‘Empty building sites’: North Carolina immigration crackdown sparks fear among workers

The Trump administration has halted all visa processing and asylum decisions for Afghan passport holders, a move that could affect tens of thousands, including those evacuated during U.S. operations. This decision follows a shooting incident involving an Afghan national, raising concerns about security and immigration policies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has significantly weakened its oversight system that addresses civil rights violations, particularly concerning immigration detention, raising concerns among former officials about potential human rights abuses under the Trump administration. This dismantling coincides with an increase in aggressive immigration enforcement operations across the country.

Top officials from the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are convening with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida this weekend. This meeting follows the resignation of Ukraine's chief negotiator, Andrii Yermak, amid an anti-corruption investigation, highlighting the urgency of the discussions.

Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to the US government as part of a deal to restore federal research funding and conclude investigations into the university's handling of antisemitism allegations. This agreement follows a significant funding cut of $790 million imposed by the Trump administration, which had claimed the university failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus.

Hacked documents from the Heritage Foundation reveal that applicants for Project 2025, aimed at creating a talent pool for the Trump administration, cited Nazi theorists and other far-right figures as influences on their political beliefs. Some applicants who referenced these extremist ideologies have secured positions within the administration, while others did not.

Chicago has become a focal point of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, with over 800 arrests made by ICE as of October 1, 2025. The use of violent tactics, including teargas and aggressive arrests, has instilled fear within the community. In response, local faith leaders have emerged as key figures in the resistance against these actions, advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected.