On Tuesday, June 9th, the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights hosted a virtual Immigration Briefing with our community partners to cover the most recent updates in immigration.
As always, none of the below should be considered legal advice! The federal policy and legal landscape around immigration is changing rapidly, so any of the information below may soon be out of date. If you’re concerned that any of these updates may impact you, we recommend getting an immigration screening from an attorney. Visit illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/legal to get connected with legal support.
Immigration Enforcement Updates
We have seen a significant uptick in ICE activity over the past few weeks in Chicago. Last Tuesday, in Albany Park, federal agents engaged in a chaotic chase and detainment, tasing a man they were attempting to detain, crashing into a woman’s car, dropping a live round of ammunition in a crowded neighborhood, and threatening residents who were documenting the incident.
As of last Friday, CPD has closed its investigation into the case and classified the crash as “non-criminal.” We are working to get answers from CPD on why they closed the investigation, and whether it was thoroughly investigated before being closed.
This latest incident is one of dozens where federal immigration agents appear to have broken our laws. And yet, as of today, no charges have been filed against them in Illinois. While bringing charges against federal agents in state courts is challenging, it is important that we pursue all mechanisms for holding agents accountable, given that the federal administration shows no signs of reining in this unlawful behavior.
In addition to Albany Park, we have also seen a lot of immigration enforcement activity inside and outside of courthouses, in violation of State Law, which prohibits immigration enforcement operations within 1,000 feet of a courthouse. Community members are responding by engaging in courtwatch and court accompaniment efforts, so we encourage you to get involved if you can! You can submit a volunteer interest form with the Sanctuary Working Group.
Special Prosecutor Petition for Operation Midway Blitz
The petition for a Special Prosecutor to investigate federal immigration agent misconduct during Operation Midway Blitz—which was filed after State Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke refused to launch an investigation from her office—was denied by a Cook County judge. While there is a multitude of evidence for federal misconduct during the Blitz, the judge found that the burden of initiating the investigation falls on law enforcement agencies, like the Chicago Police Department. We will continue to advocate for the Chicago Police Department to investigate allegations of misconduct, and any Chicago residents who wish to open a criminal complaint can do so by seeking legal counsel to determine whether filing a complaint with CPD is a meaningful option.
Federal Policy Updates
Let’s start with the good news: a federal court blocked the halt on legal immigration benefits for nationals of 39 countries. In November 2025, USCIS suspended the processing of immigration benefits for nationals of 39 countries after the shooting of two members of the National Guard. However, a federal judge ruled that this policy was unlawful because USCIS lacked the authority and legal basis to indefinitely suspend immigration benefits. They also found that these policies were in violation of laws that make it illegal for the government to discriminate on the basis of nationality for visa decisions.
The decision requires USCIS to begin processing hundreds of thousands of suspended applications, though it unfortunately does not affect the separate pause on immigrant visas for countries under the travel ban. There is also a chance the decision may be appealed, so we will continue to monitor.
TPS Updates
The Supreme Court heard arguments about the administration’s attempts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Haiti and Syria. Their decision is anticipated within the next month, and while it is focused on Haiti and Syria, it may impact TPS for other countries as well.
In the meantime, TPS for Lebanon was extended through Nov 27th, 2026.
USCIS Updates
Adjustment of Status Memo
A recent USCIS memo represents a significant change under adjustment of status. The new policy of the USCIS is to characterize adjustment of status as “extraordinary relief,” rather than a normal path to citizenship. USCIS agents have been instructed to direct applicants who wish for permanent status to leave the country and apply through the consular process.
This represents a significant change from decades of established practice. Adjustment of status from within the United States has been available to eligible applicants for decades. This is yet another way in which the Trump administration is attempting to subvert legal pathways to immigration.
Importantly: a memo is not a law. It is simply an instruction to agents on how to make decisions. Since this news came out, USCIS has clarified that the memo will not prevent qualified applicants from applying and obtaining an adjustment of status. However, those undergoing the application process may face increased uncertainty and inconsistencies in decisions on individual cases.
DACA Delays
There have been significant delays to both new applications and renewals for DACA status. Applicants are facing delays of six months or longer. These delays have created constant uncertainty, putting people at risk of losing their jobs and facing potential deportation. The Trump administration’s campaign of mass deportation has already taken a massive toll on our communities and our economy, and it is now putting the lives of those who have spent their lives in this country, contributing to our communities, at risk.
DACA applicants and current recipients are advised to file renewals at least 150 days before they expire, and to reach out to their Congressional representatives if they are facing delays. You can learn more here.
If you want to hear more about the administration’s attacks on DACA and how they are impacting Chicagoans, join us this Thursday for a Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights meeting, where we will host a subject matter hearing and vote on a resolution calling on Members of Congress to preserve and expand DACA protections.
- When: Thursday, June 11th, 10:15am
- Where: City Hall (121 N LaSalle), 2nd Floor City Council Chambers
- Visit 40thward.org/CIRR to find out how to give public comment!
Work Permit Authorization Barriers for Asylum Seekers
There have been significant delays and inconsistencies when it comes to work permits for asylum seekers. Currently, asylum seekers are able to apply for a work permit after 150 days, and are eligible to receive a work permit after 180 days. This puts asylum seekers in a difficult position of having to wait for half a year to be able to work and support their families.
The new proposed rule would increase the waiting period from 180 days to 365 days, and empower the USCIS to pause on accepting work permit applications anytime processing exceeds 180 days. It may also add additional eligibility requirements, making it more difficult for asylum seekers to be able to work legally within the U.S.
Work permits used to be valid for 5 years, but will now only be valid for 18 months. Every time they apply, they will be forced to pay a new renewal fee.
The Trump administration’s budget bill instituted new annual fees for asylum, requiring asylum applicants to pay a fee for each year that their application for asylum is pending.
Failure to pay within 30 days of notifications may result in:
- Rejection of the pending asylum application
- Denial of pending asylum-based work permit applications (Form I-765)
- Immediate loss of existing asylum-based work authorization
- Possible initiation of removal proceedings for individuals without lawful status
It’s important for asylum applicants to keep their address updated with USCIS to make sure you receive notifications of any fees.
Immigration Court Updates
One of the latest attempts from the Trump administration to circumvent due process for immigrants is their strategy of conducting mass hearings for unrepresented immigrants.
During these hearings, groups of 30 or more people, many of whom are without legal representation, appear before a single Immigration judge. These mass hearings represent significant risks for due process violations, especially because people can be pressured to sign forms that may jeopardize their case and put them at risk of deportation.
Everyone at immigration court has a right to a fair hearing. If you have an upcoming court hearing, please remember your rights:
- You have the right to consult with an attorney
- You have the right to know what evidence the government seeks to use against you
- You have the right to fight your case
- You have the right to due process
Detention Center Updates
The administration is continuing to expand its detention centers by purchasing privately owned detention facilities and warehouses to repurpose them as ICE detention centers.
As of May 2026, the Department of Homeland Security has spent a staggering $1.07 billion on purchasing eleven warehouse facilities, and is currently looking to speed up the timeline to construct these facilities. This will result in less oversight and faster timelines for constructing detention centers. Given the inhumane conditions of current detention centers, these new and hastily constructed facilities are likely to continue those human rights violations. We have already lost nineteen lives this year in ICE detention, and we are on pace to break the record for the number of lives lost in ICE detention for this year.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib introduced the Ban Warehouse Detention Act, which would prevent the administration from establishing or operating any new immigration detention center models, including warehouses. States including New Jersey and Maryland have been successful in temporarily blocking proposed warehouses in their state, using environmental and zoning rules to stop these warehouses from being converted into detention centers. Illinois has also passed a law banning detention centers from being built near homes or schools. within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, daycare centers, cemeteries, public parks, forest preserves, private residences, and public housing.
State Updates
State legislators passed a bill to preserve funding for immigrant services in Illinois, including:
- Funding for legal services to immigrants, which was kept level at $40 million
- Food assistance for lawfully present immigrants did not make the final state budget, but the state-funded food assistance program avoided a $15 million cut.
- Health benefits for immigrants also maintained level funding at $45M
Ashley’s Bill (HB 4890) was also signed into law! This bill creates a pathway for immigrant children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by both parents and living in shelters in Illinois to file petitions with the court to allow them to begin the process of seeking permanent legal status.
Good News!
- On May 22nd, a federal judge dismissed a criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia!
- On June 5th, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from pausing asylum, green card, and other immigration applications.
Calls to Action
There are several opportunities this month to make your voice heard by your city and federal representatives, and to support immigrants and refugees in our city!
- Stop additional funding for mass detention and deportation
- Volunteer for Court Accompaniment
- ICE has been active outside courthouses, in defiance of Illinois State law. If you’d like to volunteer to accompany individuals and families to their court appearances, submit a volunteer interest form with the Sanctuary Working Group.
For more on how you can support immigrants and refugees in our communities, visit the CIRR Protecting Immigrant Rights page and Illinois Immigration Info to find out how you can get more involved.
The next immigration briefing will be on Tuesday, June 14th at 1pm! Register at bit.ly/CIRRBriefing.hese and other upcoming events at 40thward.org/CIRREvents!
The next immigration briefing will be on Tuesday, June 9th at 1pm! Register at bit.ly/CIRRBriefing.