Kathleen Bush-Joseph
@kathleenbush.bsky.social
Attorney at the Migration Policy Institute. Posts are my own. Retweets are not endorsements. Updates on immigration related court cases and policy. [email protected]
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Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Kathleen Bush-Joseph is a lawyer and Policy Analyst with MPI's U.S. Immigration Policy Program.
www.migrationpolicy.org
I research & write about asylum, litigation & deportations. You can read some of my work here: www.migrationpolicy.org/about/staff/...
Before joining MPI, I represented unaccompanied immigrant kids @nijc.bsky.social in Chicago
& before that, I worked at the United Nations in Geneva
Before joining MPI, I represented unaccompanied immigrant kids @nijc.bsky.social in Chicago
& before that, I worked at the United Nations in Geneva
Sharing a non-immigration but still border related story today:
‘I could not go backwards’: The ultracyclist whose world record attempt ended in a Russian prison
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
‘I could not go backwards’: The ultracyclist whose world record attempt ended in a Russian prison
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
‘I could not go backwards’: The ultracyclist whose world record attempt ended in a Russian prison
After riding for 17,900km, Sofiane Sehili chose to illegally cross from China to Russia – it was a decision he came to regret
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Sharing a non-immigration but still border related story today:
‘I could not go backwards’: The ultracyclist whose world record attempt ended in a Russian prison
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
‘I could not go backwards’: The ultracyclist whose world record attempt ended in a Russian prison
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
"A longtime ICE official told me Bovino is “out of control,” and warned that his expanding role will lead to the detention of more U.S. citizens and “more hate and more violence.”"
NEW Every State is a Border Patrol State — why the Trump admin wants border agents to take over the mass deportation campaign and deliver the arrest numbers ICE has missed www.theatlantic.com/politics/202... @theatlantic.com
The Green Machine
Why the Border Patrol–not ICE—is taking over Trump’s mass-deportation campaign
www.theatlantic.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"A longtime ICE official told me Bovino is “out of control,” and warned that his expanding role will lead to the detention of more U.S. citizens and “more hate and more violence.”"
DC Circ. Says Process In Expedited Removals Likely Unlawful
A split D.C. Circuit panel on Saturday largely refused to pause a lower court's postponement of the government's expanded bid to rapidly deport unauthorized noncitizens
From @law360.bsky.social
www.law360.com/articles/241...
A split D.C. Circuit panel on Saturday largely refused to pause a lower court's postponement of the government's expanded bid to rapidly deport unauthorized noncitizens
From @law360.bsky.social
www.law360.com/articles/241...
DC Circ. Says Process In Expedited Removals Likely Unlawful - Law360
A split D.C. Circuit panel on Saturday largely refused to pause a lower court's postponement of the government's expanded bid to rapidly deport unauthorized noncitizens, saying the government likely w...
www.law360.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
DC Circ. Says Process In Expedited Removals Likely Unlawful
A split D.C. Circuit panel on Saturday largely refused to pause a lower court's postponement of the government's expanded bid to rapidly deport unauthorized noncitizens
From @law360.bsky.social
www.law360.com/articles/241...
A split D.C. Circuit panel on Saturday largely refused to pause a lower court's postponement of the government's expanded bid to rapidly deport unauthorized noncitizens
From @law360.bsky.social
www.law360.com/articles/241...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
NEW data I've received: Just 5% of people detained by ICE since October 1 have had violent criminal convictions, 3/4 had no criminal convictions at all. Most "criminals" had immigration, traffic, and vice offenses. Not the "worst of the worst"...
November 24, 2025 at 11:33 PM
NEW data I've received: Just 5% of people detained by ICE since October 1 have had violent criminal convictions, 3/4 had no criminal convictions at all. Most "criminals" had immigration, traffic, and vice offenses. Not the "worst of the worst"...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Some parents have already been detained when they came forward to try to get their children released from shelters. “They are using the kids as bait,” said one attorney. 6/
November 24, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Some parents have already been detained when they came forward to try to get their children released from shelters. “They are using the kids as bait,” said one attorney. 6/
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
We also learned that children crossing the border alone are being warned that if they don’t choose to leave the country, they will face prolonged detention and their parents could be arrested. 5/
November 24, 2025 at 6:58 PM
We also learned that children crossing the border alone are being warned that if they don’t choose to leave the country, they will face prolonged detention and their parents could be arrested. 5/
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
NEW: Today we published a new investigation into something happening largely out of view: immigrant kids getting separated from their families and placed in federal shelters, in some cases after something as mundane as a traffic stop🧵 1/
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
ICE Sent 600 Immigrant Kids to Detention in Federal Shelters This Year. It’s a New Record.
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. New data suggests separations are happening all over the count...
www.propublica.org
November 24, 2025 at 6:58 PM
NEW: Today we published a new investigation into something happening largely out of view: immigrant kids getting separated from their families and placed in federal shelters, in some cases after something as mundane as a traffic stop🧵 1/
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
“28% of contractors, as of late August, say they’ve been either directly or indirectly impacted by enhanced ICE enforcement... Complete Roofing Solutions in D.C. closed... the company said its crews were terrified of working in the city.”
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
In Washington D.C., contractors face labor shortages due to ICE raid threats
The same fear is hitting job sites nationwide.
www.marketplace.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:34 PM
“28% of contractors, as of late August, say they’ve been either directly or indirectly impacted by enhanced ICE enforcement... Complete Roofing Solutions in D.C. closed... the company said its crews were terrified of working in the city.”
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
Invading Venezuela could have a big effect on Stephen Miller's mass deportation campaign
Would Venezuela really take back its deported nationals after a US invasion?
If not, would Mexico agree to take more Venezuelans? Other countries in the region?
Would Venezuela really take back its deported nationals after a US invasion?
If not, would Mexico agree to take more Venezuelans? Other countries in the region?
November 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Invading Venezuela could have a big effect on Stephen Miller's mass deportation campaign
Would Venezuela really take back its deported nationals after a US invasion?
If not, would Mexico agree to take more Venezuelans? Other countries in the region?
Would Venezuela really take back its deported nationals after a US invasion?
If not, would Mexico agree to take more Venezuelans? Other countries in the region?
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Rep. Salazar on Venezuela: "We're about to go in ... we need to go in ... Venezuela for the American oil companies will be a field day"
November 24, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Rep. Salazar on Venezuela: "We're about to go in ... we need to go in ... Venezuela for the American oil companies will be a field day"
If you missed this morning's webinar on the US immigration courts, you can check the recording out on Youtube at the link here:
with comments from former immigration judge Kyra Lilien & Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, Executive Director of the Galveston Houston Immigrant Representation Project
with comments from former immigration judge Kyra Lilien & Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, Executive Director of the Galveston Houston Immigrant Representation Project
U.S. Immigration Courts at a Crisis Point - Nov. 24
YouTube video by Migration Policy Institute
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
If you missed this morning's webinar on the US immigration courts, you can check the recording out on Youtube at the link here:
with comments from former immigration judge Kyra Lilien & Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, Executive Director of the Galveston Houston Immigrant Representation Project
with comments from former immigration judge Kyra Lilien & Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, Executive Director of the Galveston Houston Immigrant Representation Project
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
I'd encourage you to read the full immigration court story, but we did a slideshow of the illustrations here that includes some of our key findings.
Few people have attorneys. There's a huge case backlog. And the usual court transparency rules don't always apply.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Few people have attorneys. There's a huge case backlog. And the usual court transparency rules don't always apply.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Inside Hartford immigration court: Quick hearings, long waits, no cameras
A reporter and illustrator with CT Insider spent a week in Hartford Immigration Court, where recording and photography aren't allowed.
www.ctinsider.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:10 PM
I'd encourage you to read the full immigration court story, but we did a slideshow of the illustrations here that includes some of our key findings.
Few people have attorneys. There's a huge case backlog. And the usual court transparency rules don't always apply.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Few people have attorneys. There's a huge case backlog. And the usual court transparency rules don't always apply.
www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Federal corrections officers fleeing to go work for ICE has real consequences for the lockups they leave behind, including less programming and fewer health care services for inmates.
➡️ Read our full story: https://propub.li/3LZlde3
➡️ Read our full story: https://propub.li/3LZlde3
November 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Federal corrections officers fleeing to go work for ICE has real consequences for the lockups they leave behind, including less programming and fewer health care services for inmates.
➡️ Read our full story: https://propub.li/3LZlde3
➡️ Read our full story: https://propub.li/3LZlde3
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
I’ve been REALLY reticent to use the term “disappear” to refer to people arrested by immigration enforcement, even when there’s now routinely a lag of hours or days before loved ones know where they’re being held.
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
A man missing for weeks and the immigration system that lost him
Vicente Ventura Aguilar got picked up last month, but his family doesn’t know if he’s dead or alive. ICE says he’s not in their system, so they say they can’t help.
www.ms.now
November 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I’ve been REALLY reticent to use the term “disappear” to refer to people arrested by immigration enforcement, even when there’s now routinely a lag of hours or days before loved ones know where they’re being held.
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Judge blocks IRS from sharing data with DHS for immigration enforcement
Judge blocks IRS from sharing data with DHS for immigration enforcement
A federal judge blocked the Internal Revenue Service from sharing data with immigration enforcement officials, ruling that the tax agency violated federal law and individual rights in its support for ...
www.washingtonpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Judge blocks IRS from sharing data with DHS for immigration enforcement
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
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...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
The Trump administration imposed the penalties under a dormant provision of immigration statute for violations like unlawful entry or failure to comply with removal orders. That's led to fines of nearly $2 million levied against some immigrants.
Migrant Advocates Sue ICE to Halt Civil Immigration Penalties
A civil penalty regime that’s led to fines of nearly $2 million for some immigrants is unlawful and should be set aside, an immigrant advocacy group argued in a new complaint.
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The Trump administration imposed the penalties under a dormant provision of immigration statute for violations like unlawful entry or failure to comply with removal orders. That's led to fines of nearly $2 million levied against some immigrants.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
An ICE civil penalty regime for immigration violations violates the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional protections, @the-ilrc.bsky.social argues in a new lawsuit Thursday.
Migrant Advocates Sue ICE to Halt Civil Immigration Penalties
A civil penalty regime that’s led to fines of nearly $2 million for some immigrants is unlawful and should be set aside, an immigrant advocacy group argued in a new complaint.
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:09 PM
An ICE civil penalty regime for immigration violations violates the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional protections, @the-ilrc.bsky.social argues in a new lawsuit Thursday.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
After more than two months with no updates, ICE has finally released new detention statistics.
ICE reports a total of 65,135 detainees as of Nov. 16, 2025.
www.ice.gov/detain/deten...
ICE reports a total of 65,135 detainees as of Nov. 16, 2025.
www.ice.gov/detain/deten...
Detention Management
www.ice.gov
November 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM
After more than two months with no updates, ICE has finally released new detention statistics.
ICE reports a total of 65,135 detainees as of Nov. 16, 2025.
www.ice.gov/detain/deten...
ICE reports a total of 65,135 detainees as of Nov. 16, 2025.
www.ice.gov/detain/deten...
Colleen flags that history continues to repeat itself as the Trump administration's enforcement actions target workers more than employers.
Increased immigration enforcement, especially at workplaces, may bring the 30-year old E-Verify program back into the national conversation.
But the administration remains amibavlent about the program-both touting its use and warning against reliance.
Read more in MPI's latest
bit.ly/MPIeverify
But the administration remains amibavlent about the program-both touting its use and warning against reliance.
Read more in MPI's latest
bit.ly/MPIeverify
Employment Verification: The Next Front for U.S. Immigration Enforcement?
E-Verify has been heralded as a key way to control unauthorized immigration to the United States, but federal efforts to expand the system stalled. There has been movement at the state level over the ...
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Colleen flags that history continues to repeat itself as the Trump administration's enforcement actions target workers more than employers.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Increased immigration enforcement, especially at workplaces, may bring the 30-year old E-Verify program back into the national conversation.
But the administration remains amibavlent about the program-both touting its use and warning against reliance.
Read more in MPI's latest
bit.ly/MPIeverify
But the administration remains amibavlent about the program-both touting its use and warning against reliance.
Read more in MPI's latest
bit.ly/MPIeverify
Employment Verification: The Next Front for U.S. Immigration Enforcement?
E-Verify has been heralded as a key way to control unauthorized immigration to the United States, but federal efforts to expand the system stalled. There has been movement at the state level over the ...
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Increased immigration enforcement, especially at workplaces, may bring the 30-year old E-Verify program back into the national conversation.
But the administration remains amibavlent about the program-both touting its use and warning against reliance.
Read more in MPI's latest
bit.ly/MPIeverify
But the administration remains amibavlent about the program-both touting its use and warning against reliance.
Read more in MPI's latest
bit.ly/MPIeverify
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
#BREAKING The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a short-term administrative stay of the order from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings that aimed to release as many as 615 people detained by ICE.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
November 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
#BREAKING The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a short-term administrative stay of the order from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings that aimed to release as many as 615 people detained by ICE.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
That means their release is on hold.
Oral arguments 12/2.
45,000 North Carolina students absent Tuesday as immigration crackdown expands
www.borderreport.com/immigration/...
www.borderreport.com/immigration/...
www.borderreport.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM
45,000 North Carolina students absent Tuesday as immigration crackdown expands
www.borderreport.com/immigration/...
www.borderreport.com/immigration/...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious, The Associated Press has found.
Border Patrol is monitoring US drivers and detaining those with 'suspicious' travel patterns
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious
www.independent.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious, The Associated Press has found.
"Migrants thought they were in court for a routine hearing. Instead, it was a deportation trap
...Since May 15, when courthouse sweeps began, migrants have filed more than 3,000 habeas corpus petitions — to determine if someone is lawfully held in custody — seeking release."
...Since May 15, when courthouse sweeps began, migrants have filed more than 3,000 habeas corpus petitions — to determine if someone is lawfully held in custody — seeking release."
Migrants thought they were in court for a routine hearing. Instead, it was a deportation trap
The nation's immigration courts have undergone a fundamental change under the administration of President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:13 PM
"Migrants thought they were in court for a routine hearing. Instead, it was a deportation trap
...Since May 15, when courthouse sweeps began, migrants have filed more than 3,000 habeas corpus petitions — to determine if someone is lawfully held in custody — seeking release."
...Since May 15, when courthouse sweeps began, migrants have filed more than 3,000 habeas corpus petitions — to determine if someone is lawfully held in custody — seeking release."