Trump Administration Grants ICE Power to Detain Refugees for Aggressive Rescreening

The Trump administration has taken a significant step in its efforts to tighten immigration policies, granting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the authority to detain thousands of refugees already legally admitted to the United States. According to a new memo, federal immigration officers can now arrest and detain refugees who have not yet obtained permanent residence, also known as a green card, for aggressive "re-screening".

This policy shift, first reported by the Washington Post, marks a significant departure from previous practices, where refugees were typically allowed to live and work in the US while their cases were being processed. Under the new guidelines, refugees who have not yet obtained green cards can be detained indefinitely, pending re-screening interviews to assess their refugee claims.

The memo, issued by the DHS, instructs federal immigration officers to prioritize the arrest and detention of refugees who have not yet obtained green cards, citing concerns about national security and public safety. The policy change is part of the administration's broader efforts to restrict immigration and tighten border security.

Refugee advocacy groups and lawmakers have expressed concerns about the policy, arguing that it will lead to the detention of thousands of innocent people who have already been thoroughly vetted and admitted to the US as refugees. Critics also argue that the policy will undermine the US's commitment to providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution and violence.

"This policy is a clear attempt to undermine the US refugee resettlement program and to punish people who have already been thoroughly vetted and admitted to the US," said a spokesperson for the International Rescue Committee. "It's a cruel and unnecessary move that will cause immense harm to vulnerable individuals and families."

The policy change is likely to affect thousands of refugees who have been living in the US for years, many of whom have built lives, started families, and contributed to their communities. According to the Washington Post, there are currently over 700,000 refugees living in the US who have not yet obtained green cards.

The Trump administration has argued that the policy is necessary to ensure national security and public safety, citing concerns about the vetting process for refugees. However, refugee advocacy groups and experts have pushed back against these claims, arguing that the US refugee resettlement program is already one of the most rigorous in the world.

"The US refugee resettlement program is already incredibly rigorous, with multiple layers of vetting and screening," said a spokesperson for the Refugee Council USA. "This policy is not about national security or public safety; it's about politics and xenophobia."

The policy change has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on refugee families and communities. Many refugees who will be affected by the policy have already built lives in the US, with jobs, families, and social networks. Detaining them indefinitely will cause significant disruption and hardship, advocates argue.

As the policy takes effect, refugee advocacy groups and lawmakers are vowing to fight back against the administration's efforts to restrict immigration and undermine the US refugee resettlement program. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already announced plans to challenge the policy in court, arguing that it is unconstitutional and violates the rights of refugees.

The Trump administration's decision to grant ICE the power to detain refugees for aggressive re-screening is a significant escalation of its efforts to restrict immigration and tighten border security. As the policy takes effect, it remains to be seen how it will impact the lives of thousands of refugees who have already been admitted to the US.