American Immigration Council
@immcouncil.org
The American Immigration Council defends immigrant rights, using the power of the litigation, research, and storytelling to challenge injustice and drive change.
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Support our work: ow.ly/86zC50XxvTL
Get our newsletter: ow.ly/9hwZ50Xxw3Q
This week the Trump administration reported FOUR new deaths in immigration detention, bringing this year’s total to 30—the highest in ICE's history, worse than during the COVID pandemic.
We must ensure humanity and dignity for those detained and rebuild accountability and oversight of this system.
We must ensure humanity and dignity for those detained and rebuild accountability and oversight of this system.
In the 90 minutes since I posted this, I've gotten two more death notifications.
ICE has a responsibility to take care of these people, something they are clearly disregarding. This is beyond horrifying. We must ensure dignity and humanity for detained people in this country.
ICE has a responsibility to take care of these people, something they are clearly disregarding. This is beyond horrifying. We must ensure dignity and humanity for detained people in this country.
Within 15 minutes today, I got two back-to-back notifications of deaths at ICE facilities.
28 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office. These facilities are overcrowded & are putting their own profits over health and safety. We need oversight & accountability NOW.
28 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office. These facilities are overcrowded & are putting their own profits over health and safety. We need oversight & accountability NOW.
December 19, 2025 at 8:10 PM
This week the Trump administration reported FOUR new deaths in immigration detention, bringing this year’s total to 30—the highest in ICE's history, worse than during the COVID pandemic.
We must ensure humanity and dignity for those detained and rebuild accountability and oversight of this system.
We must ensure humanity and dignity for those detained and rebuild accountability and oversight of this system.
Reposted by American Immigration Council
On Lawfare Daily, @tylermcbrien.com spoke to Gauri Bahuguna (@situ-research.bsky.social), Setareh Ghandehari (@detentionwatchnetwork.org), @naynagupta.bsky.social, and @paromitashah.bsky.social about the rise of the immigration enforcement economy. youtu.be/tHVmAEd7_H0
Lawfare Daily: ‘Deportation, Inc.’ and the Rise of the Immigration Enforcement Economy
YouTube video by Lawfare
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 2:50 PM
On Lawfare Daily, @tylermcbrien.com spoke to Gauri Bahuguna (@situ-research.bsky.social), Setareh Ghandehari (@detentionwatchnetwork.org), @naynagupta.bsky.social, and @paromitashah.bsky.social about the rise of the immigration enforcement economy. youtu.be/tHVmAEd7_H0
Reposted by American Immigration Council
New: Trump’s ICE Has A Troubling Target: At-Risk Teenagers
In recent months, federal agents have arrested dozens of teenagers who at one point were in government custody as unaccompanied children. Some were arrested on their 18th birthdays– at government shelters.
www.huffpost.com/entry/immigr...
In recent months, federal agents have arrested dozens of teenagers who at one point were in government custody as unaccompanied children. Some were arrested on their 18th birthdays– at government shelters.
www.huffpost.com/entry/immigr...
Trump’s ICE Has A Troubling New Target
The teens spent time in government-contracted shelters. Now, the feds are putting some of them behind bars.
www.huffpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
New: Trump’s ICE Has A Troubling Target: At-Risk Teenagers
In recent months, federal agents have arrested dozens of teenagers who at one point were in government custody as unaccompanied children. Some were arrested on their 18th birthdays– at government shelters.
www.huffpost.com/entry/immigr...
In recent months, federal agents have arrested dozens of teenagers who at one point were in government custody as unaccompanied children. Some were arrested on their 18th birthdays– at government shelters.
www.huffpost.com/entry/immigr...
The Council and Welcoming America are thrilled to announce that over 10 communities were selected for #GatewaysforGrowth Challenge, Round VI. These communities will receive a mix of data, technical assistance, and peer support to ensure their communities can welcome all.
2026 Cohort Selected for the Gateways for Growth Challenge
The initiative supports communities across 10 states in developing welcoming policies that benefit both locals and immigrants.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
December 15, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The Council and Welcoming America are thrilled to announce that over 10 communities were selected for #GatewaysforGrowth Challenge, Round VI. These communities will receive a mix of data, technical assistance, and peer support to ensure their communities can welcome all.
BREAKING: A federal court in D.C. has blocked ICE’s unlawful policy of automatically detaining unaccompanied immigrant teens once they turn 18 – and from re-detaining those teens for no reason.
This ruling means youth can stay in safe, supportive settings – not adult jails.
This ruling means youth can stay in safe, supportive settings – not adult jails.
December 12, 2025 at 11:05 PM
BREAKING: A federal court in D.C. has blocked ICE’s unlawful policy of automatically detaining unaccompanied immigrant teens once they turn 18 – and from re-detaining those teens for no reason.
This ruling means youth can stay in safe, supportive settings – not adult jails.
This ruling means youth can stay in safe, supportive settings – not adult jails.
Are you waiting to hear back from the U.S. government about an immigration application?
USCIS is putting a significant number of applications on hold and even threatening to reopen some applications it's approved in the past few years.
@daralind.bsky.social explains what you need to know.
USCIS is putting a significant number of applications on hold and even threatening to reopen some applications it's approved in the past few years.
@daralind.bsky.social explains what you need to know.
December 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Are you waiting to hear back from the U.S. government about an immigration application?
USCIS is putting a significant number of applications on hold and even threatening to reopen some applications it's approved in the past few years.
@daralind.bsky.social explains what you need to know.
USCIS is putting a significant number of applications on hold and even threatening to reopen some applications it's approved in the past few years.
@daralind.bsky.social explains what you need to know.
Immigrants make up 1 in 5 childcare workers nationwide, often the backbone of our early learning system — especially in metro areas. They provide steady, culturally responsive care that enables parents to work and communities to thrive. 1/3
December 11, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Immigrants make up 1 in 5 childcare workers nationwide, often the backbone of our early learning system — especially in metro areas. They provide steady, culturally responsive care that enables parents to work and communities to thrive. 1/3
The Trump administration's mass deportation agenda isn't making our communities safer.
As @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social told @padilla.senate.gov, it's making our communities LESS safe.
As @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social told @padilla.senate.gov, it's making our communities LESS safe.
December 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The Trump administration's mass deportation agenda isn't making our communities safer.
As @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social told @padilla.senate.gov, it's making our communities LESS safe.
As @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social told @padilla.senate.gov, it's making our communities LESS safe.
#NOW: Our Senior Fellow, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, is testifying at a shadow hearing convened by House Oversight Democrats and the Senate PSI on DHS’s enforcement overreach. He’s joined by five U.S. citizens recently arrested or detained by DHS. Livestream details below.
December 9, 2025 at 8:32 PM
#NOW: Our Senior Fellow, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, is testifying at a shadow hearing convened by House Oversight Democrats and the Senate PSI on DHS’s enforcement overreach. He’s joined by five U.S. citizens recently arrested or detained by DHS. Livestream details below.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw is here.
But as the world celebrates, the Trump administration is already picking winners and losers among millions of fans.
Here’s how.
But as the world celebrates, the Trump administration is already picking winners and losers among millions of fans.
Here’s how.
Trump's Travel Ban Decides the Real Winners and Losers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw - American Immigration Council
As the 2026 World Cup draw unfolds, Trump’s travel ban and enforcement raise questions about who can attend—and how safe fans will feel.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw is here.
But as the world celebrates, the Trump administration is already picking winners and losers among millions of fans.
Here’s how.
But as the world celebrates, the Trump administration is already picking winners and losers among millions of fans.
Here’s how.
Reposted by American Immigration Council
New from me and @daralind.bsky.social for @immcouncil.org: If you want to know what happened with the huge pause on immigration benefit processing at USCIS, check out our explainer here! www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/trump-a...
Trump Administration Responds to Tragedy By Putting Hundreds of Thousands of Legal Immigrants’ Lives On Hold - American Immigration Council
Trump has halted immigration processing, expanded travel-ban rules, and launched reviews that could upend cases approved over the last four years.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:28 PM
New from me and @daralind.bsky.social for @immcouncil.org: If you want to know what happened with the huge pause on immigration benefit processing at USCIS, check out our explainer here! www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/trump-a...
The World Cup celebrates people coming together from around the world.
President Trump’s agenda signals the opposite: limiting who can come and cracking down on immigrants already here.
Our Director of State and Local Initiatives, Rich André, spoke to @seungminkim1.bsky.social ahead of the draw.
President Trump’s agenda signals the opposite: limiting who can come and cracking down on immigrants already here.
Our Director of State and Local Initiatives, Rich André, spoke to @seungminkim1.bsky.social ahead of the draw.
Trump's immigration message is colliding with his welcome to World Cup fans
President Donald Trump will be taking center stage at the World Cup draw as he rolls out the welcome mat for teams and fans from around the globe.
apnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The World Cup celebrates people coming together from around the world.
President Trump’s agenda signals the opposite: limiting who can come and cracking down on immigrants already here.
Our Director of State and Local Initiatives, Rich André, spoke to @seungminkim1.bsky.social ahead of the draw.
President Trump’s agenda signals the opposite: limiting who can come and cracking down on immigrants already here.
Our Director of State and Local Initiatives, Rich André, spoke to @seungminkim1.bsky.social ahead of the draw.
Immigrant families are facing growing threats—cruel policy shifts, fear, and deep uncertainty.
This moment demands collective action.
On #GivingTuesday, consider donating to protect immigrant rights, defend democracy, and create a stronger, more inclusive America.
This moment demands collective action.
On #GivingTuesday, consider donating to protect immigrant rights, defend democracy, and create a stronger, more inclusive America.
Defend Immigrant Rights, Defend Democracy
This Giving Tuesday, you can stand up for what truly matters: fairness, inclusion, and the promise of a better future for all. At the American Immigration Council, we believe that immigrants are essential to the fabric of our nation—economically, culturally, and democratically. But today, immigration is at the center of a national conversation that too often veers toward fear, exclusion, and policies that undermine our values and hurt our communities.
immcouncil.donorsupport.co
December 2, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Immigrant families are facing growing threats—cruel policy shifts, fear, and deep uncertainty.
This moment demands collective action.
On #GivingTuesday, consider donating to protect immigrant rights, defend democracy, and create a stronger, more inclusive America.
This moment demands collective action.
On #GivingTuesday, consider donating to protect immigrant rights, defend democracy, and create a stronger, more inclusive America.
Reposted by American Immigration Council
Great piece that cites the practice advisory and thorough case tracking on this issue being done by my colleagues at @immcouncil.org
There's a lot going on, and immigration law is notoriously labyrinthine. But it's still wild both that (1) the Trump administration is trying to treat millions of non-citizens who have lived here for years/decades as "arriving aliens"; & (2) *hundreds* of courts have (almost unanimously!) said "no":
195. The Immigration Detention Flood
The Trump administration's attempt to quietly—but massively—expand who can be detained pending their removal has been met with overwhelming pushback from a remarkably large number of district courts.
www.stevevladeck.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Great piece that cites the practice advisory and thorough case tracking on this issue being done by my colleagues at @immcouncil.org
Reposted by American Immigration Council
Excellent explanation by @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social of the breadth and extremism of Trump’s attack on immigration and immigrants, of where we are and of where it seems to be going and why it’s unlikely to let up.
www.youtube.com/live/fKeiTXa...
www.youtube.com/live/fKeiTXa...
Inside Trump’s Brutal Anti-Immigrant Agenda (w/ Aaron Reichlin-Melnick) | Bulwark on Sunday
YouTube video by The Bulwark
www.youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Excellent explanation by @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social of the breadth and extremism of Trump’s attack on immigration and immigrants, of where we are and of where it seems to be going and why it’s unlikely to let up.
www.youtube.com/live/fKeiTXa...
www.youtube.com/live/fKeiTXa...
Think Border Patrol only operates at the border?
Not quite. They’re showing up hundreds of miles inland.
Learn why — and what it means for people living in the 100-mile zone.
Not quite. They’re showing up hundreds of miles inland.
Learn why — and what it means for people living in the 100-mile zone.
Why You’re Seeing Border Patrol in Places Like Charlotte and Atlanta, So Far From the Border - American Immigration Council
Border Patrol has more authority than most people realize—and politically, President Trump is leveraging every ounce of that authority.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Think Border Patrol only operates at the border?
Not quite. They’re showing up hundreds of miles inland.
Learn why — and what it means for people living in the 100-mile zone.
Not quite. They’re showing up hundreds of miles inland.
Learn why — and what it means for people living in the 100-mile zone.
A Babson College freshman was detained at Logan Airport and deported without warning.
Our Policy Director, Nayna Gupta, has been working with the family and local attorneys to piece together what went wrong. Like so many others, this young woman had an old removal order she never knew existed. 1/2
Our Policy Director, Nayna Gupta, has been working with the family and local attorneys to piece together what went wrong. Like so many others, this young woman had an old removal order she never knew existed. 1/2
A Babson College student wanted to surprise her family for Thanksgiving. She was deported instead. - The Boston Globe
Any Lucia Lopez Belloza was at Logan to catch a flight to Texas when immigration authorities detained her as she was about to board the plane.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:45 PM
A Babson College freshman was detained at Logan Airport and deported without warning.
Our Policy Director, Nayna Gupta, has been working with the family and local attorneys to piece together what went wrong. Like so many others, this young woman had an old removal order she never knew existed. 1/2
Our Policy Director, Nayna Gupta, has been working with the family and local attorneys to piece together what went wrong. Like so many others, this young woman had an old removal order she never knew existed. 1/2
Reposted by American Immigration Council
NEW: ICE has finally released post-shutdown detention data. The latest data reveals that a full 40%(!) of people arrested in the interior and held in ICE detention have no criminal record; no criminal charges or prior convictions. That is up from just 4% when Trump took office.
November 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
NEW: ICE has finally released post-shutdown detention data. The latest data reveals that a full 40%(!) of people arrested in the interior and held in ICE detention have no criminal record; no criminal charges or prior convictions. That is up from just 4% when Trump took office.
The Trump administration has a new mass deportation playbook.
We’ve seen it in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. And it’s coming to more cities.
@daralind.bsky.social explains 👇
We’ve seen it in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. And it’s coming to more cities.
@daralind.bsky.social explains 👇
November 21, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The Trump administration has a new mass deportation playbook.
We’ve seen it in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. And it’s coming to more cities.
@daralind.bsky.social explains 👇
We’ve seen it in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. And it’s coming to more cities.
@daralind.bsky.social explains 👇
Immigrants face mounting barriers to fair hearings—from political pressure to fighting their cases from detention. Yet, one factor consistently shapes outcomes: having a lawyer.
Our new report shows that represented immigrants fare far better, even in a system stacked against them. Read more ⬇️
Our new report shows that represented immigrants fare far better, even in a system stacked against them. Read more ⬇️
Where Can You Win in Immigration Court? - American Immigration Council
Using immigration court data this report examines the role of legal representation in shaping outcomes in immigration court proceedings.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Immigrants face mounting barriers to fair hearings—from political pressure to fighting their cases from detention. Yet, one factor consistently shapes outcomes: having a lawyer.
Our new report shows that represented immigrants fare far better, even in a system stacked against them. Read more ⬇️
Our new report shows that represented immigrants fare far better, even in a system stacked against them. Read more ⬇️
The #SupremeCourt will review a Ninth Circuit ruling that struck down the government’s prior “turnback” policy, which blocked people from seeking asylum at ports of entry and forced them back to Mexico.
Our organizations are serving as co-counsel in this case. Read more below.
Our organizations are serving as co-counsel in this case. Read more below.
SCOTUS to Hear Case on Turnbacks of Asylum Seekers
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case about whether it was illegal for the U.S. government to turn away asylum seekers at the border.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The #SupremeCourt will review a Ninth Circuit ruling that struck down the government’s prior “turnback” policy, which blocked people from seeking asylum at ports of entry and forced them back to Mexico.
Our organizations are serving as co-counsel in this case. Read more below.
Our organizations are serving as co-counsel in this case. Read more below.
Reposted by American Immigration Council
NEW: SCOTUS just granted the Trump admin’s request to review a 9th Circuit decision in our case challenging the government’s prior asylum turnback policy: cgrs.uclawsf.edu/en/news/scot... @alotrolado-org.bsky.social @immcouncil.org @democracyforward.org @ccrjustice.org @icapgeorgetown.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
NEW: SCOTUS just granted the Trump admin’s request to review a 9th Circuit decision in our case challenging the government’s prior asylum turnback policy: cgrs.uclawsf.edu/en/news/scot... @alotrolado-org.bsky.social @immcouncil.org @democracyforward.org @ccrjustice.org @icapgeorgetown.bsky.social
The Trump administration secretly sent 252 migrants to El Salvador’s notorious mega-prison, #CECOT.
Our client, Edicson Quintero, was among them—beaten, starved, and left to carve his protest in blood. He’s free now, but the scars of his time in CECOT remain.
🔗 Read via @nytimes.com
Our client, Edicson Quintero, was among them—beaten, starved, and left to carve his protest in blood. He’s free now, but the scars of his time in CECOT remain.
🔗 Read via @nytimes.com
‘You Are All Terrorists’: Four Months in a Salvadoran Prison
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The Trump administration secretly sent 252 migrants to El Salvador’s notorious mega-prison, #CECOT.
Our client, Edicson Quintero, was among them—beaten, starved, and left to carve his protest in blood. He’s free now, but the scars of his time in CECOT remain.
🔗 Read via @nytimes.com
Our client, Edicson Quintero, was among them—beaten, starved, and left to carve his protest in blood. He’s free now, but the scars of his time in CECOT remain.
🔗 Read via @nytimes.com
Reposted by American Immigration Council
Government records obtained after years of litigation sheds new light on how the Trump administration’s devastating “zero tolerance” policy was implemented—and how journalists, attorneys & members of Congress fought to expose it. NEW from
@immcouncil.org https://bit.ly/47uvqWX
@immcouncil.org https://bit.ly/47uvqWX
A Look Back at the Family Separation Policy: The Struggle to Uncover the Truth Behind the Trump Administration's Wrongdoings- American Immigration Council
Our platform analyzes new records about the U.S. government's chaotic implementation of family separations during the zero-tolerance period.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Government records obtained after years of litigation sheds new light on how the Trump administration’s devastating “zero tolerance” policy was implemented—and how journalists, attorneys & members of Congress fought to expose it. NEW from
@immcouncil.org https://bit.ly/47uvqWX
@immcouncil.org https://bit.ly/47uvqWX
In 2018, the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy tore thousands of children from their parents. Years later, many remain separated.
Our report highlights new government records and the struggle to end a troubling immigration policy, shedding light on a dark chapter in U.S. history.
Our report highlights new government records and the struggle to end a troubling immigration policy, shedding light on a dark chapter in U.S. history.
A Look Back at the Family Separation Policy: The Struggle to Uncover the Truth Behind the Trump Administration's Wrongdoings- American Immigration Council
Our platform analyzes new records about the U.S. government’s chaotic implementation of family separations during the zero-tolerance period.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
In 2018, the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy tore thousands of children from their parents. Years later, many remain separated.
Our report highlights new government records and the struggle to end a troubling immigration policy, shedding light on a dark chapter in U.S. history.
Our report highlights new government records and the struggle to end a troubling immigration policy, shedding light on a dark chapter in U.S. history.