Death Threats Against Federal Agents Continue
Illegal Aliens in Dallas & Chicago Arrested
THE WEEK’S US BORDER NEWS IN BRIEF:
This week’s U.S. immigration and border security news includes another arrest for threats against federal agents, federal crackdowns in Chicago and Los Angeles, contract awards for new border wall construction, and new visa policies.
Death Threats & Detainee Deaths
Death threats against Feds Continue: DHS announced the arrest of an illegal alien in Dallas who had allegedly offered $10,000 on TikTok for the murder of ICE agents. His arrest follows that of another illegal alien in Chicago the week before, for allegedly offering a similar bounty for the killing of a Border Patrol officer there.
Targeted enforcement operations: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been conducting widespread enforcement actions.
Illinois: Under “Operation Midway Blitz,” more than 1,500 people have been arrested in the state since the operation began. A federal judge questioned DHS’s credibility in these operations and is now requiring agents with body cameras to use them during encounters with protesters.
Massachusetts: Operation Patriot 2.0 resulted in more than 1,400 arrests.
ICE detainee deaths: The American Immigration Council reports that 2025 has been the deadliest year for ICE detainees since 2004, with 25 deaths this fiscal year. Reasons cited include overcrowding, medical neglect, and mental distress.
Southern Border Security
Border wall construction: DHS has awarded $4.5 billion in contracts to build roughly 230 miles of new land and aquatic barriers. Construction is being expedited through the waiver of multiple laws, including environmental protections.
Drug smuggling: DHS officials reported significant drug seizures, including fentanyl, in the past week as part of continued counter-smuggling efforts. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized over $738,000 in cocaine at the Hidalgo Port of Entry.
Legal and Administrative Updates
Work permit ruling upheld: The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal challenging work permits for H-1B visa spouses, leaving a previous lower-court ruling in place.
New parole fee: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a new $1,000 fee, effective October 16, for individuals paroled or re-paroled into the U.S.. Mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, the fee is intended to deter fraud and abuse of the parole system.
H-1B visa lawsuit: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the administration over a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
FINALLY, IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
(Stories covered by US Border News during the past week)
“Operation Pacific Viper” hits hard
Smugglers in the cross hairs
A US Border News UPDATE
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Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
Jack holy moly! It's a dangerous game those thugs are playing. They should be arrested, charged and jailed for a long long time.