Ximena Bustillo
@ximenabustillo.bsky.social
🎧NPR Politics Reporter covering DHS & Immigration policy in the beltway + beyond. Still some rural y ag 🖊️
📲Signal/Cell: 240.935.0166
💃🏻Co-Founder of Voces Internship of Idaho.
📸IG: @ximena.bustillo
📲Signal/Cell: 240.935.0166
💃🏻Co-Founder of Voces Internship of Idaho.
📸IG: @ximena.bustillo
Pinned
Hi, I'm Ximena, NPR's reporter covering the Homeland Security Dept+immigration policy. Send me tips securely via encrypted messaging on Signal, where my username is ximenabustillo.77. We're committed to protecting your identity, & will keep you anonymous if you fear retribution. Thank you in advance
Last week I spoke on the NPR Politics podcast about how USCIS was largely ignored during Congress's two oversight hearings.
This week, USCIS and ICE issue a joint memo saying refugees could be detained if they are not granted a green card within a year. www.npr.org/2026/02/19/g...
This week, USCIS and ICE issue a joint memo saying refugees could be detained if they are not granted a green card within a year. www.npr.org/2026/02/19/g...
Refugees in the U.S. could be arrested under new immigration memo
The move is another Trump administration effort to limit legal pathways to migration or resettlement, after already curbing the number of admitted refugees and re-reviewing those admitted under the Bi...
www.npr.org
February 19, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Last week I spoke on the NPR Politics podcast about how USCIS was largely ignored during Congress's two oversight hearings.
This week, USCIS and ICE issue a joint memo saying refugees could be detained if they are not granted a green card within a year. www.npr.org/2026/02/19/g...
This week, USCIS and ICE issue a joint memo saying refugees could be detained if they are not granted a green card within a year. www.npr.org/2026/02/19/g...
Reposted by Ximena Bustillo
ICE's chief testified today that dozens of agents have been investigated for abuse in the last year.
So how many have actually been punished and fired?
He wouldn't say.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
So how many have actually been punished and fired?
He wouldn't say.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
February 13, 2026 at 2:38 AM
ICE's chief testified today that dozens of agents have been investigated for abuse in the last year.
So how many have actually been punished and fired?
He wouldn't say.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
So how many have actually been punished and fired?
He wouldn't say.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
Ticktock on DHS’s shutdown: the Senate has left the building. The next set of votes are not until Monday, Feb 23.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/n...
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/n...
DHS expected to shut down as immigration talks falter
Senate Democrats blocked two Republican-backed measures Thursday to keep the department open, including a short-term funding extension for two weeks as negotiations continue.
www.npr.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Ticktock on DHS’s shutdown: the Senate has left the building. The next set of votes are not until Monday, Feb 23.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/n...
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/n...
Not often a Congressional hearing really breaks news. But today Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said there were nearly 40 investigations into ICE use of force in the last year.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
ICE conducted 37 investigations into officer misconduct in last year
The disclosure from the agency's acting director came after immigration officers shot two U.S. citizens, intensifying questions about ICE officers' tactics, training and use of force.
www.npr.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Not often a Congressional hearing really breaks news. But today Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said there were nearly 40 investigations into ICE use of force in the last year.
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
www.npr.org/2026/02/12/g...
Three hours of testimony for the top three leaders of Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies. There were some moments of bipartisan concern but there are still wide gaps on solutions. Read my wrap before we do it again Thursday:
www.npr.org/2026/02/10/n...
www.npr.org/2026/02/10/n...
Top 5 takeaways from the House immigration oversight hearing
The hearing underscored how deeply divided Republicans and Democrats remain on top-level changes to immigration enforcement in the wake of the shootings of two U.S. citizens.
www.npr.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Three hours of testimony for the top three leaders of Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies. There were some moments of bipartisan concern but there are still wide gaps on solutions. Read my wrap before we do it again Thursday:
www.npr.org/2026/02/10/n...
www.npr.org/2026/02/10/n...
SCOOP: Immigration courts rapidly scheduled and rescheduled Somali asylum seekers to have hearings suddenly within the next four weeks.
The move could fast-track their deportation and limit due process, multiple lawyers with over 100 cases affected tell me.
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
The move could fast-track their deportation and limit due process, multiple lawyers with over 100 cases affected tell me.
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
Immigration courts fast-track hearings for Somali asylum claims
Their lawyers fear the notices are merely the first step toward the removal without due process of Somali asylum applicants in the country.
www.npr.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:47 PM
SCOOP: Immigration courts rapidly scheduled and rescheduled Somali asylum seekers to have hearings suddenly within the next four weeks.
The move could fast-track their deportation and limit due process, multiple lawyers with over 100 cases affected tell me.
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
The move could fast-track their deportation and limit due process, multiple lawyers with over 100 cases affected tell me.
www.npr.org/2026/02/09/n...
Democrats want to make immigration their issue. But it's a balancing act: calling for reforms of tactics while wary of appearing out of step with voters' want of enforcement of immigration laws.
My latest w/ @elenamoore.bsky.social www.npr.org/2026/02/04/n...
My latest w/ @elenamoore.bsky.social www.npr.org/2026/02/04/n...
Will calls to 'abolish ICE' sway voters in 2026? The strategy has Democrats split
The Trump administration's immigration efforts have led some Democrats to call for abolishing ICE. Others won't go as far, wary of appearing out of step with voters who want immigration laws enforced.
www.npr.org
February 4, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Democrats want to make immigration their issue. But it's a balancing act: calling for reforms of tactics while wary of appearing out of step with voters' want of enforcement of immigration laws.
My latest w/ @elenamoore.bsky.social www.npr.org/2026/02/04/n...
My latest w/ @elenamoore.bsky.social www.npr.org/2026/02/04/n...
Reposted by Ximena Bustillo
Trump administration officials have falsely linked Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good to domestic terrorism. It's part of a larger pattern by the Department of Homeland Security. n.pr/45Arnsg
DHS keeps making false claims about people. It's part of a broader pattern
Trump administration officials have falsely linked Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good to domestic terrorism. It's part of a larger pattern by the Department of Homeland Security.
n.pr
January 31, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Trump administration officials have falsely linked Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good to domestic terrorism. It's part of a larger pattern by the Department of Homeland Security. n.pr/45Arnsg
Reposted by Ximena Bustillo
Three citizenship ceremonies NPR attended in the Washington, D.C. area in January were largely celebratory experiences, despite a year of hurdles and changes to the naturalization process.
Thousands of new Americans opt for 'ultimate act of inclusion' despite obstacles
Three citizenship ceremonies NPR attended in the Washington, D.C. area in January were largely celebratory experiences, despite a year of hurdles and changes to the naturalization process.
n.pr
January 31, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Three citizenship ceremonies NPR attended in the Washington, D.C. area in January were largely celebratory experiences, despite a year of hurdles and changes to the naturalization process.
Confirming reporting on WH Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s latest statement RE the shooting of Alex Pretti:
January 28, 2026 at 2:12 AM
Confirming reporting on WH Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s latest statement RE the shooting of Alex Pretti:
In case you’re wondering:
I’m told DHS did not classify the death of Renee Macklin Good as a “death in custody” like they did Pretti. As such, that gives ICE 30 days to send a review or notice to Congress hence the faster timeline for this one.
I’m told DHS did not classify the death of Renee Macklin Good as a “death in custody” like they did Pretti. As such, that gives ICE 30 days to send a review or notice to Congress hence the faster timeline for this one.
TONIGHT: A preliminary DHS review contradicts the Trump admin's initial narrative of the shooting of Alex Pretti. The review makes no mention of Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, or that he was the one initially disturbing them.
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
Internal review contradicts White House narrative of Pretti's death
The preliminary assessment from Customs and Border Protection makes no mention of Alex Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon — as the administration first described the incident.
www.npr.org
January 28, 2026 at 2:11 AM
In case you’re wondering:
I’m told DHS did not classify the death of Renee Macklin Good as a “death in custody” like they did Pretti. As such, that gives ICE 30 days to send a review or notice to Congress hence the faster timeline for this one.
I’m told DHS did not classify the death of Renee Macklin Good as a “death in custody” like they did Pretti. As such, that gives ICE 30 days to send a review or notice to Congress hence the faster timeline for this one.
TONIGHT: A preliminary DHS review contradicts the Trump admin's initial narrative of the shooting of Alex Pretti. The review makes no mention of Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, or that he was the one initially disturbing them.
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
Internal review contradicts White House narrative of Pretti's death
The preliminary assessment from Customs and Border Protection makes no mention of Alex Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon — as the administration first described the incident.
www.npr.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:20 AM
TONIGHT: A preliminary DHS review contradicts the Trump admin's initial narrative of the shooting of Alex Pretti. The review makes no mention of Pretti attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, or that he was the one initially disturbing them.
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/g...
The surge of immigration agents in Minneapolis show just how strained resources are as pressures increase. Court documents show that the ICE field office is not equipped w/ body cameras + definitely not ready to give them to all the agents on the ground. My latest:
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/n...
Minneapolis killings put a focus on use of body cameras
Federal immigration enforcement authorities are facing scrutiny and criticism over their tactics, including the lack of body-worn cameras, following the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
www.npr.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:10 PM
The surge of immigration agents in Minneapolis show just how strained resources are as pressures increase. Court documents show that the ICE field office is not equipped w/ body cameras + definitely not ready to give them to all the agents on the ground. My latest:
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/27/n...
SCOOP: 27 military lawyers are expected to onboard as temporary immigration judges this week. They will train with 6 new permanent judges.
I previewed the move in my story regarding the closure of courtrooms in San Francisco.
New judges will go to CO, MA, AZ, CA, UT, MD, + LA.
I previewed the move in my story regarding the closure of courtrooms in San Francisco.
New judges will go to CO, MA, AZ, CA, UT, MD, + LA.
January 14, 2026 at 7:43 PM
SCOOP: 27 military lawyers are expected to onboard as temporary immigration judges this week. They will train with 6 new permanent judges.
I previewed the move in my story regarding the closure of courtrooms in San Francisco.
New judges will go to CO, MA, AZ, CA, UT, MD, + LA.
I previewed the move in my story regarding the closure of courtrooms in San Francisco.
New judges will go to CO, MA, AZ, CA, UT, MD, + LA.
The San Francisco Immigration Court is slated to close by year’s end. That leaves 120,000 cases in limbo. Per our count, SF is down to 4 judges from 21
The closure comes as the admin terminated 100 judges in 2025 + more JAGs start this week.
My latest w scoopy nuggets: www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
The closure comes as the admin terminated 100 judges in 2025 + more JAGs start this week.
My latest w scoopy nuggets: www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
Trump administration to shutter an immigration court, adding to judges' backlog
The planned closure of the San Francisco Immigration Court comes as immigration judges spent the last year facing pressure to move through their caseloads faster and streamline deportations.
www.npr.org
January 13, 2026 at 1:28 PM
The San Francisco Immigration Court is slated to close by year’s end. That leaves 120,000 cases in limbo. Per our count, SF is down to 4 judges from 21
The closure comes as the admin terminated 100 judges in 2025 + more JAGs start this week.
My latest w scoopy nuggets: www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
The closure comes as the admin terminated 100 judges in 2025 + more JAGs start this week.
My latest w scoopy nuggets: www.npr.org/2026/01/13/g...
SCOOP: @repdangoldman.bsky.social received a letter from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem outlining an investigation into an ICE officer put on leave after pushing a woman to the ground.
But the letter raises questions about how DHS investigates employee misconduct. www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
But the letter raises questions about how DHS investigates employee misconduct. www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
ICE officer accused of excessive force, then sent back to work despite active probe
DHS's handling of the incident raises questions about the department's oversight mechanisms to investigate employee misconduct.
www.npr.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:06 PM
SCOOP: @repdangoldman.bsky.social received a letter from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem outlining an investigation into an ICE officer put on leave after pushing a woman to the ground.
But the letter raises questions about how DHS investigates employee misconduct. www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
But the letter raises questions about how DHS investigates employee misconduct. www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
The number of people not showing up to court + being ordered deported skyrocketed, according to our early analysis of the data. Lawyers cite a few reasons: fear of being detained, DOJ sending notices to wrong places, other hiccups in delivery.
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/22/n...
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/22/n...
NPR analysis shows skyrocketing number of 'no-shows' in immigration court
More immigrants are not showing up for their mandatory immigration court hearings compared to prior years, an NPR analysis shows, allowing the government to order their immediate deportation.
www.npr.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The number of people not showing up to court + being ordered deported skyrocketed, according to our early analysis of the data. Lawyers cite a few reasons: fear of being detained, DOJ sending notices to wrong places, other hiccups in delivery.
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/22/n...
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/22/n...
This year, the Trump admin has taken an axe to USCIS, the agency where people go to seek things like green cards, as they look to reduce legal migration.
It's rocking the agency from the inside, crushing morale and prompting resignations.
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/10/n...
It's rocking the agency from the inside, crushing morale and prompting resignations.
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/10/n...
How Trump is remaking one agency to aid his deportation push
The Trump administration's changes to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are taking an axe to the agency's traditional mission of ensuring people lawfully immigrate and stay in the U.S.
www.npr.org
December 10, 2025 at 1:48 PM
This year, the Trump admin has taken an axe to USCIS, the agency where people go to seek things like green cards, as they look to reduce legal migration.
It's rocking the agency from the inside, crushing morale and prompting resignations.
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/10/n...
It's rocking the agency from the inside, crushing morale and prompting resignations.
My latest: www.npr.org/2025/12/10/n...
Reposted by Ximena Bustillo
The legislation comes after the White House authorized up to 600 military lawyers to be temporary immigration judges and scrapped requirements for them to have immigration law experience.
Democrats seek limits on who can serve as immigration judges amid mass layoffs
The legislation comes after the White House authorized up to 600 military lawyers to be temporary immigration judges and scrapped requirements for them to have immigration law experience.
n.pr
December 3, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The legislation comes after the White House authorized up to 600 military lawyers to be temporary immigration judges and scrapped requirements for them to have immigration law experience.
Reposted by Ximena Bustillo
I talked to @ximenabustillo.bsky.social about the firing of immigration judges
I noted that the way the Trump administration is approaching the immigration courts reflects a really high prioritization of immigration enforcement & its whole of govt. approach to increasing deportations
I noted that the way the Trump administration is approaching the immigration courts reflects a really high prioritization of immigration enforcement & its whole of govt. approach to increasing deportations
Immigration judges with prior immigrant defense work make up the largest share of those fired by the Trump admin. NPR identified 70 fired immigration judges. The changes have at least shifted perception of fairness in these courts
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
The DOJ has been firing judges with immigrant defense backgrounds
NPR's data analysis shows that the DOJ has tended to fire judges with immigrant defense backgrounds in its recent rounds of dismissals.
www.npr.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:13 PM
I talked to @ximenabustillo.bsky.social about the firing of immigration judges
I noted that the way the Trump administration is approaching the immigration courts reflects a really high prioritization of immigration enforcement & its whole of govt. approach to increasing deportations
I noted that the way the Trump administration is approaching the immigration courts reflects a really high prioritization of immigration enforcement & its whole of govt. approach to increasing deportations
Immigration judges with prior immigrant defense work make up the largest share of those fired by the Trump admin. NPR identified 70 fired immigration judges. The changes have at least shifted perception of fairness in these courts
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
The DOJ has been firing judges with immigrant defense backgrounds
NPR's data analysis shows that the DOJ has tended to fire judges with immigrant defense backgrounds in its recent rounds of dismissals.
www.npr.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Immigration judges with prior immigrant defense work make up the largest share of those fired by the Trump admin. NPR identified 70 fired immigration judges. The changes have at least shifted perception of fairness in these courts
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
After over 125 immigration judges have been fired or quit, DOJ has brought on 36 to the bench -- including 25 military lawyers.
Their backgrounds (at least what DOJ has promoted) shows a priority for those with prior DHS experience.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/24/g...
Their backgrounds (at least what DOJ has promoted) shows a priority for those with prior DHS experience.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/24/g...
DOJ hires immigration judges after months of layoffs
Judges will soon take the bench across 16 states, the Justice Department said. These include courts that saw the biggest losses of judges this year.
www.npr.org
October 24, 2025 at 11:14 PM
After over 125 immigration judges have been fired or quit, DOJ has brought on 36 to the bench -- including 25 military lawyers.
Their backgrounds (at least what DOJ has promoted) shows a priority for those with prior DHS experience.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/24/g...
Their backgrounds (at least what DOJ has promoted) shows a priority for those with prior DHS experience.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/24/g...
ICE has reached the highest death count since the early 2000s. Former employees cite:
-There are way more people detained
-ICE is making more arrests in communities, which means health histories are less known
-years-long struggle to recruit medical pros
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
-There are way more people detained
-ICE is making more arrests in communities, which means health histories are less known
-years-long struggle to recruit medical pros
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
It's the deadliest year for ICE in decades. As detentions rise, the trend may continue
There have been at least 20 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the deadliest year since 2004. As the agency is ramping up hiring and increasing detentions, concerns remain about how to stop the trend.
www.npr.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
ICE has reached the highest death count since the early 2000s. Former employees cite:
-There are way more people detained
-ICE is making more arrests in communities, which means health histories are less known
-years-long struggle to recruit medical pros
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
-There are way more people detained
-ICE is making more arrests in communities, which means health histories are less known
-years-long struggle to recruit medical pros
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
Each immigration case is full of legal complexities. Take Roman Surovtsev, a Texas father who ICE tried & failed to deport 10 years ago.
His case shows the breadth of the admins efforts for deportations & what can happen when people push for legal relief.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/g...
His case shows the breadth of the admins efforts for deportations & what can happen when people push for legal relief.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/g...
ICE tried to send one immigrant to a country he never lived in. Then he lawyered up.
Roman Surovtsev is like many others who were detained at their regularly scheduled ICE check-ins. What makes his case different is that his wife has marshalled a team of lawyers on his behalf.
www.npr.org
October 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Each immigration case is full of legal complexities. Take Roman Surovtsev, a Texas father who ICE tried & failed to deport 10 years ago.
His case shows the breadth of the admins efforts for deportations & what can happen when people push for legal relief.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/g...
His case shows the breadth of the admins efforts for deportations & what can happen when people push for legal relief.
My latest:
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/g...