Legislative Updates
Tracking federal and state legislation, policy changes, and legal developments that affect immigrants and detained individuals.
Critical New Changes to Immigration Appeals Process
Significant changes have been made to the immigration appeals process affecting how cases are reviewed and decided. These changes impact timelines, filing requirements, and procedural rules for individuals seeking to appeal immigration decisions. Understanding these new procedures is crucial for anyone currently in or planning to enter the appeals process.
Source: Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Castañon Nava Consent Decree: Case Update (Post-Extension)
The consent decree remains in full force while three motions to enforce for repeated, material violations are pending. The Seventh Circuit denied DHS's request to stay the decree's October 2025 extension. A district court judge ruled that ICE's new January 2026 warrantless arrest policy violates the decree and ordered DHS to recirculate the policy nationwide. Individuals arrested without a warrant within the ICE Chicago Field Office (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas) may be eligible for release without conditions. If you believe someone's arrest violated the decree, please report it using the referral form below.
Source: National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
