Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested by ICE Agents — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by ICE agents while protesting outside a private detention facility. The arrest was justified by the interim U.S. attorney, who claimed Baraka ignored warnings to leave the area. Videos show Baraka being arrested in a public space.
• DHS Threatens Arrests of Democratic Congress Members — DHS spokesperson Tricial McLaughlin announced potential arrests of Democratic Congress members who attempted oversight at an ICE facility, resulting in the arrest of the Newark mayor. The incident has sparked accusations of abuse of power and intimidation against the administration.
• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested by federal officials — Federal officials arrested Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka outside an immigration facility, alleging he committed trespass and ignored warnings from DHS officials.
• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at ICE Detention Facility Protest — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by Homeland Security agents on Tuesday after participating in a protest and press conference outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Baraka, along with three members of Congress, was protesting against the Geo Group, which operates the facility. He was charged with trespassing and released after five hours. The Department of Homeland Security indicated that more arrests could follow, citing risks posed to law enforcement and detainees. Baraka has vowed to continue the legal fight against the Geo Group, alleging improper renovations and lack of compliance with local laws.
• ICE Arrests Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — ICE agents arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during a protest, an action that has sparked significant controversy and allegations of intimidation. The arrest occurred in the context of a protest, and there were subsequent threats made to members of Congress who were present. This incident has raised concerns about ICE's tactics and their impact on democratic protest rights and political expression. The arrest and threats have been criticized as attempts to intimidate and suppress dissent.

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• White House Launches "White House Wire" Website
• White House Posts AI-Generated Image with Political Message
• White House Posts Video of Deportation Flights

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• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by federal agents after a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Baraka was participating in a peaceful protest and attempting to assert local jurisdiction over an ICE operation he claimed violated city law. The arrest occurred after tensions escalated when ICE agents blocked his access during a scheduled visit with members of Congress. The arrest has been described as an act of intimidation by Rep. Robert Menendez Jr., who was present at the scene.
• Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka by ICE Officials — On May 9, 2025, Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark and a Democratic candidate for governor, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials outside Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in New Jersey. The arrest occurred during a visit by Baraka and three Democratic Congress members, who were inspecting the facility. The Congress members accused ICE officials of creating a confrontation that led to Baraka's arrest. ICE officials claimed the Congress members staged a political stunt and threatened to arrest them as well.
• Mayor of Newark Ras Baraka arrested at ICE detention center protest — On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for alleged trespass at an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Baraka, who opposes the facility's construction due to permit issues, was detained after a confrontation with federal officials. The arrest occurred during a protest against the detention center, which Baraka and other Democratic politicians argue was opened without necessary permits. Baraka was released after several hours, and his wife accused the government of targeting him. The incident has sparked criticism of ICE's actions and raised concerns about federal overreach.

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• Judge Orders Release of Tufts Student Rümeysa Öztürk — Judge William Sessions ordered the release of Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk from ICE custody. Öztürk, a Turkish national, was detained after her visa was revoked by Marco Rubio for co-authoring an op-ed advocating for divestment from Israeli companies. The judge cited First Amendment and due process violations in her detention.
• Case update — Ozturk v. Hyde (D. Vt.) 1:25-cv-12334 — Following a hearing, Judge William Sessions ordered Ozturk's immediate release.

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• Federal appeals court orders return of detained student Rümeysa Öztürk to Vermont — A federal appeals court has upheld a district court's order to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, from an immigration detention center in Louisiana to Vermont. Öztürk was detained for six weeks following her co-authorship of an op-ed criticizing Tufts University's response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Her lawyers argue that her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. The court's decision mandates her transfer to Vermont by May 14 for hearings on the legality of her detention.
• Case update — Ozturk v. Hyde (D. Vt.) 1:25-cv-12334 — The Second Circuit rejected the Defendants' appeal and held that Ozturk must be transferred to Vermont by May 14.

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• Mohsen Mahdawi released from ICE custody by judge — Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student and activist, was released from federal detention by a judge on May 6, 2025. He had been detained by immigration authorities in Colchester, Vermont, during a naturalization interview and was ordered to be deported by the Trump administration on April 14, 2025, despite not being charged with a crime. The judge's decision to release Mahdawi was critical of the government's actions, likening them to McCarthyist repression. Mahdawi's release allows him to continue his studies and advocacy work.
• Motion denied — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — The Second Circuit denied (1) the government's motion for a stay of the district court's release order and extended TRO, and (2) the government's request for a writ of mandamus. The appeal is proceeding on the merits.

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• DHS cites domestic abuse allegations to justify deportation refusal — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release citing domestic abuse allegations against Kilmar Ábrego García, made by his wife, to justify the refusal to return him to the US. Despite a 2019 court order prohibiting his deportation to El Salvador, Ábrego García was deported in March 2025. The Trump administration has used these allegations to support their stance, despite a federal judge's order to facilitate his return. The legal battle over his deportation continues, with the administration arguing that US courts lack jurisdiction.

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• Judge rules Alien Enemies Act does not allow deportation of alleged gang members — On April 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled that the Alien Enemies Act does not authorize the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. This ruling, which applies only to the southern district of Texas, is a significant rebuke to the Trump administration's use of the 18th-century law to deport alleged gang members. The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling requiring adequate notice for those being removed under the law, and it challenges the administration's interpretation of the statute's scope.
• Motion granted — J.A.V. v. Trump (S.D. Tex.) 1:25-cv-00072 — Judge Rodriquez granted certification of the class of plaintiffs, described as: “Venezuelan aliens, 14 years old or older, who have not been naturalized, who Respondents have designated or in the future designate as alien enemies under the March 14, 2025, Presidential Proclamation … and who are detained or reside in the Southern District of Texas.” Judge Rodriguez followed the class certification with an order granting a permanent injunction . The court wrote: "The historical record renders clear that the President's invocation of the AEA [Alien Enemies Act] through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute's terms." On the scope of the injunction, Judge Rodriguez wrote: “To the extent that J.A.V., J.G.G., and W.G.H., or any member of the certified class, have been detained or are detained in the future pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, they have not sought and do not obtain any relief. In addition, the conclusions of the Court do not affect Respondents' ability to continue removal proceedings or enforcement of any final orders of removal issued against J.A.V., J.G.G., and W.G.H, or against any member of the certified class, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.”
• Federal Judge Blocks Use of Alien Enemies Act Against Venezuelans — A Trump-appointed federal judge permanently blocked the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to detain, transfer, or deport Venezuelan immigrants, ruling that its invocation "exceeds the scope" of the law. This ruling is limited to the Southern District of Texas.
• Judge Rules Against Deportation of Venezuelans — Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled against the Trump administration's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportation of Venezuelans from the Southern District of Texas. He permanently prohibited such deportations, stating that the law applies only during wartime or a hostile invasion, not to migration.
• — Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled against the Trump administration's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportation of Venezuelans from the Southern District of Texas. He permanently prohibited such deportations, stating that the law applies only during wartime or a hostile invasion, not to migration by alleged gang members.

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• Senators demand report on wrongful deportations to El Salvador — Senators Chuck Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, and Alex Padilla announced they would require the Trump administration to produce a report on wrongful deportations to El Salvador. This demand follows the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was sent to El Salvador despite a court order preventing his removal due to credible fear of persecution. The senators' action seeks to address potential violations of due process and ensure accountability in immigration enforcement.

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• Trump administration asks Supreme Court to intervene on Venezuelan TPS — The Trump administration has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in its efforts to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelan migrants in the United States. This request follows a federal judge's order in March that blocked the termination of TPS, which was initially decided by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Justice Department argues that allowing Venezuelans to remain is contrary to national interest, while the judge's order highlights potential harm to individuals and the U.S. economy. A federal appeals court had previously declined to pause the judge's order.

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• US charges migrants for entering military buffer zone on Mexico border — The US Department of Justice has initiated criminal prosecutions against at least 28 migrants for entering a newly established military buffer zone along the US-Mexico border. These charges were filed in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The buffer zone, which spans 170 miles and is 60 feet wide, is patrolled by active-duty US troops. The establishment of this zone has been criticized by civil liberties groups as an erosion of constitutional principles, as it allows military involvement in civilian policing without invoking the Insurrection Act.

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• Federal judge orders release of Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention — A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and Columbia University student, from immigration detention. Mahdawi had been detained and ordered deported by the Trump administration despite not being charged with a crime. The judge, Geoffrey Crawford, stated that Mahdawi was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community and that his continued detention would likely chill protected speech. Mahdawi was released on bail pending the resolution of his case in federal court, allowing him to continue residing in Vermont and travel to New York for school and legal meetings.
• Motion granted — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — The court granted Petitioner's motion, ordering him released on his personal recognizance during the pendency of his habeas proceeding. The judge based his decision on the Petitioner's likelihood of success on the merits of his claims of Due Process, First Amendment and Fifth Amendment violations, and concluded that his release was in the public interest, as his continued detention would have a chilling effect on protected speech and was justified due to the “extraordinary circumstances” surrounding his case.
• Palestinian Student Released from ICE Detention — Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was released from ICE detention after a judge ordered his immediate release on bail. The judge compared the administration's targeting of student activists to McCarthyism.
• Appeal filed — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — The Trump Administration appealed the Court's orders on April 24 and 30, extending the TRO and granting Petitioner's motion for release, respectively.

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• Supreme Court Blocks Deportation of Javier Salazar — The U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency order temporarily blocking the deportation of Javier Salazar, a 19-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, who was detained by ICE and faced deportation under the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act. Salazar, who has no criminal record, was arrested in Maryland and transferred to a detention center in Texas. The Supreme Court's intervention prevents his immediate deportation, allowing him time to seek legal remedies. The administration had argued for expedited deportations, but the court's order emphasizes the need for due process.

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• Appeals Court Blocks DHS Migrant Transfers — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security from transferring migrants to other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, to avoid due process rights. This ruling protects migrants' legal rights.

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• Trump Claims Economic Recovery is Imminent — In a social media post, President Trump claimed that the U.S. economy would soon "boom" and that companies are moving back to the U.S. in record numbers, despite the negative GDP report. He urged patience, asserting that the current economic challenges are not due to tariffs but rather a result of Biden's policies.
• Trump Misrepresents Tattoo Evidence in Interview — In an interview, President Trump insisted that a man deported to El Salvador had MS-13 tattoos, despite evidence showing the tattoos were photoshopped. Trump became visibly angry when challenged on this claim.
• Trump Cabinet Meeting Commemorates First 100 Days — On Wednesday, Donald Trump held a cabinet meeting at the White House to commemorate the first 100 days of his second term. The meeting featured cabinet members praising Trump's presidency, with Attorney General Pam Bondi commending his leadership. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made controversial claims about the Biden administration's handling of migrant children, alleging involvement in child trafficking, despite these claims being debunked. The meeting also included discussions on economic challenges and trade policies, with Trump addressing concerns about a potential recession and trade tensions with China.

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• Trump Uses Alien Enemies Act to Expel Alleged Foreign Terrorists — President Donald Trump defended his use of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime authority, to detain or deport citizens of an enemy nation, specifically targeting alleged foreign terrorists for expulsion from the United States. This move is part of his broader immigration policy, which he claims is necessary to protect national security. The act has faced criticism and legal challenges, with opponents arguing it oversteps presidential authority and targets specific groups unfairly.

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• Detention and Disappearance of Venezuelan Migrants in the US — On March 13, 2025, Neiyerver Rengel, a Venezuelan migrant, was detained by federal agents in Irving, Texas, and subsequently disappeared into custody without communication. Reports indicate that Rengel, along with at least 252 other Venezuelans, was deported to El Salvador and imprisoned under accusations of gang affiliation. The detentions have been labeled as "enforced disappearances" by Human Rights Watch, as families remain uninformed about the detainees' whereabouts or legal status. This situation has sparked fear and uncertainty within the Venezuelan community in the US.

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• USPS Cooperates with ICE to Locate Undocumented Immigrants — The Washington Post reported that the US Postal Inspection Service has started cooperating with ICE to locate suspected undocumented immigrants using photographs of envelopes, mail tracking, and other data. This cooperation raises privacy and civil liberties concerns.

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• Governor J.B. Pritzker Calls for Bold Democratic Action — In a speech to Democrats in New Hampshire, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker urged party members to adopt a more aggressive stance against the Trump administration and to advocate for urgent action on various issues. He emphasized the importance of due process in immigration policy, criticized the administration's approach to education and public services, and called for mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies. Pritzker framed the fight as essential for preserving democracy and urged Democrats to be fearless in their agenda for working families.
• Illinois governor calls for mass protests against Republicans — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered a speech urging Democrats to engage in mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies, emphasizing the need for active resistance to protect democracy.
• Illinois Governor Calls for Mass Protests Against Republicans — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered a speech urging Democrats to engage in mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies. He emphasized the need for a unified response to counteract what he described as cruelty from the Republican party.
• — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called for mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies during a speech in New Hampshire, urging Democrats to fight back against what he described as cruelty from the Republican party.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers — On April 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that commercial vehicle drivers, such as truckers, must read and speak English. This order is part of a series of executive actions taken by Trump to regulate various aspects of immigration and employment in the United States.
• Executive Order Enforcing English Proficiency for Truck Drivers — On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating the enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The order directs the Secretary of Transportation to rescind previous guidance and issue new procedures to ensure compliance with English language requirements. This includes revising out-of-service criteria for drivers who fail to meet these standards. The order aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that truck drivers can effectively communicate and understand traffic signs and official inquiries in English.
• Trump Requires Truck Drivers to Speak English — On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed an order requiring commercial truck drivers to read and speak English. The order aims to ensure drivers can communicate with traffic and safety officials.

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• Trump signs executive order targeting sanctuary cities — On April 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general and the secretary of homeland security to publish a list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws, commonly known as "sanctuary cities." The order also calls for identifying federal funds that can be terminated for these jurisdictions. This move is part of Trump's broader immigration policy efforts to penalize sanctuary cities by cutting off federal funding.
• Executive Order: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens — On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens." The order directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify and publish a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. It mandates federal agencies to consider suspending or terminating federal funds to these jurisdictions. The order also calls for the development of mechanisms to prevent federal benefits from being provided to aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions and seeks to ensure equal treatment of American citizens over aliens in legal matters.
• Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Sanctuary Cities — On April 28, 2025, Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut federal funding from sanctuary cities and jurisdictions that "obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws." This order is part of the administration's broader immigration enforcement strategy.
• Trump Requires List of Sanctuary Cities and States — On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed executive orders targeting "sanctuary cities" and strengthening law enforcement against "criminals." The orders call for a list of jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration laws and support for officers facing legal costs from official duties.

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• Federal raid on Colorado Springs nightclub results in over 100 detentions — On Sunday, a federal raid involving more than 300 law enforcement officers from at least 10 agencies took place at an illegal after-hours nightclub in Colorado Springs. The operation led to the arrest of over 100 individuals, identified by authorities as undocumented immigrants, and the seizure of guns and various drugs, including cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine. The raid also resulted in the detention of more than a dozen active-duty military members. The nightclub had been under investigation for several months for activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution.

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• ICE Deportations Separate Families, Including U.S. Citizen Children — Recent ICE deportations have separated families, including U.S. citizen children, from their immigrant mothers. The deportations occurred swiftly, with little opportunity for legal recourse, and have raised concerns about the treatment of immigrant families and the impact on children, some of whom have serious health issues.
• ICE Deports US Citizen Child and Mother — ICE officials deported a 4-year-old US citizen with cancer and his mother without the child's medication, along with two Honduran-born mothers and their US-born children, and a Cuban-born mother separated from her 1-year-old. These deportations raise significant human rights and legal concerns.
• ICE Deports U.S. Citizen Children to Honduras — Early on April 26, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported three U.S. citizen children, aged 2, 4, and 7, to Honduras after their mothers were arrested during a routine immigration check. One of the children, who has Stage 4 cancer, was sent without medication or medical consultation. The mothers were not allowed to communicate with family or lawyers before the deportation. This incident follows a similar case in March where four U.S. citizen children were sent to Mexico with their undocumented parents.
• Deportation of Mothers and US Citizen Children to Honduras — Two women and their US citizen children were deported to Honduras without being given the opportunity to transfer custody of their children to another parent or caregiver. The deportations occurred after the women were detained at regular check-in appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Orleans. The families were held in isolation and denied communication with attorneys or family members. An emergency motion was filed to prevent the deportation of a two-year-old US citizen, leading to a federal judge expressing concerns about the lack of due process.

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• Trump administration's deportations and tariffs deter overseas tourists — The Trump administration's policies, including high-profile deportations and tariffs, have led to a significant decline in overseas visitors to the United States. In March, the number of international tourists dropped by 11.6% compared to the previous year, with a notable 17.2% decrease in visitors from Western Europe. This decline is expected to continue, impacting the US tourism industry, which was anticipated to recover to pre-pandemic levels. The reduction in international travel is projected to result in a $10 billion loss in spending for the year.

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• FBI arrests Wisconsin judge for obstructing immigration officials — On Friday, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction after she allegedly helped a man evade US immigration authorities at her courthouse. The arrest took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was confirmed by the US Marshals Service. The FBI director accused Judge Dugan of intentionally misdirecting federal agents, allowing the individual, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, to evade arrest temporarily. Dugan was released after a brief court appearance and is scheduled to appear again on May 15. The arrest has sparked significant controversy and criticism from local officials and politicians.
• FBI Arrests Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan — The FBI arrested Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan, accusing her of helping a man evade US immigration officers at her courthouse. The arrest has sparked political controversy, with Republicans calling for her removal and Democrats condemning the arrest as an overreach of executive power. The arrest was part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on immigration, which has been criticized for undermining judicial independence. The FBI director posted a photo of Dugan in handcuffs, emphasizing that "no one is above the law."