1. COURTS UNDERCUT MASS DEPORTATION

The Trump administration has been trying to arrest and detain more immigrants during a large immigration crackdown, including people who have lived in the United States for many years. A policy change tried to make it harder for detained immigrants to get bond and leave detention while their cases continue, even if they are not considered dangerous. In response, many lawyers have been filing habeas corpus petitions, which are court requests that force the government to explain why someone is being held. In many cases, federal judges have ordered people released or have ordered immigration courts to hold bond hearings, and this has created a flood of cases that is overwhelming some federal courts. The government says it is following court orders, but some judges have criticized the system for keeping people locked up for long periods without clear reasons. Imagine you are explaining this situation to a friend who has never heard the term “habeas corpus” before. Write a paragraph that defines habeas corpus in your own words and describes why it matters when the government detains someone. Then write a second paragraph that explains how a policy change can lead to unexpected consequences, using the overloaded courts and the releases ordered by judges as your example.

2. I.C.E EXPANDS AGENTS’ POWER

An internal memo at Immigration and Customs Enforcement said agents have broader power to arrest people without a warrant in certain situations. The memo focuses on a law that allows warrantless arrests if someone is “likely to escape” before a warrant can be obtained. ICE had often treated that phrase as meaning a person might not show up later for court hearings, but the new guidance changes it to mean someone might not stay at the scene long enough for paperwork to be completed. Critics say this new definition is very broad and could make it much easier for agents to arrest almost anyone they suspect is undocumented without getting a warrant first. The memo also tells agents to document their reasons after making a warrantless arrest and describes factors they can consider, like whether someone tries to leave, gives suspicious information, or seems to have false documents. Write a short paragraph explaining the difference between a targeted arrest and a sweep, using examples from the story to show how each one works. Then write another paragraph that explores the idea of rules and limits for government power, and explain why some people might feel safer with stricter warrant requirements while others might argue that faster arrests are necessary.

3. CLIMATE SCIENCE PANEL

A federal judge ruled that the Energy Department broke the law when it secretly created a small group of researchers to write a government report about climate change. The judge said the panel should have followed rules that require public meetings and balanced viewpoints, because the panel’s work was meant to influence government policy. The report downplayed the dangers of global warming and was later used by the Environmental Protection Agency to support a plan to undo an important scientific finding that helps the government regulate climate pollution. Environmental groups argued that the secret process was unfair and produced a report shaped to support a political goal. The Energy Department said the report should remain public, and the judge did not order it removed, but the ruling still criticized the way it was created. Pretend your school is deciding a new rule that affects everyone, but the principal only asks five students for advice and does not let anyone else know the meetings are happening. Write a paragraph comparing that school situation to the secret climate panel and explain why transparency matters when decisions affect many people. Then write a second paragraph describing one fair way a government agency could gather expert advice while also letting the public understand who is involved and what evidence is being used.

4. PENTAGON DEFENDS MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

The Pentagon created new rules for reporters that require them to sign a long form with restrictions on how they do their jobs inside the building. The Defense Department says the goal is to protect national security and clearly explain what behavior is allowed, and it says reporters who do not follow the rules can lose their press passes. The New York Times sued, arguing that the policy violates the First Amendment by limiting journalists’ ability to ask questions and gather information, and also violates due process by giving the Pentagon too much power to take away press passes. After the rules were announced, some journalists refused to sign and gave up their passes, while the Pentagon welcomed new members of the press corps, including commentators and influencers who support President Trump. The case is moving quickly, and the court is scheduled to hear arguments in early March. Write a paragraph explaining why journalists try to report on powerful institutions like the military and include one reason this can help the public. Then write a second paragraph explaining why the Pentagon might want tighter rules in a secure building and include one example of a risk the Pentagon says it is trying to prevent. Include what you think a fair policy would balance.

5. “NATIONAL SHUTDOWN” PROTEST

Across the country, people joined protests that organizers called a “national shutdown,” where some students walked out of school, some workers left their jobs, and some businesses closed for the day. Protesters said they were acting in solidarity with Minneapolis and wanted to condemn the Trump administration’s immigration tactics and the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Demonstrations happened in many cities, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and smaller towns, and many were peaceful, although tear gas was used during a confrontation outside a detention center in Los Angeles. Some participants said they felt they could not stay silent anymore, while others talked about family members and friends who were scared of being detained. The protests showed how one event in one city can lead to nationwide actions when people believe basic rights and safety are at risk. Write a short paragraph describing what “solidarity” means in your own words and explain how the protests showed solidarity with Minneapolis. Then, write a list of questions you would ask a protester and a government official to better understand both perspectives.