Good morning. We are launching our live coverage of US politics today as the Trump administration escalates a series of hardline attacks against immigrant communities, including a sweeping new visa halt and inflammatory rhetoric from the President himself.
President's Xenophobic Outburst and ICE Crackdown
In a cabinet meeting yesterday, President Donald Trump launched into a xenophobic rant, reportedly referring to Somali immigrants as "garbage." He stated, "I don't want them in our country," and said they should "go back to where they came from." This verbal attack coincides with emerging reports that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are preparing to launch targeted crackdowns on Somali communities in the state of Minnesota.
Complete Immigration Halt for 19 Nations
In a dramatic policy move, the administration has now brought to a complete stop all immigration processes for citizens from 19 specific nations. The affected countries include Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Haiti. While a partial travel ban against these 19 non-European countries has been in place since June, this latest action freezes all stages of the immigration journey.
This total halt includes the processing of green cards and applications for US citizenship. With no indication of how long this pause will last, the move throws the futures of countless individuals and families into disarray, ensuring prolonged separation and legal limbo.
Consequences and Human Impact
The combined effect of the President's rhetoric and these severe policy actions creates a climate of fear and uncertainty. Families with pending applications are now left in a state of suspension, unsure when or if they will be reunited. The targeting of specific nationalities, particularly through the reported ICE operations, marks a significant intensification of the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.
This blog will continue to track the fallout from these developments, providing key details and context as the situation evolves. I'm Frances Mao, and I'll be guiding you through the day's events.
