Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• ICE raids in Denver under Operation Aurora — The Trump administration conducted a series of raids in Denver, Colorado, under the operation named Aurora, targeting alleged gang members. These raids were carried out by heavily armed SWAT teams, sometimes accompanied by Fox News crews. Despite the operation's focus, only one gang member was confirmed to be in custody out of 30 arrests. The raids have sparked protests and increased fear among the approximately 155,000 undocumented immigrants in Colorado.

Supporting reports

• DHS sends migrants to Guantanamo Bay — The Department of Homeland Security sent its first military flight with migrants to Guantanamo Bay. This action is part of the administration's immigration enforcement strategy and raises human rights concerns.

Supporting reports

• Protests planned against Trump’s immigration policies — In response to Trump’s immigration policies, a massive and peaceful protest took place in Los Angeles over the weekend. The protest aimed to demonstrate collective opposition to the administration's stance on immigration. Organizers emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful demonstrations to avoid provocation and potential legal repercussions, especially in states like North Carolina where new laws criminalize certain protest activities.

Supporting reports

• Revocation of Protections for Venezuelans — The Trump administration revoked protections for over 600,000 Venezuelans legally residing in the U.S., which could lead to their deportation. This action is part of a broader effort to limit immigration and reduce protections for vulnerable populations.

Supporting reports

• Alberto arrested three days after ICE check-in despite humanitarian parole status — Alberto, a 42-year-old from Nicaragua who had been granted humanitarian parole, checked in with ICE using an electronic monitoring program in February. Three days later, he was arrested. This case illustrates the unpredictability and inconsistency of the new enforcement approach, where even those with approved humanitarian status face detention after routine compliance.

Supporting reports

• Deportation of 100+ asylum seekers to Panama without due process — A US military plane carried more than 100 immigrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Pakistan from California to Panama in February. They were shackled and deported to a third country without due process because their countries of origin refuse to accept them back. The detainees, including children, were locked in a hotel in Panama City, signaling from windows for help. They were then moved to a facility in the jungle between Panama and Colombia. They were later reportedly freed and sought asylum from other countries, their futures uncertain.

Supporting reports

• Florida state colleges enroll in ICE 287(g) program, granting campus police immigration enforcement powers — At least 11 Florida state colleges, including Florida International University and University of Florida, have signed agreements under the ICE 287(g) program, training campus police as federal immigration agents with authority to stop, question, detain, and report students on immigration status. The partnerships were encouraged by Governor Ron DeSantis in February 2025. The program, reactivated by the Trump administration after Obama discontinued it in 2012 for racial profiling concerns, has prompted student protests and fears of visa cancellations and deportations, particularly affecting international students.

Supporting reports

• ICE detention and deportation of man in vegetative state resulting in death — Randall Alberto Gamboa Esquivel, a 52-year-old Costa Rican national, was arrested by ICE in Texas in February 2025 after illegally reentering the US. He was held at Webb County detention center and later transferred to Port Isabel facility. In June, his family lost contact with him; he was later found hospitalized in a vegetative state with encephalopathy and rhabdomyolysis. ICE arranged his deportation via air ambulance to Costa Rica on September 3. He died in a Costa Rican hospital on October 26. His family alleges negligence and inhumane treatment during detention and deportation.

Supporting reports

• Dissolution of 287(g) program advisory board — In late January 2025, the Trump administration dissolved the internal DHS advisory board tasked with reviewing new 287(g) applications. The board had included the CRCL office, which investigated local agencies applying to the program for civil rights concerns such as racial profiling and lack of due process. The dissolution removed a key institutional check on new agreements at a time when the program was expanding rapidly.

Supporting reports

• Trump makes English official language of US — Trump signed an order making English the official language of the United States. The order states "Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society." The order allows government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue offering documents and services in languages other than English.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs order requiring truck drivers to speak English — Trump signed an executive order requiring commercial truck drivers to read and speak English. The order states drivers must be able to read and understand traffic signs and communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. This follows Trump's March order making English the official language of the United States.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order targeting pro-Palestinian activists — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at "combating antisemitism" by directing federal agencies to explore ways to deport pro-Palestinian activists, including students with visas, who have engaged in protests. The order instructs agencies to identify civil and criminal authorities that could be used to deport resident aliens found to have broken the law during protests. It also mandates the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Hamas graffiti and intimidation incidents, particularly on college campuses. Agencies are required to provide recommendations to the White House within 60 days.
• Trump signs executive order on deporting international students — President Trump signed an executive order seeking to deport international students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests. This order targets students based on their political activities, raising concerns about free speech and academic freedom.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14188 on January 29, 2025, to combat anti-Semitism in the United States. The order reaffirms a previous executive order and directs federal agencies to identify legal tools to address anti-Semitic harassment and violence, particularly in educational institutions. Agencies are required to report on civil and criminal actions related to anti-Semitism, and the Attorney General is encouraged to use civil-rights enforcement authorities to combat such discrimination.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Combat Anti-Semitism — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2025, titled "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism." This order reaffirms Executive Order 13899 and introduces further measures to address anti-Semitic harassment, particularly in educational institutions. It mandates executive departments and agencies to report on civil and criminal authorities that can be used to combat anti-Semitism and requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to analyze related court cases and Title VI complaints. The order aims to enhance the enforcement of civil rights laws to protect Jewish students and address the rise in anti-Semitic incidents following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
• Trump signed executive order reaffirming and expanding anti-Semitism enforcement measures on campuses — President Trump signed an executive order on January 29, 2025, reaffirming Executive Order 13899 (issued in 2019) and directing additional measures to combat anti-Semitism, particularly on college and university campuses. The order directs all executive departments and agencies to submit reports within 60 days identifying civil and criminal authorities available to combat anti-Semitism, and to inventory pending administrative complaints and court cases against institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to post-October 7, 2023 campus anti-Semitism. The order encourages the Attorney General to employ civil-rights enforcement authorities and directs the Secretaries of State, Education, and Homeland Security to recommend ways institutions can monitor and report activities by foreign students and staff relevant to grounds for inadmissibility.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order to combat anti-Semitism — The White House published a fact sheet on January 30, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to combat anti-Semitism. The order directs all federal executive departments and agencies to review and report within sixty days on criminal and civil authorities available for fighting anti-Semitism. The fact sheet states the Department of Justice will take immediate action to investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism, and the order demands removal of resident aliens who violate laws. The document frames these measures as responses to pro-Hamas protests and vandalism on campuses since October 7, 2023.

Supporting reports

• Quaker groups sue over ICE church entry order — Several Quaker groups have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a new DHS order allowing ICE agents to enter churches to arrest suspected migrants. The lawsuit claims this order violates their First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, as it disrupts their ability to practice their faith without government interference.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration attempts to end birthright citizenship — The Trump administration is pursuing an executive order to end birthright citizenship, despite facing legal challenges from 22 state attorneys general. The administration argues that birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and plans to take the issue to the Supreme Court. This move is part of a broader effort to reshape immigration policy.
• Trump signed executive order ending birthright citizenship — On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order to end the constitutionally recognized right of birthright citizenship in the United States. This order has led to legal challenges, including a case filed by Monica, a pregnant immigrant from Venezuela, and other plaintiffs. The order's implementation was temporarily blocked by a judge in Seattle, who deemed it "blatantly unconstitutional." The order's ambiguity has caused confusion and concern among immigrants and legal experts about its implications for children born to parents in the U.S. unlawfully or temporarily.
• Trump issues executive order attacking birthright citizenship — President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship in the United States. This action has been met with widespread disapproval, with 59% of poll respondents opposing the move. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from implementing changes to birthright citizenship, but the White House intends to continue its efforts.
• Trump ends birthright citizenship — On his first day in office, Trump targeted automatic citizenship for US-born children of both undocumented people and some legal immigrants. The order specifies that it would limit birthright citizenship if a person's "mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person's birth", or "when that person's mother's presence in the United States at the time of said person's birth was lawful but temporary." Birth

Supporting reports

• Trump administration revokes deportation protections for Venezuelans — The Trump administration revoked an extension of deportation protections for over 600,000 Venezuelans in the United States. This decision could lead to increased deportations and affect the lives of many Venezuelan immigrants seeking safety in the U.S.
• Trump rescinds TPS extension for Venezuelans — President Trump rescinded an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, which had been granted by the previous administration. This decision affects a significant number of Venezuelan immigrants in the U.S., particularly in Florida, and raises concerns about their safety and legal status.

Supporting reports

• Oklahoma State Board of Education requires proof of immigration status — The Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to approve a proposal requiring families to prove their immigration or citizenship status to enroll their children in school. This policy could limit access to education for undocumented children and raise legal and ethical concerns.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order allowing ICE to enter schools and churches — Former President Donald Trump announced an executive order permitting ICE agents to enter school classrooms and churches to search for migrants. This order has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from religious and educational institutions, as it raises concerns about the sanctity and safety of these spaces. The order is part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has faced opposition from various civil rights groups and religious leaders.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration broadens ICE mandate to arrest all undocumented immigrants, including those checking in voluntarily — One of Trump's first actions after his second-term inauguration was to broaden ICE's mandate so that all immigrants without legal status are now prioritized for arrest, including those who have been checking in and cooperating with authorities. Previously, under Biden, immigration officials prioritized detaining those who posed threats to public safety or had criminal records. Guardian analysis estimates approximately 1,400 arrests (8% of 16,500 total arrests in the first month) occurred during or immediately after ICE check-ins. Immigrants who had been complying with supervision orders, wearing ankle monitors, or using facial recognition apps now face detention despite their cooperation.
• Trump administration reinstates 'remain in Mexico' policy — The Trump administration has announced the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy requires non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the program would restart immediately, following its termination by President Biden in 2021. Critics argue that the policy exposes migrants to dangerous conditions, while Trump officials claim it deters fraudulent asylum claims.
• Trump administration reinstates expedited removal — The Trump administration has reinstated the policy of "expedited removal," allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to quickly deport undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have been in the U.S. for more than two years. This directive, issued by the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the administration, aiming to increase deportations and enforce immigration laws more aggressively.
• Trump reintroduces expedited removals policy — President Trump reintroduced a 2019 policy on January 21, 2025, to speed up deportations of undocumented immigrants unable to prove they have lived in the U.S. for two years or more. This policy expands the scope of "expedited removals" beyond areas within 100 miles of U.S. borders, raising concerns about due process and the rights of immigrants.
• DoJ orders prosecution of officials resisting immigration crackdown — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has issued a directive to federal prosecutors to target state and local officials who resist the administration's mass deportation campaign. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed prosecutors to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions for harboring undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders to mobilize federal agencies for enforcement and challenge local laws blocking Trump's immigration agenda.
• Trump administration expands expedited removal authority — The Trump administration announced the expansion of "expedited removal" authority nationwide, allowing immigration officers to deport individuals without requiring them to appear before a judge. This policy, detailed in a notice in the Federal Register, enables Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport people who cannot prove their right to remain in the U.S. immediately. The expansion aims to expedite deportations and bypass traditional immigration court proceedings, affecting immigrants who entered the U.S. legally under Biden-era programs.

Supporting reports

• DHS rescinded guidance limiting immigration enforcement in schools and protected areas — On January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced rescission of prior guidance that had designated schools as "protected areas" where certain immigration enforcement actions were restricted. The rescission did not explicitly authorize agents to enter schools but communicated that schools were no longer treated as uniquely buffered spaces under federal guidance, altering the legal and practical environment for immigration enforcement near educational facilities.
• Trump administration overturns sensitive areas policy — The Trump administration has overturned longstanding policies that restricted immigration enforcement in "sensitive areas" such as schools, churches, and hospitals. This change allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection to arrest migrants in these locations. The Department of Homeland Security announced the policy shift, emphasizing a crackdown on immigration. This move is part of a broader set of executive actions aimed at increasing deportations and cooperation between ICE and local governments.
• Department of Homeland Security removes guidance limiting immigration enforcement near sensitive locations — The Department of Homeland Security removed previous guidance that had limited enforcement actions near churches, schools, and hospitals. Immigration enforcement operations now occur at houses of worship and other sensitive locations. Over 620,000 deportations have occurred since January 2025 under this enforcement posture.
• DHS scraps guidance limiting immigration arrests near sensitive locations — The Department of Homeland Security removed previous guidance that limited immigration enforcement actions near sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This policy change has led to increased deportations and raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities and the sanctity of sensitive locations.
• ICE enforcement surge in Lake Worth Beach following Trump's January 2025 inauguration — Following Trump's January 2025 inauguration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified operations in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a city of 45,000 located 10 miles from Mar-a-Lago. ICE agents began patrolling streets, raiding grocery stores, churches, and schools, and coordinating with local police for arrests. According to the Guatemalan-Maya Center director, approximately 70% of center users attending immigration check-ins or court dates have been deported, detained, or given ankle bracelets with 90-day self-deportation orders. The crackdown has created widespread fear, isolation, and documented mental-health crises within the migrant community.
• Trump issues immigration executive orders — On his first day in office, Donald Trump issued several executive orders targeting immigration. These include a national emergency declaration to deploy the military to the US-Mexico border, an attempt to end birthright citizenship, and the rescission of a taskforce aimed at reuniting families separated at the border. The orders have been described as chaotic and difficult to enforce, with many expected to face legal challenges. The actions have incited panic and confusion among immigrants and their advocates.
• DoJ orders prosecution of officials resisting immigration crackdown — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has issued a directive to federal prosecutors to target state and local officials who resist the administration's mass deportation campaign. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed prosecutors to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions for harboring undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders to mobilize federal agencies for enforcement and challenge local laws blocking Trump's immigration agenda.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14160, restricting birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under certain conditions. The order specifies that citizenship will not be granted if the mother was unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. and the father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of birth. This policy applies to births occurring 30 days after the order's issuance.
• Trump attempts to end birthright citizenship — President Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US to undocumented immigrants. This order instructs federal agencies not to issue certain documents to these children, challenging the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have vowed to challenge this directive in court, as the president cannot unilaterally change the Constitution.
• Trump signed executive order ending birthright citizenship — On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order targeting automatic citizenship for US-born children of undocumented immigrants and some legal immigrants. The order limits birthright citizenship if a person's "mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident" or when the mother's presence was "lawful but temporary." Birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment. The order was temporarily blocked on January 23, with the judge calling it "blatantly unconstitutional."
• Trump issued executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of non-permanent residents — On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship" declaring that individuals born in the United States are not citizens if their parents do not have legal permanent status. The order directly contradicts the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship. The order prompted legal challenges from the ACLU and other organizations on behalf of families affected by the policy, including an asylum applicant from Honduras whose child was due after the order took effect.
• Trump signed executive order attacking birthright citizenship — On his first day in office in January 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship" announcing that the federal government would not issue documents recognizing U.S. citizenship to persons born in the United States whose mother was unlawfully present or whose presence was lawful but temporary, and whose father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order specified a 30-day implementation delay. Trump had promised this action as a candidate in May 2023, calling birthright citizenship "based on a historical myth, and a willful misinterpretation of the law by the open borders advocates."
• Trump signed executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of non-permanent-resident parents — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," declaring that individuals born in the United States are not citizens if their parents lack legal permanent status, directly contradicting the Fourteenth Amendment. The order prompted lawsuits by families including asylum applicants, with lower court judges calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." On June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship in a 6–3 decision, though Justice Kavanaugh indicated he would overturn it if Congress rewrote relevant law.
• Trump issues executive order on American citizenship — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting The Meaning And Value Of American Citizenship." The order stipulates that U.S. citizenship will not automatically be granted to individuals born in the United States if their mother was unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. at the time of birth, and the father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This policy applies to births occurring 30 days after the order's issuance. The order directs federal departments to align their regulations with this policy and issue guidance within 30 days.
• Trump signed executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to deny citizenship documentation to persons born in the United States whose mother was unlawfully present or on temporary visa status and whose father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order applies to births occurring 30 days after its issuance. It directs the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Social Security to implement the policy within their agencies and issue guidance within 30 days.
• Trump signs executive orders to end birthright citizenship — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed a record number of executive actions, including one aimed at ending the constitutionally-protected right to birthright citizenship. This move is part of a broader set of actions targeting immigration and citizenship policies. The executive order has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges, as it directly contradicts the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
• Trump ends birthright citizenship for certain children — President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting birthright citizenship for children born in the US to certain immigrant parents. The order specifies that citizenship will be denied if the mother was unlawfully present and the father was not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of birth. This move challenges the 14th Amendment and is expected to face legal challenges.
• Trump plans to challenge birthright citizenship — Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order ending automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents in the US. This direct challenge to the 14th amendment would likely trigger immediate constitutional challenges, with Trump acknowledging the need for a constitutional amendment.
• Trump redefines birthright citizenship — President Trump signed an executive order redefining birthright citizenship, targeting children of undocumented migrants born on US soil. This move contravenes the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States. The order is part of a broader immigration policy overhaul.
• Trump signs executive order limiting automatic birthright citizenship — On the day after his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order that would deny citizenship to US-born babies whose parents are not citizens or green-card holders. The order directly contradicts the 14th Amendment. Five pregnant immigrant women, including an asylum seeker from Venezuela, immediately filed suit challenging the order, fearing their unborn children would become stateless.
• Trump issues executive order on birthright citizenship — President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which seeks to overturn the established interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment regarding birthright citizenship. This order aims to give Trump the power to determine citizenship status, prompting lawsuits from multiple states and organizations.
• Trump Issues Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship — President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” aiming to overturn the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship established by the Fourteenth Amendment. This order seeks to give the president the power to determine citizenship status, which has prompted lawsuits from multiple states and organizations.
• — Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order stating that children born in the U.S. to visa holders and illegal immigrants are not entitled to birthright citizenship. This order challenges the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and contradicts a Supreme Court ruling from 1898. The order has already been blocked by a federal judge, and several states have launched lawsuits against it. The order is expected to have a chilling effect on skilled immigration to the U.S.

Supporting reports

• CBPOne asylum appointment system canceled by Trump administration — On January 20, 2025, hours after Trump's inauguration, the Trump administration canceled the CBPOne mobile application system that had allowed asylum seekers to request legal appointments to apply for refuge at the US-Mexico border. The system, created during the Biden administration, was a legal mechanism for rationing asylum appointments. Its cancellation left asylum seekers with scheduled appointments—including Alexander's family with a February 2 appointment in Calexico, California—without recourse.
• Trump administration cancels 30,000 CBPOne asylum appointments via executive order — On 20 January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order cancelling all scheduled CBPOne appointments for asylum seekers, affecting approximately 30,000 migrants who had been granted prized appointments to enter the US legally from Mexico. The order abruptly closed the border for those planning to seek asylum through official channels. Families like a Salvadoran household were turned back at the international bridge; many have since dispersed across Mexico, entered unlawfully, or given up on seeking US asylum.
• Trump administration plans to cancel CBP One app — The Trump administration plans to cancel the CBP One app, which migrants in Mexico use to arrange US asylum appointments. This move is part of a broader set of immigration policy changes that include reviving the Remain in Mexico policy and Title 42. These changes are expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration shuts down CBP One app and reclassifies legal immigrants as illegal — The Trump administration shut down the CBP One mobile app on the first day of Trump's second term in January 2025, eliminating the scheduling and pre-screening tool that allowed immigrants to request legal entry appointments. The app was then repurposed as a tool for requesting removal from the U.S. The administration has begun reclassifying many people who entered the U.S. legally via the app as suddenly illegal, affecting their immigration status retroactively.
• Trump administration terminates CBP One asylum app and deploys troops to southern border — Hours after Trump's second inauguration, the administration signed a national emergency order allowing additional US troops at the southern border and terminated the CBP One mobile app, which had permitted tens of thousands of people in Mexico to cross legally and apply for asylum. The action reversed Biden-era policy and contributed to a dramatic drop in border crossings in the Del Rio sector from over 2,300 daily in December 2023 to an average of 30 by September 2025.
• Trump cancels CBP One app — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration abruptly canceled the CBP One app, which was used by asylum seekers to schedule appointments at the US-Mexico border. This action resulted in the cancellation of approximately 30,000 scheduled appointments, leaving hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers in limbo. The app had been a critical tool for managing asylum requests, allowing limited daily appointments and reducing congestion at the border. The cancellation has caused significant distress among asylum seekers and may lead to increased attempts to cross the border illegally.
• Trump disables CBP One app for migrants — On the day of his inauguration, President Trump disabled the CBP One phone app's appointment system, which allowed prospective migrants and asylum seekers to schedule appointments with U.S. authorities for legal entry. This action affected approximately 270,000 people trying to apply and canceled existing appointments for about 30,000 individuals, many of whom had waited in dangerous conditions in Mexico. This move effectively closed a legal pathway for migrants and asylum seekers to enter the United States.
• Trump administration deports Russian asylum-seeking family to Costa Rica without asylum hearing — The Trump administration canceled an asylum appointment for a Russian family (Alexander, his wife, and son) scheduled for February 2, 2025, after Trump's January 20 inauguration. When the family presented themselves at the US-Mexico border, they were arrested, detained for one month, then forcibly deported via military aircraft to Costa Rica—a country they had no connection to—as part of a third-country deportation deal. The family was subsequently detained in Costa Rica for two months in poor conditions before being released following a June 2025 Costa Rican constitutional court ruling that their rights had been violated.
• Trump cancels asylum appointment system — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration canceled the CBP One app, an online system that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments with border agents. This cancellation left many asylum seekers stranded and without access to the process.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Immigration Enforcement — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," which revokes several previous executive orders related to immigration policies. The order mandates strict enforcement of immigration laws, prioritizes the removal of inadmissible and removable aliens, and establishes Homeland Security Task Forces nationwide. It also directs federal agencies to revoke policies based on the revoked orders and to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
• Suspension of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14163, suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) effective January 27, 2025. The order cites national interest and security concerns, allowing exceptions on a case-by-case basis. It revokes Executive Order 14013 from February 4, 2021, and mandates periodic reviews to assess the program's resumption.
• Trump administration plans to revive Remain in Mexico policy — The Trump administration plans to revive the Remain in Mexico policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait in dangerous border cities while their applications are processed. This policy change is expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration plans to revive Title 42 policy — The Trump administration reportedly plans to revive Title 42, a pandemic-era public health policy that expelled people almost 3 million times without allowing them to request asylum. This policy change is expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration suspends asylum system at southern border — Within hours of taking office in his second term, Trump suspended the asylum system at the southern border as part of a wide-ranging immigration crackdown. This action eliminated legal pathways for asylum seekers and represents one of several concurrent restrictions on immigration, including ending temporary legal residency for Haitian, Venezuelan, and Cuban nationals and moving to revoke temporary protected status for multiple immigrant groups.
• Trump resumes Migrant Protection Protocols — President Trump reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy. This policy requires migrants and asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their U.S. immigration court proceedings are pending, exposing them to high risks of violence. The resumption of MPP is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown.
• Trump suspends U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — President Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, halting the resettlement of thoroughly vetted refugees in the United States. This suspension affects the resettlement infrastructure and funding for agencies that support refugees, potentially leading to office closures and reduced capacity to assist future refugees.
• Trump issues executive order on immigration enforcement — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting The American People Against Invasion." The order revokes several previous executive orders related to immigration policies and mandates strict enforcement of immigration laws. It directs federal agencies to prioritize the removal of inadmissible and removable aliens, establish Homeland Security Task Forces nationwide, and enhance cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The order also calls for the reestablishment of the VOICE Office to support victims of crimes committed by removable aliens and imposes penalties on illegal aliens and those facilitating their presence in the U.S.
• President Trump signed executive order on immigration enforcement titled "Protecting The American People Against Invasion" — President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) on January 20, 2025. The order cites concerns over the ability of the U.S. to absorb large numbers of refugees without compromising resources, safety, and security. The suspension will remain in effect until a determination is made that resuming the program aligns with U.S. interests. The order allows for case-by-case admissions if deemed in the national interest and revokes a previous executive order aimed at enhancing refugee resettlement programs.
• White House signed executive order on border security and immigration enforcement — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to enforce immigration laws against all "inadmissible and removable aliens." The order revokes four prior executive orders from the Biden administration, establishes Homeland Security Task Forces in all states, directs ICE to prioritize removal of recent entrants, authorizes state and local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement functions, and instructs agencies to deny public benefits to unauthorized aliens and audit funding to NGOs serving immigrants. The order also directs the Secretary of State to pressure foreign governments to accept deportations and instructs the Attorney General to prosecute unauthorized entry as a criminal priority.
• White House signed executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — The White House signed an executive order titled "Securing Our Borders" directing the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to deploy physical barriers, personnel, and technology along the southern border; the Secretary of Homeland Security to maximize detention of apprehended aliens pending removal; the Attorney General and DHS to prioritize prosecution of immigration-related offenses; and multiple agencies to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols, terminate parole programs including CBP One, and pursue international cooperation on immigration enforcement.
• Trump suspends entry at southern border — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, suspending entry into the United States of refugees under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), effective January 27, 2025. The order cites record migration levels over the preceding four years and claims the U.S. lacks capacity to absorb refugees without compromising resources for citizens. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend decisions on refugee applications and requires a report within 90 days on whether resumption would serve U.S. interests. Case-by-case admissions may continue at the discretion of State and Homeland Security secretaries if deemed in the national interest.
• Trump suspends Refugee Admissions Program — On January 20, 2025, President Trump suspended the entry of people newly arriving at the southern border. This action is part of a series of executive orders targeting immigration and border security. The suspension is expected to have significant humanitarian and legal implications, affecting asylum seekers and migrants seeking entry into the United States.
• Trump signed executive order freezing refugee admissions — President Trump suspended the Refugee Admissions Program for at least 90 days on January 20, 2025. This suspension is part of a broader strategy to restrict immigration and refugee intake. The decision has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and could have severe consequences for refugees seeking safety in the United States.
• — On January 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order suspending the country's refugee resettlement program. Refugees may only be admitted on a case-by-case basis if their entry is in the "national interest." The order cited "record levels of migration" and claimed the country lacked capacity to "absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees." Advocates say the move endangered lives and left families devastated, with thousands of refugees stranded globally.

Supporting reports

• Trump ends legal pathways for certain nationalities — President Trump ended processes that allowed Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans with financial sponsors to live and work legally in the U.S. for two years. This decision removes a legal pathway for these individuals to explore permanent immigration options, affecting their ability to seek safety and stability in the U.S.
• Trump resumes border wall construction — President Trump signed an executive order to resume construction of the border wall along the US-Mexico border. This action reverses the previous administration's halt on the project and is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown. The resumption of construction is expected to face logistical and legal challenges, as well as opposition from various groups.
• Trump administration reinstates 'remain in Mexico' policy — The Trump administration has announced the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy requires non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the program would restart immediately, following its termination by President Biden in 2021. Critics argue that the policy exposes migrants to dangerous conditions, while Trump officials claim it deters fraudulent asylum claims.
• Trump reimplements "remain in Mexico" policy — Trump reissued an executive order to reinstate the "remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in the U.S. This policy, previously implemented during Trump's first term, has faced criticism for endangering asylum seekers and complicating the asylum process. Legal challenges are expected as the policy is seen as a deterrent to asylum claims.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration increases ICE detention quotas and budget — Within days of Trump's second inauguration on 20 January 2025, the administration ordered ICE to detain more people, establishing new quotas that increased daily arrests from a few hundred to 1,200–1,500. ICE's annual budget has grown from $6 billion a decade ago to $85 billion, making it the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the US. New ICE recruits receive signing-on bonuses of up to $50,000. The administration also expanded Project Homecoming, a self-deportation scheme offering $2,600 exit bonuses (increased from $1,000 in May 2025), funded by repurposing $250 million previously allocated to refugee aid.
• ICE detainee death toll reaches 16 since Trump's January return to office — Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, at least 16 people have died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, including Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican national and former DACA recipient, who died at an ICE facility in Adelanto, California on September 21. ICE was holding 59,762 detainees as of September 25, exceeding the previous record of 60,000 set in August. Data shows a death rate of approximately 1.88 per month under Trump compared to 0.54 per month during the Biden administration. Immigration advocates cite "horrendous conditions" and inadequate medical monitoring despite ICE's assertions of safe, humane environments.
• Escalation of Deportation of Undocumented People — The incoming administration has announced plans to escalate the deportation of undocumented individuals, a move that is expected to increase fear among immigrant communities. This strategy is part of a broader approach to immigration enforcement that has been criticized for its potential to create a climate of fear and uncertainty. The National Immigrant Justice Center is highlighted as a resource for those affected by these policies, offering support and advocacy in response to the administration's actions.
• Trump ICE raids cause worker absences — New ICE raids under the Trump administration have led to significant worker absences in California's agricultural sector. The raids are reportedly targeting individuals based on racial profiling rather than criminal suspicion, causing fear and disruption in communities.
• DoJ orders prosecution of officials resisting immigration crackdown — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has issued a directive to federal prosecutors to target state and local officials who resist the administration's mass deportation campaign. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed prosecutors to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions for harboring undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders to mobilize federal agencies for enforcement and challenge local laws blocking Trump's immigration agenda.
• ICE raid in Newark targets Hispanic military veteran — ICE agents conducted a raid at a seafood wholesaler in Newark, NJ, arresting three people, including a Puerto Rican military veteran. The raid was part of a racial profiling operation targeting Hispanic individuals, raising concerns about discrimination and unlawful targeting of US citizens.