A man has been arrested for obstructing fishery officers in the lawful execution of their duties, as well as assaulting a peace officer.
Late on April 11, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) was attempting to conduct an inspection on the Tangier River in Tangier when a man attempted to take elver fishing nets held by fishery officers. A struggle ensued, when the man resisted arrest. He suffered minor injuries.
DFO transported the man to the Musquodoboit Harbour RCMP detachment, where he was transferred into the custody of RCMP officers and assessed by EHS.
The 46-year-old man from Millbrook was later released. He will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on May 21, at 9:30 a.m., to face charges of Assaulting a Peace Officer and Obstructing a Peace Officer.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana 09)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Republican Budget Resolution:
“This Budget Resolution is a bold, responsible plan to put our country back on the right track. It reflects the will of the 77 million Americans who are demanding we rein in reckless spending, secure our borders, and restore economic strength.
It makes clear that House Republicans will keep our promises to the American people—cutting waste, fraud, and abuse without harming eligible beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. With the budget framework, we will strengthen these critical programs and protect them for future generations, seniors, and families who rely on them.
It also begins the reconciliation process, which is essential to delivering the transformational policies of President Trump’s America First agenda in one big, beautiful bill. I proudly voted yes.”
WARWICK, RI – U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Ranking Member of the Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee on the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s press conference.
“I am outraged. Today President Trump refused to follow a Supreme Court order to return a man who was erroneously sent by his administration without due process to a prison in El Salvador. He also stated his intention to send US citizens to foreign prisons as well.
Trump is risking a constitutional crisis rather than follow a Supreme Court order to release a person imprisoned by accident. This cannot stand.”
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) introduced the Revising and Enhancing Project Authorizations Impacted by Review (REPAIR) Act that would protect the permitting process for U.S. energy, manufacturing and critical infrastructure projects from frivolous litigation.
“Off-shore energy projects face stiff headwinds in America,” said Crapo. “As we move toward greater American energy independence, the REPAIR Act would reduce the threat of frivolous lawsuits during the permitting and review process for new projects that can tie up proposals for years. Advancing this bill is an important step in furthering President Trump’s domestic energy agenda.”
“Critical domestic energy, natural resource and manufacturing projects have been blocked by activist litigation for far too long, forcing the U.S. to rely on countries like China for resources available in our own backyard,” said Risch. “The REPAIR Act would close judicial loopholes and eliminate years of unnecessary litigation that have hindered our ability to harness our own natural resources.”
“Green activist groups have a pattern. They manipulate the legal system to keep infrastructure and energy projects in legal purgatory,” said Cassidy. “Let’s end this and get the project moving again. It’s the only way to unleash American energy!”
The REPAIR Act would make many vital changes to the judicial review of an approved permit by ensuring all laws related to permitting have the same review process, scope of adjudication, rules for standing and statute of limitations. The bill would remove the ability to file a suit based on the National Environmental Policy Act, instead focusing lawsuits on the statute for which the permit was issued. In the case of a judicial remand or other court action, the REPAIR Act would establish a mediation process that allows the project developer and the permit-issuing agency to directly address the challenge and enable the project to move forward. Additionally, the bill would increase transparency in ongoing court challenges to permits to highlight the unnecessary delays caused by the judicial process.
The legislation is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Petroleum Institute, ClearPath, the National Mining Association and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES).
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Letter Text (PDF)
Massachusetts has received more than 181,000 requests for heating assistance so far this fiscal year
Washington (April 14, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, led all members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation—Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Presley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09)—in writing to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on the sudden termination of the federal staff responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the impacts to Massachusetts families who depend on the program to stay safe, healthy, and housed.
Massachusetts has received more than 181,000 requests for heating assistance so far this fiscal year, with more than 110,000 households already served through March 31. First-time applicants have also surged: more than 27,000 Massachusetts households applied for LIHEAP for the first time this fiscal year, 8 percent more than last year at this point. More than 58 percent of households served so far include at least one elderly member, more than 33 percent include individuals with disabilities, more than 6,500 include a veteran or active-duty military member, and more than 11,500 include young children under age five. Critically, Massachusetts is still waiting on HHS to release the remaining estimated 10 percent of FY2025 LIHEAP funds.
In the letter the lawmakers write, “Over the past decade, Massachusetts energy prices have risen two to three times more than the national average. This winter alone, rate increases in Massachusetts hit families hard, with some energy bills doubling over the heating season. In Boston, residents face some of the highest heating costs among cities nationwide. This means that many Massachusetts families are struggling to pay their utility bills.”
The lawmakers continue, “Although LIHEAP is structured as a block grant administered primarily by states, federal staff provide essential technical assistance—from calculating the complicated allocation formula and distributing block grant funds, to guiding new state LIHEAP directors, reviewing and approving state plans, and monitoring state program implementation. This is not red tape, it is essential governance. Despite serving more than 5 million households nationwide, the entire federal LIHEAP team consisted of only 25 staff—an example of efficient, high-impact federal support.”
The lawmakers request answers by May 1, 2025, to questions that include:
How does HHS plan to preserve the continuity of LIHEAP operations nationwide?
How does HHS plan to ensure that states such as Massachusetts can timely access the remaining FY2025 LIHEAP funds appropriated by Congress?
With the termination of the LIHEAP staff, who within HHS is now responsible for the program’s operation?
Does HHS intend to restore the terminated positions or provide an equivalent staffing structure before the 2025–2026 heating season begins?
What measures will HHS implement to ensure communications with state program administrators on vendor enrollment, rule changes, and reporting compliance?
Has HHS consulted — formally or informally — with state LIHEAP administrators or community action agencies about these staff terminations, either before or after they occurred?
DALLAS – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Thomas Afram Chammo, a 27-year-old citizen of Lebanon, April 3, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Chammo entered the United States through Dallas, Texas, as a non-immigrant visa holder July 12, 2024, for military training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was scheduled to return to Lebanon on Dec. 5, 2024, after completing training, but failed to board his scheduled return flight and absconded.
ICE Dallas Field Office made the arrest. Chammo remains in ICE custody, pending immigration removal proceedings.
As a non-immigrant visa entrant, Chammo is entitled to a hearing before an immigration judge to determine if he can remain in the U.S. or be removed.
For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws in North Texas and Oklahoma follow us on X at @ERODallas.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Apr 14, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook
Updated: Mon Apr 14 19:20:53 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 141920
Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0220 PM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025
Valid 161200Z – 171200Z
…NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST…
…SUMMARY… Severe thunderstorms are not forecast through Wednesday night.
…Synopsis… A broad area of isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected across portions of the West into the northern Rockies and central Plains. This is in response to forcing for ascent increasing with a broad area of enhanced mid-level flow rounding the western US trough. Largely, thunderstorms will be disorganized and sub-severe, owing to poor moisture and weak shear profiles.
…Central Plains… Large scale ascent will lead to potential for initial isolated to scattered thunderstorm development across portions of the central Plains Wednesday afternoon. This will remain sub-severe given marginal moisture profiles and presence of a strong EML.
As west to southwesterly mid-level flow overspreads the Rockies, lee cyclogenesis is expected to occur Wednesday evening. This will result in mass response with an increase in the southerly low-level jet across the southern/central Plains by late evening into the early morning Thursday. Return of more appreciable moisture will spread into portions of eastern Kansas. Convective potential will be tempered by a strong EML and better forcing remaining to the north of this region. However, should elevated thunderstorm development occur, some conditional risk for large hail would be possible. Given uncertainty in convective initiation, no areas were included with this outlook.
..Thornton/Leitman.. 04/14/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0730Z
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Apr 14, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Updated: Mon Apr 14 17:04:18 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 141704
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1204 PM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025
Valid 151200Z – 161200Z
…NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST…
…SUMMARY… Severe thunderstorms are not expected on Tuesday or Tuesday night.
…Northeast… A post-frontal regime will be in place across the Northeast Tuesday. Flow aloft will remain modest with mid-level cooling through the day. This will support potential for redevelopment of scattered thunderstorm activity by the afternoon. Given post-frontal drying conditions and weak buoyancy, this should yield primarily sub-severe low-topped convection, though occasional gusty winds will be possible.
…Southwest… A mid-level low will approach the West Coast, with a belt of mid-level flow overspreading southern California into southern Nevada. Ahead of this feature, a weak shortwave trough will move across the Lower Colorado Valley towards the southern Rockies. Enough mid-level moisture in place with large-scale ascent will allow for isolated to scattered thunderstorm activity across the northern Sierra and across the Four Corners region. As shear profiles will be weak, storms are not expected to be severe.
..Thornton/Leitman.. 04/14/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 141630
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1130 AM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025
Valid 141630Z – 151200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS WEST VIRGINIA AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA…
…SUMMARY… Scattered strong to severe storms are expected this afternoon through early tonight from the Upper Ohio Valley eastward to the Mid-Atlantic. Large hail, severe wind gusts, and a couple of tornadoes will be possible.
…Upper OH Valley this afternoon into VA early tonight… Recent satellite imagery depicts a maturing mid-latitude cyclone moving eastward across Lake Superior towards northeastern Ontario with an upstream shortwave trough moving through the northern Plains. Expectation is for the cyclone to continue deepening/maturing as it moves into and through northeastern Ontario today, while the upstream shortwave progresses quickly southeastward through the Mid MO Valley and into the Mid MS Valley. As this occurs, strong mid-level flow will spread eastward across the OH Valley and over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States.
At the same time, a cold front will spread eastward across the OH Valley this afternoon and evening, and across the central Appalachians tonight. Current surface analysis reveals upper 40s to low 50s dewpoints ahead of the front in the Middle OH Valley, with the upper 50s/low 60s dewpoints farther southwest over western KY. This greater low-level moisture is expected to surge northeastward amid the moderate southwesterly low-level flow, combining with evapotranspiration to bring upper 50s dewpoints into upper OH Valley ahead of the front.
This increase in low-level moisture combined with daytime heating should be enough to destabilize the airmass ahead of the front across the Upper OH Valley. Forcing for ascent (from a combination of increasing large-scale ascent and forcing along the front) will increase across this destabilized area, supporting thunderstorm development during the afternoon. An initially cellular mode is anticipated, with steep mid-level lapse rates and long hodographs potentially resulting in a few supercells. Primary severe risk with these supercells is large hail of 1-2 inches in diameter. Some damaging gusts and a tornado or two are possible, although the lack of higher low-level moisture will mitigate the overall tornado potential. Strong outflow and increasing mid-level flow suggest a transition to a more linear mode is likely, with several bowing segments possible. There is also some potential for the development of a singular, more coherent convective line. In either case, a transition from hail to damaging gusts as the primary severe risk is anticipated as this activity spreads eastward. Clusters/line segments will likely persist east of the Appalachians into VA through early tonight, though the severe threat will diminish with eastward extent and after 03z.
…SD to IA this afternoon/evening… Low-level moisture will be limited, but surface heating beneath cooling midlevel temperatures will support weak surface-based buoyancy and the potential for low-topped showers and a few thunderstorms from SD into IA (in advance of a digging shortwave trough now over western ND/eastern MT). Relatively cold temperature profiles will favor some threat for small hail, while steep low-level lapse rates and 30+ kt flow through the mixed layer favor gusty outflow winds of 40-50 mph.
..Mosier/Weinman.. 04/14/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 0447 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0128 PM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025
Areas affected…parts of cntrl/sern SD…swrn MN…nwrn IA…nern NE
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely
Valid 141828Z – 142115Z
CORRECTED NERN IA TO NWRN IA IN AREAS AFFECTED
Probability of Watch Issuance…5 percent
SUMMARY…Showers spreading southeastward through the mid Missouri Valley may begin to intensify by 3-4 PM CDT, with a few weak thunderstorms developing and posing increasing potential for strong to severe surface gusts while spreading southeastward through the remainder of the afternoon.
DISCUSSION…In the wake of a deep cyclone, now migrating northeast of the Upper Great Lakes region, downward mixing of momentum is already contributing to 30-35+ kt northwesterly surface gusts across much of the middle Missouri Valley, as boundary-layer warming progresses. This is occurring just ahead of a vigorous short wave trough now digging through the western Dakotas, and forecast to continue rapidly southeastward through early evening.
Models indicate that the mid-level cold core (including -30 to -35C around 500 mb) will overspread a corridor from central South Dakota through northeastern Iowa between 20-23Z, coincident with further strengthening of northwesterly flow (35-40+ kt) in the 850-700 mb layer and peak afternoon surface heating. As this occurs, forecast soundings indicate that profiles will become increasingly conducive to deepening convection capable of producing lightning.
With at least some further intensification of ongoing developing convection, evaporative cooling and melting of precipitation within an increasing well-mixed boundary layer (characterized by sizable surface temperature/dew point spreads on the order of 20+ F), coupled with the downward mixing of stronger flow aloft, seems likely to contribute to increasing potential for surface gusts approaching or briefly exceeding severe limits. This may continue into early evening, as convection spreads southeastward, before rapidly diminishing with the onset of boundary-layer cooling.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Watch 138 Status Reports
Watch 138 Status Message has not been issued yet.
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 138 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 325 PM EDT Mon Apr 14 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Central and Eastern Kentucky Southern Ohio Far Southwestern Pennsylvania Southwestern Virginia West Virginia
* Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 325 PM until 1100 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include… Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible A tornado or two possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms coverage is expected to increase over the next few hours along and ahead of a cold front pushing eastward across the region. Environmental conditions support strong to severe storms. An initially cellular mode will favor large hail and damaging gusts before a transition to a more linear storm mode favors primarily damaging gusts.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles north and south of a line from 30 miles west of Lexington KY to 60 miles north northeast of White Sulphur Springs WV. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
&&
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24040.
…Mosier
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW8 WW 138 SEVERE TSTM KY OH PA VA WV 141925Z – 150300Z AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 30W LEX/LEXINGTON KY/ – 60NNE SSU/WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS WV/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM N/S /21ESE IIU – 22SSE EKN/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24040.
LAT…LON 39188515 39747990 37417990 36878515
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU8.
Watch 138 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Low (20%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (5%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (30%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Federal charges have been filed againstJamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.
“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”
“Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”
“This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.”
“A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.”
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.
An intact glass container containing an improvised napalm material was found in the second vehicle. Investigators noted a hand-written capital “I” or “H” letter on the top of the green metal lid.
Graffiti was spray-painted in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols.
Surveillance video captured the suspect on scene, and he was observed as a tall, light-skinned individual, possibly over 6 feet tall, wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box.
The following month, in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, a second arson attack occurred, this time at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids bore a handwritten capital “I” or “H,” similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene.
Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the building.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a white sedan parking on the north side of the RPNM office building before the fire. A single individual exited the vehicle, approached the RPNM headquarters, and a flash of light was recorded. The individual then returned to the vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was captured on nearby surveillance as it left the RPNM scene. After review of the available surveillance, law enforcement preliminarily identified the suspect vehicle as in what appeared to be a white Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015.
Investigators determined that both arsons involved the use of homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids. The resulting investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes. Among other links, Wagner’s physical description matches that of the suspect in the available surveillance footage and investigators determined that Wagner owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.
On April 12, 2025, agents from the FBI and ATF executed a search warrant at Wagner’sresidence in Albuquerque without incident. Inside, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking him to both arson attacks including:
A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices.
Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire.
Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites.
Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene.
Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search. Investigators noted modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes.
“The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
Wagner is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office are jointly investigating the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice.
Numerous additional agencies responded to the arson scenes or otherwise provided valuable assistance, including the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, the Sandoval County Fire Department, the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Nicholas Mote for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In recent days, two men who conspired to distribute controlled substances pled guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Isaiah Pirtle, also known as “Pudge,” age 33, from Cedar Rapids was convicted today of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Daxxton Cook, age 36, from Cedar Rapids was convicted on April 10, 2025, of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Cook admitted that he agreed with other people to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. On February 7, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Cook sold someone 16 fentanyl pills. On February 8, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Cook sold someone 1.93 grams of cocaine and 5.37 grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl. On May 28, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Cook sold someone 12.55 grams of cocaine and 20.75 grams of fentanyl. Cook was previously convicted of a felony drug offense.
In a plea agreement, Pirtle admitted that he agreed with other people to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, as well as a detectable amount of cocaine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Pirtle and Cook remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Pirtle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment. Cook faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter requesting the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to approve North Carolina’s Action Plan for $1.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding. The letter outlines how this funding is critical to helping the state provide housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization to Western North Carolina following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
“Last September, Hurricane Helene brought historic rainfall and strong winds to Western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides. The storm destroyed thousands of homes and damaged tens of thousands more, resulting in $12.7 billion in residential losses. Millions of North Carolinians lost access to essential services, and the region’s economy suffered a devastating hit, threatening livelihoods and the long-term stability of many of the state’s once-thriving communities.
“On March 26, 2025, Governor Josh Stein submitted North Carolina’s proposed Action Plan for $1.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to address housing, infrastructure, and economic needs in Western North Carolina. The plan was submitted only 181 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall, making this submission the fastest from any state in the past decade following a major hurricane.
“We appreciate HUD’s focus on this urgent matter and urge expedited consideration of North Carolina’s Action Plan. We stand ready to collaborate with you and your team at HUD to maximize the positive impact of this vital grant funding,” the legislators stated.
Senator Budd was joined by Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.-11), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-9), Deborah K. Ross (D-N.C.-2), Donald G. Davis (D-N.C.-1), David Rouzer (R-N.C.-7), Brad Knott (R-N.C.-13), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.-4), Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.-10), Tim Moore (R-N.C.-14), and Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12).
Read the full letter text HERE.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a resolution highlighting National Public Health Week, celebrated this year from April 7th – April 13th. This resolution is meant to raise awareness about the importance of public health amid the firing of nearly 25% of the workforce at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the elimination of critical subagencies at HHS that keep Americans healthy by the Trump administration.
Senator Luján’s resolution also outlines issues facing the U.S. including pandemic preparedness, access to behavioral health services, addressing the maternal mortality crisis, improving child welfare, addressing health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, and recognizing the impact of climate change on health.
“Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, with bird flu spreading worldwide, and as a significant number of Americans face substance use or mental health conditions, public health must be a top priority,” said Senator Luján. “National Public Health Week provides the opportunity to raise awareness about the current attacks on public health by the Trump administration and address longstanding disparities that have harmed countless New Mexicans and Americans across the country. As we recognize this year’s theme, It Starts Here, let us be clear that public health matters to every single American. These attacks we’re seeing right now won’t make us healthier. We must all work together to build healthier communities and I am committed to standing up to any attacks that jeopardize our public health.”
“Recognizing the contributions of public health workers and the need for a well-resourced public health infrastructure is something that we prioritize and celebrate every year during National Public Health Week. Now more than ever, we must protect and strengthen the agencies, programs and workers that keep our communities healthy and defend against attempts to dismantle the public health system our nation relies on,” said Georges C. Benjamin, M.D. Executive Director of American Public Health Association. “We thank Senator Luján for introducing this resolution recognizing National Public Health Week and the important role public health plays in keeping our nation healthy and safe. Committed public health champions like the Senator are essential to our goal of optimal, equitable health and well-being for all.”
This resolution is endorsed by the American Public Health Association (APHA).
As the Measles outbreak continues to spread across the country and impact our public health, Senator Luján has repeatedly demanded action from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to contain the measles outbreak. Secretary Kennedy has failed to respond.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Ralph H. Johnson VA’s weekly art therapy class offers Veterans creative stress relief, with free materials and education provided by the Patriots Art Foundation.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) concluded the fifth online certificate training programme titled “Leveraging South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Inclusive and Technological Innovations for Urban Health and Disaster Risk Reduction” on 12, 19, and 26 March 2025.
Building on a successful partnership since 2020, this fifth training programme emphasized the importance of a whole-of-society approach, particularly in addressing the needs of the most at-risk groups—such as women, older persons, and persons with disabilities—in disaster risk reduction, health emergencies, and disaster risk management. Through expert-led discussions and practical case studies, participants gained valuable insights into advancing inclusive, resilient, and healthy cities through technological innovations and South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
“This training programme embodies the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which explicitly calls for an inclusive approach that considers the needs of all populations and groups. Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, we can share valuable lessons and innovative approaches that ensure no one is left behind when disaster strikes.”
– Piedad Huerta Arneros, Chief of Office of Country and Subregional Coordination in PAHO/WHO, in her Opening Remarks
The first training session, led by UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) on 12 March, emphasized disability-inclusive urban resilience in practice. The session introduced participants to the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities – Annex for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, a practical tool that supports local governments in ensuring meaningful participation and accessibility for persons with disabilities in disaster risk planning and implementation.
“Persons with disabilities must be decision-makers in resilience strategies that affect their lives. Inclusion is not only a right—it improves the quality and relevance of our actions,”
– Carlos Kaiser, Executive Director of ONG Inclusiva
Practical case studies from Quezon City in the Philippines, and Pudahuel Municipality in Chile—both of which have applied the Disability Inclusion Scorecard provided real-world application insights for participants. “Since the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Scorecard, we have been able to strengthen our approach and adopt the necessary adjustments to close the gaps,” said Maria Elena Opazo, Director of Disaster Risk Management Department of Pudahuel Municipality.
Ma. Bianca D. Perez, Head of the Disaster Risk and Management Office of Quezon City, also emphasized how they were empowered to cater to the different needs of people with disabilities, “Profile of those capacitated [was collected] to ensure that the interventions were equitable, not just a one-size-fits-all solution, but cater to the different types of disabilities identified.”
According to UNDRR’s 2023 Global Survey on Disability and Disasters: 84% of persons with disabilities reported being unprepared for disasters and 56% reported lacking access to disaster risk information. These figures highlight the urgency to ensure the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction planning.
Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, has offered three recommendations for action to all participants:
“First, we must continue building the awareness and capacity of institutions and staff to address this problem. For our part, UNDRR remains committed to supporting capacity development and to fostering all-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to disaster risk reduction.
Second, we must ensure that there are mechanisms to engage with at-risk groups and to capture their needs in planning processes. This is why UNDRR developed and piloted the Annex for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, as part of our Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities. We invite all local governments to utilize this tested tool.
And third, we need to promote international cooperation and the sharing of good practices among countries, especially South-South and Triangular cooperation. By learning from each other, exchanging good practices, and working collaboratively, countries can accelerate the adoption of new solutions to ensure no one is left behind.”
– Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR
A mini quiz at the end of the first training session reinforced key learning messages. A total of 1,362 unique participants from 141 countries and territories joined this session live, reflecting strong global interest in inclusive urban resilience approaches.
This joint training includes three online training sessions. The second session, led by PAHO/WHO on 19 March, explored the intersection of ageing, disability, and urban health emergencies, highlighting the importance of integrating diverse actors into disaster risk reduction and urban resilience planning to ensure inclusive and accessible solutions. The final session, led by UNOSSC on 26 March, was centered on leveraging technological innovation for urban disaster risk reduction and management. This session facilitated the exchange of knowledge and good practices on cutting-edge, low-cost, and high-impact technologies that can enhance urban resilience through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
Dima Al-Khatib, Director of UNOSSC, called attention to the importance of South-South Cooperation, especially in capacity building activities to further SDGs
“South-South Cooperation fosters collaboration amongst developing countries by facilitating knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, and resource sharing to achieve mutual development goals.”
– Dima Al-Khatib, Director of UNOSSC
The UNDRR-UNOSSC-PAHO Joint Certificate Training Programme 2025 featured 30 expert speakers, with a balanced gender representation, and provided simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, as well as International Sign Language, to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
The training series has been highly successful, attracting over 9,800 live session participants and 6,500 self-paced learners from 155 countries and territories over the past four training programmes. This year’s training alone attracted over 3,200 registrants, with 1,846 participants including 71 persons with disabilities, reflecting its growing reach and impact.
In the heart of Central America, where volcanoes carve the skyline and rivers wind through dense forests, Guatemala’s stunning geography is also a source of vulnerability. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, floods, and droughts are part of everyday life—constant reminders of the urgency to strengthen the country’s resilience.
Against this backdrop, the recent visit of Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), marked a pivotal moment. Joined by Claudinne Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), and Miguel Barreto, UN Resident Coordinator in Guatemala, the mission went beyond reaffirming existing commitments—it generated new partnerships and concrete proposals to advance disaster risk reduction nationwide.
One of the key political moments of the visit came during a meeting with Vice President Karin Herrera, who expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening SE-CONRED’s role within the state. She proposed including the institution in Guatemala’s main economic and social decision-making bodies, acknowledging that risk reduction must be a whole-of-government responsibility. “Investing in prevention means protecting the future of the most vulnerable populations,” said the Vice President.
There was also a renewed call to reform CONRED’s legal and policy framework, broadening its mandate, improving inter-institutional coordination, and increasing budget allocations for both prospective and corrective risk management. While Hurricane Mitch in 1998 marked a turning point for Guatemala—leading to the establishment of structures such as CONRED and a stronger emphasis on prevention—the current scale and complexity of risk demand a deeper transformation. Only a bold, sustained shift will ensure sustainable development anchored in resilience and informed by risk.
“We have made progress in disaster risk reduction in Guatemala. We have strengthened the staff of CONRED’s Executive Secretariat, not only in the capital, but throughout the country, with more teams to support municipalities in risk management. But we still need to stop building risk. We need to be a more resilient country, one that complies with the standards and does not perpetuate its vulnerability,” said Claudinne Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED.
The mission coincided with the XXI Meeting of the National Platform for Dialogue, which served as a forum to define the foundations of Guatemala’s position for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2025. During the meeting, participants emphasized the need to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems, integrate risk into national and sectoral planning, and foster participatory and inclusive governance rooted in resilience.
Throughout the week, several concrete commitments were secured. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) expressed its intention to move forward with the adoption of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a key tool for standardizing warnings and improving hazard response. Representatives from the telecommunications sector also voiced their readiness to explore the implementation of Cell Broadcasting systems, in coordination with UN agencies and inspired by good practices across the region.
At the regional level, the mission included high-level meetings at the Coordination Centre for Disaster Prevention in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) and with the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Finance of Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic (COSEFIN). These exchanges helped pave the way for stronger risk-informed public financing and a future dialogue with finance ministers on integrating disaster risk into national budgets, public investment, and fiscal policy. The goal is clear: move beyond reactive and corrective approaches and instead channel resources into forward-looking, preventive measures that build long-term resilience.
The Guatemalan private sector also demonstrated strong engagement. A pilot initiative was presented, developed with a national bank and the ARISE Network, aimed at promoting risk-informed decision-making in small and medium-sized enterprises. The Sustainable Finance Advisory Council of CentraRSE expressed its commitment to embedding disaster risk reduction within the country’s financial architecture, including banking and insurance systems.
Throughout the mission, the leadership of local and community actors was palpable. A visit to the Ingenio Magdalena sugar mill underscored the value of public-private-community alliances for prevention and preparedness. The mission also recognized the critical roles played by youth, women, Indigenous peoples, and local governments in building resilience from the ground up.
In this national effort, the United Nations System has served as a strategic partner and catalyst. The mission reaffirmed the leadership of Resident Coordinator Miguel Barreto in promoting effective, results-driven cooperation. It also confirmed that resilience will be a strategic priority within the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Guatemala.
“Guatemala is demonstrating that it is possible to anticipate risk, plan ahead and protect what is most valuable: lives, livelihoods and communities. To achieve this, it is essential to direct public and private investment towards resilient infrastructure, accompanied by adequate financing. Only then will we stop building risk and start building resilience,” said Kamal Kishore.
“We have identified areas of convergence and cross-cutting issues where agencies can work together. For example, incorporating early warning and prevention into all operational activities of the system,” added Miguel Barreto, UN Resident Coordinator.
The results of the mission highlight the value of strategic, targeted cooperation. Through UNDRR’s technical support—working closely with SE-CONRED and the broader UN system—Guatemala is forging a more coordinated, inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction. Far from being an isolated initiative, this is a collective effort to ensure that risk reduction becomes a shared responsibility, embedded across sectors and driven by political will, technical excellence, and local leadership.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)
WORCESTER, MA – Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) on Friday sent a strongly-worded letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem demanding answers after the visas of dozens of international students at colleges and universities in Massachusetts’s Second Congressional District were revoked without notice, explanation, or due process.
“I write to you with deep alarm and growing outrage over reports that the visas of dozens of international students at colleges and universities in Massachusetts’s Second Congressional District have been revoked—seemingly without notice, cause, or due process,” McGovern wrote in the letter.
The letter highlights that at least three universities in the district—the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Clark University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute—have reported checking the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) only to discover that some student visas had been revoked. This includes the visas of at least 14 students at UMass Amherst, 12 students at Clark University, and 4 students at WPI.
“These actions appear to be politically motivated and constitutionally suspect, raising serious concerns about the weaponization of our immigration system to intimidate and harass students, teachers, and institutions of higher education based on their political views,” McGovern wrote.
McGovern also emphasized that revoking the visas without warning or due process would have a serious long-term chilling effect on our ability as a nation to attract the best and brightest researchers and experts from around the world, noting that “[t]hese students contribute $413.5 million to my district’s economy alone. International students are integral to colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and across the United States.”
In his letter, McGovern posed several questions to the Departments of State and Homeland Security, seeking clarity on the reasons for the visa revocations, the lack of notice provided to institutions, and the legal authority under which these actions were taken. He requested a response by Friday, April 18, 2025.
“It is unconstitutional, unconscionable, and unprecedented that the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security appear to be targeting and punishing students based on their political beliefs or national origin,” McGovern concluded.
The full text of the letter is available here: https://mcgovern.house.gov/uploadedfiles/student_visas_final_letter.pdf
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Headline: Rep. Carter Congratulates Lori Frazier Bearden on her U.S. Department of Labor Appointment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter today spoke on the House Floor to honor Savannah resident, Lori Frazier Bearden, for her appointment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) at the United States Department of Labor.
Watch and read his remarks here:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lori Frazier Bearden, a resident of Savannah, Georgia, who will serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) at the United States Department of Labor.
Ms. Bearden earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Columbus State University in Georgia and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University.
In this role, Ms. Bearden will assist Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in executing President Donald Trump’s mission of prioritizing American workers, veterans, and retirees.
She will work to advance the ETA’s mission of contributing to the more efficient functioning of the U.S. labor market by providing high-quality job training, employment, labor market information, and income maintenance services, primarily through state and local workforce development programs.
Ms. Bearden’s dedication to public service and expertise in navigating complex policy landscapes make her an asset to the Trump Administration.
Ms. Bearden, congratulations on this exciting achievement.
We all look forward to watching you succeed and wish you the best in your new role.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Illegal and Unprecedented Invocation of Alien Enemies Act, Demand Answers About Deportees
Lawmakers to Trump: “The government should not be able to falsely accuse individuals in the United States, including U.S. citizens, of gang membership and send them to foreign prisons without any judicial review or remedy”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined 14 lawmakers in condemning President Trump’s unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The letter to President Trump follows the Supreme Court’s recent decision to only allow him to continue rapid deportations under the statute if individuals are given due process, including notice and an opportunity to challenge the deportation. Last week, Padilla, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) issued a joint statement condemning the Court’s decision to lift a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act.
“We write regarding your unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, resulting in noncitizens being deported without any due process, not to mention violating the requirement that the statute be invoked only in response to an act of war, predatory incursion, or invasion by a foreign government,” wrote the lawmakers. “Our immigration laws can already hold gang members accountable and provide for their deportation. The government should not be able to falsely accuse individuals in the United States, including U.S. citizens, of gang membership and send them to foreign prisons without any judicial review or remedy.”
“By claiming a foreign ‘invasion’ or ‘incursion,’ you are clearly attempting to suspend due process for noncitizens and speed up your mass deportation campaign,” continued the lawmakers. “Circumventing immigration law, and its requirement of verifiable evidence, will result in people with no gang affiliation being incorrectly targeted and deported.”
In 1798, President John Adams signed the “Alien and Sedition Acts” which was comprised of four bills: The Naturalization Act; the Alien Friends Act; the Sedition Act; and the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). Today, the AEA is the only one that remains in effect. The AEA is a wartime authority that allows the president to target foreign nationals of a hostile nation or government to be “apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed” with limited due process during wartime. The United States is not at war today, and the Constitution outlines that only Congress has the power to declare war.
The AEA has only been invoked three times in American history: the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. In their letter, the lawmakers make clear that Tren de Aragua — a Venezuelan gang — does not qualify as an arm of the Venezuelan government.
The lawmakers further emphasized that the Trump Administration’s choice to deport individuals to El Salvador will likely subject people to human rights abuses as El Salvador’s prisons are notorious for their inhumane conditions, including denial of medical care, lack of food, and outright torture. More than 260 people have died in these Salvadoran prisons in just the past two and a half years, with some individuals facing significant physical abuse.
In their letter, the lawmakers also demand that the Trump Administration provide regular updates about the people who have already been deported, as well as information about them including their names, nationalities, and ages. They also asked about what evidence was used to determine whether an individual was a member of Tren de Aragua.
“Invoking the Alien Enemies Act does not make Americans safer,” concluded the lawmakers. “It endangers all of us, by removing due process protections and ignoring the plain text of the statute. We urge you to abandon this decision.”
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05) led the letter. In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), as well as Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), and Greg Casar (D-Texas-35).
Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric, including his attempted invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. Padilla issued a joint statement with Senators Durbin, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) slamming President Trump for his attempted invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. He is also a cosponsor of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that would repeal the antiquated Alien Enemies Act. Earlier this year, Padilla joined other Democratic immigration leaders in challenging the constitutional basis of President Trump’s sham “invasion” proclamation, which the President believes allows his Administration to circumvent federal immigration law and due process.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear President Trump:
We write regarding your unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, resulting in noncitizens being deported without any due process, not to mention violating the requirement that the statute be invoked only in response to an act of war, predatory incursion, or invasion by a foreign government. Our immigration laws can already hold gang members accountable and provide for their deportation. The government should not be able to falsely accuse individuals in the United States, including U.S. citizens, of gang membership and send them to foreign prisons without any judicial review or remedy. The Supreme Court, when confronted with the manner in which you conducted the removals, unanimously rejected the implementation and its corresponding lack of notice and opportunity to challenge individuals’ removals. Moreover, deporting these individuals to Salvadorian prisons will also subject them to inhumane conditions, further exacerbating the legal issues in invoking the Alien Enemies Act.
The Alien Enemies Act was passed as part of the infamous Alien and Sedition Acts, and it was used during World War II to detain tens of thousands of innocent Japanese, German, and Italian individuals based on nothing but their ethnicity. This wartime use of the Alien Enemies Act served as a precursor to Executive Order 9066, resulting in the incarceration of 111,000 Japanese Americans. Those who were caught up in that xenophobic panic, as well as organizations like the Japanese American National Museum, have condemned your recent invocation of the act.
We reiterate that the plain language of the law limits the president’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to two enumerated situations: times of declared war, and times of invasion or “predatory incursion” by a foreign nation or government. The Act has only been invoked three times in American history: the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. A Venezuelan gang does not qualify as an arm of the Venezuelan government.
By claiming a foreign “invasion” or “incursion,” you are clearly attempting to suspend due process for noncitizens and speed up your mass deportation campaign. Circumventing immigration law, and its requirement of verifiable evidence, will result in people with no gang affiliation being incorrectly targeted and deported. Multiple individuals who were subjected to the Alien Enemies Act had ongoing cases arguing that they were not members of Tren de Aragua. An attorney for one individual says that her client was mislabeled as a member of the gang due to a tattoo supporting the Spanish soccer team Real Madrid and for flashing the popular hand symbol for “rock and roll.” Another individual is a tattoo artist. A third individual was a make-up artist who was seeking asylum due to his sexual orientation.
Aside from these foregoing concerns, your choice of deportation sites will likely subject people to human rights abuses. El Salvador’s prisons are notorious for their inhumane conditions, including denial of medical care, lack of food, and outright torture. Over 260 people have died in those prisons in the last two and a half years, including some with signs of serious physical abuse. An Amnesty International UK report accused the Salvadorian authorities of a “systematic policy of torture towards all those detained.” The specific prison that will house the deported individuals, the Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT), has been described as a place “to dispose of people without formally applying the death penalty.” According to a Times reporter who watched the individuals be transferred to CECOT, the “intake began with slaps.” When detainees fell due to how quickly they were being moved, they were kicked, slapped, and shoved. One person asked for his mom and cried. He was slapped again. We should not subject individuals to mistreatment and more, much less individuals who have had no due process and have not been found guilty of any crimes.
At this point, we request that you provide us with information and regular updates on the following:
1. The names, nationalities, and ages of the people sent to El Salvador to be imprisoned in CECOT, including the number of individuals under the age of 18;
2. What evidence was used to determine that each individual was a member of Tren de Aragua;
3. The overall estimated costs and sources of funding associated with detaining and deporting these individuals; and
4. The procedures for individuals to challenge your administration’s determination that they are a member of Tren de Aragua, either here in the United States or in El Salvador, including how much time you provide to individuals to mount a legal challenge.
In closing, invoking the Alien Enemies Act does not make Americans safer. It endangers all of us, by removing due process protections and ignoring the plain text of the statute. We urge you to abandon this decision.
DAYTON, Ohio – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio announced April 14 that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against assets related to an investigation into a potential $126 million illegal staffing and money laundering operation.
In July 2024, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and other law enforcement agencies, executed federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America in Moraine, Ohio, and 27 other locations in the Dayton area.
The civil complaint alleges that multiple suspects created roughly 40 entities (the “target entities”) that facilitate the harboring, transportation and employment of illegal aliens at various factories. The suspects used these target entities to augment the workforces of several factories with individuals who illegally entered the United States, who are unlawfully present in the United States and/or who are working without required employment authorizations. One of these factories is FGA in Moraine.
It is alleged that many of the workers were illegally smuggled into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and encouraged to travel to the Dayton area to be employed by one of the target entities and serve as a workforce at the various factories. Most of the workers are of Chinese or Hispanic nationality. Workers allegedly lived at “family style hotels” (boarding houses) owned by the target entities and were driven to and from work in transportation provided by the target entities.
“We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Collaboration across multiple law enforcement agencies helps to ensure accountability for both employers and the workforce.”
The 74-page complaint details that the target entities allegedly engaged in money laundering to conceal the multi-million-dollar income generated by the workers. Within days of receiving direct payments from FGA, the suspects would extensively wire funds between their various LLCs. In total, FGA has paid more than $126 million to LLCs controlled by the suspects. The money was allegedly used by the suspects for private financial gain and to purchase real estate, vehicles and luxury goods.
In the civil complaint filed on April 2, the United States alleges that the following property is subject to forfeiture: seven bank accounts, 12 properties in the Dayton area, two properties outside of Ohio, 15 vehicles and luxury goods, including a Cartier watch.
Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit; Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the filing. The FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have assisted in the criminal investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam C. Tieger and Deborah D. Grimes are representing the United States in the civil forfeiture action.
This new image, released on April 4, 2025, showcases the dazzling young star cluster NGC 346. Although both the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope have released images of NGC 346 previously, this image includes new data and is the first to combine Hubble observations made at infrared, optical, and ultraviolet wavelengths into an intricately detailed view of this vibrant star-forming factory. Hubble’s exquisite sensitivity and resolution were instrumental in uncovering the secrets of NGC 346’s star formation. Using two sets of observations taken 11 years apart, researchers traced the motions of NGC 346’s stars, revealing them to be spiraling in toward the center of the cluster. This spiraling motion arises from a stream of gas from outside of the cluster that fuels star formation in the center of the turbulent cloud. Learn more about NGC 346 and the nebula it has shaped. Image credit: ESA/Hubble and NASA, A. Nota, P. Massey, E. Sabbi, C. Murray, M. Zamani (ESA/Hubble)
What you need to know: California is investing an additional $170 million to support forest and vegetation management projects critical to protecting communities from wildfire.
SACRAMENTO – Protecting communities ahead of peak fire season, Governor Gavin Newsom today took action to fast-track critical projects to ensure wildfire resiliency statewide.
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 100 (Gabriel), which allocates over $170 million in accelerated funding to conservancies for forest and vegetation management across California. The bill also allocates $10 million to support wildfire response and resiliency.
With this latest round of funding, we’re continuing to increase the speed and size of forest and vegetation management essential to protecting communities. We are leaving no stone unturned – including cutting red tape – in our mission to ensure our neighborhoods are protected from destructive wildfires.
Governor Gavin Newsom
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Funding to conservancies includes:
$30,904,000 to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy
$23,524,000 to the California Tahoe Conservancy
$31,349,000 to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
$30,904,000 to the State Coastal Conservancy
$30,904,000 to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
$23,524,000 to the San Diego River Conservancy
AB 100 implements the “early action” 2025 budget package to address items necessary to adopt this fiscal year.
In addition, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to ensure that the wildfire safety projects funded under AB 100 benefit from streamlining under a previous emergency proclamation issued in March. Read the executive order here. In March, the Governor issued an emergency proclamation to cut bureaucratic red tape – including suspending CEQA and the Coastal Act – that was slowing down critical forest management projects.
These actions build on years of work to increase forest management and wildfire resilience in the state. It also follows the Governor’s executive order signed last month to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to increase neighborhood resilience statewide.
Governor Newsom took similar action in March 2019 to expedite forest management projects ahead of particularly challenging fire seasons in 2019 and 2020.
More forest management and prescribed burns than ever before
Preventing wildfire through forest and land management. The state is investing $2.5 billion to ramp up and implement the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, increasing the pace of fuel reduction, prescribed fire, and forest health. 100% of the 99 key actions outlined in the plan are underway or completed. This is in addition to $200 million invested annually through 2028-29 for healthy forest and fire prevention programs.
Using controlled burns to build community and forest resilience. California launched a strategic plan on beneficial fire to expand the use of prescribed fire and cultural burning to build forest and community resilience. Key goals from the plan are already in action to increase the use of prescribed fires, and prescribed fire activity has nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023.
Tracking wildfire prevention. California recently unveiled newly updated, first-of-their-kind dashboards that will help Californians track the state’s wildfire prevention work.
Early action. One of the very first executive actions Governor Newsom took after assuming office was to declare a state of emergency in response to wildfires in 2019. This order, in part, exempted critical wildfire and forest management projects from California’s environmental law (CEQA).
See all of Governor Newsom’s actions to increase wildfire resilience and forest management.
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LOS ANGELES – A New Mexico man was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison for setting a San Bernardino County church and preschool on fire last year while children and school employees were inside.
Jonathan A. Barajas Nava, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $7,008 in restitution.
Nava pleaded guilty on January 17 to one count of damage to a religious property.
On April 24, 2024, Nava set fire to the Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool in Yucaipa. Before setting the church on fire, Nava traveled to a nearby gasoline station and purchased a gasoline can and filled it with gasoline. He then traveled to the church with the can and poured the liquid on the church’s front door. Then, he used an open-flame device to set the area on fire.
The resulting fire damaged the church’s interior carpet, the doorframe seal, and an outdoor mat. Staff and children inside evacuated the building.
Nava then traveled to a nearby strip mall and set fire to the exterior wall, which resulted in no damage. He was arrested later that day.
Nava admitted in his plea agreement that he set fire to the church because of its religious character.
“This arson was planned and targeted,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Nava] did not commit this crime in the heat of passion.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Peter Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted this case.
DAYTON, Ohio – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced today that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against assets related to an investigation into a potential $126 million illegal staffing and money laundering operation.
In July 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, in collaboration with IRS Criminal Investigations and other law enforcement agencies, executed federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America (“FGA”) in Moraine, Ohio, and 27 other locations in the Dayton area.
The civil complaint alleges that multiple suspects created roughly 40 entities (the “target entities”) that facilitate the harboring, transportation and employment of illegal aliens at various factories. The suspects used these target entities to augment the workforces of several factories with individuals who illegally entered the United States, who are unlawfully present in the United States and/or who are working without required employment authorizations. One of these factories is FGA in Moraine.
It is alleged that many of the workers were illegally smuggled into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and encouraged to travel to the Dayton area to be employed by one of the target entities and serve as a workforce at the various factories. Most of the workers are of Chinese or Hispanic nationality. Workers allegedly lived at “family style hotels” (boarding houses) owned by the target entities and were driven to and from work in transportation provided by the target entities.
“We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Collaboration across multiple law enforcement agencies helps to ensure accountability for both employers and the workforce.”
The 74-page complaint details that the target entities allegedly engaged in money laundering to conceal the multi-million-dollar income generated by the workers. Within days of receiving direct payments from FGA, the suspects would extensively wire funds between their various LLCs. In total, FGA has paid more than $126 million to LLCs controlled by the suspects. The money was allegedly used by the suspects for private financial gain and to purchase real estate, vehicles and luxury goods.
In the civil complaint filed on April 2, the United States alleges that the following property is subject to forfeiture: seven bank accounts, 12 properties in the Dayton area, two properties outside of Ohio, 15 vehicles and luxury goods, including a Cartier watch.
The related criminal investigation remains ongoing.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the filing. The FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have assisted in the criminal investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam C. Tieger and Deborah D. Grimes are representing the United States in the civil forfeiture action.