California Archives - Focal Point: Lives In The Balance

Behind the Docket

June 15, 2026

One month, six universities, 62 students, 1,025 proceedings: Scenes from an overstrained immigration system in America.

DHS after a turbulent and deadly year

June 14, 2026

During President Trump’s second administration, DHS has become defined by hardline policies, violence and turmoil.

A street vendor pushes a cart along the route during the East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival in Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Organizers behind Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Los Angeles this weekend said they are beefing up security protocols amid increased immigration enforcement as some people expressed their apprehension for attending the events, reported NBC. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images

LA street vendors risk deportation to work

June 14, 2026

As stepped-up immigration enforcement began in L.A. last year, street vendors were among those arrested. Vendors say they’re afraid – but they need to work.

United States and Department of Homeland Security flags side by side in the lobby of the federal building at 300 N. Los Angeles Street, which houses the downtown L.A. immigration court.

Due process at risk in Trump’s immigration courts

May 27, 2026

How firings and other dramatic changes are affecting the immigration court system – and due process.

Signage inside immigration court at Federal Plaza in New York City.

What we observed in U.S. immigration courts

May 19, 2026

Lives in the Balance brought together six universities to document and observe immigration court hearings..