Stories by
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
Immigration Correspondent
ICE detained a Venezuelan soccer pro. His case shows the immigration backlog crisis
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Aug 15, 2026, 10:10 AM UTC
Homero Calderón's detention by ICE spotlights the massive backlog in the U.S. immigration system.
Controversial group wins $158M-contract to represent unaccompanied immigrant childrenSergio Martínez-Beltrán | Aug 12, 2026, 8:19 PM UTC
Small Texas law firm set to receive $150M to represent unaccompanied migrant childrenSergio Martínez-Beltrán | Aug 5, 2026, 8:23 PM UTC
In the aftermath of deadly shootings, ICE pauses most traffic stopsSergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jul 14, 2026, 7:54 PM UTC
Houston neighbors started seeing more ICE agents around. Then came a fatal shooting.Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jul 10, 2026, 7:08 PM UTC

Venezuelans deported from the U.S. were killed hours later in powerful quakes
On June 24, 146 Venezuelans were deported from Texas to Caracas. Hours later, while the deportees were in a guarded hotel, powerful twin earthquakes struck.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jun 30, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

Former ICE leader lands new job consulting on national security and defense
Because of his former job, Todd Lyons cannot engage with the Department of Homeland Security for a year, per federal law.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jun 15, 2026, 11:48 PM UTC

Report: ICE wasted millions, endangered detainees in largest immigration facility
Since the opening of Camp East Montana in Texas last year, immigration lawyers and rights advocates have expressed concerns about conditions inside the facility.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jun 10, 2026, 8:10 PM UTC

A warm World Cup welcome? U.S. immigration policies have chilling effect
As the World Cup begins later this week, match officials and team members have faced enhanced immigration scrutiny when trying to enter the United States. A FIFA referee from Somalia was turned away.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jun 9, 2026, 7:46 PM UTC

Deported Filipino sailors say they were falsely linked to child sexual abuse material
NPR has tracked deported Filipino sailors who say they were accused without evidence of possessing child sexual exploitation material. Almost none have been charged or prosecuted.
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Jun 6, 2026, 10:05 AM UTC

