The New ICE Directive To Detain Lawful Refugees

The New ICE Directive To Detain Lawful Refugees

Author: WNYC Studios February 20, 2026 Duration: 22:03

On Wednesday, the Trump administration issued a memo directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to detain lawful refugees who have yet to secure permanent U.S. residency. 

On Today's Show:
Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker staff writer and the author of Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis (Penguin Press, 2024), discusses the latest news, including his latest reporting on how the agency's bureaucracy works.


Each weekday, Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast from WNYC Studios offers a necessary pause in the news cycle. Instead of rapid-fire takes, Brian facilitates nuanced discussions that go beyond the headlines, focusing on how policy and political decisions directly shape our communities and lives. You'll hear from a wide range of voices-including policymakers, journalists, experts, and callers from across the nation-who engage in substantive dialogue that clarifies complex issues. This podcast is built on the belief that understanding precedes meaningful action. Tuning in feels like gaining a deeper, more contextual grasp of the day's most pressing events, delivered with a sense of civility and curiosity often missing from political discourse. It’s a daily resource for anyone looking to replace noise with insight and to participate in a more informed public conversation. The consistent, thoughtful approach makes this a standout listen for those who want their daily news accompanied by reflection and perspective.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast
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