What is the DHS refugee detention policy?

It is a Trump DHS memo enabling ICE and USCIS to detain refugees for rescreening if they have not obtained a green card after one year in the U.S. The change increases arrest exposure and enforcement discretion, raising legal questions that may prompt court challenges and oversight in the near term.

How could this affect the S&P 500?

Policy uncertainty can cool investor sentiment, widen near-term risk premiums, and drive a rotation toward defensives. It may add headline volatility without breaking the longer trend. Traders often tighten risk, while long-term investors rebalance toward quality until courts or Congress reduce uncertainty.

What S&P 500 levels matter most right now?

Watch 6,807 as first support at the lower Bollinger Band. The 50-day average near 6,895 is initial resistance, followed by the 7,019 upper band. The 200-day around 6,505 is major support. Holding above 6,807 keeps range dynamics intact, while a close over 6,895 reopens a test of highs.

What can retail investors do today?

Stay flexible. Use ATR-based position sizing, avoid oversized bets on one headline, and favor quality earnings with lower beta. Consider incremental buys on weakness near support and use options for hedging. Revisit sector weights if the DHS refugee detention policy lengthens the period of immigration policy risk.

Law and Government

^GSPC Today: February 20 — DHS Refugee Memo Raises Policy Risk

ByDanny Kontos February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

The DHS refugee detention policy is back in focus after a new memo enabling detentions for rescreening if refugees lack green cards after one year. The ^GSPC eased 0.29% to 6,861.88, trading between 6,833.06 and 6,879.12 and sitting 2.0% below its 7,002.28 high. RSI at 48.17 and ADX at 17.55 point to range trading. Investors are weighing immigration policy risk as a 2026 election issue, watching for headline spikes, shifts in risk appetite, and rotations between defensives and cyclicals.