THE WEEK’S US BORDER NEWS IN BRIEF:
Major news developments this week (October 24-31, 2025) in U.S. border security and immigration include agents donning Halloween masks in Los Angeles, DHS reporting a large number of illegal alien removals, ongoing legal challenges to enforcement actions, and a drastic reduction in the refugee admissions cap.
DHS Agents Don Halloween Masks
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, members of an LA organization called the Harbor Island Peace Patrol photographed Department of Homeland Security Agents driving from a staging area wearing Halloween Masks. One Agent (seen above) wore a “Chucky” mask, while another Agent (seen below) wore a “Momo” mask.
When the website “L.A. TACO” requested a comment from the Department of Homeland Security, they say they received the following two-word response from Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs: “Happy Halloween!”
Mass Removals Continue
DHS announced that over 527,000 illegal aliens have been removed under the current administration. “DHS, ICE, and CBP have not just closed the border, but made historic strides to carry out President Trump’s promise of arresting and deporting illegal aliens who have invaded our country,” a DHS Spokesperson said.
Refugee Admissions Cap Slashed
In a major policy shift, the Trump administration announced it will cap refugee admissions at a historic low of 7,500 for the current fiscal year, down from 125,000 under the previous administration. The new plan reportedly prioritizes white South Africans, a move that has drawn criticism from Congressional Democrats.
Court Challenges Continue
Legal battles over DHS arrests continued, as an appeals court temporarily halted a judge’s order for a Border Patrol commander to make daily court appearances related to agency tactics in Chicago.Changes to Employment Authorization and Payments
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced an interim final rule ending automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain aliens with pending renewal applications. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires all paper-filed forms to use electronic payments.
FINALLY, IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
(Stories covered by US Border News during the past week)
Cartel Guns, Ammo, & Millions of Dollars Seized in South Texas
“Smuggler’s Blues,” Lone-Star Style!
Snake Smuggler Busted at Texas Border
Mexico-Bound Wildlife Rescued
US Día de los Muertos Border Travel Advisory
Avoid fines by knowing the rules
Monsters, Medicine Men & Witches: Frightening Texas Folklore
Happy Halloween, y’all!
I am committed to delivering a US Border Newsletter that is not only educational and insightful but also engaging and easy to digest in five minutes or less.
(How am I doing? Let me know in the comments!)
Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
