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Immigration Reporter Nick Miroff on Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign

Apr 1, 2025
Nick Miroff, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in immigration, sheds light on the chilling effects of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. He shares the story of a Turkish PhD student held by ICE and discusses the recent revocation of student visas targeting critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Miroff also reveals how immigration officials assess gang affiliations using tattoos, and he critiques the authoritarian tactics shaping these policies, exposing the vulnerabilities faced by immigrant communities.
57:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia highlights significant flaws in the Trump administration's expedited deportation strategy, raising due process concerns.
  • The administration's aggressive and militaristic immigration enforcement tactics are designed to intimidate immigrant communities, eroding their trust in legal protections.

Deep dives

Mistaken Deportation Case Highlights Systemic Issues

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, underscores the flaws in the Trump administration's deportation strategy. Despite having protected status that acknowledges the risk of harm if returned to his home country, Garcia was wrongfully removed based on an administrative error. This incident has raised alarm among legal experts and immigrant communities, as it reflects a broader trend of expedited deportations that undermine due process. Garcia's family is now embroiled in a federal lawsuit seeking his return, highlighting the legal battles faced by many caught in the draconian enforcement policies of the administration.

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