Just have a minute? Here are the top stories you need to know about immigration. This summary was featured in Documented’s Early Arrival newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox three times per week here.
Around the U.S.
States unknowingly sharing data with ICE, according to group of Democratic lawmakers:
The lawmakers are urging Democratic governors to block the federal agency’s access to their residents’ data. —Reuters
Federal judge orders immediate release of 13 individuals detained during Operation Midway Blitz:
The judge also demanded detailed reports on 615 other detainees, hundreds of whom may be eligible for release. —Chicago Tribune
U.S. Catholic bishops issue first joint statement in 12 years to express support for immigrants:
In the message, they voice opposition to Trump’s deportation campaign and the “vilification” of immigrants. —LA Times
Border patrol chief Gregory Bovino and CBP may target Charlotte and New Orleans next:
Agents are planning to shift from Illinois to North Carolina as early as next week, according to U.S. officials familiar with the planning. —CNN, WUNC
Washington D.C.
Trump administration issues new directive that could deny visas based on applicants’ health conditions:
Consular officials have also been told to evaluate immigrants’ finances, family status, and previous use of public benefits in other countries, among other factors. — AP, NPR
Trump gets heat from MAGA supporters for supporting H1-B visa holders: The president defended his call for Chinese students to apply to U.S. higher education on Fox News, drawing backlash from right-wing influencers and pundits. —The Hill
Fired immigration judge raises alarm on record backlog of three million cases:
The crisis has deepened since the Trump administration fired dozens of immigration judges across the country without explanation. —PBS
New York
Masked ICE agents forcibly take man off the street in Washington Heights:
He was arrested on the corner of West 157th Street and Broadway as witnesses demanded the federal agents show their faces. —CBS News
Adams admin. files an amicus brief to support immediate release of detained NYC public school student:
The 16-year-old was detained during a routine immigration check-in and has been in ICE custody since late October. —NYC.gov
Immigrant affairs official posts Islamophobic meme targeting Mamdani on his Facebook page:
MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro has recommended Immigrant Affairs Assistant Commissioner Erick Salgado be fired — but Salgado is still employed at City Hall. —THE CITY
Dean Fuleihan, incoming first deputy mayor, gives Mayor-elect Mamdani his vote of confidence:
The former de Blasio official and “budget guru” is ready to make Mamdani’s agenda a reality. —The Nation
