Immigration News Today: Naturalization applications plummet under Trump

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.

Judge ordered to end “intrusive” contempt inquiry into Trump officials involved in deportation flights:

Judge James Boasberg said that administration officials ignored his temporary restraining order to halt flights carrying Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador in March last year. —AP

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin keeps Kristi Noem’s old deputy:

Troy Edgar, who previously served as deputy secretary, is making a reprisal in the role under new leadership, according to sources. —POLITICO 

[Long read] The View From Inside Trump’s DHS:

Former agents and officials are speaking up about what they witnessed while working inside Trump’s immigration system. —New York Times

New York

Upstate New York ICE arrests surge under Trump:

The number of arrests more than quadrupled last year, according to a new analysis, with slightly more than half in the middle of the asylum process. —Investigative Post

NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) kicks off 22nd Immigrant Heritage Week:

MOIA commissioner Faiza Ali announced the launch of the “Immigrants Power New York” campaign alongside Mayor Mamdani and Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, who highlighted immigrants’ economic contributions to the city in a press release. —NYC.gov 

Trump admin. sues Connecticut, City of New Haven over sanctuary policies:The DOJ is challenging elements of the state’s Trust Act, which limits local cooperation with immigration enforcement, as well as other immigration-related policies. —CT Mirror

Around the U.S.

Minnesota investigates ICE arrest of Hmong American man as possible kidnapping:

ChongLy Scott Thao, a U.S. citizen, was taken from his home in January wearing nothing but his underwear and sandals. —KSTP

Mexican immigrant dies in ICE custody, agency reports:  

Alejandro Cabrera Clemente, 49, was “found unresponsive” at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, marking the 47th person reported to die in ICE custody this year. —ICE.gov 

States change custody laws to keep children of detained immigrants out of foster care:

Advocates are worried that an increasing number of children are being placed into the foster system amid an increase in family separations, arrests and deportations. —The 19th

2025 one of the most volatile years for naturalizations on record:

Naturalization applications fluctuated throughout the year, at some points hitting record lows, while approvals for citizenship dropped. —NPR

[Long read] The Return of Family Detention:

Thousands of children have been detained since Trump reentered office, and suffered health consequences due to medical neglect. —The New Yorker