Immigration News Today: House Passes Bill to Fund Most of DHS, End Government Shutdown

Julia Malleck

May 01, 2026

East Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, against blue sky and clouds. Photo: Tada Images via Shutterstock

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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.

Washington, D.C.

House passes bill to fund most of DHS, end government shutdown: 

The bill is now headed to Trump’s desk for a signature, while a Republican plan to provide an additional $70 billion in funds to DHS via the reconciliation process has also been approved. —The Hill, Reuters

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Trump admin. mandates enhanced security checks for immigration applicants, documents show: 

Internal guidance distributed at USCIS last week shows that a range of immigration categories are now being subjected to enhanced FBI background checks. —CBS News

SCOTUS appears to lean toward ending TPS for Haitians, Syrians:

The conservative majority of justices seemed to be sympathetic to the Trump administration’s oral arguments on Wednesday. An opinion is expected in June. —The Washington Post

New York

Limit on informal collusion with ICE cut from budget talks in Albany, sources say:

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has reportedly dropped language from a proposal that would have barred local cooperation with federal law enforcement in civil cases. —City&State 

New York nears ban on renting jail space to ICE:

Amid negotiations over an immigration package, there is reportedly consensus around prohibiting federal immigration enforcement from using local jails. —Gothamist

Trump admin. sues New Jersey over law limiting law enforcement masks:

In the complaint, the federal government argues that the policy violates the Supremacy Clause. —New Jersey Monitor, 📄Complaint

[Long read] In Western District of New York court, judicial draw may matter more than immigration case:

Four judges in the district have a different track record when it comes to ruling on habeas corpus petitions. —Central Current

Around the U.S.

Illinois Accountability Commission releases report on ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ recommends prosecution of federal agents: 

The 204-page report provides a record of federal agents’ misconduct, and outlines recommendations for accountability and new policies. —Capitol News Illinois, 📄Report 

Michigan Supreme Court bans courthouse immigration arrests:

A new rule taking effect today prohibits civil arrests — including ICE arrests — of individuals “going to, attending, and returning from” legal proceedings at state and local courts. —Bridge Michigan, Michigan Advance

California educators in limbo due to prolonged DACA renewals:

Some teachers are waiting five months or longer for renewal of their status, leading to staffing disruptions at schools. —Stocktonia

[Long read] She celebrated her 11th birthday in ICE detention. Her wish: that her family could go home:

A family of four from India has been held in the infamous Dilley immigration processing center in Texas since February, with no clarity on what they might be freed. —The Guardian 

Julia Malleck

Julia Malleck is a journalist based in NYC. She writes Documented's flagship newsletter, Early Arrival, which tracks national and local developments in immigration policy. (And my handle on X/Twitter is @txt_julia)

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