Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Woman at podium wipes away tears, while man stands next to her

Former detainees tell New Mexico legislators about abuses in immigration detention as county seeks to renew contracts

It is rare for legislators at the state level to take action to limit the federal immigration agency. At a recent hearing, advocates asked New Mexico to do just that.

Former detainees tell New Mexico legislators about abuses in immigration detention as county seeks to renew contracts
Overhead view of congregation in pews, while woman stands at podium speaking

In New York, volunteers engage in a quiet form of advocacy for immigrants facing deportation

In New York, volunteers engage in a quiet form of advocacy for immigrants facing deportation
Young girl walking on lawn, holding teddy bears

For this mother and daughter, separated a year ago at the southern border, Trump's ‘zero-tolerance’ policy isn’t new

For this mother and daughter, separated a year ago at the southern border, Trump's ‘zero-tolerance’ policy isn’t new
Agent in uniform stands on bridge looking over green river

This is what the ‘zero-tolerance’ policy on the border means for people fleeing violence

This is what the ‘zero-tolerance’ policy on the border means for people fleeing violence
A man with "POLICE ICE" protective vest leads a man in handcuffs down street, with another officer with "POLICE FEDERAL AGENT" on vest on the right

As immigration arrests rise, advocates warn immigrants to know their rights when agents show up

As immigration arrests rise, advocates warn immigrants to know their rights when agents show up
Two men hug in room with many people around them

An immigrant detainee is sent over 1,000 miles away from his family and lawyer — and fights to return

Prominent immigrant advocate Ravi Ragbir was detained in New York City, but agents sent him to Florida after saying that they would deport him. A judge told the government to bring him back while his case is being heard.

An immigrant detainee is sent over 1,000 miles away from his family and lawyer — and fights to return
Man in baseball cap, close up, sitting at table with microphone and other panelists.

The US government is targeting MS-13, but a former gang member says arrests alone won't solve the problem

Luis Cardona works for Montgomery County in Maryland, walking a fine line to keep trust with young people in gangs and agents who sometimes arrest them.

The US government is targeting MS-13, but a former gang member says arrests alone won't solve the problem
Hundreds of people are gathered in a room. Some are seated at tables and have water bottles, some pillow or blankets with them. A large screen is set up to broadcast news about Tropical Storm Harvey.

A looming immigration law is hurting Houston’s ability to help undocumented residents in wake of Harvey

What's happening in Texas is part of a larger national debate about how local and state law enforcement policies can affect public safety.

A looming immigration law is hurting Houston’s ability to help undocumented residents in wake of Harvey
Man sitting on bench in front of sweets shop, looking off camera

Immigration limbo is a ‘tug of emotions.’ It’s also a mental health issue.

With millions of lives in immigration limbo, the long-term effects of uncertainty are beginning to worry mental health experts.

Immigration limbo is a ‘tug of emotions.’ It’s also a mental health issue.
Workers raise a fence in front of white kevlar tents

A private prison company with a troubled past looks to reopen an immigration detention facility in Texas

The Department of Homeland Security has called for more immigration detention facilities to open along the US-Mexico border. And negotiations between a private prison company and the government have already begun in the Rio Grande Valley.

A private prison company with a troubled past looks to reopen an immigration detention facility in Texas
Man walks out of building with sign of immigration agency behind him

As immigration detention soars, 2.3 million people are also regularly checking in with immigration agents

Millions of people in the US live their lives in limbo, under the “supervision” of federal agents and the uncertainty of whether they will be deported. One couple is asking: When can we have children?

As immigration detention soars, 2.3 million people are also regularly checking in with immigration agents
Detention center

How immigration detention creates a shadow prison system

Today, the practice of apprehending immigrants and holding them in custody has created a shadow prison system, complete with hundreds of federal and private facilities throughout the country.

How immigration detention creates a shadow prison system
family sitting on steps in front of building

Why 80 asylum-seekers are marching to the US southern border, even though they'll probably be turned away

Guatemalan, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran and Honduran migrants are participating in the Caravan of Refugees to advocate for the right to request asylum.

Why 80 asylum-seekers are marching to the US southern border, even though they'll probably be turned away
A view of hands on the window of a prison cell door

Poor health care in immigrant detention centers may get worse under Trump

Immigration detention is big business. Trump will make it even bigger.

Poor health care in immigrant detention centers may get worse under Trump
Two men in suits at front of room holding microphones

As California considers a ‘sanctuary state’ bill, this sheriff isn’t ready to give up his relationship with immigration agents

For Sheriff Scott Jones, how the city of Sacramento approaches immigration doesn’t matter — as long as he can keep allowing immigration agents into the county’s detention center and can contract with the federal government to detain immigrants.

As California considers a ‘sanctuary state’ bill, this sheriff isn’t ready to give up his relationship with immigration agents