Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
The United States is committed to disrupting Houthi financial networks and banking access as part of our whole-of-government approach to eliminating Iran’s threat network. — Spokesperson Tammy Bruce
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
WASHINGTON, DC (April 18, 2025) – Yesterday, the Trump administration issued a new Executive Order that opens vast swaths of protected ocean to commercial exploitation, including areas within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. It allows commercial fishing in areas long considered off-limits due to their ecological significance—despite overwhelming scientific consensus that marine sanctuaries are essential for rebuilding fish stocks and maintaining ocean health. These actions threaten some of the most sensitive and pristine marine ecosystems in the world. In response to the announcement, Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA project lead on ocean sanctuaries, said:
“Opening the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing puts one of the most pristine ocean ecosystems on the planet at risk. Almost 90 percent of global marine fish stocks are fully exploited or overfished. The few places in the world ocean set aside as large, fully protected ocean sanctuaries serve as ‘fish banks’, allowing fish populations to recover, while protecting the habitats in which they thrive. President Bush and President Obama had the foresight to protect the natural resources of the Pacific for future generations, and Greenpeace USA condemns the actions of President Trump today to reverse that progress.”
A second Executive Order calls for deregulation of America’s fisheries under the guise of boosting seafood production.
John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director at Greenpeace USA, said:
“If President Trump wants to increase U.S. fisheries production and stabilize seafood markets, deregulation will have the opposite effect. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has already slashed jobs at NOAA and is threatening to dismantle the agency responsible for providing the science that makes management of U.S. fisheries possible. Trump’s executive order on fishing could set us back by decades, undoing all the progress that has been made to end overfishing and rebuild fish stocks and America’s fisheries. While there is far too little attention to bycatch and habitat destruction, NOAA’s record of fisheries management has made the U.S. a world leader. Trump seems ready to throw that out the window with all the care of a toddler tossing his toys out of the crib.”
The executive orders, announced on April 17, 2025, are detailed here:
Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Unleashes American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific
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Contact: Gujari Singh, Greenpeace USA Campaign Communication Manager, [email protected], 631-404-9977
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
A powerful evening at the White House Easter Prayer Dinner.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Apai, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona
A team of astronomers announced on April 16, 2025, that in the process of studying a planet around another star, they had found evidence for an unexpected atmospheric gas. On Earth, that gas – called dimethyl sulfide – is mostly produced by living organisms.
In April 2024, the James Webb Space Telescope stared at the host star of the planet K2-18b for nearly six hours. During that time, the orbiting planet passed in front of the star. Starlight filtered through its atmosphere, carrying the fingerprints of atmospheric molecules to the telescope.
By comparing those fingerprints to 20 different molecules that they would potentially expect to observe in the atmosphere, the astronomers concluded that the most probable match was a gas that, on Earth, is a good indicator of life.
I am an astronomer and astrobiologist who studies planets around other stars and their atmospheres. In my work, I try to understand which nearby planets may be suitable for life.
To understand what this discovery means, let’s start with the bizarre world it was found in. The planet’s name is K2-18b, meaning it is the first planet in the 18th planetary system found by the extended NASA Kepler mission, K2. Astronomers assign the “b” label to the first planet in the system, not “a,” to avoid possible confusion with the star.
K2-18b is a little over 120 light-years from Earth – on a galactic scale, this world is practically in our backyard.
Although astronomers know very little about K2-18b, we do know that it is very unlike Earth. To start, it is about eight times more massive than Earth, and it has a volume that’s about 18 times larger. This means that it’s only about half as dense as Earth. In other words, it must have a lot of water, which isn’t very dense, or a very big atmosphere, which is even less dense.
Astronomers think that this world could either be a smaller version of our solar system’s ice giant Neptune, called a mini-Neptune, or perhaps a rocky planet with no water but a massive hydrogen atmosphere, called a gas dwarf.
Another option, as University of Cambridge astronomer Nikku Madhusudhan recently proposed, is that the planet is a “hycean world”.
That term means hydrogen-over-ocean, since astronomers predict that hycean worlds are planets with global oceans many times deeper than Earth’s oceans, and without any continents. These oceans are covered by massive hydrogen atmospheres that are thousands of miles high.
Astronomers do not know yet for certain that hycean worlds exist, but models for what those would look like match the limited data JWST and other telescopes have collected on K2-18b.
This is where the story becomes exciting. Mini-Neptunes and gas dwarfs are unlikely to be hospitable for life, because they probably don’t have liquid water, and their interior surfaces have enormous pressures. But a hycean planet would have a large and likely temperate ocean. So could the oceans of hycean worlds be habitable – or even inhabited?
In 2023, Madhusudhan and his colleagues used the James Webb Space Telescope’s short-wavelength infrared camera to inspect starlight that filtered through K2-18b’s atmosphere for the first time.
They found evidence for the presence of two simple carbon-bearing molecules – carbon monoxide and methane – and showed that the planet’s upper atmosphere lacked water vapor. This atmospheric composition supported, but did not prove, the idea that K2-18b could be a hycean world. In a hycean world, water would be trapped in the deeper and warmer atmosphere, closer to the oceans than the upper atmosphere probed by JWST observations.
Intriguingly, the data also showed an additional, very weak signal. The team found that this weak signal matched a gas called dimethyl sulfide, or DMS. On Earth, DMS is produced in large quantities by marine algae. It has very few, if any, nonbiological sources.
This signal made the initial detection exciting: on a planet that may have a massive ocean, there is likely a gas that is, on Earth, emitted by biological organisms.
Scientists had a mixed response to this initial announcement. While the findings were exciting, some astronomers pointed out that the DMS signal seen was weak and that the hycean nature of K2-18b is very uncertain.
To address these concerns, Mashusudhan’s team turned JWST back to K2-18b a year later. This time, they used another camera on JWST that looks for another range of wavelengths of light. The new results – announced on April 16, 2025 – supported their initial findings.
These new data show a stronger – but still relatively weak – signal that the team attributes to DMS or a very similar molecule. The fact that the DMS signal showed up on another camera during another set of observations made the interpretation of DMS in the atmosphere stronger.
Madhusudhan’s team also presented a very detailed analysis of the uncertainties in the data and interpretation. In real-life measurements, there are always some uncertainties. They found that these uncertainties are unlikely to account for the signal in the data, further supporting the DMS interpretation. As an astronomer, I find that analysis exciting.
Does this mean that scientists have found life on another world? Perhaps – but we still cannot be sure.
First, does K2-18b really have an ocean deep beneath its thick atmosphere? Astronomers should test this.
Second, is the signal seen in two cameras two years apart really from dimethyl sulfide? Scientists will need more sensitive measurements and more observations of the planet’s atmosphere to be sure.
Third, if it is indeed DMS, does this mean that there is life? This may be the most difficult question to answer. Life itself is not detectable with existing technology. Astronomers will need to evaluate and exclude all other potential options to build their confidence in this possibility.
The new measurements may lead researchers toward a historic discovery. However, important uncertainties remain. Astrobiologists will need a much deeper understanding of K2-18b and similar worlds before they can be confident in the presence of DMS and its interpretation as a signature of life.
Scientists around the world are already scrutinizing the published study and will work on new tests of the findings, since independent verification is at the heart of science.
Moving forward, K2-18b is going to be an important target for JWST, the world’s most sensitive telescope. JWST may soon observe other potential hycean worlds to see if the signal appears in the atmospheres of those planets, too.
With more data, these tentative conclusions may not stand the test of time. But for now, just the prospect that astronomers may have detected gasses emitted by an alien ecosystem that bubbled up in a dark, blue-hued alien ocean is an incredibly fascinating possibility.
Regardless of the true nature of K2-18b, the new results show how using the JWST to survey other worlds for clues of alien life will guarantee that the next years will be thrilling for astrobiologists.
Daniel Apai receives funding for astrobiology research from NASA, the Heising-Simons Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
– ref. Scientists found a potential sign of life on a distant planet – an astronomer explains why many are still skeptical – https://theconversation.com/scientists-found-a-potential-sign-of-life-on-a-distant-planet-an-astronomer-explains-why-many-are-still-skeptical-254900
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date:
April 18, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
April 18, 2025
Product Type:
Drugs
Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description
Product may contain an inert fiber identified as polypropylene fibers from the IV bag
Company Name:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Brand Name:
Brand Name(s)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Product Description:
Product Description
Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 500mg/100mL IV bag
Company Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 04/18/2025 – Bridgewater, NJ, Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling two lots of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 500mg/100mL, Infusion bags to the hospital/user level as the products may contain an inert fiber identified as polypropylene fibers from the IV bag.
Risk Statement: Introduction of polypropylene particulates into the epidural space (or inadvertent administration into the intrathecal space) may result in a variety of adverse events. There is a reasonable probability that particulate matter in the epidural space may cause an epidural inflammatory process to meningitis or potentially damage the spinal cord. Administered intrathecally, particulate matter could result in inflammation, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), which could lead to embolization and organ damage.
To date, Amneal Pharmaceuticals has received no reports of adverse events or injuries related to this recall.
The recalled product was distributed nationwide to wholesalers/distributors between the dates of 04/23/2024 to 11/8/2024 only.
The product is indicated for the production of local or regional anesthesia for surgery and or acute pain management and is packaged in 12x100mL Single Dose IV bags (NDC 70121-17343). The affected Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 500mg/100mL, products are Lot AL240003 (exp 01/2026) and Lot AL240004 (exp 01/2026). No other Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP lots are impacted.
Amneal is notifying its customers by UPS and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Wholesalers/distributors are asked to notify their hospital/ user customers of the recall and provide instruction to contact Amneal for the return of the recalled products to Amneal.
Hospitals/users with questions regarding this recall can contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals by:Phone: 833-582-0812 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, ESTFax: 631-983-2595E-mail to: RopivacaineHCl-Recall@amneal.com
For Medical Inquiries or to report Adverse Events, or quality problems experienced with the use of this product, please contact Amneal Drug Safety by phone at 1-877-835-5472, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, EST, or e-mail at DrugSafety@amneal.com.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Company Contact Information
Consumers:
Amneal Drug Safety
1-877-835-5472
Product Photos
Content current as of:
04/18/2025
Regulated Product(s)
Follow FDA
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
April 16, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, Ranking Members of the Senate Budget and Finance Committees, respectively, joined their colleagues in sending an open letter to the American public warning that Congressional Republicans are trying to take food away from hungry families in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. After promising to lower prices for families, Republicans in Congress are instead raising grocery costs and making it harder for families to put food on the table.
“Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by taking away food assistance from millions of Americans,” wrote Merkley, Wyden, and more than 40 other Senators. “SNAP supports 42 million Americans, including nearly 8 million seniors, 16 million children, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans, in putting food on their tables each month. Cuts of this magnitude—or anything close to it—would be devastating to American families in every state.”
The letter, led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); and signed by Merkley and Wyden and 42 of their colleagues, comes as Republicans in the Senate and House have passed a budget resolution that would fast-track cuts to nutrition assistance.
As of April 11, 2025, SNAP is helping 774,581 people in Oregon put food on the table. In fiscal year 2024, SNAP brought $1,596,585,242 to Oregon, according to the Food Research and Action Center.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Source: IMF – News in Russian
April 18, 2025
Washington, DC: A staff team has been actively engaging with the Colombian authorities in the context of the ongoing 2025 Article IV consultation, with visits to Bogotá in mid-February and early-April. Ms. Oner and Mr. Ding issued today the following statement:
The Colombian economy continues to expand with some moderation in key imbalances. After slowing sharply in 2023, the economy expanded by 1.7 percent in 2024 supported by private consumption, reflecting a robust labor market and a gradual recovery in investment. Headline inflation resumed its downward trend in March, reaching 5.1 percent (y/y), underpinned by appropriately tight monetary policy. Meanwhile, the current account deficit narrowed further to 1.8 percent of GDP in 2024, supported by strong tourism and remittances inflows. This was financed with net foreign direct investment inflows, despite net portfolio outflows. International reserves remain adequate, rising to 130 percent of ARA by end-March, supported by the authorities’ reserve accumulation program last year. The banking system remains sound—liquid, adequately capitalized and provisioned—and subject to strong oversight.
However, public deficits and public debt have risen more than expected. The central government overall fiscal deficit rose to 6.7 percent of GDP in 2024, up from 4.2 percent of GDP in 2023 and 1.1 percentage points of GDP above the authorities’ deficit target in the medium-term fiscal framework. The higher deficit reflected lower-than-projected tax revenues as well as higher than targeted primary expenditures, despite spending adjustments in late-2024. Liquidity constraints contributed to an accumulation of large budgetary backlogs (2.8 percent of GDP) that are in the process of being cleared this year, competing with 2025 budgetary resources. The higher deficits, coupled with a somewhat weaker peso, resulted in gross public debt reaching 61.3 percent at end-2024. As a result, Colombian spreads have risen, especially relative to peers, also impacted by tighter global financial conditions.
Against the backdrop of elevated and shifting global risks, the Article IV consultation continues on the outlook and on policies to mitigate shocks, while decisively strengthening public finances.
The Article IV consultation will continue in the period ahead. We thank the authorities for the open and constructive dialogue, and we look forward to maintaining our close engagement, including in the margins of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in late-April in Washington, DC.
PRESS OFFICER: Jose de Haro
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/18/pr25116-colombia-staff-statement
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) are demanding the immediate return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father, husband, and union worker who was illegally removed to El Salvador despite having lawful protected status in the United States.
In a letter to President Trump, Rep. Gomez and CHC members condemn this outrageous violation of due process, calling it yet another example of the administration’s reckless disregard for the law. The fact that a father was torn from his family and exiled from the country mistakenly is not only unacceptable, but also a damning indictment of an immigration system being wielded as a blunt instrument of cruelty.
“Trump deported a legal U.S. resident and is openly defying the Supreme Court’s ruling,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “This isn’t just about one man — it’s about whether the rule of law and due process still matter in this country. If not, no American is safe.
Rep. Gomez and his colleagues are demanding full transparency on the policies and decisions that led to this egregious deportation, as well as a full accounting of how many other legally present individuals have been similarly targeted. The administration’s willingness to hide behind “errors” while dismantling lives and families is a disgrace and a direct threat to the rule of law. Without accountability, this government is not just failing to uphold democracy—it is actively undermining it.
The full letter to President Trump can be found HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) reintroduced their M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, legislation to designate portions of the Gila River, its watershed, and other rivers in the Gila National Forest as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The bill will be a boon to New Mexico’s outdoor economy, while protecting an irreplaceable natural resource for future generations of New Mexicans. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, are original cosponsors.
The Greater Gila watershed comprises the largest remaining network of naturally free-flowing river segments in the Southwestern United States.
The M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act protects portions of the Gila River, some of its tributaries, and other nearby rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Gila is treasured by New Mexicans because it supports exceptional experiences for families to cherish, spectacular scenery and wildlife habitat, abundant cultural resources, the integrity of an important water source, and many traditional uses. Designating portions of the Gila River and its watershed as Wild and Scenic Rivers will protect one of the nation’s most iconic and treasured rivers, as well as the immense recreational and agricultural economies that rely on it.
“The Gila and San Francisco Rivers are among the last wild, free-flowing rivers in the Southwest— vital to the region’s wildlife, communities, and culture. To truly safeguard the Gila’s wild character, we must also protect its rivers,” said Heinrich, Ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Our M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act will ensure that the Gila and San Francisco watersheds receive the lasting protections they deserve. These protections enhance water quality, support local economies, bolster outdoor recreation, and preserve healthy ecosystems. In New Mexico, the Rio Chama, the Jemez, the Rio Grande, and the Pecos all benefit from this important designation. The Gila and San Francisco watershed deserve no less.”
“The Gila River is a symbol of everything we love about New Mexico—wild, beautiful, and full of life,” said Vasquez. “This legislation is about protecting that legacy for future generations, and I’m proud to stand alongside so many New Mexicans who have fought for years to make this legislation possible”
Heinrich originally introduced the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act with former-U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) in 2020. The legislation passed out the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in 2023. The bill is named after Maynard Hubbard “Dutch” Salmon from Silver City, New Mexico. Salmon was a nature writer, longtime advocate for the Gila River, and co-founder of the Gila Conservation Coalition.
The M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act has received support from local community leaders, Tribes, sportsmen and women, and business leaders.
Resources:
Background:
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 12, 2025, through April 18, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 329 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 130 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 179 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 16 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. The United States also charged one individual with failing to register, as required by law.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Manuel Ivan Rodriguez-Loya: On April 13, 2025, Manuel Ivan Rodriguez-Loya was arrested for Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. Border Patrol agents from the Lordsburg, New Mexico Station attempted to stop Rodriguez-Loya’s vehicle, but he failed to yield, leading agents on a high-speed chase into Arizona. Agents from the Willcox, Arizona Station then positioned themselves to intercept the vehicle and eventually caught Rodriguez-Loya. He was found to be transporting eight illegal aliens at the time, including citizens of Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. [Case Number: MJ-25-00365-TUC-BGM]
United States v. Emilio Escobar-Escalante: On April 15, 2025, Emilio Escobar-Escalante was sentenced to 37 months in prison for Reentry of Removed Alien. Border Patrol agents discovered Escobar-Escalante in the desert near Vamori, Arizona on January 10, 2024. He initially gave a false name but was ultimately identified as Escobar-Escalante. His identity revealed that he is a documented member of the Latin Kings and MS-13 criminal gangs. Immigration records showed that Escobar-Escalante has been removed from the United States seven times. Escobar-Escalante has previous convictions for illegal reentry, as well as racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. [Case Number: CR-24-00541-TUC-CKJ]
United States v. Antonio Terrell Gaither: On April 15, 2025, Antonio Terrell Gaither was indicted for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Bringing an Illegal Alien to the United States for Profit. According to the criminal complaint, Gaither admitted to using Telegram and burner phones to recruit others to travel to the southern border to pick up illegal aliens before transporting them to Phoenix, Arizona. [Case Number: CR-25-00566-PHX-KLM]
United States v. Felipe Alonso-Cabada: On April 17, 2025, Felipe Alonso-Cabada, aka Oscar Sanchez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged for Reentry of Removed Alien. According to the criminal complaint, after being arrested on local charges in Phoenix, Arizona, it was determined that Alonso-Cabada had been previously deported after a conviction for trafficking heroin. [Case number: MJ-25-5220-PHX-DMF]
United States v. Eduardo Prado Flores: On April 17, 2025, Eduardo Prado Flores, an alien illegally present in the United States was charged with Failure to Register as an Alien under 8 U.S.C. § 1306(a). Flores, who was removed to Mexico on five occasions, has been living in the United States unlawfully since 2022. On April 16, 2025, Flores was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence. While he was living in the United States from 2022 to 2025, Flores failed to file any immigration paperwork or register as required by law. [Case Number: MJ-25-5225-PHX]
A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-060_April 18 Immigration Enforcement
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Juan Demetrio Villalpando Dominguez, 65, of California, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the plea agreement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted long-term, overlapping investigations of Villalpando Dominguez’s son, Juan Demetrio Villalpando, Jr. a/k/a “Junior,” and others. Two confidential sources made controlled purchases of narcotics in furtherance of the investigations. These controlled purchases were often negotiated with Mexico-based sources of supply and carried out by the suppliers’ associates in the Denver metropolitan area.
Drug proceeds collected from Juan Demetrio Villalpando Jr.’s customers by one confidential informant were aggregated and then sent in packages addressed to an uncharged person. The true recipient of the money, however, was Villalpando Dominguez. Villalpando Dominguez would then arrange for his son, Juan Demetrio Villalpando Jr., to receive the money in Mexico.
“Money laundering is a serious offense that enables drug traffickers to peddle their deadly wares,” said Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. “We will hold offenders accountable.”
“Facilitating drug trafficking by funneling illegal proceeds back to Mexico perpetuates the scourge of the drug epidemic in our communities,” said Amanda Prestegard, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “Removing these money launderers from the streets and putting them in prison is a result of the hard work of CI special agents, who proudly provide financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice and keep our communities safe.”
“Dismantling cartels requires more than seizing drugs – it includes cutting off the flow of illicit money that fuels their operations. That’s why targeting the money laundering component of these networks is a key priority,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “With our partners at IRS-CI and ICE, the FBI continues to take a strategic, coordinated approach to bring these complex criminal enterprises to justice and safeguard all Americans from the devastating impact of illegal drugs.”
United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing.
The FBI, IRS-CI, and DHS conducted the investigation in this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Duncan and Michael Houlihan, as well as by former Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Case No.: 23-cr-00106-CNS
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are pushing Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz to provide a full picture of the DOJ’s use of Confidential Human Sources (CHS) and undercover agents on January 6, 2021 (J6) during the electoral certification in Washington, D.C.
The chairmen are seeking clarity on whether, in addition to the 26 previously identified Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) CHSs present on J6, any of DOJ’s other federal law enforcement agencies had employees, contractors or untasked CHSs assigned to the area. DOJ component agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Inspector General Horowitz’s April 7, 2025, response to the chairmen noted that his office “did not request all of the text messages for all of the 26 CHSs and their handlers.” The Inspector General’s response also failed to answer whether his office obtained all classified communications as part of its review. The chairmen have requested all communications, including text messages, between DOJ component agency handlers and their CHSs/undercover agents.
“It’s well past time the American people received complete transparency and clarity regarding the full extent of the Justice Department and its component agencies’ involvement in the events of J6. Inspector General Horowitz must be thorough in his approach and shed light on every corner of the department he oversees. We expect Horowitz to bring finality to this investigation by fully complying with our requests,” Grassley and Johnson said of their oversight push.
Background:On December 12, 2024, the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report revealing that 26 FBI CHSs were present at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Quickly after the report’s release, Grassley and Johnson wrote to Horowitz requesting more information, including whether DOJ component agencies other than FBI had tasked or untasked CHSs present at the Capitol that day. Horowitz’s response on April 7, 2025, failed to address all of the chairmen’s questions and requests. Today’s letter follows up on their December 12 inquiry and asks for a timely response for all requested records.
Read the full letter HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assess whether The People’s Forum and Code Pink are obligated to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), due to the group’s reported Chinese Communist Party ties.
“Evidence suggests that The People’s Forum and Code Pink have been funded and influenced by Mr. [Neville Roy] Singham and the communist Chinese government, both of which are foreign principals. The evidence also suggests that The People’s Forum and Code Pink have engaged in covered political activities that directly advance the communist Chinese government’s political and policy interests,” Grassley wrote.
“Secretive foreign lobbying and public relations campaigns by China and other adversaries undermines the political will and interests of the American people. The People’s Forum and Code Pink’s reported role in advancing policies in favor of the communist Chinese government is more than alarming and their potential obligation to register as foreign agents for purposes of FARA ought to be investigated,” Grassley continued.
Read Grassley’s letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel HERE.
Background:
Neville Roy Singham is a social activist and billionaire who reportedly “works closely with the Chinese government media machine and is financing its propaganda worldwide.” Singham has reportedly attended Communist Party workshops focused on “promoting the party internationally,” shares office space and staff with the Shanghai Maku Cultural Communication Company and co-produces a YouTube show that’s partially financed by China’s propaganda department.
The People’s Forum, self-described as a “political and cultural hub,” is also funded in large part by Singham – who reportedly donated over $20.4 million through a series of shell organizations and donor advisory groups. The People’s Forum offers courses titled, “Lenin and the Path to Revolution” and “China75 – When the People Stand Up.” The group joined Code Pink in hosting a conference moderated by the Qiao Collective, known as “a diaspora Chinese media collective.” Further, the Executive Director of the People’s Forum openly pedaled Chinese propaganda when appearing on CGTN, a Chinese state-owned media group. DOJ directed CGTN to register under FARA in 2019.
Code Pink, self-described as a “grassroots organization working to end U.S. warfare and imperialism,” was founded by Singham’s wife, Jodie Evans, and has reportedly received roughly a quarter of its donations from organizations with ties to Singham. Since marrying Singham in 2017, Evans and Code Pink have “stridently support[ed] China,” with Evans publicly describing the Uyghurs, an ethnically Muslim minority group, as “terrorists” and defending their mass detention. Further, Code Pink activists have met with the House Select Committee on China to directly advocate for Chinese interests, including denying evidence of forced labor in the Uyghurs’ native region of Xinjiang.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led the entire Iowa delegation, including U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), in urging President Donald Trump to promptly grant Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for federal disaster assistance in the state of Iowa.
The request follows severe weather on March 19 that produced high winds and blizzard conditions across much of west central and northwest Iowa, causing significant damage to public infrastructure and private property.
“The Governor has determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and supplementary federal assistance is necessary. Thank you for your prompt consideration of this important request,” the lawmakers wrote.
Governor Reynolds has requested Hazard Mitigation statewide and activation of Public Assistance programs for Crawford, Harrison, Monona and Woodbury Counties.
Read the full letter HERE.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will hold a town meeting on Wednesday, April 23, in Worth County as part of his annual 99 county meetings.
“You can’t have representative government without dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent,” Grassley said. “I appreciate the opportunity to hold town meetings, answer questions and take comments. My annual 99 county meetings are one way I regularly keep in touch with Iowans to better represent them at the policymaking tables in Washington.”
This is Grassley’s 45th year of holding question and answer sessions in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. Grassley has held at least one meeting in every county, every year since he was first elected to serve in the U.S. Senate. He answers questions on any subject. Iowans set the agenda.
Grassley will be available for 15 minutes after the meeting to answer questions from local reporters. The town meeting is open to the public and media. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis until the room is at capacity. Members of the media who wish to attend the meeting or media availability must RSVP. Please RSVP directly to Georgie_Hilby@grassley.senate.gov. Details for the upcoming meeting follow.
Wednesday, April 23
Worth County Town Meeting
8 – 9 a.m.
Olson Community Room
909 1st Avenue South
Northwood
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: Why is the Renewable Volume Obligation important for Iowa farmers?
A: Biomass-based fuels convert feedstocks, including corn and soybeans, for use in the nation’s fuel supply, from passenger vehicles to commercial trucks, marine shipping, rail and aviation. Biodiesel and ethanol expand domestic markets for grain farmers, which is particularly vital when there’s uncertainty with overseas trading partners. Iowa farmers and biofuel producers stand ready to meet demand that provides reliable, affordable, cleaner fuel for consumers.
Two decades ago, I helped steer through Congress two federal laws that unleashed America’s renewable fuels era in the 21st century. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 built upon the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that established the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). President George W. Bush signed both pieces of legislation that accelerated use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector, primed the pump for the biofuel industry in rural America, produced cleaner burning fuel and fostered U.S. energy independence. The RFS set annual targets with the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO), a requirement that specifies volumes for refiners and importers to blend into the nation’s fuel supply. Congress authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the RFS program. It sets annual RVO’s divided among four buckets: conventional biofuel; advanced biofuel; cellulosic biofuel; and biomass-based diesel. As a lifelong family farmer and lawmaker on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I make my voice loud and clear under both Republican and Democrat administrations to champion homegrown biofuel, including speaking out against unfair policies for used cooking oil and imported ethanol. The EPA needs to follow the law as Congress intended. Bureaucratic lollygagging brings uncertainty to the marketplace and unfairness to farmers and biofuel producers who have the capacity to meet demand. During the Biden administration, I invited the White House Climate Czar to visit Iowa to see how renewable fuels are where the rubber meets the road for a more sustainable energy policy, cleaner environment and stronger economy in rural America.
Q: What are you pressing the Trump administration to do on this issue?
A: In April, I led a bipartisan letter with Sen. Amy Klobuchar pressing the EPA to keep its commitment to American energy production and affirm renewable fuels are an important component of that all-the-above energy strategy. We urged the administration to increase RVO levels that take into account biofuels production capacity and the productivity of the American farmer. Specifically, the EPA should set volume levels for biomass-based diesel at 5.25 billion gallons in 2026. What’s more, the EPA ought to provide multi-year RVO standards to provide certainty and growth for the biofuel industry. This would send a strong message to boost investment in biofuels that are an important piece of the economic pie in rural communities. We’ve seen what happens when RVO levels are low-balled, biofuel facilities are forced to reduce their workforce, idle production or shut down their facilities. That’s a big blow to economic vitality on Main Street and a big market loss for local farmers. I’ll be keeping close tabs on the EPA as it works to determine RVO standards.
In addition to trade and energy policies, the federal tax code holds significant sway over investment and profitability in rural America. As former chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve secured important energy tax incentives that ensured public policy kept pace with advancing technologies in alternative energy. As Congress takes up tax policy in the coming months, I’ll be at the table advocating for the family farmer and biofuel producers. Along those lines, in January I pressed Trump’s cabinet nominees about the importance of providing clarity about new biofuel incentives in the federal tax code. Specifically, I explained the urgency to clean up after the Biden administration’s failure to deliver certainty for farmers and biofuel producers by failing to issue guidance for the clean fuel production tax credit, called 45Z. I’m working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowa biofuel producers and family farmers who are putting in the work, taking on the risk and deploying new technologies to power America’s energy needs.
Source: US State of Idaho
Home Newsroom Attorney General Labrador Launches ICAC Summer Enforcement Effort, Honors Law Enforcement and Legislative Leaders
BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador delivered the keynote address at the Idaho State Capitol to launch “Operation Safe Online Summer,” a statewide initiative led by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to intensify efforts to identify and arrest online child predators during the summer months.
The kickoff event brought together law enforcement officers, prosecutors, legislators, and victim witness coordinators to recognize outstanding ICAC-affiliated partners and reinforce Idaho’s ongoing mission to protect children from online exploitation.
The newly launched Operation Safe Online Summer follows a national model similar to previous initiatives like Operation Broken Heart and will include enhanced investigative coordination, arrests, and community education on internet safety.
Labrador also highlighted key legislative advancements, including Idaho’s new law criminalizing AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery (Idaho House Bill 46, 2024)—a forward-looking statute that gives prosecutors new tools to combat evolving digital threats.
During the event, Attorney General Labrador and ICAC leadership recognized several agencies and individuals for exemplary contributions to Idaho’s ICAC efforts:
Detective Christian Teague, Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Representatives Bruce Skaug and Dori Healey
Canyon County Sheriff’s Office
Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office
Coeur d’Alene Police Department
Idaho Falls Police Department
Owyhee County Prosecutor’s Office
Labrador also celebrated the addition of Badger, Idaho’s newest Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 and certified therapy dog. Trained to detect concealed digital evidence, Badger expands Idaho’s capabilities in locating illicit materials hidden on small devices.
Attorney General Labrador stated, “During Operation Safe Online Summer, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is executing more search warrants and arrests to identify and stop online predators before they can harm kids. Since becoming Attorney General, we’ve expanded and restructured ICAC—resulting in more arrests last year than in the previous three years combined. We’ve also strengthened Idaho law to confront new threats like AI-generated child abuse imagery. I’m proud of our ICAC team, our law enforcement partners, and every victim advocate committed to protecting children in Idaho.”
The Idaho Office of the Attorney General has made the fight against online child exploitation a top priority. Through enhanced enforcement, new legislation, interagency collaboration, and public awareness, Idaho is taking decisive action to protect children. Operation Safe Online Summer reinforces that commitment with increased vigilance during the months when children are most vulnerable online.
Anyone with information about the exploitation of children is urged to contact their local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at (208) 947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. To learn more about the Idaho ICAC Task Force and access online safety resources, visit ICACIdaho.org.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduced the Disclosing Aid Spent to Ensure Relief (DISASTER) Act, which would require the federal government to create and provide a detailed accounting of how disaster relief money provided by Congress is spent. This would allow Congress to more accurately budget for disaster relief funds in future years and better ensure the American people get the help they need when they need it most.
Since 1980, the United States has endured 403 weather and climate disasters where overall damages exceeded $1 billion — altogether, those events cost $2.945 trillion. The federal government plays a vital role in helping communities recover from disasters of all kinds, yet we do not know the true scope of its involvement because the federal government produces no single estimate of how much it spends on disaster-related assistance. And much of this spending is unplanned and therefore not included in the annual federal budget. The DISASTER Act would require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use data it already gathers under the Budget Control Act (BCA) to produce an annual disaster spending estimate for Congress.
“When disaster strikes our communities, the recovery can be slow and costly,” said Rep. Peters. “The costs to the federal government are on the rise as disasters become more frequent and more devastating. We should know exactly how much recovery efforts cost, so our budget can correctly account for them, and better plan for future disasters.”
“At a time when our national debt is soaring, Congress has a responsibility to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent effectively,” said Rep. Obernolte. “The DISASTER Act will bring much-needed transparency to federal disaster spending by requiring a clear accounting of where, how, and why these funds were spent. This commonsense reform will help us identify inefficiencies, strengthen preparedness, and improve coordination across federal agencies in times of crisis.”
Original cosponsors from both parties of the legislation include Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-3), Steve Womack (R-AR-3), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), and David Valadao (R-CA-22).
“Disasters are getting larger, more widespread, and more expensive,” said Rep. Moskowitz. “It’s critical that we fully fund the preparation, response, and recovery for these disasters, but it’s also critical that Congress knows where these targeted funds are going. By passing the DISASTER Act, we can take a commonsense step towards transparency, ensuring that taxpayers and their representatives in Washington have a more comprehensive account of how federal disaster-related assistance is allocated.”
“The Central Valley is no stranger to natural disasters—from severe droughts to flooding—and when disaster strikes, it’s critical we have a clear and accurate picture of where federal dollars are going,” said Rep. Valadao. “Unfortunately, that information isn’t currently easy to track. With better transparency and accountability, we can ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively to help communities recover and prepare for future disasters, and I’m proud to join Rep. Peters in support.”
This legislation passed in the House of Representatives in 2019 by a voice vote.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) introduced the Smart Ship Repair Act (SSRA) of 2025, a follow-up to Rep. Peters’ SSRA of 2023 and SSRA of 2024, which have both become law. This iteration of the SSRA would increase the amount of time a ship is allowed to stay in its homeport for repairs before the Navy can move a ship and its crew to other locations for maintenance work.
The SSRA of 2025 would require the Navy to change its current practice of soliciting ship repair contracts on a coast-wide basis for work periods longer than 12 months to only those that are projected to last more than 18 months. Currently, ships homeported in San Diego that need more than 12 months of maintenance could be moved to other facilities along the West Coast if the Navy receives a more cost -effective bid from other companies to perform the work. This makes it difficult for San Diego’s ship repair industry to recruit and maintain its workforce and invest in its facilities. It also forces sailors to possibly spend their time ashore away from their families after long deployments at sea.
“San Diego is home to a vibrant ship repair industry that employs nearly 8,000 workers and supports the Navy’s force posture in the Asia-Pacific,” said Rep. Peters. “This bill will help protect those jobs and support a high quality of life for sailors and their families while also ensuring the Navy can meet its ship repair needs as it prepares for the threats of the future.”
“From 2014 to 2024, the Navy’s surface fleet in Hampton Roads decreased from 48 to 28 vessels, creating challenges for our ship repair industry and causing a 30% workforce reduction,” said Rep. Kiggans. “One of the best ways we can support our Navy and bolster our ship repair industry is to ensure our ships are repaired within their homeports. I am proud to introduce this important legislation that will support the highly skilled men and women who repair our ships, strengthen our maritime industrial base, and provide a better quality of life for our servicemembers.”
“PSDSRA enthusiastically supports the proposed legislation to extend the coast wide bid threshold to 18 months,” said Gordon Rutherford, President, Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association. “This not only keeps work in San Diego that supports all of our businesses, it also provides stability and better quality of life for the crews of San Diego based ships who already spend enough time away from home in defense of our country.”
“Austal USA appreciates Congressman Peters continued efforts to support and bring stability to the ship repair industry in San Diego,” said Larry Ryder, Vice President of Business Development & External Affairs at Austal USA. “The Smart Ship Repair Act of 2024 will help San Diego continue to provide world class ship repair services to the U.S. Navy and support jobs in San Diego.”
“BAE Systems appreciates Congressman Peters’ and Congresswoman Kiggans’ continued leadership in support of U.S Navy ship maintenance,” said Paul Smith, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair. “We believe the Smart Ship Repair Act of 2025 further enhances predictability and stability for necessary naval repair work. This would allow sailors to remain close to home during repair periods up to 18 months, while preserving shipyard worker jobs in the Navy’s key homeports.”
According to the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association, the San Diego shipbuilding and repair industry contributed more than $3.7 billion to the region’s economy in 2023. The nearly 8,000 jobs in the industry support an estimated additional 7,430 jobs in related industries and the local economy. Nearly $474.8 million in tax revenues were generated by shipbuilding and ship repair in 2023. Approximately $307.1 million went to the federal government and $167.7 million went to state and local governments.
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Source: US State of California
On Thursday, a federal grand jury indicted a man for his alleged role in smuggling an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) to the United States and for allegedly submitting a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of the minor after she entered the United States.
“The prior administration’s border policies created an environment that enabled human trafficking and allowed bad actors to take advantage of at-risk children,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We are committed to protecting children from the scourge of human trafficking and will not rest until we deliver justice for those who suffered during the border crisis.”
According to the indictment, Juan Tiul Xi, 26, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Cleveland, illegally entered the United States in 2023. Thereafter, Tiul Xi allegedly encouraged and induced a 14-year-old Guatemalan girl to illegally enter the United States and to use the identity of Tiul Xi’s sister as her alias. As a UAC, the Guatemalan girl was placed in the care and custody of ORR. As alleged, Tiul Xi then falsely stated on documents submitted to ORR when he applied to sponsor and obtain custody of the girl that he was the UAC’s brother and that her alias was her actual name. ORR relied on Tiul Xi’s alleged false statements when, on or about Sept. 5, 2023, ORR released the UAC to Tiul Xi’s care.
Tiul Xi is charged with one count of encouraging or inducing illegal entry for financial gain, one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the illegal entry count, a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the false statement count, and a mandatory consecutive penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“This case is a testament to ICE’s commitment to hold predators accountable for the harm they inflict on children,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons. “We are making every effort to ensure the safety of children released to sponsors across the United States. This is vital work and through their victim centered approach, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are perfectly positioned to uncover any similar crimes by predatory sponsors.”
“The Office of Refugee Resettlement is committed to continuing vital policy changes that promote the safety and welfare of unaccompanied alien children related into the Unites States,” said ORR Acting Director Angie M. Salazar. “We have significantly increased sponsor vetting with the wellbeing of the child at the core of our process. We hope that our commitment is evident by our collaboration with law enforcement to right previous wrongs and help bring these crimes to light.”
The indictment is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 325 U.S. convictions; more than 270 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The ICE HSI and FBI Cleveland field offices are jointly investigating with assistance from HSI’s Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C. and ORR have provided valuable assistance.
Senior Trial Attorney Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), Joint Task Force Alpha detailee/Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Acting U.S. Attorney Carol Skutnik and Criminal Division Chief Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Attorneys General 13
On Thursday, a federal grand jury indicted a man for his alleged role in smuggling an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) to the United States and for allegedly submitting a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of the minor after she entered the United States.
“The prior administration’s border policies created an environment that enabled human trafficking and allowed bad actors to take advantage of at-risk children,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We are committed to protecting children from the scourge of human trafficking and will not rest until we deliver justice for those who suffered during the border crisis.”
According to the indictment, Juan Tiul Xi, 26, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Cleveland, illegally entered the United States in 2023. Thereafter, Tiul Xi allegedly encouraged and induced a 14-year-old Guatemalan girl to illegally enter the United States and to use the identity of Tiul Xi’s sister as her alias. As a UAC, the Guatemalan girl was placed in the care and custody of ORR. As alleged, Tiul Xi then falsely stated on documents submitted to ORR when he applied to sponsor and obtain custody of the girl that he was the UAC’s brother and that her alias was her actual name. ORR relied on Tiul Xi’s alleged false statements when, on or about Sept. 5, 2023, ORR released the UAC to Tiul Xi’s care.
Tiul Xi is charged with one count of encouraging or inducing illegal entry for financial gain, one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the illegal entry count, a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the false statement count, and a mandatory consecutive penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“This case is a testament to ICE’s commitment to hold predators accountable for the harm they inflict on children,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons. “We are making every effort to ensure the safety of children released to sponsors across the United States. This is vital work and through their victim centered approach, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are perfectly positioned to uncover any similar crimes by predatory sponsors.”
“The Office of Refugee Resettlement is committed to continuing vital policy changes that promote the safety and welfare of unaccompanied alien children related into the Unites States,” said ORR Acting Director Angie M. Salazar. “We have significantly increased sponsor vetting with the wellbeing of the child at the core of our process. We hope that our commitment is evident by our collaboration with law enforcement to right previous wrongs and help bring these crimes to light.”
The indictment is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 325 U.S. convictions; more than 270 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The ICE HSI and FBI Cleveland field offices are jointly investigating with assistance from HSI’s Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C. and ORR have provided valuable assistance.
Senior Trial Attorney Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), Joint Task Force Alpha detailee/Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Acting U.S. Attorney Carol Skutnik and Criminal Division Chief Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: The White House
FIXING A BROKEN SYSTEM: The proposed rule tackles systemic issues in federal workforce accountability, addressing unaccountable, policy-determining federal employees who put their own interests ahead of the American people’s.
DRAINING THE SWAMP: President Trump is delivering on his promise to dismantle the deep state and reclaim our government from Washington corruption.
President Trump vowed on the campaign trail to reinstate this Executive Order, a promise he kept on his first day returning to office.
Source: US Department of Energy
ICYMI— The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) today announced increased transparency and accountability for the federal permitting of two Department of Energy (DOE) critical minerals projects.
The projects — Michigan Potash and the South West Arkansas Project — are part of the first wave of critical minerals projects added to the Permitting Dashboard in response to President Trump’s Executive Order, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production. Once completed, both DOE-supported projects will help meet President Trump’s commitment to bolster domestic production of America’s vast mineral resources, support more American jobs and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
The Michigan Potash Project, supported by DOE’s Loan Programs Office, is projected to produce the largest American-based source of high-quality potash fertilizer and food-grade salt using mechanical vapor recompression technology and geothermal heat from subsurface brine. Once completed, this project will reduce reliance on potash imports, support American farmers, improve food security, and create 200 permanent and 400 construction sector jobs. DOE announced a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1.26 billion to Michigan Potash in January 2025.
The South West Arkansas Project, under DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, supports the construction of a world-class Direct Lithium Extraction facility that will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from lithium-rich brine in North America. Once completed, this project will help secure the domestic lithium supply chain and is expected to create roughly 100 direct long-term jobs and 300 construction sector jobs.
These additions to the Federal Permitting Dashboard reflect the Administration’s commitment to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals and materials, reduce dependence on foreign sources, and advance President Trump’s bold agenda for American energy dominance through a more secure, affordable, and reliable U.S. energy system.
The Department looks forward to working with federal partners, project sponsors, and developers to ensure these projects move forward with increased transparency, clear project timelines, expedited reviews, and the support needed to strengthen domestic supply chains, drive economic growth, and deliver on the President Trump’s commitment to unleashing American energy and economic security.
Source: US State of California
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in supporting two commissioners, Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), who are challenging the illegal decision by President Trump to terminate them without cause from the Commission. In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general highlight the importance of the FTC and assert that the two commissioners’ termination was illegal and violated longstanding Supreme Court precedent.
“A strong and independent FTC is not a partisan issue, it is an American imperative,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Not only is the President’s illegal firing of the two Commissioners extremely concerning, but it is also illegal. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are filing this amicus brief in support of the Commissioners’ reinstatement and to ensure the agency’s ability to fully operate, free from political influence.”
For more than 100 years, the FTC has played an important role in consumer protection against scams and fraud, recovering billions of dollars for consumers harmed by unfair and deceptive practices. The agency has also been at the center of important antitrust cases that protect consumers from anticompetitive practices, many of which involved close partnerships with the states, such as the recent lawsuit to stop the merger between Kroger and Albertsons. It was intentionally designed by Congress to be an independent and bipartisan agency, with five commissioners with staggered seven-year terms.
Last month, President Trump dismissed the two remaining Democratic commissioners of the FTC. Alvaro Bedoya, appointed in 2022, was known for his expertise on digital privacy issues. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, initially appointed in 2018 and reappointed in 2023, had been an advocate for robust consumer protection measures.
In the amicus brief, the attorneys general argue that the President violated the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits the removal of FTC commissioners except for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” The Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the Act’s removal protections in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States. The removal of the two Commissioners dismantle the bipartisan structure of the agency’s leadership, which ruins the FTC’s independence by allowing the commission to become a partisan agency. This would allow the FTC to become an agency subject to the political whims of the president and unable to fully perform its function independently.
Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, in filing this amicus brief.
A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)
WENATCHEE, WA – Yesterday,Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) convened a roundtable discussion with Chelan County healthcare organization leaders and providers to discuss the impact that proposed Medicaid cuts would have on the community.
In Washington State, approximately 1.5 million individuals are enrolled in Medicaid, also known as Apple Health. This number includes about 900,000 children. The House Republican budget has called for nearly a trillion dollars in cuts to essential programs, like Medicaid. These cuts would be devastating for all Washingtonians, especially those in rural communities. In this roundtable discussion, Congresswoman Schrier spoke directly with leaders and providers from North Central Washington healthcare organizations to hear their thoughts about the impacts of the proposed Medicaid cuts. The consensus was that dramatic cuts to Medicaid would have profound impacts on patient health, healthcare access, clinic survival, and the local economy.
“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the benefits of access to regular, affordable medical care. That is why for the last 6 years, I’ve worked with colleagues in both parties to strengthen Medicaid,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “Here in Washington’s Eighth District, I represent over 125,000 people on Apple Health who are at risk of losing their healthcare under Republican budget plans. If Republicans achieve their goal of cutting 880 billion dollars from Medicaid, we will be sicker, we will be poorer, we will leave our jobs to care for our parents, we will have longer wait times in the ER because that is where people go when they have nowhere else to go, our healthcare system will be pushed to the brink, and our rural hospitals will cut services or close. I’ll keep fighting to protect Medicaid and healthcare for our children, seniors, and most vulnerable.”
Cutting Medicaid, Senator Maria Cantwell said, “affects the programs, then affects the hospital, then it affects the workforce, then you end up with shortages, then you end up with deserts. Then you end up with, ‘Who wants to have a business there?’ It keeps cascading,” Sen. Cantwell said. “This is a crazy idea. This is not a sledgehammer — this is like a ticking time bomb that’s blowing up the foundation of the system. And we have to take your stories and go back [to D.C.] and convince these people that it’s not even worth thinking about.”
Source: US State of Colorado
DENVER — Today, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced its Outdoor Equity Grant funding opportunity, aimed at increasing access to outdoor recreation activities for underserved Colorado youth and families. From April 18-June 2, organizations helping instill a sense of wonder, excitement and responsibility for the environment in Colorado youth can apply for financial support from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), which will award funding through Outdoor Equity Grants this December.
The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP) will award up to $100,000 per project to community organizations across the state that connect youth to nature and remove barriers that prevent youth from experiencing the outdoors.
“In Colorado, we believe that everyone should have access to outdoor recreation and Colorado’s iconic open spaces, and these grants help us achieve that goal. This funding creates new and exciting opportunities for every Coloradan to enjoy all our state has to offer, supporting fun, healthy activities, and our strong outdoor recreation economy,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The OEGP was created through HB21-1318 to increase access to outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans. Through funding from the Colorado Lottery, the program has invested over $8.5 million, supporting environmental learning opportunities, outdoor education, exposure to career pathways, public health and outdoor fun for underserved youth and families. To date, the program has provided nearly 100,000 experiences in the outdoors for more than 63,000 Coloradans.
“The OEGP remains essential for connecting Colorado’s underrepresented youth to the natural world, and we strongly encourage all eligible organizations who are meaningfully engaging communities to apply,” said Dan Gibbs, the Director for the Department of Natural Resources. “We’re excited to support your innovative approaches to cultivating youth-nature connections and to continue to ensure all Colorado youth can develop lifelong relationships with the outdoors.”
Since 2022, the grant program has distributed 141 awards to 111 organizations, investing in 51 Colorado counties. From connecting youth with their ancestral sites to supporting high schoolers answering environmental questions through research, Outdoor Equity Grants have offered participants many diverse outdoor and environmental learning opportunities.
“The Outdoor Equity grant program is essential to sustain Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a nationally recognized leader in conservation. When we invest in introducing diverse youth to wild spaces and connecting them to our natural heritage, we’re securing Colorado’s position as the nation’s premier outdoor destination while creating pathways for our people and our natural environment to thrive alongside one another,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “The OEGP is vital to CPW as we reach our goals of perpetuating wildlife, strengthening ecosystems, and inspiring the next generation to connect with the outdoors.”
Eligible applicants, including nonprofits, for-profit entities, schools, Tribes and local governments, must submit the grant interest form through the link posted on the OEGP webpage by June 2 to be considered for funding. Grant interest submissions must describe how they will increase outdoor access for the Colorado youth and families furthest from outdoor access and opportunity, including youth from low-income and communities of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth who are members of Tribal nations with historical ties to Colorado, and youth with disabilities. The applicants who best show they will cultivate connections between youth and nature will be selected to submit an application in September. Awards will be announced in December.
“In just three years, we’ve seen this grant program open doors to nature for countless young people who’ve often found those doors closed or hard to reach,” said Hilda Nucete, Vice-Chair of the Outdoor Equity Grant Board. “We particularly encourage applications from organizations working with youth on the margins of outdoor access—whether due to economic barriers, historical exclusion, or geographic isolation. Your creative approaches to bridging these gaps aren’t just valuable; they’re transformative for Colorado’s next generation of environmental stewards.”
To continue to support quality outdoor experiences for Colorado youth, the Board invites organizations that have previously received Outdoor Equity Grant funding to reapply if they have spent more than half of their previous grant award, or plan to do so by Sept. 30. Organizations that have received Outdoor Equity Grants for three years in a row are not eligible to apply.
The OEGP Board is committed to providing funding to organizations that have traditionally been unable to apply for grant programs due to organizational barriers. It encourages organizations of all sizes and with diverse missions to apply, particularly those with experience reaching the youth furthest from outdoor opportunity. The board will provide applicants guidance through a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, April 30 at 10 a.m. The link to register for the Q&A session can be found on the OEGP website.
Groups must submit their letters of interest via the online form posted on the OEGP website by June 2. Find out more on the Outdoor Equity Grant Program website: https://cpw.state.co.us/outdoor-equity-grant-program.
Grant application schedule:
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CHICAGO, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monroe Capital Corporation (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MRCC) announced today that it will report its first quarter ended March 31, 2025 financial results on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, after the close of the financial markets.
The Company will host a webcast and conference call to discuss these operating and financial results on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be hosted on a webcast link located in the Investor Relations section of our website at http://ir.monroebdc.com/events.cfm. To participate in the conference call, please dial (800) 715-9871 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call. Please reference conference ID # 9094217. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, the webcast will be available for replay on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the event.
About Monroe Capital Corporation
Monroe Capital Corporation is a publicly-traded specialty finance company that principally invests in senior, unitranche and junior secured debt and, to a lesser extent, unsecured debt and equity investments in middle-market companies. The Company’s investment objective is to maximize the total return to its stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation. The Company’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC, which is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and an affiliate of Monroe Capital LLC. To learn more about Monroe Capital Corporation, visit www.monroebdc.com.
About Monroe Capital LLC
Monroe Capital LLC (including its subsidiaries and affiliates, together “Monroe”) is a premier asset management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, alternative credit solutions, structured credit, real estate and equity. Since 2004, the firm has been successfully providing capital solutions to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Monroe prides itself on being a value-added and user-friendly partner to business owners, management, and both private equity and independent sponsors. Monroe’s platform offers a wide variety of investment products for both institutional and high net worth investors with a focus on generating high quality “alpha” returns irrespective of business or economic cycles. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and has 11 locations throughout the United States, Asia and Australia.
Monroe has been recognized by both its peers and investors with various awards including Private Debt Investor as the 2024 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Year, Americas and 2023 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Decade; Inc.’s 2024 Founder-Friendly Investors List; Global M&A Network as the 2023 Lower Mid-Markets Lender of the Year, U.S.A.; DealCatalyst as the 2022 Best CLO Manager of the Year; Korean Economic Daily as the 2022 Best Performance in Private Debt – Mid Cap; Creditflux as the 2021 Best U.S. Direct Lending Fund; and Pension Bridge as the 2020 Private Credit Strategy of the Year. For more information and important disclaimers, please visit www.monroecap.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under the Company’s control, and that the Company may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from these estimates and projections of the future. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.
SOURCE: Monroe Capital Corporation
Source: US Geological Survey
A new interferogram shows deformation at Kīlauea volcano during the pause between episodes 17 and 18 of the ongoing summit eruption.
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Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas who sustained economic losses due to heat and winds occurring June 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.
The declaration includes the Texas counties of Andrews, Armstrong, Austin, Bailey, Borden, Brazos, Briscoe, Burleson, Callahan, Castro, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Colorado, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Dawson, Dickens, Donley, Ector, Fayette, Fisher, Floyd, Fort Bend, Gaines, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Grimes, Hale, Hall, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, King, Lamb, Lee, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, McCulloch, Menard, Midland, Mitchell, Motley, Nolan, Parmer, Reagan, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sterling, Stonewall, Swisher, Taylor, Terry, Tom Green, Upton, Waller, Ward, Washington, Wharton, Wheeler, Winkler and Yoakum as well as the New Mexico county of Lea and the Oklahoma counties of Beckham, Ellis and Roger Mills.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 11, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – Ryan Ellison has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Mr. Ellison was sworn in by United States District Judge Margaret Strickland on April 18, 2025.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of New Mexico in this role,” said Mr. Ellison. “For however long I serve as United States Attorney, my primary objective will be to keep New Mexicans safe through the vigorous enforcement of Federal law. Under my leadership, the United States Attorney’s Office will do its part to stem the unlawful flow of people and drugs into our country. We will also not lose sight of our responsibility to combat violent crime, gang activity, child predators, and to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States’ civil interests. Together with our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly to make New Mexico a safer place to live, work, raise a family, and run a business. And we will make New Mexico a far less attractive place to commit a crime.”
Mr. Ellison, born and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico, graduated from the University of Arizona with a business degree in 2010. He earned his Juris Doctor and MBA from Texas Tech University in 2013. Since 2018, Mr. Ellison has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico in the Las Cruces Branch Office, most recently as Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney of the Violent and General Crimes Section.
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Ellison prosecuted members of the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (“SNM”) prison gang. To date, more than 175 SNM gang members and associates have been charged with serious federal crimes, making the ongoing SNM prosecution the largest criminal case ever brought in the District of New Mexico. He has also investigated and prosecuted other violent crimes, including VICAR murder, RICO conspiracy, carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, murder-for-hire, and various firearms, immigration, and national security offenses.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Ellison worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the 47th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Texas and as an associate attorney in private practice.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Ellison will be responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the District of New Mexico. Ellison leads a dedicated team of over 150 prosecutors and support professionals with offices located in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. The District of New Mexico encompasses 33 counties and shares a 180-mile international border with Mexico. It is home to five National Forests, four major military installations, two National Laboratories, 19 pueblos, two Apache tribes, and one-third of the Navajo Nation.
