Rebecca Galemba's Avatar

Rebecca Galemba

@rgalemba.bsky.social

Professor at Josef Korbel School. Co-Director DU Center for Immigration Policy & Research. Author: Contraband Corridor (Stanford Press 2017) and Laboring for Justice (Stanford Press 2023). Migration, borders, wage theft, Latin America

1,275 Followers  |  723 Following  |  23 Posts  |  Joined: 19.09.2023  |  1.7715

Latest posts by rgalemba.bsky.social on Bluesky

Bill Melugin
@BillMelugin_
BREAKING: Per four senior DHS & Trump admin sources, a mass removal of ICE leadership around the country is underway, with up to 12 ICE field office chiefs being removed & reassigned in an effort to increase deportation numbers. I'm told the move is spearheaded by Corey Lewandowski, and a handful of the ICE Chiefs will likely be replaced by Border Patrol & CBP officials, some of whom will be hand-picked by aggressive & controversial Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino. I'm told some of the ICE leadership removed from their positions include the ICE Field Office Directors in:

- Los Angeles
- Phoenix
- Philadelphia
- Denver
- El Paso
- San Diego
- Seattle/Portland
- New Orleans

Border Patrol officials taking over ICE leadership positions would be extremely significant, as Border Patrol and ICE do different things, and I've done numerous ride-alongs/embeds with both.

Bill Melugin @BillMelugin_ BREAKING: Per four senior DHS & Trump admin sources, a mass removal of ICE leadership around the country is underway, with up to 12 ICE field office chiefs being removed & reassigned in an effort to increase deportation numbers. I'm told the move is spearheaded by Corey Lewandowski, and a handful of the ICE Chiefs will likely be replaced by Border Patrol & CBP officials, some of whom will be hand-picked by aggressive & controversial Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino. I'm told some of the ICE leadership removed from their positions include the ICE Field Office Directors in: - Los Angeles - Phoenix - Philadelphia - Denver - El Paso - San Diego - Seattle/Portland - New Orleans Border Patrol officials taking over ICE leadership positions would be extremely significant, as Border Patrol and ICE do different things, and I've done numerous ride-alongs/embeds with both.

Generally speaking, ICE typically conducts very targeted operations, largely going after criminal illegal aliens or those with deportation orders, but almost always knowing who they are targeting for arrest, often conducting surveillance to learn their schedules before and waiting hours before arresting them if needed.

Border Patrol, under Trump 2.0, while sometimes doing their own targeted operations, has been extremely aggressive and has been at the forefront of some of the most controversial immigration enforcement operations we've seen so far, carrying out roving patrols in Los Angeles, Chicago, etc, often at Home Depot, car washes, flea markets etc, leading to a handful of federal judges around the country issuing injunctions against them. A majority of the viral videos you see online are Border Patrol agents, including the use of a Trojan horse style Penske moving truck at a Los Angeles Home Depot, an operation organized by Bovino. 

ICE often gets blamed for what Border Patrol does, as the media and activists often cannot tell the difference between federal agents, and everyone is called "ICE". I'm told there are growing concerns about the political and PR fallout associated with some of the roving patrols Border Patrol is conducting as lawsuits continue to stack up and mid-terms approach next year.

Generally speaking, ICE typically conducts very targeted operations, largely going after criminal illegal aliens or those with deportation orders, but almost always knowing who they are targeting for arrest, often conducting surveillance to learn their schedules before and waiting hours before arresting them if needed. Border Patrol, under Trump 2.0, while sometimes doing their own targeted operations, has been extremely aggressive and has been at the forefront of some of the most controversial immigration enforcement operations we've seen so far, carrying out roving patrols in Los Angeles, Chicago, etc, often at Home Depot, car washes, flea markets etc, leading to a handful of federal judges around the country issuing injunctions against them. A majority of the viral videos you see online are Border Patrol agents, including the use of a Trojan horse style Penske moving truck at a Los Angeles Home Depot, an operation organized by Bovino. ICE often gets blamed for what Border Patrol does, as the media and activists often cannot tell the difference between federal agents, and everyone is called "ICE". I'm told there are growing concerns about the political and PR fallout associated with some of the roving patrols Border Patrol is conducting as lawsuits continue to stack up and mid-terms approach next year.

I'm told there is significant friction within different wings of DHS and the administration, with Border Czar Tom Homan & ICE Director Todd Lyons preferring to prioritize targeting criminal aliens & the "worst of the worst" or those with deportation orders, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and BP Commander Bovino prefer to use aggressive tactics to arrest anyone in the US illegally, including but not limited to criminals, to ramp up deportation numbers and achieve President Trump's promises of mass deportations. 

I am hearing from both sides of this friction.

One senior DHS official tells me:

"ICE started with the worst of the worst, knowing every target they are hitting, but since Border Patrol started in LA in June, we've (DHS) lost our focus, going too hard, too fast, with limited prioritization. It's getting numbers, but at what cost?".

Border Patrol agents I've talked to defend their tactics, with one telling me:

"What did everyone think mass deportations meant? Only the worst? Tom Homan has said it himself, anyone in the US illegally is on the table."

I'm told there is significant friction within different wings of DHS and the administration, with Border Czar Tom Homan & ICE Director Todd Lyons preferring to prioritize targeting criminal aliens & the "worst of the worst" or those with deportation orders, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and BP Commander Bovino prefer to use aggressive tactics to arrest anyone in the US illegally, including but not limited to criminals, to ramp up deportation numbers and achieve President Trump's promises of mass deportations. I am hearing from both sides of this friction. One senior DHS official tells me: "ICE started with the worst of the worst, knowing every target they are hitting, but since Border Patrol started in LA in June, we've (DHS) lost our focus, going too hard, too fast, with limited prioritization. It's getting numbers, but at what cost?". Border Patrol agents I've talked to defend their tactics, with one telling me: "What did everyone think mass deportations meant? Only the worst? Tom Homan has said it himself, anyone in the US illegally is on the table."

It's quite a situation, as both sides of this are on the same team, with the same end goals, but different perspectives on how to get there. 

Another DHS official confirmed the personnel changes to me on deep background, adding that the moves are based on performance and doing what is needed to achieve the best results. 

Official statement to 
@FoxNews
 via 
@TriciaOhio
:

"While we have no personnel changes to announce at this time, the Trump Administration remains laser focused on delivering results and removing violent criminal illegal aliens from this country."
7:57 PM ยท Oct 27, 2025
ยท
29.6K
 Views

It's quite a situation, as both sides of this are on the same team, with the same end goals, but different perspectives on how to get there. Another DHS official confirmed the personnel changes to me on deep background, adding that the moves are based on performance and doing what is needed to achieve the best results. Official statement to @FoxNews via @TriciaOhio : "While we have no personnel changes to announce at this time, the Trump Administration remains laser focused on delivering results and removing violent criminal illegal aliens from this country." 7:57 PM ยท Oct 27, 2025 ยท 29.6K Views

๐ŸšจBIG changes happening -- ICE leadership is being purged tonight. The old guard, which prioritized targeted enforcement operations aimed at people with criminal records, is being replaced with Border Patrol and Gregory Bovino's "Midway Blitz" style.

Think things are bad now? It'll get worse.

28.10.2025 00:27 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 7447    ๐Ÿ” 4260    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 267    ๐Ÿ“Œ 581

time.com/7295195/ai-c...
This track with my day. If youโ€™re going to ask ChatGPT to use direct quotes from readings you may want t double check them when supposedly (but clearly do not) come from your professorโ€™s articleโ€ฆ

20.06.2025 02:14 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Happy to support @daveyseligman.bsky.social on Day 1 for CO AG, one of the smartest and hardest working people I know who will stand up for workers and all Coloradans

13.05.2025 13:55 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I want to read your book!

22.04.2025 03:12 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

We are excited to announce two grant opportunities for current grad students and post-PhD scholars who do not hold a tenure-track faculty position. The maximum amount across both grant programs is $6000. Apply by May 15, 2025. Link for more info.

19.04.2025 20:07 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I am going to try to live post from @udenveraaup.bsky.social's National Day of Action event today. Excited to kick things off with @rgalemba.bsky.social and @marieberry.bsky.social ๐Ÿฅฐ

17.04.2025 12:59 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 7    ๐Ÿ” 4    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

duclarion.com/2025/04/vigi...

15.04.2025 19:12 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Looking forward to our AAUP chapter's Day of Action events next week! @kcrowe.bsky.social @themodsisyphus.bsky.social @yyasar.bsky.social @rgalemba.bsky.social @astroprofhoff.bsky.social @smotus.bsky.social & other colleagues

11.04.2025 02:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 7    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Post image 04.04.2025 22:55 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
The Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology | Wiley Online Library Scholars have attuned to the challenges Central American migrants face along increasingly perilous northward journeys. However, most studies of โ€œtransit spacesโ€ are relatively migrant-centric, focusi...

New research by Korbel Prof @rgalemba.bsky.social examines how long-term residents along the Mexicoโ€“Guatemala border have perceived Central American migrants and refugees over time. These evolving perceptions highlight how 'transit spaces' challenge assumptions about territory and belonging.

02.04.2025 20:32 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Tomorrow!

11.03.2025 21:15 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

And even when they did shout out fears of return under this policy, they were often explicitly ignored @aijustice.bsky.social

19.02.2025 02:47 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

www.denverpost.com/2025/02/10/t...

10.02.2025 14:13 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Featuring @naazneenbarma.bsky.social @rgalemba.bsky.social, Ilene Grabel, and Fritz Mayer from @josefkorbelschool.bsky.social & @govindpersad.bsky.social from Sturm College of Law

We will have a recording of the event posted to our YouTube shortly after if you can't join in person: bit.ly/4jN5xHq

05.02.2025 21:57 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1

Good explainer from @chloeneast.bsky.social

04.02.2025 05:11 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Due Process and the Dedicated Docket What happens when asylum seekers are placed on expedited court dockets designed to prioritize efficiency over fairness? With the support of a Public Good Grant, Dr. Rebecca Galemba and a team of stude...

Korbel Professor @rgalemba.bsky.social at @uofdenver.bsky.social advances the public good by tackling urgent social challenges. Her latest research examines the Dedicated Docket for asylum seekersโ€”does it ensure due process or fast-track injustice? Read more:

03.02.2025 18:53 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Boo!

30.01.2025 05:14 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

A very important reminder. ICE can't go inside a house without the permission of someone there. Administrative warrants are not judicial warrants.

20.01.2025 16:06 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 847    ๐Ÿ” 468    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 9    ๐Ÿ“Œ 7

Oh crap for a system that was already hanging by a thread and full of chaos, backlog, and confusion.

21.01.2025 00:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Immigration Policy Tracking Project A comprehensive and dynamic catalogue of immigration policies issued by the Trump administration since January 2017.

Sharing an incredible resource for people looking to follow the legal changes on immigration under Trump. A law professor and numerous students at Yale Law and Stanford Law will be tracking and summarizing every change in immigration policy. immpolicytracking.org/home/

19.01.2025 02:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1080    ๐Ÿ” 626    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 65    ๐Ÿ“Œ 35
Preview
Did Mayor Mike Johnstonโ€™s Actions During Denverโ€™s Immigration Crisis Live up to His (Fighting) Words With Trump? Mike Johnston says Denver is a model when it comes to immigration. His critics, however, say thereโ€™s nothing novel about his administrationโ€™s response to the crisis.

Immigration surged under Biden, but @rgalemba.bsky.social & Lisa Martinez highlight key context: increased border patrol agents and accounting methods that may inflate the numbers.

Kelley Manley, 5280 Magazine:

14.01.2025 18:00 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Please spread this information in this graphic as well!
Also consider calling your Senators about the Riley Laken Act
202-224-3121
bsky.app/profile/male...

10.01.2025 20:35 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 101    ๐Ÿ” 75    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 7    ๐Ÿ“Œ 3

The only good thing about returning from break with bronchitis was being able to finish this book penguinrandomhouse.com/books/625425/eโ€ฆ @jonathanblitzer.bsky.social Now hoping for magic from my zpac and prednisone

07.01.2025 22:11 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

1/3: New report by Professor @rgalemba.bsky.social, Cyril Bennouna, & MA student Alejandro Chรกvez evaluates "Bienvenidos a Denver," a program by Centro de los Trabajadores Colorado supporting migrants' integration in Colorado.

13.12.2024 17:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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What Will Mass Deportations Look Like? We explore who may be most likely to be targeted and the potential roadblocks to the Trump administrationโ€™s mass deportations next year.

What Will Mass Deportations Look Like? - Immigration Impact @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social @immcouncil.bsky.social

immigrationimpact.com/2024/12/06/w...

06.12.2024 20:58 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 53    ๐Ÿ” 35    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 8

Happy to provide commentary on this case alongside @daveyseligman.bsky.social Towards Justice. Hope these workers get justice and accountability.
www.aspenpublicradio.org/social-justi...

05.12.2024 03:57 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Add me please! How do you add a โ€œstarter packโ€ if already on bsky? When I click on it it keeps prompting me to join?

26.11.2024 00:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I would watch that one

20.11.2024 21:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Add me please

20.11.2024 05:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

@rgalemba is following 20 prominent accounts