Week of May 15–21, 2024

Experts at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy discussed the intersection of immigration and the 2024 election cycle. Tony Payan emphasized the perennial politicization of immigration, highlighting its historical context and contemporary challenges. Jeremy Robbins of the American Immigration Council underscored immigration's pivotal role in elections, often overshadowed by fear and anxiety. Bishop Mark Seitz emphasized the Catholic Church's stance on immigration, advocating compassion and solidarity. He criticized Texas' exclusionary policies and militarization of the border. The event, part of the Baker Institute's Migration Initiative, explored immigration's multifaceted impact and was co-presented by the Houston Chronicle.

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Since December 2022, Denver has seen over 40,000 immigrants, primarily from Central and South America, with many from Venezuela due to political unrest. By 2023, Denver had more newcomers per capita than any other U.S. city, peaking in January 2024 with hundreds arriving daily from U.S.-Mexico border states. To accommodate, Denver converted hotels to shelters and offered asylum assistance. However, after shelter limits, immigrants resorted to encampments or faced eviction. Despite a recent slowdown, Denver launched the Denver Asylum Seekers Program, criticized for its 72-hour limit on shelter stays. Program director Sarah Plastino explains its focus on asylum seekers, offering six months of services. New arrivals not qualifying receive work permit assistance and rental aid. While the city coordinates with other municipalities, it's preparing for potential policy stagnation by expanding shelter capacity and refining its response program.

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A federal judge, Otis Wright II, has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt the use of "knock-and-talk" tactics, deeming them unconstitutional. The practice involves officers entering properties without warrants or consent to arrest undocumented immigrants when they answer the door. Wright's ruling, based on Fourth Amendment protections, asserts that this violates individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, extending to the areas surrounding their homes. While the judge didn't issue a full injunction, he vacated ICE's "knock-and-talk" policies in the Los Angeles field office. The decision follows a class-action lawsuit filed by migrants, supported by the ACLU and other organizations, challenging ICE's methods. Wright's order aims to protect individuals' privacy and ensure compliance with constitutional limitations on immigration enforcement tactics. ICE representatives have not yet responded to the ruling.

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The journey to the U.S.-Mexico border from Wisconsin, a state reliant on immigrant labor, offered firsthand insight into the immigration crisis. Despite Wisconsin's dependence on undocumented workers, a significant portion of voters supports the GOP's criticism of Biden's border policies. Meeting immigrants like Terron and Reynaldo underscored the desperation fueling their journeys. Observations along the border revealed changes over the past year, including increased cartels' influence and closed gaps in the border wall. Despite these challenges, immigrants persevere, driven by hope for a better life. Criticisms of immigrants overlook their contributions to the economy and society, as evidenced by their essential role during the pandemic. Despite facing hardships, immigrants seek dignity and stability for their families, embodying the American spirit of resilience and perseverance. Their stories highlight the need for compassion and recognition of their vital contributions to the nation.

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The University of Miami Immigration Clinic received an honorable mention at the Association of American Law Schools 2024 Conference on Clinical Legal Education for its advocacy efforts. Partnered with the University of Minnesota Law School, the clinic represented 92 Somali individuals subjected to abuse during a failed ICE deportation flight in 2017. Through a class action lawsuit and individual representation, many cases were reopened and detainees released. Rebecca Sharpless authored "Shackled: 92 Refugees Imprisoned on ICE Air," detailing the advocacy. Miami Law's clinical faculty, including Kele Stewart and Doug Ruley, attended the conference, emphasizing service opportunities. The conference aims to foster communication and provide professional development for law teachers involved in clinical legal education, supporting social justice efforts. Established in 1995, Miami Law's clinical program covers various practice areas, led by expert faculty committed to social justice.

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Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Guatemala President Bernardo Arévalo met in a Mexican border city to discuss immigration and other shared concerns. Arévalo emphasized the importance of a border that unites both countries for mutual development. However, both nations face pressure from the U.S. to increase border control due to migrant flows and security issues. López Obrador expressed concern about security along the border, where cartels are vying for control. The meeting coincides with diplomatic efforts to address migration to the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexico, the U.S., and Guatemala plan to allocate more resources to the Mexico-Guatemala border and enhance development programs. López Obrador announced plans to extend a cargo train line to the Guatemalan border. Additionally, challenges exist at the Mexico-Guatemala-Belize border, characterized by rugged terrain and smuggling routes, complicating border policing efforts.

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The Senate plans to vote on a standalone border policy package, reviving a bipartisan compromise that previously collapsed. Although unlikely to pass, this move precedes President Biden's anticipated executive actions on border issues, which may draw criticism from progressives. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledges potential lack of Democratic support for the bill negotiated by Sens. Murphy, Sinema, and Lankford. The vote aims to pressure Republicans to engage in bipartisan solutions for border security. Democrats accuse the GOP of obstructing bipartisan efforts for political gain. Despite initial negotiations by Sen. Lankford, he opposes the new vote, advocating for alternative solutions that could pass both chambers. Schumer faces challenges in garnering sufficient bipartisan support for comprehensive immigration reform amid heightened political tensions.

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In January 2017, President Trump's executive order banning entry from certain Muslim-majority nations ignited protests and legal challenges, defining the chaotic early months of his administration. Despite initial setbacks, a revised version of the ban was upheld by the Supreme Court and expanded, reshaping US immigration policy. As Trump campaigns for a potential second term, his aggressive immigration agenda includes mass deportations, ideological screenings, and border closures. Allies anticipate swift implementation, leveraging lessons from his first term and a reshaped federal judiciary. Trump's rhetoric, characterized by fear-mongering, seeks to capitalize on shifting public sentiments. While Biden aims to reverse Trump's policies, challenges persist due to systemic changes and political constraints. Trump's ambitious immigration plans, driven by allies like Stephen Miller, signal a stark contrast to Biden's approach, with potential far-reaching consequences for immigration enforcement and judicial precedent.

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The Biden administration is considering legal action against Oklahoma over HB 4156, a law making illegal presence in the state a crime and authorizing local law enforcement to arrest and remove undocumented immigrants. This move follows similar lawsuits against Texas and Iowa. The DOJ argues the law infringes on federal authority over immigration. AG Drummond pledged to defend Oklahoma against federal intervention, blaming the Biden administration for the border crisis. Other states, including Louisiana, are considering similar legislation amid concerns over illegal immigration. The DOJ's threat reflects ongoing tensions between federal and state governments over immigration policy, with implications for border security and enforcement strategies.

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A Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that approximately half of U.S. voters oppose detaining immigrants in the country illegally in camps before deportation, suggesting hesitance towards harsher enforcement measures proposed by Donald Trump. While 54% of registered voters oppose detention camps, 36% support them, and 10% had no response. However, 56% believe most or all immigrants in the U.S. illegally should be deported. Trump's reelection campaign heavily emphasizes cracking down on illegal immigration, with plans for large deportation camps if reelected. Former Trump immigration official Tom Homan suggests the need for tents to hold detained immigrants, but denies they would resemble "concentration camps." Despite Biden's pledge to reverse Trump's immigration policies, ICE has escalated deportations under his administration. The poll indicates stronger support for deportation than for detaining immigrants in camps, particularly among Republicans.

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