also under federal scrutiny. Oklahoma's law is part of a broader trend among GOP-led states to enhance local immigration enforcement powers. The DOJ's move follows warnings to Oklahoma officials, emphasizing the federal government's authority over immigration matters despite state claims of addressing a public safety crisis. The lawsuit has stirred significant public reaction, with protests at the state Capitol and criticism from local law enforcement concerned about its impact on community-police relations.
Arizona's Cost for Arpaio's Racial Profiling Nears $314 Million
Jacques Billeaud, Associated Press.- Arizona taxpayers continue to bear the financial burden of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio's immigration enforcement tactics, with costs expected to reach $314 million by mid-2025. This figure includes $41 million recently approved by county officials, marking the most substantial expense since the initial lawsuit in 2007. The costs stem from a federal ruling that found Arpaio's deputies racially profiled Latinos, leading to mandated overhauls of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office operations. Despite some progress, full compliance has not yet been achieved, prolonging taxpayer funding to meet court-ordered reforms. Critics argue these expenditures illustrate the consequences of aggressive immigration policies, impacting law enforcement credibility and community relations within Arizona.
Strong Winds Cause Deadly Collapse at Campaign Rally in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Alberto Mendoza, Associated Press.- A catastrophic event unfolded at a campaign rally in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, where a strong gust of wind caused the stage to collapse, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals, including a child and injuring 63 others. The incident occurred during a rally for presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who narrowly escaped harm. Videos circulated on social media depict the chaos as attendees scrambled for safety. In response to the tragedy, Máynez has paused his campaign activities. Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia and other officials have expressed their condolences and called for community solidarity. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador also extended his sympathies to the victims' families and supporters. The collapse adds to the ongoing tensions of an election season already marked by violence against local office candidates, highlighting political gatherings' challenges and unexpected dangers.
Uvalde City Settles for $2 Million Over Robb Elementary Shooting Claims
Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News.- Uvalde, Texas, has agreed to a $2 million settlement with the families of the victims from the 2022 Robb Elementary School mass shooting, marking a significant development just days before the tragedy's second anniversary. This settlement, announced at a press conference, addresses claims against the city's police department for their response during the event, which resulted in 21 deaths. The settlement funds come from the city’s insurance and represent the maximum payout available. In a move towards healing, the city has committed to several actions, including enhancing police training and establishing a memorial for the victims. Additionally, ongoing litigation continues against various parties, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the local school district, highlighting the complex legal aftermath of the tragedy.