Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified over 400 migrants brought into the U.S. by an ISIS-affiliated network, labeling them as “subjects of concern,” according to a recent NBC News report. Of these individuals, about 50 remain unaccounted for, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are actively seeking to arrest them on immigration charges. Approximately 150 have been apprehended, with some already deported, and officials are aware of the whereabouts of 17 more who could be arrested soon. Others may have voluntarily left the country. A senior official explained that the potential ties to ISIS prompted heightened scrutiny…

The European Union (EU) has enhanced the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) efforts to support Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals in Moldova. This initiative, part of the action titled “Addressing urgent humanitarian needs of the vulnerable refugees and third country nationals in the Republic of Moldova,” aims to provide vital assistance throughout 2024. As of June 11, 2024, the EU has allocated €1.2 million to strengthen IOM’s intervention. This funding will ensure that vulnerable refugees and third-country nationals receive multi-purpose cash assistance and protection services. The primary focus is on those at risk of being excluded from other humanitarian efforts,…

In the weeks following President Biden’s new asylum restrictions, illegal border crossings have dropped significantly. According to administration officials, illegal crossings have dropped by more than 40 percent, marking the lowest levels since Biden took office. Recent data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shows that U.S. agents have been taking fewer than 2,400 migrants into custody per day, compared to over 3,800 at the beginning of June. This reduction is particularly noticeable in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, a historically busy migration corridor. Areas where migrant families typically cross in large groups have seen a sharp…

For LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing violence and discrimination in their home countries, the UK does not always provide the safe haven they hope for. A new report reveals that LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in the UK face dangerous living conditions, homophobic abuse from Home Office contractors, and sexual harassment. The SEREDA report, released today by the University of Birmingham and Rainbow Migration, gathered data from 15 asylum seekers and 14 service providers across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The report highlights that the UK, once the most LGBTQ-friendly place in Europe, now struggles to provide safety for queer asylum seekers. “Queer…

In an effort to tackle the ongoing migration issue, the British government made a significant decision two years ago. The plan was to stop migrants from illegally entering the UK by sending those who arrived on makeshift boats to Rwanda, a small country in central Africa. The UK government hoped that by outsourcing the asylum process, they could better manage the influx of migrants seeking refuge in Britain. The British government invested heavily in this initiative, providing Rwanda with a substantial down payment of £120 million (approximately $150 million). The plan was for Rwanda to prepare to host thousands of…

In a landmark decision, the Nova Scotia Labour Board has ordered Lower Wedgeport-based Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd. to compensate a group of eight migrant workers from Mexico with more than $23,000. This compensation is for various grievances including wage deductions, missing hours, and inadequate pay upon termination notice. The case, which began with complaints filed in September 2021, underscores significant issues faced by migrant workers in Canada. The workers, employed in multiple seasons by Ocean Pride Fisheries, alleged they were terminated without proper notice after attempting to address unsatisfactory working conditions. The Labour Board’s chair, Jasmine Walsh, highlighted the distressing…

On June 25th, 2024, the Turkish Coast Guard undertook a significant humanitarian mission by rescuing 34 irregular migrants, including 10 children, off the coast of Ayvacık district. The operation was prompted by reports that these migrants had been pushed back into Turkish waters from Greece, underscoring the complexities and humanitarian concerns at the maritime border. The rescue was initiated following actionable intelligence received by the Coast Guard, leading to the deployment of the TCSG-905 vessel. Despite challenging conditions at sea, all individuals were successfully retrieved and brought to safety. After the rescue, the migrants were transferred to the Foreigners Repatriation…

Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and gender-expansive individuals in the food industry for the past 15 years, has introduced a new five-week culinary training program specifically designed for new immigrants. This initiative, called the Culinary Career Pathways for New New Yorkers program, aims to equip migrants with culinary skills and provide them with access to professional opportunities in the food sector. Participants receive a MetroCard and a weekly stipend to support their involvement. The program features bilingual instructors and successful alumni like Kandy Williams, who brings valuable industry experience to the training sessions. Leslie Abbey,…

Michael DeBruhl, a 67-year-old El Paso native, has had a unique and transformative career. From working as a border patrol agent, detaining migrants and enforcing U.S. border laws, he now directs a migrant reception center, welcoming new arrivals and assisting them in their initial days in the country. DeBruhl’s journey began in the mid-1980s when he transitioned from being a teacher to joining Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after attending a job fair. Influenced by his father’s long career at the ports of entry, DeBruhl was drawn to the stability and benefits offered by CBP. He soon learned from his…

Former President Donald Trump once again used harsh language towards immigrants during two separate events on Saturday. He proposed the idea of a migrant fight club to UFC President Dana White, suggesting that a league of migrant fighters could compete against the UFC’s regular fighters. Trump shared this idea at a Faith & Freedom Coalition gathering in Washington, telling the audience, “I said, ‘Dana, I have an idea. Why don’t you set up a migrant league of fighters and have your regular league of fighters. And then you have the champion of your league fight the champion of the migrants.…