Justice in the Age of Trump

Criminal justice and immigration reform are facing unprecedented threats during the 47th presidency. From mass deportations and a more punitive approach to charging and sentencing to a weaponized Department of Justice and a constitutional showdown with the courts, Vera's researchers and policy experts are tracking this administration's actions and making meaning of the latest developments out of Washington and its impact across the country.
J47 Shifting Political Blog 1693x786
NEWS
The Political Consensus Behind Harsh Immigration Policies Is Starting to Crack
Slowly but surely, the political consensus on punitive crime and immigration…
Mar 13, 2026
ICE Free Zones Blog 1693x786

Spotlight

“ICE-Free Zones” Explained: How Cities and Counties are Working Together to Resist ICE
In early December, as the federal government began ramping up immigration…
Mar 09, 2026
ICE Accountability blog 1693x786

Spotlight

Democrats’ Demands for ICE Accountability Could Be Effective—If They Can Be Enforced
Under President Trump’s mass deportation agenda, United States Immigration and…
Feb 09, 2026
Renee Good Blog 1693x786 1
EXPLAINER
The ICE Killing of Renee Nicole Good is a Watershed Moment for Trump
On January 7 in Minneapolis, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent…
Jan 21, 2026
One Year of Trump Explainer Blog 1693x786 1
EXPLAINER
Weaponizing the System: One Year of Trump’s Attacks on Due Process
One year into President Trump’s second term, federal immigration policies are…
Jan 20, 2026
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EXPLAINER
Five Criminal Justice Issues to Watch During Trump’s Second Year in Office
At this time last year, President Donald Trump’s return to office was shrouded…
Jan 16, 2026
Trump Crime Bill Blog 1693x786

Spotlight

What is Trump’s Comprehensive Crime Bill and How Can Lawmakers Deliver Real Solutions for Safety Instead?
The Republican crime bill, rumored to arrive early in 2026, has its origins in…
Dec 05, 2025
National Guard Blog 1693x786 min
NEWS
Sending in the National Guard Won’t Make Our Cities Safer
When President Trump began his federal takeover of Washington, DC, in August,…
Sep 26, 2025
RPS Alternative Response Blog 1693x786 min

Spotlight

What a Department of Community Safety Could Look Like in New York City—and Beyond
Crime and safety are issues in any election, and New York City’s June…
Sep 22, 2025
What LA Can Do Blog 1693x786 min
NEWS
ICE Is Still Terrorizing Los Angeles: Local Leaders Need to Show the Country How to Protect Our Communities
Over the past two weeks, the country’s eyes have turned toward Washington,…
Aug 21, 2025