Immigration News Today: Democratic Senators Raise Alarm on “Horrific” Treatment of Mothers in Detention

Julia Malleck

May 11, 2026

ICE Dallas office opening its newest detention facility in West Texas. Photo: Charles Reed, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Public Domain.

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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.

Democratic senators raise alarm on “horrific” treatment of mothers in detention:

A letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin seeks information on how mothers are treated in custody, and demands the release of those who are pregnant. —Mother Jones, 📄blumenthal.senate.gov 

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DOJ moves to denaturalize 12 U.S. citizens:

The department alleges that the individuals either lied during their naturalization processes and that several committed “heinous crimes.” —The Hill, 📄 justice.gov

Appeals court rules lawmakers can continue to inspect ICE detention centers:

Democratic lawmakers will still be able to make unannounced visits to detention facilities, for now, as litigation continues. —New York Times [Paywall], Roll Call, 📄Ruling

New York

Immigration board expedites Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation case:

The Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist said the treatment of his case has been “corrupt and unprecedented” in a post on X. —New York Times [Paywall], Truthout

Immigrant advocates want stronger restrictions on ICE agreements in state budget deal:

Progressive lawmakers and advocates are still pushing for the passage of the New York For All Act to fully eliminate collusion between local police and federal agents — though sources say the immigration proposals are already locked down. —City Limits

Around the U.S.

Dozens of children hurt by pepper spray, tear gas amid immigration crackdown:

Children at home, walking to school and in cars have all been harmed by the so-called “less lethal” weapons, which could have long term health effects. —ProPublica

DOJ sues Albuquerque and New Mexico over the state’s Immigrant Safety Act:

The case may head to the Supreme Court, according to a legal expert, as Blue states across the country seek to limit cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. —KOAT  

Community-built map tracks ICE activity across Tucson, Arizona:

Data gathered from Rapid Response documentation led to the creation of the Tucson Migra Map, which creators say likely undercounts the number of incidents, but is important for transparency. —Arizona Luminaria, Tucson Migra Map  

[Long read] Immigrant organizing swings elections in California city:

GOP candidates have a history of winning local races in the Latino-majority city of Whittier, a suburb of Los Angeles. But ICE raids and organizing have prompted a change. —Bolts 

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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