Leaning into Legalities with Professor Cahill

When current events weigh heavily on students’ minds, they seek to understand them through intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and by centering Marlborough’s core values. In January 2026, immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota became a focal point for students and also of national conversations about federal versus state authority. Students eager to understand the legal complexities of this welcomed Courtney Cahill, law professor and Marlborough parent, for a timely Pushing Perspectives that provided historical and constitutional context.

Professor Cahill began by explaining the evolution of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE falls under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was first created in 2003 after the events of 9/11. She explained, “For a very long time, nearly two decades, ICE was committed to enforcing immigration laws and initiating deportations against serious criminals who represented homeland security threats.” She noted that ICE has evolved and is now “one of the largest funded US law enforcement agencies and its priorities swing with each administration.”

Through Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress has “full and exclusive power over immigration laws,” Professor Cahill went on to explain, “but what has happened over time is that Congress has delegated that authority to the executive branch.” That means that for many years, authority over DHS and ICE has fallen under the President instead of Congress, causing priorities to shift with each administration.

She also explained why Minnesota has become a focal point for immigration enforcement efforts, noting that Minnesota is a “sanctuary state with sanctuary policies,” which is part of the reason the current administration has focused their efforts there. 

Using her legal expertise, Professor Cahill spent much of the presentation explaining key legal battles and the relevance of certain Constitutional amendments. She helped students move past headlines and understand the deeper legal and systemic implications of current events. Though many of the legal proceedings she referenced are still moving through the courts, Professor Cahill outlined the Trump administration’s stated aims regarding executive power and judicial oversight, as evidenced by court filings and public statements.

This Pushing Perspectives gave students important context as they follow the developments in Minnesota and immigration enforcement strategies across the country. Professor Cahill’s insight into the legal and historical backgrounds helped students to understand that what is unfolding is not merely a local policy dispute, but raises fundamental questions about federal-state relations. She underscored this by sharing that the legal outcomes will likely shape the limits of presidential authority and the application of constitutional protections for both citizens and non-citizens alike. By grounding their understanding in legal knowledge and historical context, Marlborough students are transforming their role from observers into thoughtful, informed leaders who will ultimately help shape the future.