ICE Raids, Immigration Polls, Mexican History
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AUTHORITY UNCHECKED: MASKED FEDS STALK AMERICAN STREETS
The sight of masked federal agents rounding up residents has become a chilling new normal in parts of the country, as President Donald Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown intensifies. But a new legislative push is drawing attention to the secretive nature of these operations — and the justification for them.
On July 8, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced legislation to prohibit federal immigration officers, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing non-medical face coverings during arrests, detentions, or public operations.
The proposal responds to growing concerns about federal agents operating without clear identification — a trend ICE claims is necessary due to rising threats against its personnel.
The agency insists the masks help shield officers from retaliation or attacks at home. However, critics argue the practice undermines transparency, accountability, and public trust — all while lacking hard evidence.
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GALLUP: 79% OF AMERICANS SAY IMMIGRATION IS GOOD
According to a new Gallup poll conducted from June 2 to 26, just 30% of Americans now say immigration should be decreased — down sharply from 55% in 2024. Meanwhile, 79% view immigration as a good thing for the U.S., the highest level ever recorded in Gallup’s decades-long tracking.
The findings mark a notable reversal of the restrictive trend that began in 2021, when concern about immigration steadily rose across political affiliations. This year’s results show a broad shift in attitudes across party lines.
Part of the shift appears to be driven by changes at the border: with illegal crossings significantly reduced in 2025, support for aggressive enforcement has waned. At the same time, more Americans favor creating pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already residing in the country.
Gallup’s nationally representative survey included 1,402 U.S. adults, with oversamples of Hispanic and Black respondents. The results were weighted to reflect national demographics.
Despite the improving public sentiment toward immigration, President Donald Trump receives low marks for his handling of the issue. Just 35% of Americans overall approve of his immigration policy, with support among Hispanic adults falling to 21% — a likely reflection of opposition to key elements of his administration’s approach.
THE BLACK SLAVES WHO ESCAPED TO MEXICO
When most Americans think about migration between Mexico and the United States, they imagine a one-way flow from south to north. Historically, this has largely been the case, with millions of Mexicans seeking opportunities in the U.S.
But migration hasn’t always followed this pattern. At different points in history, significant numbers of Americans have crossed the Rio Grande heading south. Among the most notable were enslaved Black people, who fled to Mexico in search of freedom and safety, particularly in the decades leading up to the U.S. Civil War.
From the very start of its independence, Mexico distinguished itself as a nation with a progressive stance on slavery. In 1829, President Vicente Guerrero —someone whom we would call today an Afro-Mexican—issued a decree abolishing slavery. A subsequent refinement of the law specified that any enslaved person who set foot in Mexican territory would automatically gain their freedom and protection.
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