Trump Targets Sanctuary Cities and Immigrants in New Executive Orders
On Monday, President Trump signed two new executive orders significantly ramping up immigration enforcement measures. One mandates the publication of a public list of sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities—and opens them up to legal action. The second introduces stricter English language requirements for truck drivers applying for immigration benefits.
Supporters of these policies argue they restore accountability and improve public safety. Critics claim they are politically motivated and part of an ongoing campaign against immigrant communities. These moves coincide with Trump’s 100th day in office, as his administration tries to match or surpass enforcement activity seen during previous terms.
ICE Deports Three U.S. Citizen Children, Sparking Legal and Human Rights Outcry
ICE deported three U.S. citizen children, including a four-year-old with cancer, along with their undocumented mothers to Honduras after a routine check-in in New Orleans. The deportation, which occurred without notifying legal representatives or family, has drawn national backlash.
Immigration attorneys and human rights advocates say the deportation violated due process and legal protections guaranteed to U.S. citizens. A federal judge criticized ICE’s actions, labeling the deportation unconstitutional and illegal. ICE claims the mothers “voluntarily” took their children, but that assertion remains unverified.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Use of Wartime Law to Deport Venezuelans
In a significant rebuke to executive power, a federal judge in Texas struck down the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants. The administration had justified the deportations by invoking fears of an “invasion” by a Venezuelan gang, but the court ruled that such reasoning did not meet the legal definition of wartime threats required by the statute.
The ruling currently applies only to the Southern District of Texas but could set a precedent in other legal challenges. Immigration advocates view the decision as an essential safeguard against overreach, particularly in a time of peace.
Judge Orders Release of Detained Palestinian Green Card Holder and Student
A federal court has ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green card holder and Columbia University student, who was detained by ICE after participating in a pro-Palestinian protest. Mahdawi had been held for two weeks under a rarely used statute governing foreign policy violations, despite facing no criminal charges.
The judge ruled that his detention lacked legal basis and warned against the chilling effect on free speech. This case adds to growing concerns over politically motivated immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
USCIS Hits Cap for April H-2B Visa Applications, 20,000 Still Available for Select Nations
USCIS has reached its cap of 19,000 additional H-2B visa applications for returning workers whose employment starts between April 1 and May 14, 2025. Applications submitted after April 18 are being rejected.
However, 20,000 visas are still available for workers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. These workers do not need prior H-2B experience to qualify, making it a valuable opportunity for first-time applicants.
Final Thoughts
With executive orders reshaping local policies, court rulings challenging federal overreach, and deportation cases raising constitutional alarms, the immigration landscape continues to shift quickly.
Policies are changing. Agora Visa is here to help. If you or someone you know is navigating the U.S. immigration system, staying informed is critical. Agora Visa keeps you updated and empowered so you never face these changes alone.
Visit Agora Visa to learn how we can support your journey.
