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Federal agents on patrol in Minneapolis in January 2026. (Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Andrea Tinker
A federal judge Monday ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop using three “likely illegal” policies, following a lawsuit from a Baldwin County construction worker who said he was held because of his appearance. Leonardo Garcia Venegas, who is an American citizen, said he was stopped twice by ICE agents in 2025. Attorneys for ICE claimed Venegas was held amid concerns for officer safety, but the judge noted other workers were not detained.
Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward speaks during Reentry 2030 event at the Perry County Correctional Facility in Uniontown, Ala., on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Will McLelland for Alabama Reflector)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Ralph Chapoco
The Alabama Joint Task Force on Re-Entry expects to formally adopt a definition of the term “recidivism” at its next meeting. Having a definition is crucial to evaluating the impact of re-entry programs aimed at helping people in prison transition back to daily life after serving their sentences and for the state’s goal of cutting recidivism in half by 2030.
“Drag me to the Capitol” protestors stand in front of the Alabama Capitol and advocate against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on May 16, 2023. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)
COMMENTARY
By Catherine Dorrough
The end of summer, Catherine Dorrough writes, appears to have led to a renewal of attacks on LGBTQ+ Alabamians and reminders of the yearslong attempts to drive the communities out of public spaces, whether libraries, state departments or the streets of Mobile. Amid this gloomy picture, she writes, she draws hope from a conversation she had with one person several years ago.
ICYMI
Lindsay Clancy case could spur legislative action on postpartum depression, psychosis | Sofia Resnick, Stateline
Judge suggests Trump’s most recent birthright citizenship orders may require new lawsuit | Ariana Figueroa, DC Bureau
‘Drive them into hell’: Trump ponders destruction of Iran at United Nations | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
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