Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump DOJ announces $300m "Model Cities" policing grants with ideological conditions — The Trump administration's Department of Justice announced a "Model Cities Initiative" offering up to $300 million in federal policing grants to two to four cities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents. In exchange for funding, recipient cities must comply with federal immigration enforcement, adopt conservative anti-homelessness policies, and agree to reimburse the federal government for costs of future federal law enforcement interventions or national guard deployments. The initiative cites Memphis and Washington DC as models, despite documented officer-involved deaths in Memphis. Several Democratic-led cities have declined to apply.

Supporting reports

• ICE and TSA expand airport immigration enforcement targeting visa overstayers and asylum seekers — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have dramatically expanded collaboration at US airports, conducting as many as three dozen daily arrests in July with a stated goal of 2,000 daily immigration arrests. Targets include people with pending visa, asylum, and green card applications, former au pairs, and asylum seekers with serious medical conditions. Airline workers have reportedly declined to assist federal agents, and Southwest Airlines gate agents refused to allow an ICE officer to board a plane without a judicial warrant. The airline industry has expressed workplace safety and legal concerns.

Supporting reports

• DHS/ICE sought court orders to force-feed at least 10 hunger strikers in immigration detention — Between 2025 and 2026, Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials obtained court orders to subject at least 10 detained immigrants to involuntary medical procedures, including force-feeding via nasogastric tubes, intravenous forced hydration, and involuntary blood draws. Court records show procedures were definitely performed on at least three detainees and probably on two more; five others ended their hunger strikes before procedures began. Cases span facilities in Texas, Florida, Washington, and Arizona. Many detainees lacked legal representation during proceedings.
• ICE force-feeding of detained hunger strikers revealed in at least 10 cases — Since Trump's return to office in January 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has subjected at least 10 detained immigrants to involuntary force-feeding procedures, including an Afghan man force-fed for nearly six months, a Ukrainian man whose force-feeding was stopped by legal intervention, and a Saudi woman who broke her strike under threat of the procedure. ICE obtained emergency court orders, often without the detainee's legal representation, to restrain hunger strikers and insert nasogastric tubes. Medical experts and human rights organizations characterize the practice as torture.
• ICE force-fed at least 10 detained hunger strikers — A Guardian investigation of court records identified at least 10 cases in which ICE sought to subject detained hunger strikers to involuntary medical procedures, with at least three and possibly five individuals force-fed. A Kurdish asylum seeker at Port Isabel Service Processing Center in Texas was force-fed for nearly eight months; another endured six months. The procedure involves guards restraining detainees while medical staff insert a tube through the nose into the stomach and pump liquid nutrition. Human rights organizations classify force-feeding of competent hunger strikers as torture.

Supporting reports

• Police deploy teargas and arrest protesters outside Delaney Hall detention facility — Following the announcement of the women's strike on June 12, law enforcement responded to ongoing protests outside Delaney Hall. New Jersey state police and Newark local police deployed teargas and arrested dozens of protesters in an effort to disperse crowds gathered in support of striking detainees. This escalation followed earlier ICE use of pepper spray, tasers, and batons against protesters supporting the May 22 strike.

Supporting reports

• Newark Mayor imposes indefinite overnight curfew at Delaney Hall area — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed an indefinite overnight curfew from 9pm to 6am in the area surrounding Delaney Hall immigration detention center, effective immediately following Saturday night clashes between state police and protesters. The curfew order threatened arrest or legal action against those who did not disperse during the restricted hours. The curfew was announced after violent confrontations in which state police on horseback and in riot gear used teargas, aggressive shoving, and arrests against demonstrators.

Supporting reports

• New Jersey state police deploy at Delaney Hall ICE facility; dozens of protesters arrested for curfew violations — On Sunday night, New Jersey state police in riot gear enforced a curfew at Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, resulting in arrests of at least 20–46 protesters who defied dispersal orders. Governor Mikie Sherrill had announced Friday that state law enforcement would take over policing duties from federal ICE officers following eight days of confrontations. The rapid deployment—less than 15 minutes after issuing a dispersal order—drew criticism from protesters, elected officials, and journalists, who alleged excessive force and attacks on press documenting the scene.

Supporting reports

• State police replace ICE officers outside Delaney Hall; violent clashes ensue — On Friday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that state police would replace ICE officers outside Delaney Hall detention center. State police established roadblocks approximately half a mile on either side of the facility. That night, clashes erupted when state police officers on horseback and in riot gear moved into the crowd of protesters, deploying teargas canisters, aggressively shoving demonstrators, and arresting six people. Advocates criticized the state police response as more aggressive than prior ICE conduct.
• State police deploy teargas and pepper balls against anti-ICE protesters at Newark detention facility — On Friday night, New Jersey state police fired teargas canisters and pepper ball pellets at anti-ICE protesters outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. State police also deployed on horseback to drive protesters back. This followed Governor Mikie Sherrill's announcement that state officials would take over policing outside the facility from ICE, including attempts to establish a "protected speech zone" with fences. The action occurred amid a nine-day hunger and labor strike by detained immigrants demanding improved conditions and medical care.
• New Jersey state police deploy at Delaney Hall ICE facility; dozens of protesters arrested for curfew violations — On Sunday night, New Jersey state police in riot gear enforced a curfew at Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, resulting in arrests of at least 20–46 protesters who defied dispersal orders. Governor Mikie Sherrill had announced Friday that state law enforcement would take over policing duties from federal ICE officers following eight days of confrontations. The rapid deployment—less than 15 minutes after issuing a dispersal order—drew criticism from protesters, elected officials, and journalists, who alleged excessive force and attacks on press documenting the scene.
• Governor Sherrill establishes "free speech zone" restricting protester access to Delaney Hall — On Friday, Governor Mikie Sherrill enacted a "free speech zone" that kept protesters at least half a mile away from the entrance to Delaney Hall detention center. Protesters reported this restriction prevented them from being visible or heard by detainees inside, effectively nullifying their ability to demonstrate solidarity with those held in the facility during ongoing hunger and labor strikes.
• Newark Mayor imposes indefinite overnight curfew at Delaney Hall area — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed an indefinite overnight curfew from 9pm to 6am in the area surrounding Delaney Hall immigration detention center, effective immediately following Saturday night clashes between state police and protesters. The curfew order threatened arrest or legal action against those who did not disperse during the restricted hours. The curfew was announced after violent confrontations in which state police on horseback and in riot gear used teargas, aggressive shoving, and arrests against demonstrators.
• DHS posts mocking video of protester arrest; launches "zero tolerance" messaging campaign — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a video on its X account showing an unarmed protester being dragged at gunpoint by officers in riot gear, captioned "Don't be this guy." The post was part of a broader DHS messaging campaign on Sunday featuring slogans including "law and order," "ZERO tolerance for rioters," and "if you riot, you will face the consequences." The DHS also dismissed detainee complaints of poor food and lack of medical care as "a hoax."
• Journalist Adriano Kalin reports first direct police attack on press at anti-ICE protests — Photojournalist Adriano Kalin, documenting protests at Delaney Hall, reported that state police directly targeted press for the first time in his coverage of anti-ICE demonstrations nationwide. Kalin posted video footage of a flash-bang grenade thrown directly at his feet as state police in riot gear advanced on the crowd. He noted that while press had previously been in harm's way at other protests, they had never been deliberately targeted until this incident.
• New Jersey Governor Sherrill deploys state police to suppress Delaney Hall immigration detention protests — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill sent state police in riot gear to "lower the temperature" at protests outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, where 300+ detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike over poor conditions. State police arrested dozens of protesters, hospitalized some, pulled journalists from vehicles and exposed them to teargas, and arrested other journalists who were held in custody for a full day. Sherrill blamed "outside agitators" and has not met strikers' demands, including a meeting with the governor.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice files charges against protester at ICE detention center — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice filed criminal charges against a protester who allegedly kicked and bit an ICE officer outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The filing occurred amid escalating clashes between federal agents and demonstrators protesting conditions inside the facility and supporting detained immigrants engaged in a hunger and labor strike.

Supporting reports

• New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill denied entry to Delaney Hall — On Monday, May 26, 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, was denied entry to Delaney Hall by facility management. Sherrill stated that the refusal raised "serious questions about what they are trying to hide from public view." A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson characterized Sherrill's visit as "nothing more than a political stunt on Memorial Day when visitation is currently suspended due to riots outside in the facility."
• New Jersey state police assume policing functions outside Delaney Hall ICE detention facility — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that state police will take over "public safety operations" from federal immigration officers outside Delaney Hall, a privately run ICE detention center in Newark. The state will establish a "peaceful protected zone" for demonstrators. The announcement coincides with reports of an influx of federal agents arriving to defend the facility and investigate protesters. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced DOJ charges against a protester accused of assaulting an ICE officer.

Supporting reports

• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin denies hunger strike and poor conditions at Delaney Hall — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted on X denying that a hunger strike was occurring at Delaney Hall ICE detention center and asserting "There are no sub-prime conditions" at the facility. This contradicted claims by detainees who released a letter asserting they were on hunger and work strike, and by advocates documenting allegations of rotten food, lack of medical care, and non-functioning air conditioning.

Supporting reports

• ICE Pepper-Sprays Senator Andy Kim and Protesters at Newark Detention Facility — Federal agents deployed pepper spray against anti-ICE protesters outside an immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, where detainees were conducting a hunger strike over poor conditions and denial of medical care. Senator Andy Kim, who had been denied entry despite claiming ICE approval for a congressional oversight visit, was among those pepper-sprayed. Kim reported that detainees had been threatened with retaliation for their protest activities.
• Federal agents pepper-spray US senator and protesters at ICE detention facility in Newark — US Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined Governor Mikie Sherrill at a protest outside Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark on May 25, where detainees were staging a hunger strike over poor conditions and denied medical care. ICE agents used batons, pepper spray, and pepper balls against protesters and attempted to move vehicles through the crowd. Kim said he positioned himself between protesters and agents to de-escalate but was pepper-sprayed. The DHS later denied the hunger strike and claimed agents used minimum force against "rioters."

Supporting reports

• ICE agents deploy pepper spray and batons against protesters at New Jersey detention center — On May 24, 2026, ICE agents used pepper spray and batons to disperse approximately 70 protesters gathered outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Protesters had assembled to block the transfer of Martin Soto, a detainee who had announced a hunger and work strike demanding release of elderly, young, and medically vulnerable detainees. Despite the demonstration, ICE successfully transferred Soto to Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility. At least one protester was pepper-sprayed and another suffered a leg injury. Visitation at the facility was subsequently suspended.
• Law enforcement pepper-spray, tase, and arrest protesters at Delaney Hall during congressional oversight visit and detainee transfer — On May 24, during a congressional oversight visit to Delaney Hall, ICE officers pepper-sprayed protesters attempting to prevent the transfer of detainee Martin Soto, including U.S. Senator Andy Kim. The incident drew additional protesters to the facility. Government officials—ICE, New Jersey state police, and Newark police—have responded to ongoing demonstrations with pepper spray, tasers, tear gas, beatings, and arrests of dozens of protesters over the preceding two weeks.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge bans ICE arrests at Manhattan immigration courts except in rare cases — US District Judge P Kevin Castel issued a 15-page order on Monday prohibiting ICE agents from arresting immigrants at three federal courthouses in lower Manhattan (26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick Street, and 290 Broadway) except under exceptional circumstances or when public safety is threatened. The ruling responded to a lawsuit by the ACLU, New York Civil Liberties Union, Make the Road NY, and other groups. Castel found a strong governmental interest in immigration enforcement must be balanced against individuals' right to attend removal proceedings and pursue asylum claims without fear of arrest. The judge noted the Trump administration had recently reversed its position on whether 2025 policies applied to immigration courts, and he corrected what he called a "clear error" after prosecutors apologized for material misstatements to the court.

Supporting reports

• Choctaw Nation bans warehouse sale to DHS — The Choctaw Nation issued an ordinance in early 2026 banning the sale of an empty distribution center near tribal lands to the Department of Homeland Security. The action prevents the federal government from acquiring the facility for use as an immigration detention center.
• New York City officials call for cancellation of ICE parking contract — Elected officials in New York City called on a local park trust in early 2026 to immediately cancel a contract allowing ICE agents to park vehicles in a Manhattan garage. The park trust stated it would not renew the contract when it expires in summer 2026, responding to official pressure to terminate the arrangement.
• Philadelphia proposes ICE Out legislation package — Philadelphia city councilors proposed comprehensive "ICE Out" legislation in early 2026 to end or restrict city collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security. The proposed package would prohibit the city from entering into contracts with DHS and prohibit agents from entering city-owned spaces, similar to ICE-free zone designations in other cities.
• Minneapolis city council withholds liquor licenses from ICE-housing hotels — The Minneapolis city council withheld liquor license renewals for hotels housing ICE agents in early 2026, using municipal licensing authority as leverage to discourage federal immigration enforcement operations within the city. The action represents a direct economic pressure tactic against businesses supporting ICE operations.
• Ashland Virginia blocks DHS warehouse purchase for detention center — More than 100 protesters in Ashland, Virginia successfully lobbied the local board of commissioners against a Department of Homeland Security offer to purchase a warehouse for conversion into an immigration detention center. Following the community opposition, the warehouse's billionaire Canadian owner announced rejection of the DHS offer, blocking the facility's acquisition.
• Kansas City Missouri port authority cuts ties to discourage warehouse sale — The Kansas City, Missouri port authority moved to cut ties with a local company in early 2026 to discourage the city's plans to sell a warehouse to the Department of Homeland Security for use as a detention center. The city council subsequently passed a years-long moratorium on creation of new detention centers.

Supporting reports

• Federal officers use force against protesters in immigration crackdown — The Washington Post reported that federal officers carrying out Trump's immigration crackdown in cities across the country have shot 13 people with guns. Far more frequently, they have used harsh tactics including rubber bullets, pepper spray, tear gas, explosive flash-bangs, vehicle ramming, and pointing guns at peaceful protesters and people obstructing them. Officers masked and equipped with military-grade armor and rifles have injured hundreds of people. Courts in at least four states have found that officers used force inappropriately and indiscriminately.

Supporting reports

• Judge considers temporary restraining order on federal agents' use of force at Portland ICE protests — A federal judge is weighing whether to issue a temporary restraining order restricting federal officers' ability to use force during protests in Portland, Oregon, following weekend demonstrations at an ICE facility. Federal agents deployed teargas, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades on crowds that included children and elderly people. The ACLU of Oregon filed a class-action lawsuit in November alleging sustained retaliatory violence by federal officers. A judge indicated a ruling would come on Tuesday.
• Federal judge temporarily restricts ICE use of teargas and projectiles against Portland protesters — U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting ICE officers from using chemical or projectile munitions against protesters outside the ICE building in Portland, Oregon, unless the targeted person poses an imminent threat of physical harm. The ruling followed a weekend protest on January 31 in which federal agents fired teargas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets at a crowd including children, which local officials described as peaceful. The order also restricts munitions targeting the head, neck, or torso unless deadly force is legally justified. The restraining order remains in effect for 14 days.

Supporting reports

• Protest at Dilley immigration processing center met with tear gas — On 28 January 2026, hundreds of protesters gathered near the Dilley immigration processing center in south Texas to oppose family detention. The demonstration was organized by more than 30 organizations, including the Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry, to amplify the voices of detained families and call for an end to family detention altogether. The protest ended with tear gas deployed by Texas state troopers against demonstrators.

Supporting reports

• ICE agents deploy flash-bang grenades and chemical gas at Minneapolis protesters — ICE agents threw flash-bang grenades at peaceful protesters and launched chemical gas into residential neighborhoods in Minneapolis. The incidents were documented by MeidasTouch and Status Coup journalists on the ground. The use of military-grade munitions against civilians in residential areas constitutes state violence.
• Federal agents deploy teargas and flash bangs against Minneapolis protesters; eight arrested — Federal immigration agents used teargas, pepper balls, and flash bangs against crowds protesting outside a federal building in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Eight people were arrested. The deployment occurred amid a massive federal immigration enforcement operation involving 800 CBP agents and 2,000 ICE officials in the Minneapolis area. Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller, issued public threats that state and local officials who obstruct ICE operations face criminal prosecution. The operation followed the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent.
• Federal agent shoots and wounds man in Minneapolis during ICE enforcement — A federal agent shot and wounded a man in Minneapolis during ICE enforcement operations, triggering clashes between federal agents deploying tear gas and flash-bang grenades and approximately 200 protesters throwing snowballs and firecrackers. A Minneapolis police supervisor told protesters he did not know what had occurred between the agent and the victim, stating the agents were not communicating with local law enforcement. A family with six children in a van was struck by tear gas and flash-bang grenades; three children, including a six-month-old infant, were hospitalized.
• Federal ICE agents deploy crowd control weapons against protesters in Minneapolis — Federal immigration officers used smoke, pepper balls, tear gas, and other crowd control weapons against several hundred protesters who gathered at the shooting scene in north Minneapolis on Wednesday night. Police Chief Brian O'Hara characterized the protesters as "engaging in unlawful behavior" and urged them to disperse. Mayor Jacob Frey condemned ICE conduct as "disgusting and intolerable" but also urged protesters to leave, warning against "chaos." The deployment of aggressive crowd control tactics against civilians exercising protest rights occurred in the context of heightened tensions following the killing of Renee Nicole Good.
• Federal law enforcement deploys teargas against protesters in Minneapolis — Federal law enforcement officers deployed teargas against protesters gathered at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on January 15, 2026, to disperse crowds opposing the ICE enforcement operation. The use of chemical weapons against civilians exercising First Amendment rights occurred during the escalated immigration enforcement campaign.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered military to prepare invasion plan for Greenland — According to reporting, President Trump ordered special forces commanders (JSOC) to draw up a plan for the invasion of Greenland. The order was reportedly motivated by policy hawks around the president, including Stephen Miller, who were emboldened by the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and sought to seize the island before Russia or China could. The Joint Chiefs of Staff resisted the order on grounds that it would be illegal and would not be supported by Congress. Trump was reportedly motivated in part by a desire to distract American voters from poor economic performance before mid-term elections.
• Trump orders Special Forces to prepare invasion plan for Greenland — Reports indicate Trump ordered Special Forces to prepare an invasion plan for Greenland. In response, NATO is openly discussing sending troops to Greenland. European leaders are contemplating sanctions against American corporations if Trump moves ahead with the plan. The situation is described as severe and reckless.
• Trump threatened to invade Greenland, prompting NATO allies to prepare defensive measures — Trump made threats to invade Greenland, forcing NATO allies to consider placing military forces on the island to deter potential U.S. aggression. British and German forces are moving into Greenland in response to Trump's threats. Trump simultaneously bragged online that he "saved NATO" while his invasion threats destabilized the alliance and forced member states to prepare defenses against the United States.
• DHS Secretary Noem endorses Insurrection Act option and confirms discussions with Trump — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appeared on television endorsing increased ICE and Border Patrol presence in Minnesota and stated that she has discussed the Insurrection Act directly with Trump. Noem affirmed that the president "certainly has the constitutional authority" to invoke the act and that it remains an option under consideration.
• Secretary Kristi Noem affirmed Trump's constitutional authority for Insurrection Act — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated during a press gaggle in Minnesota that Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act is within his constitutional authority. Noem said she spoke to Trump that morning and affirmed that the president has the constitutional right to use the Insurrection Act if he deems it necessary, characterizing it as an opportunity available to him in the future.
• Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act in response to Minnesota protests — Trump posted a threat to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials do not stop "professional agitators and insurrectionists" attacking ICE agents. The post framed ICE and Border Patrol deployments in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and other cities as responses to attacks on federal agents. Trump stated he would institute the Insurrection Act if state politicians did not comply with his demands to suppress protest activity.
• Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act in Minnesota — President Trump posted on his social media account threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota's "corrupt politicians" do not stop "professional agitators and insurrectionists" from attacking ICE agents. The threat came after federal agents shot and wounded a man in Minneapolis, triggering clashes between agents using tear gas and flash-bang grenades and approximately 200 protesters. A family with six children, including a six-month-old infant, was struck by tear gas and flash-bang grenades during the clash; three children were hospitalized.
• Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act in Minnesota over ICE protests — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he would invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota to "quickly put an end" to protests against federal immigration enforcement operations, characterizing demonstrators as "professional agitators and insurrectionists." The threat came after federal ICE agents shot a man in the leg during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, sparking protests. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged de-escalation and called on Trump to "turn the temperature down" and end what he described as a "campaign of retribution."
• Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act — President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to protests in Minnesota, claiming that if local politicians do not control the situation, he will take action. This statement raises concerns about the potential militarization of law enforcement in domestic matters.

Supporting reports

• Philadelphia Police Commissioner clarifies jurisdictional separation from Sheriff's Department — Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J Bethel issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on January 9 clarifying that the Philadelphia Police Department is the city's primary law enforcement agency, separate from the Sheriff's Department. The statement outlined the Police Department's responsibilities for patrol, investigations, emergency response, and law enforcement, and noted that Bethel serves by mayoral appointment within the city's executive structure.
• Portland mayor and city officials call for ICE operations pause — Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Democratic Representative Maxine Dexter publicly called for ICE to pause all operations in the city pending a full investigation into the shooting. Wilson stated that "constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts" and that Portland is not a "training ground" for militarized agents. Dexter, a physician, demanded a comprehensive local police investigation without Trump administration interference. Oregon State Senator Kayse Jama also called for federal agents to leave the community.
• Portland police arrest six protesters outside ICE facility — Police used force to clear protesters from the street outside the ICE facility in south Portland on the evening of January 9, 2026, arresting six people, including a young man known for wearing an inflatable frog costume to protests. About one hundred protesters had gathered outside city hall chanting "Abolish ICE," and a smaller group returned to the ICE facility, many in animal costumes used to defuse tensions in recent months.
• Six protesters arrested in Portland after ICE shooting — Portland police arrested six protesters late Thursday evening outside an ICE facility following the shooting of two undocumented immigrants. Protesters had gathered to demonstrate against ICE operations, with some wearing animal costumes. Police used force to clear protesters from the street. Local leaders, including Mayor Keith Wilson and Representative Maxine Dexter, had appealed for calm and peaceful protest, which largely held despite the shooting and growing outrage over federal immigration enforcement.

Supporting reports

• ICE agent fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good during Minneapolis immigration operation — An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, 37, during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. DHS and ICE immediately characterized the shooting as lawful self-defense, claiming Good "weaponized" her vehicle and attempted to run over agents. Trump administration officials invoked "domestic terrorism" to describe the incident. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz publicly rejected the federal narrative. Video reviewed by Reuters describes the vehicle maneuvering away while agents crowded close, with shots fired as Good appeared to be driving away, contradicting DHS claims. The full evidence record remains unreleased.
• ICE agent shoots and kills Renee Nicole Good during Minneapolis immigration operation — On January 7, 2026, a 37-year-old woman named Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a federal immigration surge operation in Minneapolis. DHS and the Trump administration immediately characterized the shooting as lawful self-defense, claiming Good "weaponized" her vehicle and attempted to run over agents. However, Reuters-reviewed video footage and local reporting describe Good's vehicle maneuvering away from agents while they crowded close, followed by shots fired as she appeared to be driving away. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly rejected the federal narrative, and state and federal investigations are underway.
• Federal agent fatally shoots Renee Good in south Minneapolis — A federal agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, in south Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. The killing marked the first fatal shooting by federal agents during ICE enforcement operations in the city and triggered widespread community opposition, protests, and calls for ICE to cease operations in Minnesota.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operation — Federal immigration agents under the Trump administration shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis on January 7 during an enforcement operation. The killing sparked public outrage and became a focal point for nationwide protests against ICE and the administration's immigration policies. The incident occurred during a nearly month-long federal operation in Minneapolis targeting immigration enforcement.
• Federal ICE agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis — A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, 37, in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. The incident occurred during an enforcement action and sparked immediate public outcry, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling for ICE to leave the city. Cable news networks covered the shooting with varying framings and brought on former government officials to analyze the incident, with commentary ranging from criticism of ICE training and vetting to blame directed at protesters and elected officials.
• Federal ICE agent kills Renee Nicole Good during enforcement operation — A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent killed Renee Nicole Good during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. DHS initially claimed Good attacked the federal agent, but video evidence seemingly contradicted that account, showing her driving away from the officer. The killing triggered widespread protests across the United States and has destabilized the Minneapolis community, which remains on edge one week later as the Trump administration's massive immigration enforcement operation continues with approximately 3,000 officers deployed or deploying in Minnesota.
• ICE agent fatally shoots Renee Good in Minneapolis during enforcement operation — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in her vehicle on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. According to 911 callers and eyewitnesses, Good was shot multiple times through her windshield while in her car; the officer claimed self-defense, alleging she attempted to run him over. Video footage and witness accounts dispute this claim, showing her vehicle turning away as shots were fired. Paramedics arrived within minutes and performed resuscitation efforts, but Good was pronounced dead at the hospital at 10:30 a.m.
• ICE agent fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, sparking mass protests and "Abolish ICE" movement — On 7 January 2026, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and US citizen, in Minneapolis. The shooting triggered mass protests across the country, with thousands marching under the banner "Abolish ICE." The incident occurred amid a broader crisis: ICE custody deaths reached 32 in 2025 (the deadliest year in two decades), and worksite raids in Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago resulted in thousands of arrests without due process. Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar announced plans to introduce the "Abolish ICE Act" to dismantle the agency. A new Economist/YouGov poll shows majority support for eliminating ICE for the first time.
• ICE agent fatally shoots unarmed civilian in Minneapolis — Jonathan Ross, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed US citizen, in Minneapolis. Video evidence shows Good attempting to steer her vehicle away from Ross when she was shot three times in the face. Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, subsequently portrayed Good without evidence as a "domestic terrorist" and "paid agitator," while claiming Ross acted in self-defense.
• ICE agent Jonathan E Ross fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good during Minneapolis immigration enforcement action — On January 7, 2026, ICE special response team member Jonathan E Ross shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, an American mother of three, during an immigration enforcement sweep in Minneapolis. Good was in her vehicle with her wife Rebecca when approached by ICE agents. Body camera footage shows Good saying she was "fine" and "not mad" before the shooting. DHS claimed Good "weaponized her vehicle" to harm officers; the video shows her car moving slowly and briefly brushing an agent. Ross, a 10-year ICE veteran previously dragged by a vehicle in June 2026, fired without warning. The White House and Vice President Vance subsequently shared the footage to justify the shooting.
• ICE agent kills Renee Good in Minneapolis — An ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a community member documenting immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, on January 7, 2026. Good was engaged in lawful observation of ICE activities. The shooting occurred amid escalating tensions between federal agents and community observers. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin characterized the incident as a consequence of obstruction, while a federal judge later ruled that agents cannot retaliate against peaceful protesters or stop drivers not forcibly obstructing officers.
• ICE agent shoots and kills Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Video of the incident went viral on social media. The shooting triggered immediate media response from local, national, and international news organizations, as well as protests and clashes between police and demonstrators. A second shooting occurred on January 8, and subsequent ICE enforcement actions have continued to draw coverage and counter-protests.
• Private autopsy confirms Renee Good shot three times by ICE officer in Minneapolis — A private autopsy commissioned by lawyers for Renee Good's family determined that the 37-year-old unarmed US citizen was shot three times by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026—in her left forearm, right breast, and left side of her head near the temple. The findings align with incident reports but contradict the Trump administration's claim that Good was a "domestic terrorist" who aimed her car at the officer. The death has sparked tensions between federal authorities and Minnesota state officials, who say they have been excluded from the FBI inquiry.
• ICE agent Jonathan Ross killed Renee Good in Minnesota — On January 7, 2026, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good during an enforcement action in Minnesota. Vice President J.D. Vance publicly blamed Good for her own death and claimed the officer was justified, occurring before any official investigation was completed. The incident sparked widespread public disapproval, with a New York Times/Siena poll showing 63% of Americans disapprove of how ICE handles its job and 61% believe ICE agents have gone too far.
• ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good during immigration enforcement operation — On January 7, 2026, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good during the federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The Trump administration responded by characterizing Good as a domestic terrorist.
• ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good as she drove away from ICE agents on a residential street in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 7. Good was a legal observer trained to document police conduct. Video evidence shows the agent fired three shots through the vehicle's windshield and driver's side window as the car moved away; the agent made no apparent effort to evade, suggesting he did not perceive imminent danger. Good's vehicle struck another car and a utility pole but did not hit any officers. ICE agents prevented bystanders and a self-identified physician from rendering aid.
• ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis — On January 7, 2026, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired three shots at Renee Good in Minneapolis, killing her. Video analysis indicates Good's SUV moved toward Ross but he was able to move aside; his second and third shots were fired from the side of the vehicle, where he was not directly threatened. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized Good's actions as "domestic terrorism," and President Trump claimed she "ran over" the officer, but frame-by-frame video analysis contradicts these accounts. The incident occurred during an encounter in which agents attempted to remove Good from her vehicle.
• ICE agent shoots Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good during enforcement operation — On January 7, 2026, Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good was shot four times by an ICE agent while attempting to drive away from officers and was pronounced dead. The incident occurred during ICE enforcement operations in cities across America. Public polling found that 82% of Americans had seen video of the shooting, with a majority interpreting it as unjustified self-defense.
• ICE agent fatally shoots Renee Good in Minneapolis — On January 7, 2026, a 37-year-old mother named Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent during the "Operation Metro Surge" enforcement action in Minneapolis. Despite this fatal shooting, major Minnesota corporations remained silent on the incident.
• ICE agent fatally shoots U.S. citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis — On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, in Minneapolis. Witness videos show Good was turning her steering wheel to avoid Ross when the first shot was fired; subsequent shots occurred while Ross stood to the side of the vehicle. Good was driving home after dropping her 6-year-old son at school and had no criminal record beyond a speeding ticket. She was affiliated with ICE Watch, a legal citizen coalition that alerts neighbors to ICE activity.
• Fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent in Minnesota — An armed ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, on January 7, 2026, as she attempted to drive away from ICE agents in Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem subsequently labeled Good a terrorist. The incident occurred during the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement operations in the state.
• Fatal shootings of unarmed protesters by ICE and CBP officers in Minneapolis — Two unarmed protesters were fatally shot during anti-immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis: Renee Good, a US citizen, shot by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti shot by CBP officers on January 24, 2026. Both deaths occurred during protests against Trump administration immigration enforcement operations, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem subsequently labeled both victims "domestic terrorists" without evidence.
• ICE agent fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, 37, in Minneapolis on Wednesday during an encounter on a snowy street. Good, a poet and mother of three with no criminal record, was driving home with her partner after dropping off her youngest son at school when she encountered ICE agents. The Trump administration characterized her as a "domestic terrorist." Her ex-husband stated she was not an activist and had not participated in protests. A vigil and protest were held in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026.
• ICE agent fatally shoots US citizen Renee Nicole Good during Minneapolis immigration enforcement operation — An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, on Wednesday morning at 34th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Good was "harassing and impeding law enforcement," but video evidence suggests she was driving away when shot. The incident occurred amid a federal surge of 2,000 additional ICE agents deployed to Minneapolis in early December, targeting the city's immigrant communities. Hundreds gathered at the scene in protest; ICE agents later deployed pepper spray and pepper balls against observers.
• ICE agent fatally shoots US citizen Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a US citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 8. Community members recorded the shooting; footage spread rapidly online. By evening, thousands gathered at the shooting site. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded ICE leave the city. Some Democratic lawmakers threatened to withhold Department of Homeland Security funding. The incident triggered nationwide protests.
• ICE agent fatally shoots woman during Minneapolis immigration enforcement operation — A federal ICE agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, the second day of a 30-day surge ICE described as its largest operation to date. The shooting sparked immediate community protest, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly demanding ICE leave the city, stating the agency was terrorizing residents and families. The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension jointly launched an investigation into the shooting.
• ICE agent fatally shoots woman during Minneapolis immigration enforcement raid — Federal ICE agents conducted a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 8, 2026. During the operation, an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, multiple times in the face as she sat in her vehicle. Video evidence contradicts DHS claims of self-defense, showing the vehicle backing away from agents. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rejected official narratives, with Frey demanding ICE leave the city and Walz announcing a state investigation.
• ICE agent Jonathan E Ross fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good during Minneapolis immigration enforcement operation — A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security claimed the officer fired in self-defense after the woman attempted to run over officers with her vehicle. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz rejected this account after viewing video evidence, calling the shooting reckless and unjustified. Walz activated the state emergency operations center and issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard.
• ICE agent shoots and kills Minneapolis resident; Trump administration launches coordinated disinformation campaign — ICE agent Jonathan E Ross, a 10-year veteran of the special response team, fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during an immigration enforcement sweep in Minneapolis on January 8, 2026. Video evidence shows Good attempting to leave the scene in her vehicle when Ross fired three shots at her. The shooting sparked immediate protests and political fallout, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanding ICE leave the city. Federal officials initially refused to identify the officer; the FBI also declined to involve Minnesota law enforcement in the investigation, prompting Governor Tim Walz to express concerns about fairness.
• ICE killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — An ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and poet, during a Minneapolis raid on January 8, 2026. Within hours, the Trump administration—including President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—issued a coordinated series of false and misleading statements characterizing Good as a "domestic terrorist" and "violent rioter" who attempted to run over the officer. Video evidence contradicts these claims. Democratic officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, publicly denounced the falsehoods as "verifiably false" and "bullshit."
• ICE officer fatally shoots Renee Good in Minneapolis — An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good on the edge of Minneapolis's south district on Wednesday, January 8, 2026. The shooting occurred during an immigration enforcement operation in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. Video evidence shows Good said "I'm not mad at you" before being shot. The Trump administration's FBI took over the investigation, while state and local authorities requested access to case files. The incident triggered community mobilization, business closures due to fear, and calls from city officials for ICE to leave Minneapolis.
• ICE officer fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good during traffic stop in Minnesota — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 8, 2026. The killing triggered nationwide protests across all 50 states, with organizers calling for ICE to leave U.S. communities and condemning the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela. Thousands marched in major cities; tensions escalated as vehicles believed operated by ICE agents struck protesters in Hartford, Connecticut, and arrests occurred in multiple cities.
• ICE officer shoots and kills Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen and mother of three, on Wednesday while she was driving away in her car in Minneapolis. The shooting was captured on video from multiple angles. Trump administration officials accused Good without evidence of being a "domestic terrorist" and falsely claimed the ICE agent was "run over," contradicting video evidence. The shooting sparked widespread protests across major US cities.
• ICE officer shoots and kills US citizen Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis — On Wednesday, January 8, ICE agents conducted a traffic stop on 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota. When ordered out of her vehicle, Good attempted to drive away. ICE agents tried to open her car door while she was unarmed and speaking calmly to officers. An ICE officer fired, fatally shooting Good. The White House subsequently characterized her as a domestic terrorist. The shooting triggered widespread protests and calls for independent investigation into the fatal use of force.
• ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis during immigration surge operation — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, in Minneapolis during an enforcement operation. Video evidence shows Good reversing her car and attempting to drive away when the agent fired multiple shots. The Trump administration claimed the officer acted in self-defense. The shooting sparked immediate Democratic demands for accountability and threats to withhold DHS funding unless the agency is restrained.
• — ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in her car during a federal immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. The shooting occurred amid a large-scale ICE operation in the city. Good's death prompted immediate vigils, peaceful protests across multiple cities, and accusations from federal officials that Good engaged in "domestic terrorism" without evidence or completed investigation.
• — On Thursday, January 9, 2026, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman and mother of three, during a federal immigration surge operation in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security immediately declared the shooting self-defense and labeled Good a "domestic terrorist" before public release of evidence. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz disputed the federal account; Reuters video review indicated Good's vehicle maneuvered away from agents before shots were fired. Local officials called for full release of bodycam and surveillance footage.

Supporting reports

• Protesters disrupt House homeland security hearing on ICE raids — Two protesters interrupted a House committee hearing featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and National Counterterrorism Center director Joseph Kent on Thursday in Washington DC. One protester shouted "Stop ICE raids! The power of Christ compels you!" while holding signs referencing anti-war group Codepink. A second protester displayed a poster reading "No ICE, no troops!" and called to "Get ICE off our streets!" Capitol police escorted both protesters out. The hearing occurred amid Democratic calls for Noem's resignation over Trump administration immigration enforcement tactics.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration transfers 760 acres of California public land to US Navy for militarized border defense zone — The Trump administration's Department of Interior announced the transfer of 760 acres of public land in California's San Diego and Imperial counties to the US Navy for a three-year period to establish a "National Defense Area" supporting border security operations. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the action addresses security gaps and supports the President's border and sovereignty agenda. The region, spanning from the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area to approximately one mile west of the California–Arizona border, is claimed by officials to be among the highest-traffic areas for unlawful crossings.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated he would revoke temporary protections for Somali migrants and made derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants. — During the Cabinet meeting, Trump stated his intention to "immediately" revoke temporary protections for Somali migrants and declared that Somali immigrants in Minnesota "contribute nothing" and that he does not want them in the country. He also posted an AI-generated video of Elon Musk discussing the revocation of these protections.
• Trump calls Somali immigrants "garbage" and administration escalates deportation enforcement in Minnesota — During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Trump made derogatory statements about Somali immigrants, calling them "garbage" and saying they should be sent back to Somalia. Simultaneously, the Trump administration reportedly deployed approximately 100 ICE agents and federal officers in "strike teams" to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area to conduct stepped-up deportation enforcement targeting undocumented Somalis with final deportation orders. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an investigation into whether Minnesota taxpayer dollars had been diverted to Al-Shabaab. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and city leaders held a press conference affirming support for the Somali community and noting that Minneapolis police do not assist with immigration enforcement.
• Trump made dehumanizing statements about Somali immigrants — At the Cabinet meeting on December 2, 2025, President Trump made dehumanizing remarks about Somali immigrants in Minnesota, claiming without evidence that "Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars" and that "the welfare is like 88%, they contribute nothing." He stated he did not want them in the country and used language associating immigrants with "garbage" and "hell." He then turned on Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), calling her "garbage" and her friends "garbage," using dehumanizing rhetoric historically associated with violence against targeted groups.
• Trump makes dehumanizing statements about Somali immigrants and Representative Ilhan Omar — At a televised Cabinet meeting, President Trump made dehumanizing statements about Somali immigrants, falsely claiming they "ripped off" Minnesota for "billions of dollars" and contribute nothing. He stated "I don't want 'em in our country" and characterized the nation as at a "tipping point" requiring rejection of "garbage" immigrants. Trump then targeted Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), calling her and her associates "garbage" and using rhetoric historically associated with violence, telling them to "go back to where they came from." The Cabinet appeared to applaud, though it is unclear whether they were agreeing or attempting to stop him.
• Trump made racist rant about Somali immigrants during Cabinet meeting — Trump ended a Cabinet meeting by going on a racist rant attacking Somalis, claiming without evidence that they "ripped off" Minnesota "for billions of dollars" and "contribute nothing." Trump said "I don't want them in our country," called Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar "garbage," and said "we're going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country."
• Trump characterizes Somali migrants as "garbage" amid intensified deportations — President Trump publicly referred to Somali migrants as "garbage" while reportedly intensifying deportation efforts targeting undocumented Somalis in Minnesota. The remarks came amid the broader immigration crackdown following the shooting of two national guard members. Minnesota lawmakers, including Representative Ilhan Omar and Secretary of State Steve Simon, condemned the language as bigoted, xenophobic, and un-American, drawing parallels to historical discrimination against other ethnic groups.
• Trump demands re-examination of all Afghan nationals and accuses them of being criminals — Hours after the shooting incident, President Trump declared that the US must "re-examine every single alien from Afghanistan who has entered our country under Biden," claiming without evidence that "Many of these people are criminals." When pressed on whether he was blaming all Afghans for one man's actions, Trump responded affirmatively that there have been "a lot of problems with Afghans," applying collective blame to an entire nationality.
• Trump makes racist statements against Somalis and threatens deportations — On December 4, 2025, President Trump made extended racist remarks about Somali immigrants and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a White House press event, calling Somalis "garbage" and saying they should be "out of here." The Trump administration announced plans to surge federal ICE agents into Minneapolis targeting Somalis with final deportation orders. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded by issuing an executive order prohibiting federal use of city property for immigration enforcement staging.
• Trump escalates dehumanizing anti-immigrant rhetoric following Afghan shooting incident — Following a shooting by an Afghan national in Washington DC on December 4, President Trump and senior administration officials dramatically escalated hostile language toward immigrants. Trump claimed "a lot of problems with Afghans," called Somali immigrants "garbage" whose country "stinks," and vowed to strip citizenship from naturalized immigrants deemed "non-compatible with Western Civilization." Vice President Vance, Homeland Security Secretary Noem, and Republican lawmakers echoed and amplified the rhetoric. The administration simultaneously announced suspension of Afghan immigration requests, halted visas for Afghans, paused applications from 19 non-European countries, and halted all asylum decisions.
• Stephen Miller dismissed individualism in response to Afghan refugee protection — Stephen Miller, Trump's Homeland Security Advisor, responded to a Wall Street Journal editorial urging against collective blame of Afghan refugees by rejecting individualism and asserting that migrants import entire societies and recreate the conditions of their source countries. Miller stated "You are not just importing individuals. You are importing societies. No magic transformation occurs when failed states cross borders."
• Trump condemned Somali immigrants as a group — President Trump made public statements condemning Somalis as a group, stating "I don't want em in our country" and characterizing them as "garbage," linking their national origin to unfitness for American residence. The remarks followed federal prosecutions of dozens of Somalis in Minnesota for welfare fraud involving over $1 billion in stolen funds. Trump's statements applied collective judgment based on national origin and ancestral country conditions rather than individual conduct.
• Trump cabinet meeting: Somali immigrants described as "garbage" — During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 5, President Trump described Somali immigrants as "garbage" who "contribute nothing," stating their country "stinks" and "We don't want them in our country." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the remarks as an "epic moment." The comments targeted an entire national group without evidence of wrongdoing and were unrelated to the DC shooting incident.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts visas for Afghan nationals who assisted US military — The Trump administration halted visa processing for Afghans who assisted the US war effort, reversing longstanding commitments to those who worked with American forces. The policy reversal came after a shooting by an Afghan national and follows Trump's vow to "permanently pause" migration from certain countries. Legal experts and advocates warn the targeting of Afghan nationals amounts to collective punishment.
• Trump administration pauses all asylum decisions nationwide — The Trump administration halted all asylum decisions through USCIS, affecting approximately 1.5 million pending cases. USCIS Director Joseph B Edlow announced the agency "has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." The pause came after Trump vowed to "permanently pause" migration following a shooting by an Afghan national. The policy leaves asylum seekers in prolonged limbo and exacerbates existing backlogs.
• Trump administration re-evaluates green card applications from countries of concern — The Trump administration announced it is re-evaluating green card applications for people from countries designated as "of concern," part of a broader immigration restriction package. The policy affects legal permanent residency applications and compounds uncertainty for immigrants already in the US. The announcement followed a shooting by an Afghan national and Trump's pledge to restrict migration.
• Trump administration targeted Afghan immigrants for deportation — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration is targeting Afghan immigrants who had previously been ordered to leave the US following the shooting of two National Guard troops in DC last week, with an ICE official directing agents to locate and apprehend more than 1,860 Afghans who have received final deportation orders but aren't currently in detention.
• USCIS suspended immigration applications from 19 countries — USCIS issued a policy memo suspending all immigration applications filed by people from the 19 countries included in Trump's travel ban, including green card and US citizenship processing. The memo also directed agency staffers to conduct a "comprehensive re-review" of approved benefit requests for immigrants from the 19 countries who entered the US since Biden was inaugurated in 2021.
• Trump administration pauses asylum applications and imposes heightened scrutiny on migrants from 19 countries — President Trump directed US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to pause consideration of approximately 1.5 million pending asylum applications, citing a shooting allegedly committed by an Afghan national. Simultaneously, USCIS paused processing of immigration benefits—including work authorizations, green cards, naturalization, and family sponsorships—for nationals of 19 designated "high-risk" countries. The administration also ordered a comprehensive re-review of all immigration applications approved since January 20, 2021, for nationals of those countries, potentially requiring new interviews to assess national security and public safety threats.
• USCIS cancels naturalization ceremonies for individuals on travel ban list — Reports indicate that naturalization ceremonies for people on the US travel ban list are being canceled as part of the broader immigration crackdown. The cancellations affect individuals who have already completed the naturalization process and were scheduled to receive citizenship certificates, leaving them in legal limbo and preventing them from completing their path to citizenship.
• USCIS halts immigration applications from 19 countries under travel restrictions — On December 3, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a policy memo imposing an immediate "adjudicative hold" on all asylum applications and ordering a comprehensive re-review of individuals from 19 "high-risk countries" who entered the US after January 20, 2021. The 19 countries—Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen—are already under partial or full US travel restrictions. The action follows the shooting of two national guard members in Washington DC by an Afghan national granted asylum earlier in 2025.
• Trump administration pauses immigration applications from 19 countries — In the same period as the Haiti TPS termination, the Trump administration moved to pause nearly all immigration applications from 19 "countries of concern," described as overwhelmingly non-European nations including Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Haiti. The pause affects applicants from these designated countries and represents a broader restriction on immigration processing.