ICE expands expedited removal policy beyond 100 miles of US borders

The Columbia Heights Public School District held a presentation on March 11, 2025, focusing on critical immigration topics, including accelerated deportation and the U Visa. The session aimed to inform attendees about their rights and the implications of current immigration policies.

The discussion began with an explanation of accelerated deportation, a process affecting individuals who have entered the United States without legal authorization and have lived in the country for less than two years. Under this policy, individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) do not have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and can be swiftly deported. Previously, this policy applied only to those arrested within 100 miles of the U.S. border, but recent changes have expanded its reach to anywhere in the country, increasing the risk for undocumented individuals.

The presentation highlighted that many workers, particularly in construction, could be affected by these changes, especially in states like Minnesota, which shares a border with Canada. The speaker emphasized that if someone is arrested and expresses fear of returning to their home country, there may be a way to contest the deportation, although this process can be challenging.

The second major topic covered was the U Visa, designed to protect individuals who assist law enforcement in investigating serious crimes. This visa can provide legal status to those who have suffered severe crimes, such as assault or kidnapping, and have cooperated with authorities. The speaker noted that while the U Visa offers a pathway to legal status and includes provisions to forgive certain immigration violations, applicants may face long wait times due to a cap of 10,000 visas issued annually.

Overall, the meeting served as an essential resource for community members, providing crucial information about their rights and the complexities of immigration law in the current political climate.