This Week in Immigration: February 13, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

Trump Administration Ends Minneapolis Immigration Surge

The Trump administration said it will wind down “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis, weeks after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens during enforcement actions. Border czar Tom Homan announced a “significant drawdown” of personnel, though immigration enforcement will continue. More than 4,000 arrests were made during the operation, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which did not detail how many involved criminal charges.

Visa Services Tracker Updated for February 2026

Most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed routine visa services following pandemic-era suspensions, but availability still varies by country. At the same time, a new presidential proclamation that took effect January 1, 2026, suspends new visa issuance for certain nationalities and partially restricts others. Some posts remain closed due to security concerns, while others have moved immigrant visa processing to third countries. Boundless has updated its country-by-country tracker with the latest appointment, suspension, and processing details worldwide.

H-1B Enforcement Increases Under Project Firewall

Federal agencies are increasing scrutiny of the H-1B visa program through Project Firewall. Employers can expect more random and targeted site visits, many conducted without advance notice. These inspections are designed to ensure companies are complying with approved petitions and Labor Condition Applications, including job duties, salary, and work location. If discrepancies are found, penalties can be serious. Boundless breaks down how H-1B inspections work, what officers review, and how employers can prepare before a visit occurs.

Lawmakers Urge DHS to Exempt Health Care From $100,000 H-1B Fee

A bipartisan group of 100 lawmakers is urging DHS to exempt the health care sector from the new $100,000 fee on employers filing new H-1B petitions. In a February 11 letter, lawmakers warned the fee could worsen staffing shortages, arguing that nearly 87 million Americans live in federally designated shortage areas and physician shortfalls could reach 86,000 within a decade. DHS has authority to grant sector-wide exemptions but has not yet said whether it will do so.

Immigration Officials Face Lawmaker Scrutiny After Minneapolis Shootings

Senior immigration officials testified before the House Homeland Security Committee for the first time since two U.S. citizens were fatally shot during enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Lawmakers from both parties questioned agency training, the use of roving patrols in major cities, and the limited rollout of body cameras. Democrats called for stronger oversight and limits on tactics, while some Republicans raised concerns about transparency even as they defended broader enforcement efforts, with Department of Homeland Security funding set to expire this week.

Federal Judge Orders Improvements at California ICE Facility

A federal judge has ordered DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to improve conditions at the California City immigration detention center, citing concerns raised in a lawsuit filed by seven detainees. U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney directed the government to ensure adequate medical staffing, timely access to prescribed medications, attorney access, temperature-appropriate clothing, and daily outdoor time. The order also requires an independent third-party monitor to review medical records and conduct on-site inspections and interviews

Global

Immigrant Visa Suspension Now in Effect for 75 Countries

An indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries is now in effect following a January 14 announcement by the U.S. Department of State. The suspension applies to immigrant visas issued abroad, including employment- and family-based green cards. Nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist, student, and business visas, are not included. Read our full article for the latest updates and analysis.

U.K. Leads World in Immigration Concern; U.S. Far Lower

A new Gallup report finds the United Kingdom is more likely than any country surveyed to name immigration as its top national problem, with 21% of Britons citing it as their No. 1 concern in 2025. Globally, a median of just 1% say the same. The United States does not rank among the most concerned countries: While 15% of the U.S. population is foreign-born—similar to the U.K.—Americans are far less likely to name immigration as their top issue compared with Britons.

Mexico Reinstates E-Visa for Brazilian Travelers

Mexico has reinstated its electronic visa system for Brazilian nationals traveling by air for tourism or business, effective immediately. Eligible travelers can now apply through the online Sistema de Autorización Electrónica (SAE) platform and receive digital authorization without visiting a consulate. The move reverses a 2022 policy that required Brazilians to obtain a consular visitor visa before travel. The update streamlines short-term business and tourism travel between Brazil and Mexico.

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