Rebecca Santana, Author at The Rapid City Post

Luke Ganger, left, and Brent Ganger, right, brothers of Renee Good, appear during a Bicameral Public Forum on the Disproportionate Use of Force by DHS Agents, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Brothers of Renee Good, woman killed by immigration officer, call for action in Congress

February 3, 2026

The brothers of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, are urging Congress to take action. Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot Jan. 7. Her death and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, have sparked national outrage. Speaking at a congressional hearing on Tuesday, brothers Luke and Brett Ganger shared their grief and called for change. They described their sister as a beautiful person. The forum, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia, highlighted Use-of-force complaints against Homeland Security officers.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Every Homeland Security officer in Minneapolis is now being issued a body-worn camera, Noem says

February 2, 2026

The secretary of Homeland Security is requiring that all officers on the ground in Minneapolis wear body cameras. Secretary Kristi Noem made the announcement Monday on the social media platform X. The news of the body cameras comes as Minneapolis has been the site of intense scrutiny over the conduct of immigration enforcement agents. There have been increased calls by critics of Homeland Security to require all of the department’s officers who are responsible for immigration enforcement to wear body cameras.

People gather near the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

What we know about the investigations into the Minneapolis shooting death of Alex Pretti

January 26, 2026

The fatal shooting of Minneapolis man Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers has sparked calls for an independent investigation. The Trump administration has launched three federal probes, but details remain unclear. Tensions are high in Minneapolis, with conflicting narratives about the incident. The FBI is assisting in processing evidence, but there’s no indication their Civil Rights Division intends to investigate Pretti’s case. The incident highlights mistrust between state officials and the Trump administration over the investigation. Minnesota’s governor, in a call with President Donald Trump, said he called for impartial investigations.

ADDS IDENTIFICATION: Teyana Gibson Brown, second from right, wife of Garrison Gibson, reacts after a federal immigration officer used a battering ram to break down a door before arresting Garrison Gibson, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, memo says

January 21, 2026

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press reveals that the agency allows immigration officers to forcibly enter homes to make arrests without a judicial warrant. This change reverses previous guidance and raises concerns about constitutional protections against illegal searches. The memo, signed by ICE’s acting director, states that administrative warrants are sufficient for forced entry if there’s a final order of removal. This policy could face legal challenges and criticism from advocacy groups. Whistleblower Aid, representing two government officials, describes the directive as seemingly unconstitutional and a significant shift in arrest powers. The Associated Press obtained the memo and whistleblower complaint from an official in Congress.

Rev. Hierald Osorto speaks to congregants after services at the St. Paul's-San Pablo Lutheran Church, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Santana)

A Minneapolis church holds a service of ‘Lament and Hope’ amid fears over immigration crackdown

January 11, 2026

A Minneapolis church opened its doors for a special Sunday service of ‘Lament and Hope’ amid the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in the city. The service followed a tumultuous week in a city on edge after the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer. The Rev. Hierald Osorto of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church addressed the congregation Sunday. He emphasized the importance of gathering during difficult times. The church is a longtime part of the immigrant community and offers a service in both Spanish and English. Despite fears of federal immigration enforcement actions, worshippers spoke of finding strength and support as a community as immigration agents sweep through the streets.

A makeshift memorial is seen on the campus of Brown University, close to from the scene of the shooting, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A little-known diversity visa program is paused after the Brown University shooting

December 19, 2025

The Portuguese suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings came to the U.S. through the diversity immigrant visa program. This program offers up to 50,000 green cards annually by lottery to people from underrepresented countries. On Thursday night, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a pause on the program, stating the alleged shooter should never have been allowed entry. Critics argue that this move is collective punishment and harms legal immigration. The Trump administration has previously restricted immigration pathways after violent incidents, citing security concerns. Experts say immigrants undergo rigorous screening before entering the U.S.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at a news conference at Harry Reid International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

Homeland Security Secretary Noem faces scrutiny over immigration policies at a House hearing

December 11, 2025

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is expected to face tough questions from Democrats over the Republican administration’s immigration policies at a House hearing. Noem heads the agency central to President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda. Immigration enforcement operations have become more contentious since Noem last appeared in Congress in May. The number of people in immigration detention has skyrocketed. Democrats accuse immigration enforcement agents of erroneously detaining American citizens. Noem appears Thursday at the House Committee on Homeland Security to discuss “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.” Noem’s appearance comes as a federal judge investigates whether she should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador.

Trump administration will expand travel ban to more than 30 countries, Noem says

December 5, 2025

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the Trump administration is expanding its travel ban to more than 30 countries. Noem hasn’t specified which countries will be added, saying President Donald Trump is evaluating them. Noem spoke with Fox News Channel on Thursday, emphasizing the need for stable governments in countries to help vet people. Homeland Security hasn’t commented on when the updates will take effect. Trump’s Republican administration previously banned travel to the U.S. from 12 countries and restricted access from seven others. It’s the latest step by the administration since a man from Afghanistan was accused of the Thanksgiving week shooting of two National Guard troops. Critics call the measures collective punishment.

FILE - Police officers block a street as demonstrators march at a protest opposing "Operation Midway Blitz" and the presence of ICE, Sept. 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Trump administration halts immigration applications for migrants from 19 travel-ban nations

December 2, 2025

The Trump administration is pausing immigration applications, including green cards, for people from 19 countries previously banned from travel. This decision follows the shooting of two National Guard troops in the nation’s capital last week. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the pause Tuesday in a policy memo. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of immigration requests from these countries, described as high-risk. The pause affects immigrants already in the U.S., regardless of arrival date. The agency cited national security concerns and the recent shooting as reasons. Critics argue the actions amount to collective punishment for immigrants.

FILE - Gerardo Santos lifts his son Xavier, 5, on his shoulders during a protest in reaction to immigration raids, July 11, 2025, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Shooting of National Guard members prompts flurry of US immigration restrictions

December 1, 2025

The Trump administration has announced new immigration restrictions following the shooting of two National Guard members by a suspect who is an Afghan national. The administration is pausing asylum decisions, reexamining green card applications of people from countries “of concern” and halting visas for Afghans who assisted the U.S. war effort. These measures have faced criticism from refugee advocates who say they amount to collective punishment. The Trump administration has said these steps are necessary to ensure that those entering the country, or are already here, do not pose a security threat.

FILE - Vehicles wait outside the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, July 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

British Muslim commentator Sami Hamdi agrees to leave US after immigration detention

November 11, 2025

British political commentator Sami Hamdi plans to leave the U.S. after spending over two weeks in immigration detention. His supporters say he was detained as punishment for his criticism of Israel. The Trump administration has accused him of cheering on Hamas. Hamdi was on a speaking tour when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 26. He had just spoken at a Council on American-Islamic Relations event in Sacramento. The Department of Homeland Security says Hamdi requested voluntary departure. CAIR claims his detention was due to his vocal criticism of Israel. Civil rights groups criticize these actions as violations of free speech.

Protesters gather outside an ICE processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump administration speeds up new rules that would make it easier to charge some protesters

November 6, 2025

The Trump administration is speeding up new rules for the Federal Protective Service, giving it more authority to charge people for offenses on or off federal properties. These changes, initially set for next year, took effect on Wednesday. The administration cites a “recent surge in violence” as the reason for the early implementation. Protests against President Trump’s deportation policies have increased, especially near immigration enforcement buildings. Critics argue the new rules could target protesters. The Federal Protective Service can now make arrests for actions near federal properties and regulate unauthorized drone use and digital tampering.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents make an arrest during an early morning operation in Park Ridge, Ill., Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

ICE denies using excessive force as it broadens immigration arrests in Chicago

September 20, 2025

An immigration enforcement operation in the Chicago area is troubling immigrants and activists because of what they say are increasingly aggressive tactics. But top official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denies that officers are using excessive force. The operation began Sept. 8 and has led to the arrests of nearly 550 people. The aim is to enforce President Trump’s immigration policies in a city known for strong laws against local cooperation with federal immigration efforts. A Chicago alderman accuses immigration enforcement agents of trying to provoke activists into overreacting in order to justify calling in a greater use of force such as National Guard troops.

ICE arrests nearly 550 in Chicago area as part of ‘Midway Blitz’

September 19, 2025

Immigration enforcement officials have arrested almost 550 people in the Chicago area as part of an operation that began less than two weeks ago. The Department of Homeland Security announced the arrests Friday. The operation, called “Midway Blitz,” started Sept. 8 and has raised concerns among activists and immigrant communities. They report a noticeable increase in immigration enforcement agents. Officials say about 50% to 60% of the arrests were targeted, while the rest were collateral arrests. The operation follows similar efforts in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and has sparked controversy over its aggressive tactics.

People wait for loved ones from Guatemala deported from the United States outside La Aurora International Airport, in Guatemala City, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Judge extends temporary measures protecting Guatemalan children from deportation

September 13, 2025

A federal judge is temporarily keeping measures in place to prevent the Trump administration from deporting Guatemalan migrant children in government custody. Judge Timothy J. Kelly’s decision on Saturday stops the removal of children who came to the U.S. alone and are living in shelters and foster care. The decision follows a Labor Day weekend operation where the administration attempted to deport dozens of children. Immigration advocates sued, arguing the children were fleeing abuse or violence. Kelly’s order extends protection until Sept. 16. The government initially claimed the parents requested their return but later backtracked.

Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Joseph Edlow speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at the agency's headquarters Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Camp Springs, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Top US immigration official defends rule targeting ‘anti-American’ views in green card, visa process

September 9, 2025

A new U.S. immigration rule allows scrutiny of “anti-American” views when applying for green cards or benefits. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration director Joseph Edlow is defending a new rule targeting ‘anti-American’ views in immigration benefits, saying it doesn’t target political beliefs. Edlow is overseeing the pivotal immigration agency at a time when President Donald Trump is upending traditional immigration policy and charging ahead with an aggressive agenda that restricts who gets to come into the U.S. through legal pathways. In a wide-ranging interview on Monday, Edlow also detailed problems he sees with a training program that’s popular with international students – but hated by some Trump supporters as well as why his agency’s agents are now being armed.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks with a reporter on her plane while in the air en route from Quito, Ecuador to Joint Base Andrews, Md., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black to stop people from climbing it

August 19, 2025

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the entire southern border wall with Mexico is being painted black to deter illegal immigration. She credits President Trump with the idea, noting that black paint makes the wall hotter, making it harder to climb. Noem discussed this during a visit to New Mexico on Tuesday, where she helped paint a section of the wall. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks adds that the paint will also deter rust. Building the wall was a key focus of Trump’s first term, and Homeland Security is receiving $46 billion to complete it.

A federal agent escorts a man to a bus after he was detained following an appearance at immigration court, Monday, July 28, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits to boost hiring for Trump deportations

August 6, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security has removed age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement. This change aims to expand hiring after Congress provided a massive funding boost. On Wednesday, the department announced that it waived age limits so more people could join ICE, which is at the center of efforts to carry out mass deportations. Congress recently passed a bill allowing ICE to hire 10,000 more staff. Applicants can now be as young as 18. New recruits must pass medical and drug screenings and complete a physical fitness test. ICE is also offering bonuses and benefits to attract new hires.

FILE - Federal agents stage at MacArthur Park Monday, July 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)

ICE entices new recruits with patriotism pitch and promise of $50,000 signing bonuses

July 30, 2025

The agency responsible for President Trump’s mass deportations agenda is launching a recruiting campaign. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking what the campaign says are “brave and heroic Americans” to become deportation officers, lawyers, and investigators. The campaign uses patriotic imagery and slogans like “AMERICA NEEDS YOU.” The agency is offering up to $50,000 in signing bonuses and other benefits. This expansion is funded by a $170 billion bill from Congress, with ICE receiving $76.5 billion. But there are concerns about whether the rapid growth will potentially lower recruitment standards.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives for a news conference where she announced that most airline passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes at security checkpoints on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Reagan National Airport in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

First the shoes went back on. Now, at US airport security, more liquid in carry-ons may be at hand

July 16, 2025

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggests changes to the amount of liquids travelers can carry on planes may be coming. She’s speaking of possible changes to the current 3.4-ounce liquid limit for carry-ons. This follows her recent announcement allowing travelers to keep their shoes on during airport screenings, ending a policy in place since 2006. The liquid limits were introduced after a 2006 plot involving liquid explosives was foiled. Noem envisions a streamlined airport experience where passengers quickly pass through security with minimal hassle. She says a multilayered screening process is enabling changes in screening and security that still maintain safety standards.

A family from Colombia is detained and escorted to a bus by federal agents following an appearance at immigration court Monday, July 14, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Trump administration fires 17 immigration court judges across ten states, union says

July 15, 2025

Seventeen immigration court judges have been fired in recent days. That’s according to the union that represents the judges. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers says 15 judges were dismissed on Friday and two more on Monday. The firings occurred across ten states, including California, Texas, and New York. The union criticizes the move, calling it harmful as courts face a backlog of 3.5 million cases. Immigration courts, under the Justice Department, are already struggling with delays. The union claims over 100 judges have left or been fired since the Trump administration began, worsening the system’s challenges. No comment has been provided by officials.

Afghan refugees who returned after fleeing Iran to escape deportation and conflict line up at a UNHCR facility near the Islam Qala crossing in western Herat province, Afghanistan, on Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Omid Haqjoo)

With temporary protections for some Afghans set to expire, appeals court steps in

July 14, 2025

An appeals court has briefly extended protections for nearly 12,000 Afghans in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status. The Department of Homeland Security had announced in May that TPS for Afghans would end, leaving many at risk of deportation. On Monday, the nonprofit CASA appealed the decision and secured a one-week stay. The court has asked both sides to submit briefs this week. Advocates argue that many Afghans supported U.S. efforts during the war and deserve safety. TPS allows individuals to work and avoid deportation but doesn’t provide a path to citizenship, making its renewal precarious.

Krome Detention Center officers man an entrance gate as people hold a vigil outside to recognize those who have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, as well as those affected by mass deportations, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Leadership shakeups at agency tasked with carrying out Trump’s mass deportations agenda

May 29, 2025

A staff reorganization is underway at the agency carrying out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced leadership changes Tuesday at the department tasked with finding, arresting and removing immigrants who no longer have the right to be in the country as well as at the agency’s investigative division. ICE said the changes would help the agency achieve “President Trump and the American people’s mandate of arresting and deporting criminal illegal aliens and making American communities safe.” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said earlier this week that the administration was setting a goal of 3,000 arrests by ICE each day.

Deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Madison Sheahan, flanked by Acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in Washington, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Trump administration uses multiple techniques to encourage and force deportation

May 21, 2025

Carrying out mass deportations was a key rallying cry during Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency. Since the day he was sworn into office, his administration has focused on how to make that rallying cry reality. They’ve touted their policy of going after “the worst of the worst” — meaning people who’ve committed crimes in America — while leaning on some nations to take immigrants who the U.S. has difficulty deporting to their own countries. They’ve removed protections from hundreds of thousands of people the Biden administration admitted on a temporary basis into the country with the aim of eventually making them deportable. They’ve even suggested people “self-deport.”

Rebecca Santana.