US Customs and Border Protection faces scrutiny over drone incidents, arrests, and immigration tactics amid rising tensions and legal challenges.
Federal immigration officers in Minneapolis detained activists following reports of them trailing agent vehicles. The arrests occurred amid ongoing tensions after the departure of a key Border Patrol official. Community networks continue to organize protests and tracking efforts despite recent shifts in enforcement tactics.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minnesota, was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers on January 7. The FBI now leads the federal probe, after initial statements suggested Pretti brandished a gun, which videos later contradicted. The case raises questions about police conduct and investigation transparency.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security faces a government shutdown over funding disputes, with Democrats demanding reforms to ICE following fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Congressional hearings are underway to investigate use of force by federal immigration agents amid protests and political tension.
Federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota is winding down after a controversial surge led by border czar Tom Homan. The operation, criticized as an 'occupation,' caused economic and social disruptions. Officials expect the withdrawal to be completed soon, but tensions and skepticism remain high.
As of Saturday, a partial US government shutdown began after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The impasse centers on Democrats' demands for stricter immigration enforcement reforms following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Essential DHS operations continue without pay, affecting agencies like TSA and FEMA, while negotiations remain stalled.
Recent use of military-grade laser technology by U.S. border officials near El Paso caused FAA airspace shutdowns and raised safety questions. The incidents highlight inter-agency coordination issues amid escalating drone threats and military technology deployment without full oversight.
On February 26, 2026, the Pentagon used a high-energy laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, marking the second such incident in two weeks near the US-Mexico border. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expanded a temporary airspace closure around Fort Hancock, though commercial flights were unaffected. Lawmakers criticized poor inter-agency coordination and called for investigations.
A family of asylum seekers from Colombia has been deported to Colombia after detention in San Francisco, despite concerns over medical needs and due process. Meanwhile, a Honduran student at Babson College has refused a deportation flight, citing lack of proper legal notification. Both cases highlight ongoing issues with US immigration enforcement and legal procedures.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is exploring the possibility of removing customs processing services from sanctuary cities with international airports. This move aims to pressure jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, potentially disrupting international travel and affecting major airports like SFO and LAX. The proposal has drawn criticism from California officials and immigration advocates.
Todd Lyons has announced he will step down as acting ICE chief on May 31, transitioning to the private sector. His departure follows criticism of ICE's enforcement practices, including fatal shootings and allegations of misconduct. Lyons has led efforts to arrest and remove migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement.