Trump Action Archive

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• El Salvador prison offer — Senator Marco Rubio announced that El Salvador has offered to incarcerate convicted US citizens in their prisons for a fee. This proposal raises ethical and legal questions about outsourcing incarceration to foreign countries.
• U.S. deal with El Salvador for deportees — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a controversial agreement with El Salvador to send deportees of any nationality, including U.S. citizens, to a prison facility in El Salvador. This arrangement raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding the treatment of deportees and the implications for U.S. citizens.

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• 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.

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• White House signed executive order withdrawing U.S. from UNHRC and UNESCO, defunding UNRWA, and ordering comprehensive review of all international organizations — President Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and cease participation in UNESCO, while immediately halting all funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The order mandates the Secretary of State to conduct a 90-day review of UNESCO membership and a 180-day comprehensive review of all international organizations, conventions, and treaties to which the U.S. is party, with recommendations on further withdrawals. The order cites alleged infiltration of UNRWA by designated terrorist organizations and claims of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias within UNHRC and UNESCO.
• Continuation of National Emergency Regarding Burma — The President has extended the national emergency concerning Burma for one year, citing ongoing threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy due to the military coup in Burma. This continuation is pursuant to the National Emergencies Act and Executive Order 14014.
• U.S. Withdraws from Certain UN Organizations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14199, withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and ending funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The order also mandates a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO and other international organizations to assess alignment with U.S. interests. The Secretary of State is tasked with notifying relevant UN bodies and conducting a comprehensive review of international commitments.
• Trump signed executive order ending UNRWA funding and withdrawing from UN Human Rights Council — On February 4, 2025, Trump signed an executive order stopping funding for UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees) and withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council. Trump criticized the entire United Nations as "not being well run" and "not doing the job." In his first term, Trump cut UNRWA funding and withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council; the Biden administration had restored UNRWA funding and rejoined the council.
• Trump issues executive order to withdraw U.S. from certain UN organizations — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 4, 2025, directing the United States to withdraw from and cease funding to certain United Nations organizations, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The order mandates a review of U.S. participation in the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other international organizations to assess their alignment with U.S. interests. The Secretary of State is tasked with conducting these reviews and reporting recommendations to the President.
• Freeze on Foreign Aid — President Trump imposed a freeze on foreign aid, cutting off approximately $60 billion in funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides humanitarian assistance globally. This freeze excludes military aid to Israel and Egypt.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• Purdue Exponent removes names and images of student protesters from website — In February 2025, Purdue Exponent removed the names and images of student protesters advocating for Palestinian human rights from its website, citing safety concerns and the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics. The paper announced the removal in an editorial stating "Pro-Palestinian students are under attack, so we're removing their names." The decision generated significant controversy, with the editor receiving over 7,000 emails, including death threats.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• Trump signs the Laken Riley Act into law — President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which grants ICE the authority to detain and deport undocumented immigrants arrested for minor charges, such as shoplifting, even if they have not been convicted. This law significantly expands ICE's powers and could lead to increased deportations based on minor infractions, raising concerns about due process and civil liberties for immigrants.
• Became Law: Laken Riley Act — The Laken Riley Act was enacted, becoming Public Law No: 119-1, which signifies its official adoption and implementation. This law may impact relevant policy areas as defined by its provisions.
• Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law — On January 29, 2025, Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking a significant legislative achievement for his administration's immigration agenda. The law mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes and allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government if they believe their states have been harmed by its failure to enforce immigration laws. The act is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation has faced criticism from immigration rights advocates for expanding mandatory detention.
• President Trump signed S.5 (Laken Riley Act) into law — On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed S.5, the "Laken Riley Act," into law. The statute requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes. The White House announcement provides no additional detail on implementation, scope, or effective date.

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• Trump orders opening of migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay — President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prepare a detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to house up to 30,000 immigrants deported from the United States. The order directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand the Migrant Operations Center at the naval base to full capacity. This move is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown, which includes other executive orders aimed at reducing immigration and enhancing border security.
• White House issues memorandum directing expansion of migrant detention at Guantanamo Bay — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 29, 2025, directing the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity. The memorandum states the expansion is to provide detention space for "high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States" and to address immigration enforcement needs. The stated purpose is to "halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty."
• Trump signs executive order on Guantanamo Bay migrant facility — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Pentagon and DHS to prepare a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay for up to 30,000 people. This order raises concerns about the treatment and rights of migrants detained in such facilities.
• Trump signed executive order preparing Guantánamo Bay detention facility for migrants — On January 29, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to prepare a massive detention facility at Guantánamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 deported immigrants. Trump stated Guantánamo could "detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people" during the signing of the Laken Riley Act. The order is part of broader efforts to fulfill Trump's promise to remove millions of people from the country.
• Trump announces migrant facility at Gitmo — President Trump announced an executive order to prepare a 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This move aims to double the capacity for detaining migrants and is unprecedented in U.S. history. The decision has raised significant legal and ethical questions about the treatment of migrants and the use of military facilities for immigration enforcement.
• Trump announces plan to detain migrants at Guantánamo Bay — President Donald Trump announced plans to send tens of thousands of undocumented migrants to a new facility at the Guantánamo Bay naval base. This move is part of his "mass deportation" campaign, aiming to house "criminal illegal aliens" in a 30,000-person facility. The announcement has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing it demonizes migrants by associating them with terrorism. The plan involves expanding the existing detention center, notorious for its history of human rights abuses, to accommodate the migrants.
• Trump administration announces executive order for migrant detention center — President Trump announced an executive order to open a 30,000-person-capacity migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay, aimed at detaining what he described as the "worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people." This move is part of his broader immigration policy strategy.
• Trump announces executive order for migrant detention center — President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order to establish a 30,000-person-capacity migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay, aimed at detaining what he described as "the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people." This move is part of his administration's ongoing focus on immigration enforcement.
• Trump orders migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay — Trump signed an executive order to prepare a huge detention facility at Guantánamo Bay that he said could be used to hold up to 30,000 immigrants deported from the US. Trump stated Guantánamo could "detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people" during the signing of the Laken Riley Act. The order is part of a broader effort to fulfill Trump's promise to remove millions of people from the country.
• Plan to deport undocumented people to Guantanamo announced — A plan was announced to deport undocumented individuals to Guantanamo Bay, a location known for its lack of legal oversight and history of inhumane conditions. This proposal has been criticized as an attempt to avoid legal scrutiny and has raised significant human rights concerns. Legal challenges are expected as the plan is seen as a violation of constitutional and international human rights standards.

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• 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

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• Trump invoked Alien Enemies Act — President Donald Trump announced during his inaugural address that he would invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target foreign gangs and criminal networks in the United States. This move is part of his broader strategy to address what he claims is a significant rise in violent crime in American cities, despite evidence to the contrary. The invocation of this act is intended to facilitate the removal of undocumented immigrants whom Trump associates with increased crime rates.

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• Elon Musk supports far-right politicians — Elon Musk has publicly supported far-right politicians, including the British anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson and the far-right, anti-immigrant party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany. This has drawn criticism from Bill Gates, who labeled Musk's actions as "insane" and accused him of destabilizing political situations in various countries. Gates expressed concern over Musk's influence and the potential impact on international politics and elections.

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• US military allows Buckley base for ICE operations — The US military has permitted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use facilities at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, for processing and detaining undocumented immigrants. This decision, made at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, involves setting up a temporary operations center and holding location for ICE operations. No military personnel will be involved in the operations, which will be staffed by ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies. The move has sparked concern from local representatives about the military's involvement in domestic immigration enforcement.

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• Florida Legislature rejects Desantis's migrant deportation plan — The Florida House and Senate rejected Governor Ron Desantis's request for a special session to enact migrant deportation policies. Instead, they appointed Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to oversee state deportation efforts in coordination with the Trump Administration. This decision sidelines Desantis and aligns with Trump's immigration strategy, reflecting internal Republican dynamics and potential impacts on Desantis's political ambitions.
• Florida legislature passes Trump Act — The Florida legislature passed the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (Trump) Act, which includes provisions to eliminate in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The act, modified with White House assistance, is part of a broader immigration agenda. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the act as insufficiently stringent compared to his proposals and has promised to veto it. The passage of the act reflects ongoing legislative efforts to reshape immigration policy in Florida.
• Florida House Speaker ends special legislative session — Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez abruptly ended a special legislative session on immigration that Governor Ron DeSantis had summoned. The session was intended to address immigration measures, including the controversial Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (Trump) Act. Perez's action came amid tensions between DeSantis and Republican lawmakers over immigration policies, including the proposed removal of in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The session's abrupt end highlights the ongoing power struggle within Florida's Republican Party.

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• 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.

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• Kristi Noem confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security — Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, was confirmed by the US Senate as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The confirmation vote was 59-34, with support from seven Democrats. Noem will oversee agencies such as US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her confirmation aligns with President Trump's plans to enforce stricter immigration policies. Noem has pledged to execute the president's orders and has previously supported sending national guard troops to the border.
• Noem confirmed by Senate as DHS Secretary — On January 25, 2025, the Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary by a vote of 59–34, with some bipartisan support. She was sworn in the same day and resigned as South Dakota governor to assume the position. Within days, she joined federal immigration enforcement operations, including raids targeting undocumented immigrants in New York.
• Kristi Noem confirmed as DHS Secretary — Kristi Noem was confirmed as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Her confirmation was supported by seven Democratic senators, despite concerns about her stance on immigration and other security issues. Noem's appointment is part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape the federal government with loyalists.
• Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking a 50–50 tie. Hegseth's lack of relevant experience and past controversies raised concerns, but Republican senators ultimately supported his nomination. This marks a significant shift in the qualifications expected for such a critical position.