What we are Reading

IRI’s take on the latest research and reports from our colleagues.

October 21, 2026

A List of Recent Studies: Mass Arrests of Immigrants Shrink the Economy

Every day we are seeing new studies showing the negative economic and social impacts of mass arrests of immigrants. To help keep track and give an overview, we created a page that lists dozens of reports using a range of different methodologies, all showing the same thing: mass immigration arrests shrink the economy.

September 29, 2026

A New Chicago Report Adds to the Growing List of Studies on the Economic Damage of the Deportation Regime

A new report from Chicago’s Cook County adds to a growing body of evidence that spikes in ICE arrests lead to economic impacts that harm both immigrants and U.S.-born workers, on top of the shocking human rights abuses. The report from Cook County measured a loss of $1.25 billion in foot traffic from Latine consumers.

September 3, 2026

A New NILC Report Highlights the Impacts ICE is Having on Schools

The National Immigration Law Center published a report last month exploring the impacts ICE activity and mass deportation efforts have had on public schools. The report confirms many of the predictions immigration advocates have made since the Trump administration took office in 2025.

August 13, 2026

Three Reports, One Verdict: Mass Deportation Is Costing Everyone

Shamier synthesizes new research from America’s Voice, Economic Policy Institute, and the Immigration Research Initiative to show that mass deportation’s costs — lost jobs, higher prices, billions in public spending — fall on everyone.

July 2, 2026

Thinking About the 4th of July 

If you are looking for a meaningful way to dig a little deeper into the meaning of America, David suggests some pieces written by IRI Advisory Board Members.