Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Tensions rise over immigration raids

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The Short List

Wed Oct 22 2025

Phaedra Trethan | National Correspondent

@wordsbyphaedra

Hi there! I'm Phaedra Trethan, checking out horror writers' favorite scary books. 💀 📚

In Wednesday's news:

•	An immigration raid in New York City has raised tensions over ICE tactics in cities.
•	President Trump is reportedly suing the Department of Justice. ⚖️
•	What's a "Velcro kid" and could you be raising one? 🤔

But first: Enjoy this look at incredible women and the Barbies they inspired. 🤩 🤩 🤩

Tensions continue to rise over immigration raids

Federal agents descended on Lower Manhattan Tuesday in a raid targeting street vendors in a popular Chinatown tourist area. Protesters clashed with masked agents, traffic came to a standstill and bystanders recorded the scene on their phones.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles, a deputy U.S. Marshal was struck in the hand by a stray bullet during an immigration enforcement operation on Tuesday morning . A man whom federal authorities said used his vehicle to ram theirs in an attempt to flee was also shot in the elbow during what DHS officials called a "targeted traffic enforcement stop."

•	Also in L.A., the U.S. Marines are investigating after live artillery rounds were fired over a highway.
•	Watch: What happened in Lower Manhattan.

Police officers stand infront of people protesting in Manhattan after migrants who were detained during a raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday.

David Dee Delgado, REUTERS

Trump suing the DOJ?

President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking $230 million from the Justice Department, compensation he says he's owed after a series of investigations undertaken before he returned to the presidency. What Trump says about the claim, and whether he can actually collect.

•	Watch: How Trump is physically transforming the White House.
•	Trump calls the White House demolition work for a planned ballroom "music to my ears."

President Donald Trump hosts a Rose Garden Club lunch at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 21, 2025.

Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS

Real quick

•	An Oregon Democrat's filibuster began Tuesday and went well into Wednesday afternoon.
•	Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military struck another vessel, this one in the waters off South America.
•	The latest in the trial of a sheriff's deputy accused of murdering Sonya Massey, a Black woman who'd called police for help.
•	The NFL is defending its choice for the Super Bowl halftime show.

What's a 'Velco kid'?

Any parent wants to be close to their kids, but how close is too close?

The term "Velcro parents" is gaining traction on social media. And therapists say that while it can feel good to know you've created a safe space and close bond with your child, it's also important for parents to set boundaries and take breaks for themselves, too.

Here come college hoops

🏀 🏀 🏀 The men's college basketball season tips off Nov. 3, but we have a full-court press ready now. Our season outlook includes our Top 25 poll. See who's in the top spot for the first time ever.

•	Who didn't make the cut.
•	Why our top team is, well, our top team.

Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4), guard Fletcher Loyer (2) and guard Gicarri Harris (24) react after defeating McNeese State in the second round of the 2025 NCAA men's tournament at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images

A break from the news

•	The pros are playing, too: The NBA players poised to have breakout seasons. 🏀
•	Bon Jovi is going on tour after its singer and namesake struggled with vocal problems. 🎙️
•	No Halloween costume yet? We've got you. 👻

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent at USA TODAY. She'd love to hear from readers about The Short List, story ideas from across the nation and what your best Halloween costume was. (One year, she was a dead ringer for Morticia Addams.) Email her at ptrethan@usatoday.com.