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DHS Prepares for Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Amid Political Tensions

DHS Prepares for Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Amid Political Tensions

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has stated that the agency is ready to facilitate trade and travel at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. During a Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing, Mullin assured that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is prepared, although the contractor has not yet finalized the necessary agreements. The bridge, which began construction in 2018, is expected to open in early 2026, but no official date has been set. President Trump has threatened to block the bridge's opening until the U.S. is compensated for perceived trade imbalances with Canada, particularly regarding tariffs on U.S. dairy products.
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The White House Issues Executive Order to Tighten Customs Enforcement and Importer Regulations

The White House Issues Executive Order to Tighten Customs Enforcement and Importer Regulations

The White House Issues Executive Order to Tighten Customs Enforcement and Importer Regulations
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ICE Ends Reporting of Deaths of Recently Released Detainees Amid Scrutiny

ICE Ends Reporting of Deaths of Recently Released Detainees Amid Scrutiny

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced a policy change that will end the requirement to report deaths of detainees occurring within 30 days of their release from federal custody. This policy, initially implemented during the Biden administration, mandated ICE to review and report all fatalities of detainees, including those post-release. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the change as 'common sense,' stating that ICE is not responsible for individuals who pass away weeks after leaving custody. This decision comes amid increasing scrutiny over the rising death rates of immigrants in federal detention, with nearly 50 detainees having died since President Trump returned to office. The policy shift has raised concerns among lawmakers and immigrant advocates, who argue that it could obscure the full impact of detention policies.
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President Trump's Tariff Proposal Criticized for Ineffectiveness in Combating Forced Labor

President Trump's Tariff Proposal Criticized for Ineffectiveness in Combating Forced Labor

President Trump has proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 countries, accusing them of failing to curb forced labor. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, are part of a broader trade strategy by the Trump administration to address unfair trade practices. However, experts and human rights organizations argue that these tariffs are unlikely to effectively combat modern slavery and may even exacerbate the issue. The European Commission and the International Chamber of Commerce have expressed concerns about the arbitrary nature of these tariffs. Critics argue that the tariffs are more about trade volumes and geopolitical considerations than addressing the severity of forced labor exploitation. The U.S. is among the top 10 countries with the largest number of people living in modern slavery, according to the international human rights group Walk Free.
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The White House Tightens Importer Regulations with New Executive Order

The White House Tightens Importer Regulations with New Executive Order

The White House Tightens Importer Regulations with New Executive Order
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The White House Overhauls Importer Regulations to Tighten Customs Enforcement

The White House Overhauls Importer Regulations to Tighten Customs Enforcement

The White House Overhauls Importer Regulations to Tighten Customs Enforcement
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White House Orders Strengthening of U.S. Customs Enforcement to Protect National Security

White House Orders Strengthening of U.S. Customs Enforcement to Protect National Security

The White House has issued a directive to enhance U.S. customs enforcement, focusing on national security, lawful trade, and economic protection. The order mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to revise regulations and policies concerning importers of record (IORs) within 180 days. Key changes include requiring IORs to maintain tangible domestic assets and increasing bond coverage to ensure compliance with U.S. customs laws. The directive also prohibits foreign IORs from filing informal entries and mandates additional data disclosures to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These measures aim to close loopholes that allow undervaluing imports and evading duties, which threaten national security and disadvantage domestic businesses.
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Watchdog Group Sues ICE Over Rising Deaths in Custody, Seeks Autopsy Records

Watchdog Group Sues ICE Over Rising Deaths in Custody, Seeks Autopsy Records

A nonpartisan watchdog group, American Oversight, has filed a lawsuit against U.S. immigration authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, demands access to records such as autopsy reports and internal reviews related to deaths in federal immigration custody. This legal action comes as the number of fatalities in ICE custody has increased, with 51 deaths reported since President Trump returned to office. The lawsuit claims that the agencies have not responded to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted in April, which sought detailed records on deaths in detention, including autopsies and incident reports. The lawsuit argues that the agencies have 'constructively exhausted' administrative processes by failing to respond within the legally required time frames.
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President Trump's Proposed Tariffs on Forced Labor Goods Face Criticism

President Trump's Proposed Tariffs on Forced Labor Goods Face Criticism

President Trump has proposed new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, citing their failure to curb trade in goods made with forced labor. This move has been met with criticism from various experts, business groups, and human rights organizations, who argue that the tariffs will do little to combat modern slavery and may even exacerbate the issue. The European Commission has labeled the tariffs as unjustified, emphasizing their commitment to a trade deal with the U.S. that capped tariffs on most EU goods at 15%. The International Chamber of Commerce and other groups have expressed concern over the arbitrary nature of the tariffs, suggesting they are more about trade volumes than addressing the severity of forced labor exploitation.
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President Trump Rebuilds Tariff Strategy Using Section 301 of Trade Act

President Trump Rebuilds Tariff Strategy Using Section 301 of Trade Act

President Trump is pursuing a new wave of tariffs through Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 60 countries over forced labor concerns. The proposed tariffs range from 10% to 12.5%, affecting major trading partners like China, Brazil, Japan, and India. This approach follows legal setbacks, including a Supreme Court ruling against using emergency powers for tariffs. The tariffs are in a public comment period until July 6, with hearings scheduled for July 7. The administration aims to address forced labor issues and create a fair competitive environment for American workers.
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President Trump Orders Strengthening of U.S. Customs Enforcement to Protect National Security

President Trump Orders Strengthening of U.S. Customs Enforcement to Protect National Security

President Trump has issued an order to strengthen U.S. customs enforcement, addressing systemic inefficiencies and loopholes that allow for noncompliance with federal laws. The order aims to modernize customs processes, enhance compliance mechanisms, and ensure the timely collection of duties. It includes revising importer eligibility regulations and increasing transparency to protect national security and the domestic economy. The order mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement these changes within 180 days, focusing on importers of record and enhancing vetting procedures.
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U.S. Plans Additional Tariffs on Trading Partners Following Forced Labor Investigation

U.S. Plans Additional Tariffs on Trading Partners Following Forced Labor Investigation

U.S. Plans Additional Tariffs on Trading Partners Following Forced Labor Investigation