Austin Kocher, PhD
@austinkocher.com
I study immigration enforcement. Assistant Professor at Syracuse University and Research Fellow at the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University. https://linktr.ee/austinkocher
Pinned
By far the LARGEST growth in people arrested by ICE and thrown into detention centers across the country are from people with absolutely no criminal history on record. See the data below (and here: austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i... ).
California wants undocumented students to afford college. The DOJ is suing to stop them. It’s a clash between a state trying to help young people and a federal government choosing to restrict them.
Read: edsource.org/updates/just...
Read: edsource.org/updates/just...
UPDATE: Justice Department sues California over college aid to undocumented students
The latest education news updates from EdSource.
edsource.org
November 26, 2025 at 7:18 AM
California wants undocumented students to afford college. The DOJ is suing to stop them. It’s a clash between a state trying to help young people and a federal government choosing to restrict them.
Read: edsource.org/updates/just...
Read: edsource.org/updates/just...
A Chicago daycare worker was taken by ICE at drop-off time. Nationally, more than 70% of ICE arrests involve people with no convictions. The “public safety” narrative collapses under the data.
Link: www.wfaa.com/article/synd...
Link: www.wfaa.com/article/synd...
Chicago day care worker detained by immigration agents at drop-off time for children
Witnesses say a Chicago day care employee was detained at work during a drop-off time for children, reflecting the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive...
www.wfaa.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:25 AM
A Chicago daycare worker was taken by ICE at drop-off time. Nationally, more than 70% of ICE arrests involve people with no convictions. The “public safety” narrative collapses under the data.
Link: www.wfaa.com/article/synd...
Link: www.wfaa.com/article/synd...
Another Alabama case shows the real pattern: local police + ICE holds + county jails = detention for people with no serious record. The system is working as designed, not malfunctioning.
Read: www.al.com/news/2025/11...
Read: www.al.com/news/2025/11...
Chicago day care worker detained by immigration agents at drop-off time for children
Witnesses say a Chicago day care employee was detained at work during a drop-off time for children, reflecting the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive...
www.wfaa.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Another Alabama case shows the real pattern: local police + ICE holds + county jails = detention for people with no serious record. The system is working as designed, not malfunctioning.
Read: www.al.com/news/2025/11...
Read: www.al.com/news/2025/11...
ICE arrest were (probably) the highest ever during the first month of the new fiscal year in October when the agency made over 41,641 arrests. Many of these arrests were in Chicago, where a judge found many of the arrests to violate consent decree.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
ICE arrest were (probably) the highest ever during the first month of the new fiscal year in October when the agency made over 41,641 arrests. Many of these arrests were in Chicago, where a judge found many of the arrests to violate consent decree.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
Kristi Noem says 223 people were arrested in a multi-state roadway operation with Indiana police. Advocates say these sweeps often target workers and long-time residents.
Read: indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/n...
Read: indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/n...
Noem announces 223 immigration arrests in roadway blitz with Indiana State Police • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said "Operation Midway Blitz" has yielded 3,000-plus arrests through deals with locals.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Kristi Noem says 223 people were arrested in a multi-state roadway operation with Indiana police. Advocates say these sweeps often target workers and long-time residents.
Read: indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/n...
Read: indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/30/n...
ICE detained a daycare worker in Chicago during kids’ drop-off, prompting anger from parents and advocates who say the raid traumatized families and crossed a line.
Read: www.cbs42.com/news/nationa...
Read: www.cbs42.com/news/nationa...
Immigration arrest of Chicago daycare worker at drop-off time for kids sparks outcry
CHICAGO (AP) — An employee of a Chicago daycare center and preschool was detained by immigration authorities at work as children were being dropped off Wednesday, according to witnesses, reflecting…
www.cbs42.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:44 PM
ICE detained a daycare worker in Chicago during kids’ drop-off, prompting anger from parents and advocates who say the raid traumatized families and crossed a line.
Read: www.cbs42.com/news/nationa...
Read: www.cbs42.com/news/nationa...
A Louisiana resident described seeing masked men shove people into unmarked cars during an ICE raid in Metairie, raising deep fears about due process and accountability. The letter calls on the community to speak out before these tactics become normalized.
Read: www.nola.com/opinions/let...
Read: www.nola.com/opinions/let...
Letters: Witnessing immigration raid firsthand raises tremendous concern
My family immigrated to this country from Eastern Europe to escape persecution and enjoy a better life in a land they had never seen. Their journey was not easy, but
www.nola.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 PM
A Louisiana resident described seeing masked men shove people into unmarked cars during an ICE raid in Metairie, raising deep fears about due process and accountability. The letter calls on the community to speak out before these tactics become normalized.
Read: www.nola.com/opinions/let...
Read: www.nola.com/opinions/let...
The 287(g) program lets local police work with ICE. That means a traffic stop or small issue can turn into an immigration arrest. It’s one of the ways ICE reaches deep into communities.
Read: www.ice.gov/identify-and...
Read: www.ice.gov/identify-and...
Delegation of Immigration Authority Section 287(g) Immigration and Nationality Act
An official website of the United States government
www.ice.gov
November 25, 2025 at 11:09 AM
The 287(g) program lets local police work with ICE. That means a traffic stop or small issue can turn into an immigration arrest. It’s one of the ways ICE reaches deep into communities.
Read: www.ice.gov/identify-and...
Read: www.ice.gov/identify-and...
Protesters calling for Krome’s closure ended up arrested for trespassing. Advocates say it highlights how protests near ICE facilities are increasingly policed.
Read: www.wlrn.org/immigration/...
Read: www.wlrn.org/immigration/...
Protesters marched to demand shut down of Krome Detention Center — and then got arrested for trespassing
The protesters marched and blocked the entrance to the immigrant detention facility to protest the aggressive deportation policies of the Trump administration. Krome is a federal government facility…
www.wlrn.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Protesters calling for Krome’s closure ended up arrested for trespassing. Advocates say it highlights how protests near ICE facilities are increasingly policed.
Read: www.wlrn.org/immigration/...
Read: www.wlrn.org/immigration/...
A federal judge halted an IRS–ICE data-sharing plan that would’ve exposed taxpayer addresses to immigration agents. Privacy advocates say the ruling protects immigrant communities already facing heightened enforcement.
Read: www.wusa9.com/article/news...
Read: www.wusa9.com/article/news...
Federal judge blocks IRS–ICE data-sharing plan citing privacy concerns
Local immigration attorney says this is a huge win for local immigrants without legal status.
www.wusa9.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:25 AM
A federal judge halted an IRS–ICE data-sharing plan that would’ve exposed taxpayer addresses to immigration agents. Privacy advocates say the ruling protects immigrant communities already facing heightened enforcement.
Read: www.wusa9.com/article/news...
Read: www.wusa9.com/article/news...
Self-deportation isn’t a choice when the system traps you.Two U.S. women share what it’s like to lose their husbands under today’s policies.Families shouldn’t have to choose between home and each other.
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
"We're Being Robbed of Time"
The Department of Homeland Security claims 1.6 million people have "self-deported" from the U.S. But what happens to the families left behind?
wearethemeteor.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Self-deportation isn’t a choice when the system traps you.Two U.S. women share what it’s like to lose their husbands under today’s policies.Families shouldn’t have to choose between home and each other.
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
The Carlisle Borough Council approved a new ordinance (6–1) confirming that local police won’t handle civil immigration enforcement. Services also won’t depend on citizenship status. Mayor Sean Schultz backed the decision. @pennlive.com
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
Pennlive.com 2025 Archives November 11, Page
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www.pennlive.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The Carlisle Borough Council approved a new ordinance (6–1) confirming that local police won’t handle civil immigration enforcement. Services also won’t depend on citizenship status. Mayor Sean Schultz backed the decision. @pennlive.com
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
ICE arrests in Kentucky are up nearly 40% this year, driven in part by financial incentives and expanding 287(g) agreements. Over 70% of those arrested had no criminal conviction.
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
Driven by financial incentives, Kentucky ICE arrests ramp up
Yet, more than 70% of those arrested had no criminal conviction.
www.forwardky.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:08 PM
ICE arrests in Kentucky are up nearly 40% this year, driven in part by financial incentives and expanding 287(g) agreements. Over 70% of those arrested had no criminal conviction.
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
Politicians posing with prisoners isn't new. This article traces its 100-year history as a "tough on crime" political prop.
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Using detainees and prisoners as photo props has a long history in American politics
Photos and video of immigrants in custody have been a hallmark of President Donald Trump’s administration, and illustrate his agenda to crack down on immigration.
www.wsls.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Politicians posing with prisoners isn't new. This article traces its 100-year history as a "tough on crime" political prop.
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
By far the LARGEST growth in people arrested by ICE and thrown into detention centers across the country are from people with absolutely no criminal history on record. See the data below (and here: austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i... ).
November 24, 2025 at 1:57 PM
By far the LARGEST growth in people arrested by ICE and thrown into detention centers across the country are from people with absolutely no criminal history on record. See the data below (and here: austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i... ).
ICE arrest were (probably) the highest ever during the first month of the new fiscal year in October when the agency made over 41,641 arrests. Many of these arrests were in Chicago, where a judge found many of the arrests to violate consent decree.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
November 24, 2025 at 11:09 AM
ICE arrest were (probably) the highest ever during the first month of the new fiscal year in October when the agency made over 41,641 arrests. Many of these arrests were in Chicago, where a judge found many of the arrests to violate consent decree.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
48% of all people in ICE custody (incl. CBP and ICE arrests) have no criminal history. Another 26% only have a criminal charge (no conviction ), and 26% have a criminal conviction (although many of these are low level).
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
November 24, 2025 at 7:18 AM
48% of all people in ICE custody (incl. CBP and ICE arrests) have no criminal history. Another 26% only have a criminal charge (no conviction ), and 26% have a criminal conviction (although many of these are low level).
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
ICE now using punitive GPS ankle monitors in almost highest numbers since 2021, nearly 35,000 people monitored this way compared to less than 5,000 in 2023.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
November 24, 2025 at 1:25 AM
ICE now using punitive GPS ankle monitors in almost highest numbers since 2021, nearly 35,000 people monitored this way compared to less than 5,000 in 2023.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
ICE now using punitive GPS ankle monitors in almost highest numbers since 2021, nearly 35,000 people monitored this way compared to less than 5,000 in 2023.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
November 23, 2025 at 9:03 PM
ICE now using punitive GPS ankle monitors in almost highest numbers since 2021, nearly 35,000 people monitored this way compared to less than 5,000 in 2023.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/breaking-i...
ICE’s dehumanizing treatment and disregard for basic dignity extends to treatment of people on deportation/transfer flights. People often restrained with handcuffs, waist chains, & leg irons for the entire journey, even when they pose no security threat.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
Trump Administration Conducts 10,067 Immigration Enforcement Flights in Less Than 10 Months
Human Rights First finds ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:44 PM
ICE’s dehumanizing treatment and disregard for basic dignity extends to treatment of people on deportation/transfer flights. People often restrained with handcuffs, waist chains, & leg irons for the entire journey, even when they pose no security threat.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
"You Have Arrived in Hell": New Evidence Confirms Torture of Deported Venezuelans in El Salvador. New report confirms my warnings in March: Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were tortured. Half had no criminal record. Many were asylum seekers.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/you-have-a...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/you-have-a...
"You Have Arrived in Hell": New Evidence Confirms Torture of Deported Venezuelans in El Salvador
A new HRW report confirms what I warned about in March: Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were systematically tortured. Half had no criminal record. Many were asylum seekers. We paid for this.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:09 AM
"You Have Arrived in Hell": New Evidence Confirms Torture of Deported Venezuelans in El Salvador. New report confirms my warnings in March: Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were tortured. Half had no criminal record. Many were asylum seekers.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/you-have-a...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/you-have-a...
Human Rights Watch's ICE Flight Monitor documented 10,672 total flights during the Trump admin. October alone saw a record 1,014 domestic shuffle flights—the highest on record—plus 199 deportation flights, which is above historic levels.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
Trump Administration Conducts 10,067 Immigration Enforcement Flights in Less Than 10 Months
Human Rights First finds ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Human Rights Watch's ICE Flight Monitor documented 10,672 total flights during the Trump admin. October alone saw a record 1,014 domestic shuffle flights—the highest on record—plus 199 deportation flights, which is above historic levels.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
Human Rights Watch's ICE Flight Monitor documented 10,672 total flights during the Trump admin. October alone saw a record 1,014 domestic shuffle flights—the highest on record—plus 199 deportation flights, which is above historic levels.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
Trump Administration Conducts 10,067 Immigration Enforcement Flights in Less Than 10 Months
Human Rights First finds ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Human Rights Watch's ICE Flight Monitor documented 10,672 total flights during the Trump admin. October alone saw a record 1,014 domestic shuffle flights—the highest on record—plus 199 deportation flights, which is above historic levels.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
The official Department of Justice recruitment page is saying the quiet part out loud: they don’t care about law, they only care about deportations. Flagrant. False. Possibly illegal. This is why many of us have advocated for an independent immigration court for years. 
November 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
The official Department of Justice recruitment page is saying the quiet part out loud: they don’t care about law, they only care about deportations. Flagrant. False. Possibly illegal. This is why many of us have advocated for an independent immigration court for years. 
Donald Trump used false claims about immigrant crime rates in Chicago to justify sending a surge of ICE officers to “crack down” on crime. New federal disclosures show the crackdown mostly targeted people who posed little to no public-safety risk.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/ices-enfor...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/ices-enfor...
ICE's Enforcement Blitz in Chicago Shows Familiar Pattern: 78% of Arrests are "Low Risk" According to Government's Own Data
New federal disclosures through ongoing Castañon Nava Settlement reveal that Chicago’s immigration crackdown overwhelmingly targeted people who pose little to no public safety risk.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Donald Trump used false claims about immigrant crime rates in Chicago to justify sending a surge of ICE officers to “crack down” on crime. New federal disclosures show the crackdown mostly targeted people who posed little to no public-safety risk.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/ices-enfor...
austinkocher.substack.com/p/ices-enfor...