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(Bishop Mark) Seitz sees two major concerns: the separation of families and the actions of ICE.

"It's shocking to me that the ICE agents seem to feel under no obligation to follow the decisions of the immigration courts that have, in the past, had authority in these cases," he said. "But now it seems that ICE considers that they have a greater authority, and they're going to pursue it in the way that they see fit."

Following a decline in the Louisiana prison population, private prison companies like Geo Group and La Salle Corrections have capitalized on the immigration crackdown, advancing what the head of ICE, Todd Lyons, has said the agency must become: a logistics juggernaut, like Amazon or FedEx, “but with human beings.” Since January, more than 40,000 people have been subject to this system in Alexandria and eight other LA facilities, which have been criticized by lawyers and federal oversight officials for providing poor medical care, widespread use of solitary confinement and physical abuse. More here from the New York Times. 

Amid a statewide work shortage, an ICE raid at an Omaha meat-packing plant caused the company's production to plummet by nearly 70% over three weeks. Despite passing a federal online system that confirmed work eligibility, 76 workers were arrested, including a mother of four whose child now suffers from panic attacks. Many others were too afraid to return to work. More here from the New York Times.

Former refugee Hani Ali opened Mental Health Education & Legal Code for Refugee Rights (MELCORR) to offer language services, mental health counseling, and orientation to newcomers in Rochester, New York. The center is helping many refugees who will soon be cut off from food assistance and health insurance programs after recent policy changes. More here. 

Believed to be the first of its kind in a U.S. Catholic Diocese, L.A. Archdiocese's Family Assistance Program will support parish-based outreach ministries that have been delivering groceries, meals, medicine, and other supplies to families affected by recent immigration raids. Political and business leaders who pledged investments include a real estate mogul, chairman of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders, and representatives of a local supermarket, toy store, and credit union. More here.

A June 9 memo directed ICE officers to significantly expand their use of ankle monitors, devices that are prone to glitches and have shown to cause rashes, bruising, and psychological hardship on those who wear them. After donating over $1.5 million to Trump's 2024 election, private prison conglomerate Geo Group told investors they are prepared to potentially track millions of immigrants, which could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue per year. More here from the Washington Post.

The report describes immigration policy and enforcement especially since January 20, 2025, including the undermining of constitutional rights, the slow death of asylum, the stripping of immigrant legal status and protections, and the deportation of U.S. citizens.

On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an immediately effective policy change barring many groups of lawfully present immigrants and undocumented immigrants from accessing many health care, educational, and other social services. The definition of “federal public benefits” as outlined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) was updated to add an additional 13 programs to the 31 programs considered “federal public benefits” that are restricted to individuals with a “qualified” immigration status. More here.

Human Rights First's Innovation Lab launched ReadyNow!, a free and secure mobile app designed to help immigrants prepare for possible detention and act quickly in moments of crisis. The app guides users to upload emergency contacts, including lawyers and family, and develop emergency messages containing critical information required for child and dependent care, personal safety, and legal defense. If faced with arrest, the user simply presses the big, red alert button, and ReadyNow will securely deliver emergency messages to key contacts so they can take swift action. 

The Trump administration declared that immigrants who arrived in the United States illegally are no longer eligible for a bond hearing as they fight deportation proceedings in court, according to documents reviewed by The Washington Post. Citing the massive funding increase from the recent reconciliation bill, acting ICE director Todd Lyons sent a memo on July 8 directing officers to hold immigrants who entered the country illegally for the duration of their removal proceedings,” which can take months or years. Lawyers say the policy will apply to millions of immigrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border over the past few decades.