In today’s newsletter: The new US hardline policies have sparked widespread fear and controversy, as families, students, and tourists face arbitrary detentions and deportations
Good morning. A student arrested in the street for accusing Israel of genocide; a father of an autistic son, deported by mistake only for the authorities to say there was no way to bring him back; tourists held in solitary confinement with no explanation; and a scientist expelled for daring to be critical of Donald Trump. As the consequences of the White House’s hardline immigration policies unfold, they increasingly look like the behaviour of a police state.
“The lawlessness is the point,” Greg Sargent wrote for the New Republic: “these ‘errors,’ as you might have gathered by now, appear to be fully part of the design.” But it is also true that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) has been criticised for its treatment of immigrants for a long time.
Ukraine | Donald Trump has issued a rare rebuke to Moscow for an air attack that killed 12 people in Kyiv, telling the Russian president in a social media post: “Vladimir, STOP!” The US president’s remarks come as he makes a renewed push to end the Ukraine war, reportedly on terms favourable to Russia.
UK news | Cyclists who kill pedestrians by dangerous cycling could face life imprisonment in England and Wales under new amendments to the crime and policing bill.
World news | India’s army chief was set to lead a high-level security review in Srinagar on Friday, days after militants opened fire on tourists in Indian-held Kashmir, killing 26 civilians in one of the worst such attacks in years. The Indian Army has launched sweeping “search-and-destroy” operations, deployed surveillance drones, and ramped up troop numbers across the Kashmir Valley. A manhunt is underway for three suspects – one Indian national and two Pakistanis.
Economy | Consumer confidence in the UK has fallen to the lowest level for more than a year amid concern that Donald Trump’s trade wars could further drive up living costs for British households.
Emergency services | Ambulance staff are facing “horrendous” levels of violent assault and abuse as incidents rise to the highest on record, according to new data.
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