The Spanish Interior Ministry is setting up temporary reception centers in Ceuta to accommodate illegal immigrants, after an estimated 5,000 individuals did not return to Morocco following a mass border crossing.
Ceuta has become a place of ordeal for minors following a mass influx of illegal immigrants from Morocco, with at least five rapes reported in one week and dozens rescued at the last moment. Humanitarian organizations warn of communicable diseases and sex trafficking risks.
Latvian authorities have uncovered a secret tunnel used by illegal immigrants to enter the country from Belarus, marking the first such discovery. This finding highlights new methods being employed for illicit border crossings.
Demonstrators in an eastern English town attacked homes suspected of housing illegal immigrants, leading to violent clashes with police. The incidents occurred during protests earlier this week.
Federal authorities in Mississippi arrested 70 individuals, including illegal immigrants, in Operation Muddy Waters, targeting child exploitation offenders.
A 2018 video clip has resurfaced showing Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan politician, stating that denying undocumented immigrants access to driver's licenses is discriminatory.
Forty third-country nationals were arrested in Limassol, Cyprus, during a joint operation by police and immigration services targeting illegal immigrants.
Tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, leading to a crisis that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned as a 'violation of Spain's territorial integrity'. The influx resulted in at least 18 deaths and prompted international concern.
Dozens of illegal immigrants have been apprehended in Tallinn within a week, a situation linked to Belarus's organized migration movement at the Latvian border.
Israeli authorities arrested over 30 individuals in a crackdown on the smuggling of illegal immigrants from the West Bank, with 11 more arrested attempting to breach a border checkpoint.
The Trump administration's Justice Department has filed its fourteenth lawsuit challenging in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, this time targeting Colorado's ASSET Act.
The Trump administration issued approximately $84 billion in fines to undocumented immigrants, a move seen by some as a tactic to pressure them into self-deportation.
ICE's Rio Grande Valley field office in Harlingen arrested a record 238 illegal immigrants in a single day during a South Texas enforcement operation, including convicted gang members and violent offenders.
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit accusing Maryland of an 'active and deliberate effort' to prevent the deportations of illegal immigrants, escalating a legal battle over immigration enforcement.
Two Turkish nationals were arrested in Greece after a sailboat carrying 54 migrants ran aground on Kos. Separately, two other Turkish nationals were apprehended in Thrace attempting to smuggle 50 pistols into the country.
Angel mom Tammy Nobles warned Democrats that families of those killed by illegal immigrants will continue to confront lawmakers on sanctuary city policies after an emotional House hearing.
Federal authorities in Massachusetts have arrested 15 individuals, including 11 suspected illegal immigrants, in connection with a $1.4 million benefits fraud scheme.
Nigerian soldiers, in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State. The suspects are reportedly from various West African countries.
Trump's former border chief, Tom Homan, appeared to confirm a 2028 presidential run while claiming, without evidence, that roughly a third of the US population consists of illegal immigrants and suggesting their deportation.
The MK Party's secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, stated that South Africans had surrendered certain areas because of illegal immigrants, indicating support for a 'March and March' initiative.
Florida Highway Patrol, in collaboration with ICE and local agencies, conducted 'Operation 9' roadside stings, resulting in the arrest of 249 illegal immigrants along South Florida highways in three days.
French MEP François-Xavier Bellamy is advocating for the immediate application of a new EU regulation that allows for the expulsion of irregular migrants, viewing it as a significant step to address decades of inaction.
An Indian government panel has been formed to examine "unnatural demographic changes" attributed to illegal immigration. The panel will recommend a framework to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) announced it has detained 4,107 illegal immigrants and 316 smugglers in the first four months of 2026. The agency continues its efforts to curb undocumented migration and smuggling activities.
Gerry Hutch, a well-known figure from the criminal underworld, is running for a parliamentary seat in Dublin, Ireland. He has expressed controversial views, including a desire for camps for illegal immigrants.
Police in Cyprus arrested 29 third-country nationals residing illegally in the country during a nationwide operation conducted by immigration services.
Texas officials reported that six migrants, including a 14-year-old, were discovered dead in a shipping container at a railyard along the southern border, with extreme heat identified as the likely cause.
A BBC investigation has exposed human trafficking networks facilitating the illegal crossing of the English Channel, following a British report indicating 200,000 illegal immigrants entered the UK via dinghies over eight years.
"Angel families" have made a plea to leaders, urging them to prioritize American children over protecting undocumented immigrants. Their appeal highlights concerns regarding current immigration policies.
The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Virginia prosecutor Steve Descano following allegations that his office provided leniency to criminal illegal immigrants.
A rights organization has criticized Gerry Hutch for suggesting that asylum seekers entering the country illegally should be 'put in camps until they’re sorted'. His comments have drawn widespread condemnation.
Chicago-area officials reportedly released over 400 illegal immigrants linked to crimes, circumventing ICE apprehension efforts, according to newly obtained records.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner has proposed new rules to prevent illegal immigrants from sheltering in public housing, alongside a potentially transformative work requirement.
Families of victims allegedly harmed by illegal immigrants slammed Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., for dismissing their tragedies during a hearing on sanctuary policies, accusing him of pivoting to attack 'MAGA Republicans'.
The Assam Accord, signed after the 1979-1985 Assam Movement against illegal immigrants, continues to be a pivotal issue in Indian politics. Its legacy shapes ongoing debates and policies in the region.
A memorandum from President Trump directs officials to ensure all Department of Homeland Security employees, including those in the Coast Guard, FEMA, and CISA, receive pay after going without during a prolonged government shutdown.
A federal judge has permanently blocked Kentucky's policy granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants, ruling it violates federal law and the Supremacy Clause.
A Biden-appointed district court judge has dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice that challenged Minnesota's policy of offering in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that a significant portion of the "explosion" of violence, both analog and digital, is attributable to immigrants, provoking strong reactions in the Bundestag.
The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to carry out a comprehensive verification of all hawkers across Mumbai, including those alleged to be foreign nationals or non-Indian residents, and to take action against illegal immigrants.
A progressive organization is pushing for guaranteed income programs to include undocumented immigrants, aiming to ensure basic economic protections for this group.
An informal housing network has emerged in the United States to protect Haitian illegal immigrants, who are living in fear of deportation following recent ICE operations.
Greek Minister Plevris responded to Amnesty International, reaffirming his commitment to combating illegal immigration and supporting the immediate return of illegal immigrants, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of return hubs.
The United States is seeking assurances from Bangladesh regarding the swift implementation of a trade agreement and the repatriation of illegal immigrants.
DHS claimed its $200 million ad campaign saved taxpayers billions by prompting millions of illegal immigrants to self-deport, despite senators' criticism.
Joe Abraham, an 'Angel dad,' has criticized Democratic lawmakers for allegedly prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens, particularly during the State of the Union address.
Republican lawmakers have introduced the 'Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act' in both the House and Senate, seeking to prevent undocumented immigrants from serving as armed law enforcement officers.
DHS reports nearly 3 million illegal immigrants have left the U.S. under Trump administration policies, boasting the "most secure border in American history."
California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has increased support for illegal immigrants by allocating $35 million in response to federal government actions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced $35 million in state funding to provide support for illegal immigrants, directly responding to President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda.
President Donald Trump met with families of victims of illegal immigrants at the White House and announced the official designation of February 22 as a 'Day of Remembrance' for these victims.
Donald Trump proclaimed February 22 as 'National Angel Families' Day' in memory of victims of illegal immigrants in the US, during a White House ceremony, amidst intensified administration policies.
Trump Admin Closes CDL Loophole That Let Illegal Immigrants Drive Big-Rigs
The Department of Transportation shut down a major safety vulnerability this past week that had allowed illegal immigrant drivers to operate commercial trucks on American highways despite having no verifiable driving history.
“For far too long, America has allowed dangerous foreign drivers to abuse our truck licensing systems – wreaking havoc on our roadways. This safety loophole ends today,” Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a statement.
“Moving forward, unqualified foreign drivers will be unable to get a license to operate an 80,000-pound big rig. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are putting the safety of the driving public first. From enforcing English language standards to holding fraudulent carriers accountable, we will continue to attack this crisis on our roads head on.”
The reform targets a gaping hole in how states issue commercial driver's licenses to foreign nationals. While licensing agencies can screen U.S. drivers through national databases for past violations like DUIs or crash history, they cannot access records of foreigners and illegal immigrants. That loophole enabled at least 30 states to issue CDLs to drivers deemed ineligible.
Under the old system, foreign drivers holding only work permits could obtain commercial trucking licenses because Employment Authorization Documents don't indicate prior traffic violations, accidents, or license suspensions in other countries. States had no way to know whether an applicant had a clean record or a history of reckless driving before allowing them to operate an 80,000-pound vehicle.
The new rule formally codifies Duffy's emergency action from last September that ended the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses to truckers with unverified driving histories. EADs will no longer be accepted as proof of eligibility. Applicants must instead present an unexpired foreign passport along with the appropriate Form I-94, which tracks a noncitizen's entry to and exit from the United States.
“Under the provisions, only foreign nationals holding temporary work visas, such as H‑2B, H‑1B, or temporary investor visas from treaty countries, known as E‑2 visas, may be eligible,” explains Fox News Digital. “In addition, states must verify the lawful immigration status of every applicant by checking the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system.”
At least 30 people died in 17 crashes caused by non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders in 2025, according to reports. Among the most serious incidents, a non-domiciled driver triggered a multi-vehicle crash inside a tunnel on Interstate 80 in Wyoming on February 14, killing three people and injuring 20 others.
On August 12, another non-domiciled driver caused a crash on the Florida Turnpike that left three people dead after attempting an illegal U-turn. In California, a driver failed to stop for traffic on October 21, setting off an eight-vehicle collision that killed three. Later in the year, on December 3, a non-domiciled driver collided with a train at a marked crossing in Ontario, California, killing a crew member.
“We are done letting foreign drivers wreak havoc on our roads. If you’re behind the wheel of a big rig, you must meet our standards—no exceptions,” Duffy said in a post on X Saturday.
The final rule is expected to take effect in one month, around March 15.
“A critical safety gap allowed unqualified drivers with unknown driving histories to get behind the wheel of commercial vehicles,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “We are closing that gap today to ensure that only qualified, vetted drivers are operating on our nation’s roadways. If we cannot verify your safe driving history, you cannot hold a CDL in this country.”
Duffy praised the reform as one of several steps the Trump administration is taking to bolster transportation safety, including enforcing English language standards for drivers.
In May, Secretary Duffy signed an order establishing new guidelines to strengthen English language enforcement for commercial truck operators, placing drivers who fail English proficiency tests out of service.
"Under President Trump's leadership, we are putting the safety of the driving public first," Duffy said. "From enforcing English language standards to holding fraudulent carriers accountable, we will continue to attack this crisis on our roads head on."
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 23:00
The United States is urging its international partners to align with it in the artificial intelligence competition against China, emphasizing the need to pick sides. This push comes amidst broader US foreign policy discussions on issues ranging from Iran's nuclear ambitions to immigration and trade practices.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted operations in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of more than 1,200 individuals identified as undocumented immigrants.
Socialist House nominee Chris Rabb questioned the premise of 'illegal immigrants' and claimed that 99% of police work does not involve pursuing criminals during a heated exchange.
Senate Republicans are aiming to close a legal loophole that currently mandates the release of certain detained illegal immigrants. This legislative effort seeks to address the issue of individuals being released due to existing legal provisions.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed over 3 million total deportations and highlighted the recent arrests of five more "worst of the worst" criminal illegal immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attributes collapsing crime rates to the deportation of violent criminal illegal immigrants, sharing details of gang members and convicts who have been removed.
A US appeals court has ruled against the Trump administration's policy to expand mandatory detention for illegal immigrants, asserting that detained individuals must be given a chance for release on bond. This decision rejects the administration's attempt to limit bond hearings for certain migrants.
Donald Trump held positive meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing important topics including Patriot missile licenses for Ukraine. However, his behavior at Lindsey Graham's funeral, where he appeared to doze off and offered mints, drew significant attention and social media reactions, prompting a response from the White House.
The BJP has criticized the Telangana government regarding its 'family register' initiative, alleging it is a measure to protect illegal vote banks and vowing to prevent illegal immigrants from remaining on the state's electoral rolls.
The Department of Homeland Security provided a list of 6,947 criminally-convicted illegal immigrants released in New York due to sanctuary city policies, refuting a Democratic representative's claim.
Stephen Miller states that the Trump administration is implementing a policy to debank illegal immigrants, aiming to cut off their financial access and encourage self-deportation.
Democratic hopefuls for 2028, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gavin Newsom, are facing criticism for hosting webinars and sharing resources that allegedly teach illegal immigrants how to 'defy' ICE.
New surveillance footage obtained by The Times shows ICE agents driving aggressively in unmarked vehicles during the pursuit that led to the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, though the moment of the shooting remains unclear. This comes as witnesses and the Department of Homeland Security dispute ICE's initial account of the incident.
Civil society groups from Manipur have traveled to Delhi to advocate for the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming census, arguing it is crucial to identify illegal immigrants amidst widespread displacement and institutional breakdown.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted a nationwide operation, resulting in the arrests of illegal immigrants, murderers, and pedophiles. This holiday blitz targeted individuals with criminal backgrounds across the country.
Records indicate that Fairfax County declined 615 requests from ICE to transfer illegal immigrants, handing over only 11 individuals over a period of approximately 16 months.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 15 illegal immigrants over the weekend who had violent criminal histories, including convictions for homicide, rape, and child sex crimes.
A 52-year-old Ukrainian doctor was caught smuggling illegal immigrants from China through Croatia and has been fined 10,000 euros, also losing her car.
Donald Trump has made various statements regarding the Iran deal, taking credit if it succeeds and blaming Vance if it fails, while also commenting on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also addressed other international matters, including the presence of US troops in the Gulf region and a school tragedy in Iran.
Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher has criticized Illinois Democrat leaders, blaming them for the team's potential departure from Soldier Field and citing spending on illegal immigrants over keeping the team.
Greece's Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Notis Plevris, announced a 25% increase in voluntary departures of illegal immigrants following the implementation of the “jail or return” doctrine. He noted a significant reduction in illegal flows since 2019.
Dr. Oz has announced a Medicaid overhaul plan that would require able-bodied recipients to work 20 hours weekly and aims to recoup billions of dollars spent on undocumented immigrants.
A roadside sting operation in Florida has led to the apprehension of 249 undocumented immigrants, with officers warning that many more may be hiding in the area.
Democrats are facing criticism for allegedly demanding 'five-star accommodations' for illegal immigrants at an ICE facility, as reported in an exclusive video.
West Bengal's Chief Minister announced a 'detect-delete-deport' policy targeting illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, with 'holding centres' being established across districts.
Donald Trump has called for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, and other nations to normalize relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords as a condition for any future peace deal with Iran. This demand introduces fresh uncertainty into ongoing discussions about an Iran peace plan.
Republican lawmakers in the Senate temporarily blocked an immigration bill and rejected a women's museum bill, with disputes arising over issues including a proposed "anti-weaponization fund" and transgender rights. These internal party disagreements have stalled key legislative efforts.
President Trump engaged in discussions regarding tensions with Iran, including talks with Turkish President Erdogan and statements about the conflict's final stages. This occurred as Iran made moves to control the Strait of Hormuz, prompting calls for a firm response.
Authorities in northeast Georgia arrested 25 illegal immigrants, including an alleged cartel member, during an operation targeting individuals turning scenic forests into lawless hideouts.
Texas Democrat James Talarico is facing criticism for his absence during the vote on "Jocelyn's Law," a bill aimed at denying bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent felonies.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly stated he will not resign despite mounting calls for his departure and the unfolding of an impeachment process related to the 'Farmgate' cash-in-sofa scandal. The president is facing intense pressure over allegations of a cover-up regarding a theft of foreign currency from his farm.
During a recent California gubernatorial debate, all Democratic candidates expressed support for providing healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants, despite the state's current budget challenges.
A Kansas City church has reportedly moved its services underground to protect undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement following changes in Trump administration policies.
Nineteen Republican co-sponsors have joined a bipartisan immigration bill, the DIGNIDAD Act, which critics argue amounts to amnesty for millions of undocumented immigrants.
Georgia gubernatorial frontrunner Rick Jackson faced questions during a heated GOP primary debate regarding whether undocumented immigrants were employed for landscaping at his mansion, to which he responded, 'I don't know.'
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognized National Crime Victims Week by highlighting crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants and providing resources for "angel families," calling these crimes "completely preventable."
A watchdog group and a new report allege that California is providing taxpayer-funded gender reassignment surgeries to individuals in homeless shelters, including illegal immigrants, through its Medi-Cal program, raising concerns about the misuse of state funds.
A total of 347 employers in Malaysia have been fined nearly RM6 million for the offense of hiring illegal immigrants. This enforcement action underscores the government's crackdown on undocumented labor.
PoliticsAPNYTThe Guardian+15NPRFox NewscnbcforbesThe Independentirish-timesTimes of Indiahindustan-times+7 more4mo ago18 sources
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers shot and wounded a man in California after he allegedly tried to ram one of them with his vehicle. The FBI is investigating the incident.
DHS revealed that a suspect, who is the child of two Chinese illegal immigrants and fled to China, has been charged with allegedly planting a deadly explosive device at a significant US military base.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has instructed NADRA to assist law enforcement agencies in the deportation of illegal immigrants, emphasizing the removal of those who unlawfully obtained citizenship from the national database.
Representative Pramila Jayapal (D, Wa.) has called for reparations for illegal immigrants, following moves by cities like Chicago to consider reparations for African Americans.
Donald Trump has extended a deadline for a strike threat by 10 days and paused attacks on Iran’s energy sector, giving Iranians ten more days to open the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a fall in oil prices. Meanwhile, Israel reportedly assassinated Iranian regime leaders involved in the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
For the second time, an appeals court has backed the Trump administration's policy allowing the detention of undocumented immigrants without bond, ruling that illegal immigrants detained by ICE are not entitled to bond hearings, a legal issue that may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.
President Donald Trump warns he will deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports to arrest illegal immigrants if Democrats refuse to meet his demands to end the government shutdown.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office was described by a former Irish ambassador as having left Martin 'without any bruises.' The meeting, which included discussions on various issues, has drawn mixed reactions and criticism from opposition parties in Ireland.
Florida Highway Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol conducted a 'targeted' operation in Key Largo, resulting in the arrest of 15 illegal immigrants who had prior criminal records.
Cyprus is forming a special team from the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Ministry of Migration to address cases of illegal immigrants who refuse to leave the country, a decision made after a recent meeting.
A 23-year-old man from Durrës, Albania, has been arrested in Gjirokastër for transporting five illegal immigrants towards Tirana as part of an operation against illegal immigrant trafficking.
Representative Thanedar, known for filing Trump impeachment articles, disrupted a House hearing on driving licenses for illegal immigrants, accusing Republicans of scapegoating immigrants.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State has arrested twelve individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants from Mali in Ilorin, the state capital.
“Jesse Watters Primetime" tracks down Democrats who refused to stand during Trump’s State of the Union challenge on prioritizing Americans over illegal immigrants.
Biden-Appointed Judge Rules Illegal Immigrants Can Dispute Third Country Deportations
Authored by Stacy Robinson via The Epoch Times,
A federal judge ruled on Feb. 25 that the government cannot deport illegal immigrants to so-called third countries without giving them “meaningful notice” and an opportunity to dispute their removal.
In Wednesday’s ruling, Massachusetts District Judge Brian Murphy (nominated by President Biden on March 21, 2024) declared unlawful two policy mem...
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 12 suspected illegal immigrants from Mali in Ilorin, Kwara State following a tip-off.
Read More: https://punchng.com/nscdc-arrests-12-illegal-immigrants-in-kwara/
US President Trump has proposed 'Dalilah's Law,' legislation aimed at preventing states from granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, following a case involving a young girl injured in a crash.
White House officials Kaelan Dorr and Karoline Leavitt publicly criticized CNN for its lack of coverage of a ceremony honoring families who lost loved ones to crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
People who suffered the loss of a family member slain by illegal immigrants thanked President Trump as his administration seeks to tackle illegal immigration.
80% Plunge In Immigration Is Reshaping Labor Market Math, But AI Wildcard Looms: Goldman
The Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration has resulted in an 80% collapse in net immigration to the USA, and has fundamentally altered the mathematics behind the nation's labor supply to the point where the level of job growth needed to maintain economic stability is now far lower, according to a new Goldman analysis.
After a flood of more than 10.8 million illegal immigrants (official figure) entered the United States under Biden, net immigration - both legal and illegal - has gone from roughly one million people per year in the 2010s to around 500,000 in 2025, with a further drop to just 200,000 projected by Goldman for 2026. This has sharply reduced labor-force growth and lowered the economy's "breakeven" pace of job creation, the bank opines.
Here's Goldman vs. Brookings vs. the Congressional Budget Office on net immigration:
Now, the US will only need around 50,000 new jobs per month by the end of this year to keep the unemployment rate from rising, down from roughly 70,000 today.
At the same time, Goldman says labor demand still looks "shaky" because job growth is narrow and job openings are trending lower - with the main downside risk being a faster, more disruptive AI-driven adjustment that could tamp down hiring or raise job losses beyond current estimates.
Elevated deportations, tighter visa / green-card policies, a pause in immigrant visa processing that affects dozens of countries, and the loss of Temporary Protected Status for some groups, Goldman suggests there is additional downside risk to the workforce.
A shakier demand picture
Of course, new math on the labor supply doesn't mean the labor market is strong (duh)... In fact, Goldman describes demand as “shaky,” writing that job growth has become increasingly narrow - dominated by healthcare - and that job openings have continued to fall. Openings are now around seven million, below pre-pandemic levels and still declining.
Because fewer new workers are entering the economy, hiring no longer needs to run as hot to prevent unemployment from drifting higher. “A small pickup is all that should be needed to sustain job growth at the breakeven pace,” according to the report, arguing that weaker-looking payroll numbers may increasingly mask a labor market that is merely treading water rather than deteriorating.
Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a similar trend, with job openings drifting toward the mid-six-million range late last year. A continued slide in openings, Goldman warns, would increase the risk that unemployment rises more meaningfully, even with slower labor-force growth.
There is also a risk that tighter immigration enforcement is pushing more workers into informal or off-the-books employment. If so, official payroll data could understate the true level of labor-market activity, complicating the Federal Reserve’s task of gauging economic momentum.
AI looms as the wildcard
Goldman sees artificial intelligence (AI) as the largest downside risk to the labor outlook - not because it has already triggered mass layoffs, but because it may restrain hiring at the margin. So far, the firm estimates that AI-related substitution has shaved only 5,000 to 10,000 jobs from monthly growth in the most exposed industries. But a faster or more disruptive deployment could weigh more heavily on demand.
...the main reason that we worry about downside risk to our baseline forecast that the labor market will stabilize going forward is the possibility of a faster and more disruptive deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). While plenty of recent anecdotes point to a potentially faster rate of adoption and corresponding job losses, it is hard to know how these will translate to macroeconomic outcomes. -Goldman
The bank shows that job growth has slowed and turned slightly negative in several subindustries where AI is most ready to deploy, while company-level anecdotes indicate that AI is already reducing the need for workers. The impact, while visible, remains 'moderate' so far.
For now, the bank expects the unemployment rate to drift only modestly higher, toward 4.5%, while Goldman chief economist Jan Hatzius said in a separate note (available to Pro subs) that the probability of a recession next year is "moderate" at 20%. The labor market, in the firm’s words, is taking “early steps toward stabilization.”
The paradox is that stability may increasingly look like weakness. As immigration slows and the workforce grows more slowly, payroll gains that once signaled trouble may soon be enough to keep the labor market steady - at least on paper.
h/t Capital.news
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 19:40
ICE agents will be equipped with electric gloves for use during interventions against illegal immigrants. Trump's border czar has defended the new electric gloves as an alternative to lethal force.
Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham, has advanced to a runoff election for a US Senate seat in South Carolina. This development comes amidst other news including rising oil prices due to doubts over a US-Iran deal and a Trump administration decision to end Medicaid funding for children's transgender care.
James Talarico was reportedly caught on tape giggling about his church housing an undocumented family facing ICE deportation, stating that Christianity is 'just another word for causing trouble.'
Cyprus repatriated 119 illegal immigrants on Friday as part of ongoing operations by the police and the deputy migration ministry. Since January 1, a total of 5,288 immigrants residing illegally in Cyprus have been repatriated.
Republicans are scrutinizing taxpayer-funded housing for illegal immigrants, with calls to halt the practice. GOP members argue that this expenditure 'has got to stop'.
A video shared by Rita Matias, purporting to show illegal immigrants in Portugal's Algarve region, has been debunked as it was filmed in the United Kingdom and did not involve Portugal.
The U.S. Department of State has increased a travel advisory for Ceuta, Spain, to a higher level, citing an influx of illegal immigrants as the reason for the elevated warning.
Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro announced that Finnish authorities will provide assistance to their Estonian counterparts in apprehending illegal immigrants attempting to reach Nordic countries after crossing the Belarusian-Latvian border.
The Karnataka High Court stated that the nation's security is under threat and warned against appeasing illegal immigrants, questioning why a criminal case was registered against a complainant.
An Indian court has stated that it is 'high time the system stops supporting illegal immigrants,' directing its comments towards the state of Karnataka regarding the issue.
The Malaysian Immigration Department has conducted 7,105 operations this year, inspecting 96,994 individuals and detaining over 41,000 illegal immigrants.
Nineteen individuals residing illegally in Cyprus were arrested during a coordinated police operation, with six already deported as authorities continue efforts to increase repatriations.
Stephen Miller, a former senior advisor to Donald Trump, has stated that the Trump administration is pursuing a policy aimed at 'debanking' illegal immigrants, which would restrict their access to financial services.
Assam has reported the repatriation of over 1,600 illegal immigrants to Bangladesh in the past two years. A total of 193 foreigners were pushed back under the 1950 Expulsion Act during this period.
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit accusing Maryland of actively and deliberately preventing the deportations of illegal immigrants through its Community Trust Act, which the DOJ argues violates federal supremacy.
State Senator Doug Mastriano states that a deadly truck crash involving illegal immigrants on Interstate 81, which killed a Pennsylvania State Trooper, exposed significant failures in highway safety and immigration enforcement.
Donald Trump has attributed rising housing prices to the Biden administration's policies, suggesting that an influx of 'illegal immigrants' is responsible for a significant portion of the increase.
Florida Governor DeSantis announced the permanent closure of 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a temporary holding center for illegal immigrants, which had been operating since June 25.
DHS honors 'Angel Dads' on Father's Day, sharing stories of fathers whose children were tragically killed in crimes committed by illegal aliens and cartel members.
Authorities in Ogun State have arrested 46 suspected illegal immigrants, with preliminary investigations revealing they had resided in the state for approximately six months.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a new directive instructing ICE to deport undocumented immigrants who cast ballots in American elections, implementing stricter penalties for non-citizens illegally voting.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal reported that 4,800 illegal immigrants have been sent to Bangladesh from holding centers, with 836 awaiting deportation, emphasizing illegal immigration as a significant issue.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the arrest of illegal immigrants in New Jersey, including individuals with convictions for serious crimes, as protests erupted outside a facility in Newark.
PoliticsTimes of Indiaindian-express2mo ago2 sources
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that no legal action will be taken against Bangladeshi illegal immigrants who voluntarily exit Bengal. He encouraged 'infiltrators' to leave on their own.
Texas state troopers concluded a chaotic border chase by discovering nearly two dozen illegal immigrants, including four minors, hidden in the sleeping area of a semitruck near the U.S. southern border.
Germany is considering the implementation of return centers to reduce the appeal for illegal immigrants, arguing that those seeking work do not require asylum rights or the Geneva Refugee Convention.
The West Bengal government has directed districts to set up 'holding centers' for foreigners apprehended for illegal stays, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, who are awaiting deportation. This initiative aims to manage the population of undocumented immigrants.
Several US states have initiated policies to remove illegal immigrants from subsidized healthcare programs, citing legislative changes and the need for proof of citizenship.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for urgent measures to expel illegal immigrants from southern Tel Aviv and other areas, citing concerns over rising crime and security.
Donald Trump is preparing for a significant summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where trade, Taiwan, and rare metals are expected to be key topics. This comes as his administration faces scrutiny over its stance on Iran and potential troop withdrawals from Germany.
California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter is facing backlash for stating that illegal immigrants are responsible for driving population growth in the state, sparking an internet uproar.
Rapper Kid Cudi has removed British artist M.I.A. from his tour following backlash over her comments regarding illegal immigrants, to which M.I.A. has since responded.
Records indicate that hundreds of jailed illegal immigrants have been released onto the streets of 'blue states' in the US, despite existing detainers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Authorities in Uganda have detained 231 foreign nationals, including 62 Nigerians, following a coordinated operation targeting illegal migration and suspected criminal activities.
The post Uganda…
Nebraska has agreed to permanently terminate in-state tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants as part of a proposed consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.
A district council in Poland legally rejected a request for a local referendum concerning centers for illegal immigrants, ruling that the topic falls outside the competencies of local referendums.
Federal authorities describe an "Ocean's Eleven-style" burglary ring of illegal immigrants that used GPS trackers and surveillance cameras to target homes across the country. A judge highlighted the sophisticated nature of their cross-country operation.
Indian border protection officials are considering an 'innovative idea' to deploy crocodiles and snakes in border rivers to deter illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh.
The Department of Homeland Security has strongly criticized Fairfax County for offering a five-year plea deal to two illegal immigrants who admitted to a fatal stabbing in Virginia, calling the agreement "insane."
Representative Pramila Jayapal has advocated for reparations for illegal immigrants affected by former President Trump's crackdown and demanded the prosecution of those enforcing immigration laws.
Joe Abraham, father of a slain 20-year-old, issued a stark warning that more deaths will follow in Illinois after his daughter and another student were allegedly killed by illegal immigrants.
A Polish administrative court has ruled that a commune council overstepped its legal authority by adopting a resolution aimed at preventing the establishment of centers for illegal immigrants.
The Portuguese government has approved a 'return law' aimed at streamlining the deportation of illegal immigrants and extending their detention periods up to 18 months.
An appeals court has ruled to lift a block on the Trump administration's policy, allowing the government to continue expedited deportations of illegal immigrants to countries other than their home country.
Assam Chief Minister has stated that the state will not spare a single illegal migrant and that all illegal immigrants from Bangladesh will be sent back.
Scores of people, primarily women, protested in Manipur demanding the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming Census to identify 'illegal immigrants,' leading to tear gas deployment.
Vox has presented 23 demands to María Guardiola for her investiture as president of Extremadura, Spain, including the elimination of subsidies for unions and employers, and opposition to the distribution of 'illegal immigrants.'
The band condemned the Trump administration for using the song “Let Down” in a post showing victims of violent crimes that federal officials said had been committed by illegal immigrants.
Oregon Democrats unanimously rejected a proposal that would require state authorities to notify ICE when illegal immigrants convicted of violent felonies are released from prison.
Georgia Republicans are introducing a bill to hold sanctuary jurisdictions financially accountable for damage and crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
JD Vance is spearheading a 'war on fraud' initiative under Trump, aiming to recover taxpayer money allegedly misused by illegal immigrants in federal programs.
US President Donald Trump has called on Congress to pass a 'Delilah Law' aimed at curbing illegal immigration, specifically to bar illegal immigrants from receiving commercial driver's licenses.
The mother of Rachel Morin, a victim murdered by an illegal immigrant, criticizes politicians for treating Americans as 'casualties' in the immigration debate and demands accountability for victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
Trump administration's ICE deportation policies face scrutiny as Irish immigrant case challenges claims of racial bias in immigration enforcement efforts.
President Donald Trump paused his Angel families ceremony to speak with Patty Morin about her health and eye surgery, as he honored victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
US Coast Guard Seizes $133.5 Million In Illicit Drugs
Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
Crew of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Seneca seized more than $133.5 million worth of cocaine and offloaded the drugs at Port Everglades, Florida, the agency said in a Feb. 13 statement.
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter flight crew conduct training evolutions in the Caribbean Sea, on July 15, 2025. Seaman Corrie Gill/U.S. Coast Guard
“80 percent of interdictions of U.S.-bound drugs occur at sea. This underscores the importance of maritime interdiction in combatting the flow of illegal narcotics and protecting American communities from this deadly threat,” USCG said.
In total, 17,700 pounds of cocaine were seized through the interdiction of four drug-transporting vessels in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
One of the drug vessels was boarded by Seneca’s crew on Jan. 25, seizing 4,410 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 31, crew members boarded three vessels, taking custody of 13,340 pounds of cocaine, the statement said.
The detection and monitoring of illegal drug transit by air and sea are conducted by the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West. Once it is determined that the vessel must be interdicted, the USCG takes control of the operation, boards the vessel, and apprehends it.
“I am extremely proud of the crew’s incredible performance and adaptability during this deployment,” said Capt. Lee Jones, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Seneca.
“This deployment demonstrates our enhanced posture and continued success in the fight against narco-terrorism and transnational criminal organizations.
“The Coast Guard, in conjunction with our inter-agency and international partners, continues to patrol areas commonly associated with drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, denying smugglers access to maritime routes by which they move illicit drugs to our U.S. land and sea borders.”
According to the agency, the Coast Guard is accelerating its crackdown on drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Pacific Viper, aiming to protect the United States from the flow of illicit narcotics from South America.
Operation Pacific Viper, launched in early August last year, directs U.S. forces to the Eastern Pacific region to counter cartel and criminal groups, seeking to cut off drug and human smuggling before they hit U.S. shores.
In early December 2025, USCG said in a statement that it had seized more than 150,000 pounds of cocaine from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which it said was enough to create more than “57 million potentially lethal doses.”
In a Feb. 14 statement, USCG announced the seizure of two vessels containing $5.6 million in illicit narcotics off Port Everglades. Authorities seized roughly 745 pounds of cocaine by interdicting two suspected drug trafficking vessels.
“The Coast Guard is in the business of saving lives, and every kilogram of these drugs kept off our streets represents lives saved,” said Lt. Justin Dadlani, commanding officer of Station Fort Lauderdale.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the professionalism of the crew and our continued partnerships with our partners with Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.”
On Feb. 15, the agency announced that its Cutter Forrest Rednour had interdicted 14 suspected illegal immigrants aboard a vessel 18 miles from San Diego, with all of them claiming to be Mexican nationals.
Earlier on Jan. 27, the Coast Guard said they had interdicted three suspected illegal immigrants from Mexico in two vessels, seven miles off Imperial Beach, California.
On Jan. 21, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the Coast Guard notified the agency of a suspicious vessel traveling toward Puerto Rico. Upon investigation, CBP agents found 12 migrants from Russia and Uzbekistan aboard. The interception took place on Jan. 13.
“This successful outcome highlights the strong partnerships between the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and all federal and local law enforcement partners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Sector San Juan deputy.
“Our daily unified coordination, shared capabilities, and synchronized response efforts are instrumental to safeguarding our nation’s Caribbean maritime borders against illicit smuggling activities.”
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 11:25
Two men, identified as illegal immigrants, have been arrested on charges including forcible sexual offense and kidnapping following a violent home invasion.