Latest Headlines

  • Teenager Becomes Youngest to Die in ICE Custody

    A 19-year-old held at a U.S. immigration detention facility in Florida died this week, becoming the youngest person to die in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since President Donald Trump took office last year. Royer Perez-Jimenez, originally from Mexico, was found unconscious on March 16 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida, according to an ICE press release.

    Perez-Jimenez’s death is considered a presumed suicide, though the official cause remains under investigation. He was arrested in Volusia County, Florida, on January 22 and charged with felony fraud and misdemeanor resisting an officer. He was transferred to ICE custody on February 21 and moved to Moore Haven five days later. An ICE statement said, “At intake, Perez was evaluated by medical staff. He denied any behavioral health issues or concerns and answered ‘no’ to all suicide screening questions.”

    Including Perez-Jimenez, at least 11 individuals have died in ICE custody so far this year. Others include Victor Manuel Díaz, 36, and Heber Sanchez Domínguez, 34, among others listed.

    Perez-Jimenez first arrived in the U.S. on February 19, 2022, but was turned back by U.S. border patrol. He later re-entered the country without formal approval.

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  • DHS Appeals Tear Gas Ruling at Portland ICE Facility

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to appeal a federal ruling that limits the use of chemical agents, such as tear gas, near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland.

    U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio issued a preliminary injunction on March 6, in response to a lawsuit from Gray’s Landing residents. The ruling restricts chemical munitions’ use outside the facility, except in cases of an imminent threat to life, to prevent these chemicals from reaching the nearby apartment complex.

    DHS filed a Notice of Appeal against this injunction on Monday. The Department of Justice, representing DHS, argued the case of Gray’s Landing residents who claimed the chemicals affected their health and well-being.

    The case is expected to proceed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.

  • Judge Curbs Tear Gas Use by Federal Agents in Portland Protests

    A federal judge in Oregon has issued new constraints on federal agents’ use of tear gas and other crowd-control munitions during protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland. The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Michael Simon, arises from a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon on behalf of protesters and journalists.

    The lawsuit, naming the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), claims that the use of chemical munitions infringes on First Amendment rights. Judge Simon’s order follows testimony from plaintiffs, including a demonstrator in a chicken costume, an elderly couple, and two freelance journalists, who reported the use of chemical spray and other munitions against them.

    In court, video evidence showed officers using pepper spray directly on nonviolent protesters and firing tear gas and pepper balls into crowds. Judge Simon noted that such actions risk chilling First Amendment rights. The DHS has defended the agents, stating they used minimal force to protect themselves and federal property.

    Under the new restrictions, agents are prohibited from using chemical or projectile munitions unless someone poses an imminent threat of physical harm. They may not aim at the head, neck, or torso except when legally justified to use deadly force, and cannot use pepper spray on groups in a manner that affects bystanders. Only those engaging in violent acts or resisting arrest should be targeted.

    The ruling also provides provisional class certification, expanding the order to cover all individuals who have protested or reported on demonstrations at the ICE building recently. The injunction will stay in place pending further legal proceedings.

  • Democrats Push DHS Reforms Amid Iran Tensions, GOP Concerns

    A week after President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran, Democrats have reinforced their stance against reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without implementing significant reforms. Democratic leaders demand stricter oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

    House Democrats solidified this position in a test vote, citing concerns over civil rights abuses. “Until we see officers who abuse civil rights held accountable and restore congressional oversight, I’m not giving another penny to ICE and CBP,” said Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois.

    Republicans argue that keeping DHS closed during the Iran conflict poses national security risks. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana criticized the Democrats’ approach, claiming it hampers America’s safety.

    A shooting in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were killed by immigration officers, intensified Democratic demands for reforms, such as body camera mandates and new warrant requirements. However, negotiations between the White House and Senate Democrats have yet to yield a resolution.

    While most Democrats support the leadership stance, some, like Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, question the strategy, highlighting that agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remain unfunded.

    The firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin has changed some dynamics, but significant reforms remain a priority for Democrats. “We are not abandoning our demands,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, despite Mullin’s close alignment with Trump.

  • U.S. Airport Wait Times Surge Amid TSA Staff Shortages

    Security lines at some U.S. airports extended to three hours on Sunday as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff shortages coincided with increased spring-break travel. Houston Hobby Airport reported lines averaging 3.5 hours at its peak, with waits later averaging three hours by 4 p.m. EDT.

    TSA operations were disrupted as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding ceased on February 13, following a stalled agreement on immigration enforcement.

    The DHS, part of President Trump’s administration, attributed staffing issues to ongoing pay absences, with about 50,000 TSA screeners working without compensation.

    Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu projected a record-breaking spring travel season, with 171 million passengers expected, a 4% increase from the previous year.

    Ha Nguyen McNeill, a TSA official, noted in recent congressional testimony that approximately 1,110 security officers left the agency following a 43-day government shutdown in late 2025, marking a 25% increase over the prior year.