NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at reception in celebration of establishment of Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the reception in celebration of the establishment of the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong today (May 9):

    Your Excellency Minister Mario Lubetkin (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay), Your Excellency Ambassador Fernando Lugris (Ambassador of Uruguay to China), Consul-General Federico Lage Cabeza (Consul-General of Uruguay to Hong Kong), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

         Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be here on this important occasion – the establishment and opening, in Hong Kong, of the Consulate-General of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

         The opening of the Consulate-General is testament to the long-standing, and growing, ties between China and Uruguay, and it is important to note that the two countries have now enjoyed diplomatic relations for 37 years, with their relations elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership status in 2023.

         In March, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr Han Jun, attended the inauguration ceremony of the President of Uruguay. Minister Han conveyed China’s wish to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and boost bilateral trade in goods and services. 

         Hong Kong and Uruguay also maintain good relations in trade. In 2024, our bilateral merchandise trade rose 8.8 per cent over the previous year, to more than US$120 million. You probably note that the number eight is considered a lucky number for Chinese people. So the double eights here in this 8.8 per cent growth are music of double luckiness to my ears.

         Our increased trade, and the opening, today of the Uruguay’s Consulate-General, underlines the long-term promise of our economic prospects and people-to-people ties.

         Uruguay, after all, is a high-income economy built on free market policies in Latin America, with a large middle class which is strong and growing. It’s also a founding member of Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, which has a population nearing 300 million. Uruguay, I’m pleased to add, is a participant in our country’s Belt and Road Initiative.

         Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys our country’s strong support, and maintains unparalleled connectivity with the world. I thank Commissioner Cui for telling so much about the ingredients and success factors of Hong Kong under “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong maintains unparalleled connectivity with the world that includes our pivotal roles in such national strategies as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Greater Bay Area is a cluster city that counts Hong Kong, Macao and nine prosperous cities in Southern China. 

         The Greater Bay Area boasts a collective population exceeding 87 million and a combined GDP rivalling the world’s 10th largest economy. It gives Hong Kong a high-end consumer market more than 10 times larger than what our city’s alone can offer.

         We are Asia’s largest financial centre and the world’s third largest, behind only New York and London. Not surprisingly, Hong Kong also ranked fourth and fifth, globally, in foreign direct investment inflows and outflows. 

         As the world’s largest offshore Renminbi service centre, Hong Kong is a critical investment hub linking investment sources and destinations between Mainland China, Southeast Asian markets, and the world. 

         Like Uruguay and our country, Hong Kong is committed to free trade and the multilateral trading system. Goods, capital, people and information flow freely here – and it always will. In spite of challenges posed by emerging protectionism and geopolitical tensions, we strongly believe that free and open trade is key to our pursuit of high-quality development, together with a world of investors and economies.

         Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, to our common law system, and to protecting the rights of our people and businesses, is no less fundamental to our economy, our community and our future. 

         Hong Kong, in brief, is the ideal gateway for Uruguayan companies, and investors, looking to tap into the far-reaching promise of Mainland China and the rest of Asia.

         Beyond business, arts and culture – including the art and culture of eating and drinking well – is as central to life in Hong Kong as I know in Uruguay. Hong Kong, after all, is the rising East-meets-West arts and cultural centre; it is also a hub for international exchange.

         Ladies and gentlemen, the formal establishment and opening, today, of the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong marks an auspicious new stage in the growing relations between our two economies, and our two peoples. 

         The Hong Kong SAR Government, and the businesses and people of Hong Kong, welcome you, and look forward to working with you. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Colombian Port Official Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    Source: United States Attorneys General 12

    A Colombian national was sentenced yesterday to 12 years and seven months in prison for conspiring to launder proceeds of bribes. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a 2017 Porsche Cayenne that were involved in the money laundering scheme.

    According to court documents, Omar Ambuila, 64, of Cali, Colombia, pleaded guilty on Jan. 28 to a single count of conspiracy to launder money. As part of his plea, Ambuila admitted that while he was a port official in Colombia, he accepted at least $1,000,000 in illegal bribes that he and co-conspirators laundered to the United States from Colombia. As part of the scheme, Ambuila and his co-conspirators laundered the funds for Ambuila’s benefit and used the funds to purchase luxury vehicles and pay rent on waterfront property, among other things.

    “Criminals who exploit our financial system to launder their illegal gains threaten the security of the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When you try to abuse the financial system hard working Americans rely upon, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “HSI special agents, in close coordination with all their law enforcement partners, will always work diligently to pursue those individuals and those networks of bad actors who exploit the legitimate financial system to support criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge John Condon of Homeland Security Investigation Tampa. “This is just another great example of this work.”

    “Let this sentencing serve as a powerful reminder: the United States will not be a sanctuary for those seeking to launder the proceeds of crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Tampa Field Office. “We are relentless in our pursuit of criminals who attempt to exploit our financial systems, and we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that they face justice. This case underscores our commitment to dismantling transnational criminal operations and holding those responsible accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”

    “This investigation exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to our federal law enforcement partnerships and the unified effort in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting money laundering schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Division.

    The case was investigated by HSI, IRS-CI, and the FBI.

    Trial Attorneys Ariana Lazzaroni and Adrienne Rosen and Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s Office in Bogotá, the HSI Attaché’s Office in Bogotá, and the U.S. Marshals Service provided substantial assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is Pope Leo XIV liberal or conservative? Why this label doesn’t work for popes

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark Yenson, King’s University College, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Vice-President and Academic Dean (Interim), Western University

    The 133 cardinal electors sequestered in the Sistine Chapel elected a new pope May 8. The choice was a surprise — Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has carried out most of his ministry in Peru, before being elevated to Vatican roles by Pope Francis.

    As commentators and the media try to piece together backgrounders on Pope Leo XIV, one obvious question will be, “Is he a liberal or a conservative?” The same question was asked about Pope Francis, and about the cardinals entering this conclave.

    When applied to individual Catholics, the terms “liberal” and “conservative” can mean very different things. One could be conservative in regard to liturgy and church practice while being strongly committed to anti-racism and environmentalism.

    Or one might be considered a social conservative on issues such as marriage, sexuality and gender while holding clearly left-wing, social democratic views on the role of government.

    Even if Catholics are comfortable self-identifying as liberal or conservative Catholics, we should not treat these terms as if their meaning were obvious — especially since even as purely political terms the meaning of “liberal” or “conservative” is contested.

    Papacy as institution

    Things become all the more complicated when we are talking about the pope, the supreme head of the Catholic Church. The papacy as an institution is conservative by definition.

    The pope is considered the successor of the Apostle Peter, and his job description is precisely to maintain the unity and catholicity (“wholeness”) of the Church’s life, not only in space but through time — that is, to ensure continuity.

    But because of this role to maintain the fullness of a tradition and the unity of the Church, the pope cannot be conservative (or liberal) in a political sense.

    Pope Francis legacy

    The pontificate of Francis should have served as a lesson against liberal/conservative labels. From the beginning of his pontificate, he advocated strenuously for migrants and refugees. He reached out personally to LGBTQ+ communities. He initiated a worldwide “synodal” process that included broad consultation and fostered discussion of topics previously considered out of bounds, such as ordination of women as deacons (though not priests). He placed women in high-ranking positions in the Roman curia previously reserved only for clerics.

    But Francis was also critical of “gender ideology,” affirmed Church teaching on abortion and maintained the Church’s reservation of ordination to men only. While he angered self-identified conservatives, he often disappointed self-identified liberals.

    Instead of trying to impose political categories, it makes more sense to try to uncover the internal dynamics and motivations of a pope’s teaching and ministry. For example, Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical letter, Laudato si’, was a landmark in Catholic teaching on ecology. Far from being a political manifesto, the letter presents a vision of the human being within creation, informed by the Bible, theological reflection and modern Catholic social teaching. Francis frequently references the social thought of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who himself affirmed that the Church “must defend not only earth, water and air as gifts of creation that belong to everyone.”



    Read more:
    Laudato Si’: A look back on Pope Francis’s environmental legacy

    As the British theologian Anna Rowlands astutely notes, Catholic social teaching “functions as a social philosophy that never fully baptizes a liberal philosophy or sentiment. It remains locked in a complex dialogue … with liberal democracy.”

    The role of the pope, highlighted in Francis’s teaching on ecology, is to inspire a different kind of social and moral imagination, one not reducible to particular ideological positions.

    Catholic teaching, conscience

    Another example that subverts the liberal/conservative dichotomy was the well-known response of Pope Francis to a journalist’s question about homosexuality in the priesthood: “Who am I to judge?” Francis did not overturn “conservative” teachings in sexual ethics.

    But he did speak as a member of the Jesuit religious order and as a pastor, who knows that the general law must be applied in specific cases that introduce complexities and require nuanced concrete responses.

    There was also a tacit appeal to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), that an individual is bound to follow their conscience.

    For his part, Benedict XVI (as then-Cardinal Ratzinger), in a 1991 address to American bishops in Dallas, alluded to “the classical principle of moral tradition that conscience is the highest norm which [the human person] is to follow even in opposition to authority.” According to this principle, while church teaching authority would inform conscience, “conscience … would retain the final word.”

    There is no doubt that LGBTQ+ Catholics were able to hear something different in Francis’s language than they had heard in Benedict’s. However, both Benedict and Francis could appeal to shared principles, which were theological rather than political, and not reducible to liberal versus conservative categories.

    Weight of political polarization

    In our current political context, political terms like “liberal” and “conservative” tend to carry the weight of American political polarization.

    In the American context at the moment, “conservative Catholic” in its most radical form blends theological traditionalism — devotion to the traditional Latin mass, emphasis on doctrinal orthodoxy and opposition to Francis’s reformist papacy — with support for the Republican party and MAGA movement.

    As professor of moral philosophy Massimo Borghesi has argued, this radical conservative opposition to Francis has its genesis in the pro-capitalist Catholic neo-conservatism of the 1980s and 90s, and is a predominantly American phenomenon.

    In addition, as writer and editor James T. Keane noted in a 2021 article in the Jesuit magazine America, the political polarizations that have seeped into the American Catholic Church should not set the map for the rest of the world, least of all the papacy. It is important to remember this fact as the first North American pope begins his pontificate.

    Choice of name Leo

    Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has become Pope Leo XIV, has given indications of being critical of the Trump administration on issues of peace and migration, very much in line with Francis.

    His choice of the name Leo harkens back to Pope Leo XIII, the pope credited with initiating modern Catholic social teaching, and signals an emphasis on the Church’s advocacy for peace and justice. The new pope’s first Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”) address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica signalled continuity with Francis — peace, dialogue, encounter, bridge-building.

    And Pope Leo’s career as a missionary, bishop and Vatican cardinal outside of the U.S. means that his context is not confined to the polarizations of the U.S. Catholic Church and its bishops.

    Will the new Pope, Leo XIV, be liberal or conservative? Pope Francis did not fit neatly into these categories: I hope Pope Leo won’t either.

    Mark Yenson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Is Pope Leo XIV liberal or conservative? Why this label doesn’t work for popes – https://theconversation.com/is-pope-leo-xiv-liberal-or-conservative-why-this-label-doesnt-work-for-popes-256180

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China supports Cuba in defending sovereignty and resisting foreign interference: Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and opposing foreign interference and blockade, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in the Russian capital on Friday.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    As the Chinese President noted, the Chinese side also supports Cuba’s efforts to promote socio-economic development. The two countries, as important members of the Global South, should strengthen coordination and cooperation within such structures as BRICS and the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), oppose power politics and unilateral bullying, and uphold international fairness and justice, the Chinese leader stressed.

    Xi Jinping recalled that in recent years, he has met with M. Diaz-Canel on several occasions and together they have brought China-Cuba relations to a new stage, characterized by deeper political mutual trust, closer strategic cooperation and stronger popular support.

    This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba, Xi said, adding that China is willing to further strengthen the ironclad friendship with Cuba, build a closer China-Cuba community with a shared future, and set a model for solidarity and cooperation among socialist countries and sincere mutual assistance among developing countries.

    Xi called on the two sides to promote steady progress in exchanges at all levels and cooperation in various fields, ensuring that high-level political mutual trust always remains the hallmark of inter-party and inter-state relations.

    M. Diaz-Canel, for his part, stated that Cuba and China are close friends and brothers, stressing that his country is grateful to China for its long-term and strong support for Cuban socio-economic development.

    According to the President, Cuba strictly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China, enhance friendly exchanges between the peoples, intensify coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, deepen the construction of a community with a shared future, and promote further progress in bilateral relations.

    Cuba supports the three major global initiatives put forward by China and hopes to work together with China to resist unilateralism and protectionism, defending the common interests of the international community, added M. Diaz-Canel. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Will Always Firmly Support Venezuela in Safeguarding Sovereignty, National Dignity, and Social Stability: Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — China and Venezuela are reliable partners who trust each other and develop together. China will always firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Moscow on Friday.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    Pointing out that amid the changing international situation, China and Venezuela have established an unbreakable friendship, Xi Jinping said that since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, they have enjoyed lively exchanges in all fields and at all levels, bilateral trade has steadily expanded, new progress has been made in investment cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and the China-Venezuela friendship has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples.

    Xi Jinping noted that China always views and develops relations with Venezuela from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, and is committed to expanding exchanges of experience in governance, steadily deepening practical cooperation in various fields, and continuously elevating bilateral ties to new heights so as to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

    China hopes to work with Venezuela and other Latin American countries to firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and promote sustainable and long-term progress in building a community with a shared future for China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, the Chinese president added.

    N. Maduro, for his part, noted that China is a great friend of Venezuela and expressed gratitude for the constant and selfless support that the PRC provides to his country in defending national sovereignty and socio-economic development.

    Venezuela hopes to strengthen its all-weather strategic partnership with China and deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, science, technology and education to achieve new tangible results and bring greater benefits to the peoples of the two countries, the president said.

    Noting that Xi Jinping’s concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind opens up bright prospects for peace and development throughout the world, N. Maduro stressed that Venezuela is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to consistently pursue multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, and protect the common interests of the international community. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Doubles Down on CFPB Support

    Source: US State of California

    Urges court to keep order that will protect the agency from further dismemberment 

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced joining a coalition of 23 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief in National Treasury Employees Union v. Vought, a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). In February, Attorney General Bonta submitted an initial amicus brief in this case, which was followed by the court granting a robust preliminary injunction, a decision that prevents the Trump Administration from moving forward with mass layoffs while litigation in this case proceeds. The Trump Administration has now appealed the preliminary injunction, asking the court to strike it down to allow further dismantling of the CFPB to continue. In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general argue that shuttering the CFPB would cause catastrophic harm to consumer protections nationwide. These actions by the Trump Administration trample over the decision of Congress to create the agency, violating the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. 

    “Further demolishing the CFPB, the top cop protecting Americans from exploitation, would put families nationwide at a stark disadvantage when standing up to big businesses who aren’t playing by the rules,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge the court to keep in place the order preventing the Trump Administration from issuing mass layoffs at the CFPB — its loss would have devastating and deep implications for California, and the financial well-being of households across the nation.”

    In the brief, filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the attorneys general argue the dismantling of the CFPB will cause irreparable harm to consumers and the states’ own consumer protection enforcement efforts, leave no oversight over large national banks, and will rapidly and substantially increase the burden on state agencies to protect consumers from conduct regulated by the CFPB. The loss of the CFPB’s partnership has concrete and widespread implications: from the sharing of complaints and trend data, to providing training, to partnering on joint investigations and litigations, the CFPB has been a force multiplier for California’s consumer protection efforts.

    Background
      
    After examining the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis, Congress concluded the crisis resulted in part from the failure of federal banking and other regulators to address significant consumer protection issues detrimental to both consumers and the safety and soundness of the banking system. In direct response to these events, Congress established the CFPB and tasked it with enforcing numerous federal consumer protection statutes and enacting regulations to further these efforts. For over a decade, the CFPB has served as an invaluable partner to state attorneys general and state banking regulators, both by working to protect consumers against fraudulent and abusive practices and by advancing a fair and level playing field in consumer financial markets by issuing regulations under federal law. 
     
    In the last months, the Trump Administration has taken a series of actions intended to debilitate the CFPB, including issuing a suspension of work across the agency, terminating probationary employees, and announcing a decision not to draw additional funding from the Federal Reserve. These actions appear to be part of a unilateral effort to permanently shut down the agency, including programs and operations mandated by federal law. Most recently, the Trump Administration issued reduction in force notices to 90% of the CFPB’s workforce — a move that was swiftly blocked by the courts.

    Attorney General Bonta has been a vocal supporter of CFPB. In February, Attorney General Bonta submitted an amicus brief in another case, Mayor and City Council of Baltimore v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 
     
    In filing the brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Three in the Central District of Illinois

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Protecting our children from those who seek to exploit them and inflict harm is a top priority for our office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory M. Gilmore. “We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners whose dedicated work has made our community that much safer.”

    “There will be zero tolerance for those who commit crimes against our children,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “There will never be a lead we do not follow or door we do not knock on. We will not stand by – we will stand together. This operation shows that with every partner at the table, from law enforcement to community advocates, we are united in one mission, to protect our children.”

    The cases charged in the Central District of Illinois include the following:

    Mark Peterson, 41, of Pekin, Illinois, was charged by federal criminal complaint on April 25, 2025, with attempted enticement of a minor. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Peterson on May 6, 2025.

    According to the complaint affidavit, Peterson communicated via an internet-based social media platform with an individual whom he believed had access to a ten-year-old female, expressing multiple times that he wanted to engage in sexual activity with the child. Per the affidavit, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Peterson drove to a location in Peoria to meet the child for the purpose of having sexual relations. Federal law enforcement agents arrested him upon his arrival.

    If convicted of attempted enticement of a minor, Peterson faces a minimum sentence of ten years to life imprisonment.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long ordered Peterson detained on April 29, 2025, and he remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

    The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz is representing the government in the prosecution.

    Dalton Trader, 27, of Williamsville, Illinois, was charged by federal criminal complaint on April 29, 2025, with possession of child pornography.

    According to the complaint affidavit, law enforcement agents discovered multiple child pornography videos, including a video of a prepubescent minor, on Trader’s computer pursuant to a search warrant.

    If convicted of possession of child pornography, Trader faces a sentence of up to twenty years of imprisonment.

    Trader is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending a detention hearing that is set for May 8, 2025.

    The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Williamsville Police Department, Illinois State Police, Springfield Police Department, the Illinois Secretary of State Police, the Sherman Police Department, and Sangamon County Animal Control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs is representing the government in the prosecution.

    James Yeager, 51, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged by federal criminal complaint on April 29, 2025, with possession of child pornography.

    According to the complaint affidavit, law enforcement agents discovered multiple child pornography images, including photographs of prepubescent minors, on a micro-SD drive at Yeager’s residence, following the execution of a search warrant.

    U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless ordered Yeager detained on May 6, 2025, and he remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

    The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; the Decatur Police Department; the Springfield Police Department; the Illinois State Police; the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Investigation Division, and the Illinois Secretary of State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs is representing the government in the prosecution.

    If convicted of possession of child pornography, Yeager faces a minimum sentence of ten years and maximum sentence of twenty years of imprisonment.

    The following agencies provided further assistance during Operation Restore Justice: the Charleston Police Department; the Bradley Police Department; the Manteno Police Department; the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department; and the Eastern-Central Illinois Task Force.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    A complaint or indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes Project Homecoming

    Source: The White House

    ESTABLISHING PROJECT HOMECOMING: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation establishing Project Homecoming to encourage illegal aliens to voluntarily depart the United States.

    • The proclamation offers illegal aliens a choice: leave voluntarily with Federal support and financial assistance or face strict enforcement and penalties.
    • It creates a streamlined process for departure using the CBP Home app, provides government-funded flights at no cost to illegal aliens, facilitates travel for those lacking valid travel documents, and offers a concierge service at airports to assist with booking travel and claiming an exit bonus. 
    • The proclamation establishes an “exit bonus” as a financial incentive for illegal aliens who agree to voluntarily and permanently depart the United States.
    • It launches a nationwide communications campaign to inform illegal aliens of the Project Homecoming program and of the consequences of remaining, including removal, prosecution, fines, wage garnishment, and property confiscation.
    • It directs a full-scale, aggressive deportation surge, including with an additional 20,000 officers, for illegal aliens who do not depart voluntarily.

    SHRINKING THE ILLEGAL ALIEN POPULATION IN THE UNITED STATES: President Trump is fulfilling his legal obligation to end this invasion and protect the American people.

    • Under the previous administration, the southern border was overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, suspected terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, and illicit narcotics.
    • The Biden Administration’s lenient border policies allowed thousands of illegal aliens to enter the United States daily, with 40% of catch-and-release migrants totally disappearing.
    • At one point in 2024, illegal aliens made up 75% of arrests in Midtown Manhattan for crimes like assault, robbery, and domestic violence.
    • Illegal immigration strains American schools and hospitals, limiting their capacity to serve citizens, and diverts billions of dollars in Federal, state, and local social services from Americans in need.
    • In fiscal year 2023, the fiscal burden of illegal aliens was estimated to exceed $150 billion in taxpayer dollars, covering costs like health care, food stamps, housing, education, and emergency services.
    • By incentivizing voluntary departure, Project Homecoming aims to reduce these costs and restore resources for American citizens.

    ENDING THE INVASION: President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border and prioritize the needs of American citizens, taking immediate action to put an end to the previous Administration’s border crisis. Since taking office, President Trump has:

    • Declared a national emergency at the southern border.
    • Deployed additional personnel to the border, including members of the Armed Forces and the National Guard.
    • Restarted border wall construction.
    • Designated international cartels and other criminal organizations – such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua – as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
    • Suspended the entry of aliens into the U.S.
    • Called for enhanced vetting and screening of aliens.
    • Required the identification of countries that warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals.
    • Restarted the detention and removal of aliens who are in violation of Federal law.
    • Directed the Administration to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols – also known as “Remain in Mexico.”
    • Ended the use of the CBP One app.
    • Terminated all categorical parole programs, such as the “Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans,” that are contrary to President Trump’s immigration agenda.
    • Ended automatic citizenship for children of illegal aliens.
    • Paused the operation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
    • Ended catch-and-release policies.
    • Revoked Biden’s disastrous executive actions that essentially opened our southern border.
    • Detained the most dangerous illegal criminal aliens in Guantanamo Bay and El Salvador’s prisons.  
    • Removed the monetary incentive for illegal aliens to come to the United States in the first place by ensuring they do not receive taxpayer-funded resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE makes significant arrest of MS-13 gang member wanted in home country

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 38-year-old criminal alien Joel Armando Mejia-Benitez, a Salvadoran national, May 5 in Silver Spring. Mejia is a validated MS-13 gang member and is wanted in his home country for firearms offenses.

    “The arrest of this violent MS-13 gang member is a critical step in our ongoing mission to safeguard our communities,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “We remain steadfast in prioritizing public safety and protecting national security by targeting and removing dangerous criminal aliens who threaten the well-being of our Maryland residents.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Mejia near Sullivan City, Texas, Nov. 22, 2004, and served him a notice to appear. A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Mejia removed in absentia Dec. 14, 2005.

    ICE Baltimore arrested Mejia from Prince George’s County Detention Center Sept. 28, 2006. ICE removed Mejia from the United States to El Salvador Dec. 13, 2006.

    Mejia reentered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location without being inspected, admitted or paroled by an immigration officer. ICE Baltimore arrested Mejia and served him a notice of intent to reinstate prior order March 20, 2014.

    Mejia has a final order of removal and will remain in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Guns Do Not Belong in Public Parks

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Friday, May 9, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the constitutionality of New York’s restrictions against carrying firearms in public parks in the case, Christian v. James. In the brief, the attorneys general urge the Second Circuit to uphold the district court’s decision that New York’s prohibition on carrying firearms in public parks does not violate the Second Amendment. The brief argues that the law is in line with a long tradition of constitutionally acceptable regulations designed to meet states’ responsibility to protect their residents from gun violence and intimidation.

    “It is commonsense that guns do not belong where our children and families are playing,” said Attorney General Bonta. “States have the responsibility for protecting their communities. Our citizens should not have to live in fear of gun violence. Under Bruen, the Supreme Court acknowledged that states have a right to enact reasonable restrictions to protect communities. We support and recognize states’ authority to enact laws to maintain public safety, including constitutional gun regulations that respond to local needs and concerns.”
     
    The attorneys general argue in the brief that the challenged provisions are consistent with a tradition of constitutionally acceptable regulations designed to meet states’ need to protect their residents and the public safety of communities. These regulations are common and a method of ensuring adequate protection and safety for locations that have become increasingly vulnerable to gun violence in recent years. Imposing location-based restrictions on carrying guns does not conflict with the Second Amendment, allowing states to have flexibility that they need to protect their communities.
     
    In filing the brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and District of Columbia.
     
    A copy of the brief can be found here.
     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department and City of Albuquerque Seek Termination of Consent Decree Covering the Albuquerque Police Department

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Note: View joint motion here.

    The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque filed a joint motion today seeking U.S. District Court approval to terminate the federal consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) since 2015. The joint motion follows a long record of findings that APD has maintained full compliance with the decree.

    “This consent decree has run its course successfully,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are proud to stand by the men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department and ask the court to terminate this consent decree. Albuquerque Police operates constitutionally. It is now appropriate to end federal oversight and return full control of local law enforcement to the city.”

    “The Albuquerque Police Department has made meaningful progress toward constitutional policing and a culture of accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “This progress builds on nearly a decade of hard work and partnership with the community, laying a strong foundation for the future and opening the door to a new chapter. This chapter demands leadership that listens, a community that stays engaged, and a department committed to doing what is right, even when it is difficult, in service of a safer, more just Albuquerque for all.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department and City of Albuquerque Seek Termination of Consent Decree Covering the Albuquerque Police Department

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View joint motion here.

    The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque filed a joint motion today seeking U.S. District Court approval to terminate the federal consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) since 2015. The joint motion follows a long record of findings that APD has maintained full compliance with the decree.

    “This consent decree has run its course successfully,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are proud to stand by the men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department and ask the court to terminate this consent decree. Albuquerque Police operates constitutionally. It is now appropriate to end federal oversight and return full control of local law enforcement to the city.”

    “The Albuquerque Police Department has made meaningful progress toward constitutional policing and a culture of accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “This progress builds on nearly a decade of hard work and partnership with the community, laying a strong foundation for the future and opening the door to a new chapter. This chapter demands leadership that listens, a community that stays engaged, and a department committed to doing what is right, even when it is difficult, in service of a safer, more just Albuquerque for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Dallas arrests foreign fugitive wanted in his home country

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DALLAS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the North Texas Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force arrested a foreign fugitive wanted by Venezuelan authorities for his direct involvement in the homicide of four individuals. Law enforcement officers from the DEA, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and ICE Dallas apprehended Anthony Fabian Marin La Torre, 42, in Grapevine May 2.

    “This fugitive stands accused of some horrific crimes, further representing a threat in the communities of Texas that we will not tolerate,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas acting Field Office Director Josh Johnson. “ICE Dallas will never relent in our priority of enhancing public safety and arresting and removing criminal alien threats from our streets.”

    On Feb. 18, U.S. law enforcement received notification by Venezuelan authorities that Marin was wanted for the contract killings of four individuals in his home country.

    “FBI Dallas, along with our North Texas OCDETF Strike Force partners, is committed to our mutual objective of ensuring community safety,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue to provide critical analytical, investigative and tactical resources to identify and locate dangerous criminals in order to bring them to justice.”

    Marin La Torre illegally entered the United States at or near the San Luis, Arizona, port of entry Sept. 26, 2022, as part of a family unit, charged as an inadmissible alien pursuant to the Immigration Nationality Act.  

    Marin La Torre remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @ERODallas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Six in the Southern District of Florida

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    MIAMI – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    The Southern District of Florida is prosecuting the following cases as part of this operation:

    Benjamin Tokoma Sanders, 23, of Oakland, Fla., was charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on April 24. FBI Miami and the Broward Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Case No. 25-cr-60092.

    Tre’ Anthony Roberts, 25, of Miami, Fla., was charged with child sexual exploitation on Feb. 27. FBI Miami, FBI Jacksonville and the Tallahassee Police Department are investigating the case. Case No. 25-cr-60042.

    Katriel Victor Marmol, 57, of Davie, Fla., was charged with enticement of a minor on April 30. FBI Miami and the Davie Police Department are investigating the case. Case No. 25-mj-06969.

    Dariel Manresa, 34, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., was charged with possession and distribution of CSAM on April 24. FBI Miami and the Pembroke Pines Police Department are investigating the case. Case No. 25-cr-60090.

    William Neal, 44, of Tampa, Fla., was charged with possession of CSAM on April 30. FBI Miami and FBI Tampa are investigating the case. Case No. 25-mj-02902.

    Brian Jones, 38, of Evanston, Illinois, was charged with distribution of CSAM on April 15. FBI Miami and FBI Chicago are investigating the case. Case No. 25-mj-02747.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. Announces Distribution in Stock and Cash

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI BEACH, Fla., May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (NASDAQ: CUBA) (the “Fund”) today announced that the Fund will pay a distribution pursuant to the Fund’s managed distribution policy (the “Policy”) using a combination of shares of common stock and cash.

    Distribution in Stock and Cash:

    The Fund has announced a distribution to be paid as follows:

    Declaration Date Ex-Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share
    05/09/2025 05/23/2025 05/23/2025 06/30/2025 $0.2325
             

    The distribution for stockholders will be paid in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of stockholders. The total amount of cash distributed to all stockholders will be limited to 20% of the total distribution to be paid, excluding any cash paid for fractional shares. The remainder of the distribution (approximately 80%) will be paid in the form of shares of our common stock. The exact distribution of cash and stock to any given stockholder will be dependent upon his/her election as well as elections of other stockholders, subject to the pro-rata limitation.

    The number of shares of common stock to be issued to stockholders receiving all or a portion of the dividend in shares of common stock will be based on the volume weighted average price per share of common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on June 12, 13, and June 16, 2025.

    Management believes that the cash and stock distribution will allow the Fund to strengthen its balance sheet and to be in a position to capitalize on potential future investment opportunities.

    The schedule above applies to the distribution for stockholders of record on the close of business on the record date.

    The details of the distribution will be described in the election form and accompanying materials that will be mailed to stockholders in connection with the distribution not later than promptly following the record date. Election forms must be returned on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 16, 2025 to be effective.

    Stockholders who do not return a timely and properly completed election form before the election deadline will be deemed to have made an election to receive 100% of their distribution in stock.

    Participants in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan will also receive an election form. The investment feature of the dividend reinvestment plan will be suspended for the distribution and will be reinstated after the distribution has been completed.

    Stockholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker or nominee, or in “street name” will not receive an election form directly from the Company and should receive information regarding the election process from their bank, broker or nominee. Street name holders should contact their bank, broker or nominee for additional information.

    In determining whether to elect to receive distributions in the form of stock or cash, stockholders are reminded that the Fund has filed preliminary proxy materials (“Proxy Materials”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with a special meeting of stockholders to be held on June 17, 2025, for its stockholders to consider and vote on proposals necessary to approve the Fund’s conversion from its current investment strategy and redirect the Fund to focus on a “CLO Equity Strategy”. With this change, the Fund’s primary investment objective will change to a total return strategy with a secondary objective of generating high current income for stockholders. In accordance with the change in investment objective, the Fund will focus on investing in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations, or “CLOs”. CLOs are portfolios of collateralized loans consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the Proxy Materials describe other changes to be implemented by the Fund, including a) revisions to the terms of the investment management agreement between the Fund and is investment adviser, Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc., and b) changes to the fundamental policies applicable to the Fund. Stockholders can obtain the Proxy Materials (when available) free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The definitive Proxy Statement for the Fund also will be posted (when available) on the Fund’s website at www.herzfeld.com/cuba. In addition, free copies (when it becomes available) of the definitive Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained by directing a request to the Fund at (800) 854-3863.

    Stockholders should consider the matters discussed in the Proxy Materials when determining whether to make the election to receive stock or cash with respect to the distribution.

    The Fund expects that distributions under the Policy will exceed investment income and available capital gains and thus expects that distributions under the Policy will likely include returns of capital for the foreseeable future. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of a stockholder’s investment is paid back to the stockholder. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income.’ Furthermore, a return of capital distribution is not a guarantee of future distributions or yield. Any such returns of capital will decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. In addition, in order to maintain the level of distributions called for under its Policy, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time.

    The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized capital gains and return of capital. All amounts are expressed per common share.

      Current Distribution % Breakdown of the Current Distribution Total Cumulative Distributions for the Fiscal Year to Date % Breakdown of the Total Cumulative Distributions for the Fiscal Year to Date
    Net Investment Income $0.00 0% $0.00 0%
    Net Realized Short- Term Capital Gains $0.00 0% $0.00 0%
    Net Realized Long- Term Capital Gains $0.2122 91.25% $0.2122 45.6%
    Return of Capital $0.0203 8.75% $0.2528 54.4%
    Total (per common share) $0.2325 100% $0.4650 100%
             

    The primary purpose of the Policy is to provide stockholders with a constant, but not guaranteed, fixed minimum rate of distribution (currently set at the annual rate of 15% of the Fund’s net asset value as determined on June 30, 2024). The Board recently amended the Policy to maintain the 15% annual rate of distribution, but at quarterly, semi-annual or annual periods of distribution to be reviewed by the Board each quarter. The purpose of the modification is to allow the Fund to maintain its 15% annual distribution of NAV, but provide flexibility in determining the timing of those distributions in order to account for required year-end regulatory distributions of capital gains necessary to maintain the Fund’s tax-free status. The Fund cannot predict what effect, if any, the Policy will have on the market price of its shares or whether such market price will reflect a greater or lesser discount to net asset value as compared to prior to the adoption of the Policy.

    The amount distributed per share is subject to change at the discretion of the Board. The Policy is subject to ongoing review by the Board to determine whether it should be continued, modified or terminated. The Board may amend the terms of the Policy, suspend the Policy, or terminate the Policy at any time without prior notice to the Fund’s stockholders if it deems such actions to be in the best interest of the Fund or its stockholders. The amendment or termination of the Policy could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s shares. On May 9, 2024, the Board approved certain modifications to the Policy and extended the Policy through June 30, 2025.

    With each distribution that does not consist solely of net investment income, the Fund will issue a notice to stockholders and an accompanying press release that will provide detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in the notice to stockholders are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its full fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send stockholders a Form 1099-DIV for the respective calendar year that will tell them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Stockholders should consult their tax advisor for proper tax treatment of the Fund’s distributions.

    Under the Policy, the Fund will distribute all available investment income to its stockholders, consistent with its investment objective and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The amount distributed per share is subject to change at the discretion of the Fund’s Board of Directors (“Board”). If sufficient investment income is not available, the Fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return capital to its stockholders in order to maintain its managed distribution level. The Fund is currently not relying on any exemptive relief from Section 19(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund may make additional distributions from time to time, including additional capital gain distributions at the end of the taxable year, if required to meet requirements imposed by the Code and/or the 1940 Act.

    Future distributions by the Fund may be made in cash or using a combination of shares of common stock and cash, as shall be determined from time to time by the Board.

    About Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc.

    Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc., founded in 1984, is an SEC registered investment advisor, specializing in investment analysis and account management in closed-end funds. The Firm also specializes in investment in the Caribbean Basin. The HERZFELD/CUBA division of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. serves as the investment advisor to The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. a publicly traded closed-end fund (NASDAQ: CUBA).

    More information about the advisor can be found at www.herzfeld.com.

    Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. An investment in the Fund is subject to certain risks, including market risk. In general, shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value and at the time of sale may be trading on the exchange at a price which is more or less than the original purchase price or the net asset value. An investor should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Please read the Fund’s disclosure documents before investing.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release, and other statements that TJHA or the Fund may make regarding management’s future expectations, beliefs, intentions, goals, strategies, plans or prospects, including statements relating to: management’s beliefs that the cash and stock distribution will allow the Fund to strengthen its balance sheet and to be in a position to capitalize on potential future investment opportunities, when there can be no assurance either will occur; the tax consequences of the distributions to stockholders; and other factors may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the Fund’s or TJHA’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. TJHA and the Fund caution that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and TJHA and the Fund assume no duty to and do not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. With respect to the Fund, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, particularly with respect to Cuba and other Caribbean Basin countries, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Fund or in the Fund’s net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of the Fund and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Fund or TJHA, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or TJHA or the Fund; (9) TJHA’s and the Fund’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of TJHA electing to provide support to its products from time to time; (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions; and (12) the effects of an epidemic, pandemic or public health emergency, including without limitation, COVID-19. Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Fund with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on TJHA’s website at www.herzfeld.com/cuba, and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Fund. The information contained on TJHA’s website is not a part of this press release.

    Contact:
    Tom Morgan
    Chief Compliance Officer
    Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc.
    1-305-777-1660

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Cutter Kimball returns home after 84-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, $191M in cocaine seized

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    05/09/2025 03:59 PM EDT

    HONOLULU — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) returned to their Honolulu home port Monday after an 84-day deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. While patrolling international waters off the Pacific coasts of Mexico, Central, and South America, Kimball’s crew interdicted five suspected drug smuggling vessels, seizing $191 million worth of cocaine and apprehending 18 suspected drug smugglers.

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Same Day Senate Republicans Strip Internet Access from Students and Educators, President Trump Attempts to Illegally End Bipartisan Law to Connect Seniors, Veterans, and Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Trump’s NTIA Nominee Testified: “I commit to implementing NTIA’s statutory requirements, including with respect to the Digital Equity Act”
    New Mexico Was Expected to Receive $14.3 Million in Grants, Covers 91.7% of State Population
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement that he will “end” the Digital Equity Act (DEA), which Congress passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
    “On the same day Senate Republicans voted to strip internet access from students and educators, President Trump is illegally attempting to end a program that connects millions of people to the online world. In New Mexico, we know the difference between slow internet, fast internet, and no internet and the challenges that come with it. Our students, seniors, veterans, and small businesses rely on internet access for education, health care, economic opportunity, and public safety. President Trump is leaving our communities in the dark.
    “The President does not have the authority to unilaterally end this bipartisan law, deem it unconstitutional, or withhold funding that was appropriated by Congress. Congressional Democrats will fight back – and Republicans must stand up to defend this law that benefits all of our constituents.”
    In April, President Trump’s nominee to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) told members of the Senate Commerce Committee, “I commit to implementing NTIA’s statutory requirements, including with respect to the Digital Equity Act.”Yet on Thursday, President Trump announced that he would illegally end this bipartisan law, jeopardizing billions of dollars that states rely on to expand broadband access. On the same day, Senate Republicans voted to strip internet access millions of students and educators. 
    In 2020, then-U.S. Representative Luján introduced the Digital Equity Act to provide funding for state and community digital inclusion efforts. In 2023, Senator Luján introduced the Digital Equity Foundation Act, legislation to establish a nonprofit foundation to channel public and private investments toward closing the digital divide and advancing digital equity, inclusion, and literacy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Seizes Nine DDoS-for-Hire Webpages as Part of Global Crackdown on ‘Booter’ and ‘Stresser’ DDoS Services

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today announced the court-authorized seizure of nine internet domains associated with some of the world’s leading DDoS-for-hire services. Poland’s Central Cybercrime Bureau simultaneously announced the arrests of four administrators of such services, investigations which were assisted by U.S. authorities. Several of the arrested administrators operated websites seized pursuant to previous operations by the Central District of California. 

    Federal law enforcement continues to seize websites that allow paying users to launch powerful distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks flood targeted computers and servers with information to prevent them from being able to access the internet.

    Booter services such as those named in this action allegedly attacked a wide array of victims in the United States and abroad, including schools, government agencies, gaming platforms, and millions of people. In addition to affecting targeted victims, these attacks can significantly degrade internet services and completely disrupt internet connections. 

    The websites targeted in this operation were used for hundreds of thousands of actual or attempted DDoS attacks targeting victims worldwide. While some of these services claimed to offer “stresser” services that purportedly could be used for network testing, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) determined these claims to be a pretense, and “thousands of communications between booter site administrators and their customers…make clear that both parties are aware that the customer is not attempting to attack their own computers,” according to an affidavit filed in support of court-authorized warrants to seize the booter sites.

    Today’s announcement builds on the success of the prior cases by targeting all known booter sites, shutting down as many as possible, and undertaking a public education campaign. In the last four years more than 11 defendants have been charged in Los Angeles and Anchorage for facilitating DDoS-for-hire services. More than 75 domains associated with such services have been seized.

    “Booter services facilitate cyberattacks that harm victims and compromise everyone’s ability to access the internet,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “This week’s sweeping law enforcement activity is a major step in our ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal conduct that threatens the internet’s infrastructure and our ability to function in a digital world.”

    “DDoS for hire criminal booter services impact internet services for victims in every corner of the United States, including Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “This threat highlights the continued need to pursue cybercrime services like booter providers. We remain committed to bolstering our collaborative partnerships in the U.S. and abroad to address threats to critical internet infrastructure and services.”

    “The enforcement actions launched today, made possible by enduring partnerships between law enforcement and private industry, represents continued pressure on DDoS-for-hire services and the cybercriminals and hacktivists who use them.” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office. “This success demonstrates the resolve of the DCIS to relentlessly pursue those who target our warfighters and their information systems.”

    In conjunction with the website seizures, Homeland Security Investigations, DCIS, and the Netherlands Police have launched an advertising campaign using targeted placement ads in search engines, which are triggered by keywords associated with DDoS activities. The purpose of the ads is to deter potential cybercriminals searching for DDoS services in the United States and around the globe, and to educate the public on the illegality of DDoS activities.

    In recent years, booter services have continued to proliferate as they offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercriminal activity. These types of DDoS attacks are so named because they result in the “booting” or dropping of the targeted computer from the internet.

    For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/anchorage/fbi-intensify-efforts-to-combat-illegal-ddos-attacks.

    The seizures announced today were performed by DCIS’s Cyber-West Resident Agency.

    These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling criminal DDoS-for-hire infrastructures worldwide, and holding accountable the administrators and users of these illegal services. Principal partners in Operation PowerOFF include EUROPOL; the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska; The Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS); FBI’s Anchorage and Los Angeles field offices; HSI’s Columbus field office; Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA); United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA); Netherlands Police; Polish Central Cybercrime Bureau; Brazilian Federal Police, Japan’s National Police Agency, France’s Police Nationale, and many others.

    Assistance was provided by Akamai, Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare, Digital Ocean, Flashpoint, Google, PayPal, The University of Cambridge, and Unit 221B.

    Assistant United States Attorneys James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section and Aaron Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are handling this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Three Men in the District of Alaska

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “This joint initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement partners to find alleged child predators and protect children from exploitation and lasting harm,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to thank the FBI Anchorage Field Office, and our law enforcement partners statewide for their dedicated efforts in safeguarding Alaska’s children—one of our most vital and vulnerable populations.”

    “Through collaborative efforts, this wide-ranging operation was designed to identify and apprehend those accused of child sexual exploitation crimes, regardless of where they live or operate,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Protecting our children is one of the highest callings in law enforcement. I commend the outstanding work by members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as our law enforcement partners across Alaska, in their commitment to fostering safer communities for our children.”

    As a result of the operation, the following individuals are now facing charges alleged through three separate indictments in the District of Alaska:

    U.S. v. Herra:

    Jonathan Herra, 25, of Kenai, was arrested at his mother’s residence in Kenai on April 24, 2025, for allegedly purchasing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from an online platform.

    Herra is charged with one count of sexual attempted receipt of child pornography, one count of access with intent to view child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, he faces between 5-20 years in prison.

    U.S. v. Nungasak:

    Donovan Nungasak, 31, of Utqiagvik, was arrested at his residence on April 28, 2025, for allegedly producing and possessing child pornography.

    In August 2024, the FBI received a tip suggesting that Nungasak had CSAM on his phone. The tip prompted an investigation that revealed Nungasak allegedly had sexually explicit conversations with a minor victim on a digital messaging application. Law enforcement also found 27 images of suspected CSAM on Nungasak’s phone that appeared to depict prepubescent victims.

    Nungasak is charged with one count of production or attempted production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, he faces between 15-30 years in prison.

    U.S. v. Seward:

    Kristian Seward, 30, of Anchorage, was arrested in California on April 28, 2025, for allegedly receiving and possessing child pornography.

    On June 21, 2024, Seward allegedly received and attempted to receive CSAM using a digital device. Between June 21, 2024, and Oct. 8, 2024, Seward also possessed and attempted to possess CSAM using a digital device.

    Seward is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, he faces between 15-40 years in prison.

    Operation Restore Justice was led by the FBI Anchorage Field Office, with substantial assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Operational assistance was provided by the Alaska State Troopers, North Slope Borough Police Department and Kenai Police Department in conducting the arrests. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ainsley McNerney, Mac Caille Petursson and Carly Vosacek.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. 

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over “Declaring a National Energy Emergency” Executive Order

    Source: US State of California

    20th lawsuit against Trump Administration asks court to block executive order and directive to expedite non-emergency permitting procedures

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (EO) entitled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency,” along with the actions taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation pursuant to the EO. Although national energy production reached an all-time high under President Biden and has continued growing, President Trump unlawfully invoked authority under the National Emergencies Act to improperly declare a national energy emergency. Congress passed the National Emergencies Act to prevent Presidents from declaring national emergencies for frivolous or partisan matters — exactly what the President has done here.  Based on that declaration, the EO directs federal agencies to exercise their emergency authorities – reserved for disaster prevention and recovery – to facilitate and expedite the development of energy projects. Notably, the directives under the EO would expedite fossil fuel projects but exclude solar and wind power. Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition allege that the President’s directive is not only unlawful, but will unnecessarily fast-track non-emergency projects, which the states allege will result in damage to their states’ waters, historic properties, and tribal lands and the people and wildlife that rely on our precious natural resources.  

    “Just another unlawful directive from the President, this time acting well beyond the scope of his emergency powers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The invocation of the country’s emergency authorities is reserved for actual emergencies— not changes in Presidential policy or because the President feels like it. These procedures misuse authorities meant for disaster response and bypass important health and environmental protections for the benefit of the fossil fuel industry. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are filing this lawsuit to hold the President accountable for breaking the law, again.” 

    On January 20th, his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order, which declared a “national energy emergency” under the National Emergencies Act. Pursuant to this directive, the Corps was instructed to identify projects for accelerated permitting under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Under Section 404 of the CWA, the Corps issues permits for the discharge of dredged or fill materials into navigable waters nationwide, typically for water resource projects such as dams and levees, infrastructure development such as highways and airports, mining projects, and flood control projects. The Corps subsequently issued “special emergency permit processing procedures” for Corps districts across the country. Other agencies, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, have followed suit, issuing emergency procedures and/or guidance to expedite permitting of energy projects. Until now, federal agencies have used emergency procedures during actual emergencies such as hurricanes and catastrophic oil spills — for example, the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Now agencies are acting under emergency procedures only due to the President’s decision to declare a national energy emergency when no such emergency actually exists. 

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general allege that the President’s directive, and federal agencies’ subsequent implementation of it, violate multiple federal laws, including the Administrative Procedure Act. The attorneys general are asking the Court to declare the President’s directive illegal and prevent the Administration from taking any action to pursue emergency permitting for non-emergency projects.

    Joining California Attorney General Bonta and Washington Attorney General Brown in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the complaint can be found here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National and Malden Man Indicted for Distributing Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – Two men have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine.

    Erick Sandoval-Perez, 43, a Guatemalan national living in Malden and Christhian Castillo, 32, also of Malden, were indicted for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine and distribution of 500 or more grams of cocaine.  Sandoval-Perez was also charged with distribution of cocaine. Castillo and Sandoval-Perez were charged by criminal complaint in February 2025. Castillo was ordered held pending further proceedings and Sandoval-Perez was released on conditions.

    Sandoval-Perez and Castillo allegedly worked together to sell cocaine on several occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer. On Feb. 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez allegedly arranged to sell a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover. Castillo was arrested when he allegedly handed the kilogram of cocaine to the undercover and Sandoval-Perez was arrested nearby.  

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine, and the charge of distribution of 500 or more grams of cocaine, both carry a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of distribution of cocaine carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sandoval-Perez is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.        

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Chief Ryan Malatos of the Leominster Police Department; and Chief Brian W. Coyne of the Clinton Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Malden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.  

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: China supports Cuba in defending sovereignty, resisting foreign interference – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and opposing foreign interference and blockade, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in the Russian capital on Friday.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    As the Chinese President noted, the Chinese side also supports Cuba’s efforts to promote socio-economic development. The two countries, as important members of the Global South, should strengthen coordination and cooperation within such structures as BRICS and the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), oppose power politics and unilateral bullying, and uphold international fairness and justice, the Chinese leader stressed. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking News: China Will Always Firmly Support Venezuela in Safeguarding Sovereignty, National Dignity, Social Stability: Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xinhua | 10. 05. 2025

    Keywords: Xi Jinping, sovereignty protection, PRC Chairman, social stability, national dignity, support, China, Venezuela, urgently, during the meeting, jointly develop, in the field of celebrations, each other, anniversary of the victory, Venezuela are, Jinping

    Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — China and Venezuela are reliable partners who trust each other and develop together. China will always firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    Urgent: China will always firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, national dignity and social stability: Xi Jinping Urgent: China will always firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, national dignity and social stability: Xi Jinping

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Turkish national pleads guilty to selling counterfeit goods at mall kiosks

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – A man who operates kiosks at a local mall pleaded guilty in federal court here to trafficking counterfeit goods.

    Emre Teski, 25, is a citizen of Turkey and illegally entered the United States from Mexico in September 2022. Teski admitted to illegally crossing the international boundary without being inspected by an immigration officer at a designated Port of Entry. On Jan. 3, 2024, Teski was ordered removed from the United States, but has since appealed this decision and was permitted employment authorization while his appeal is pending. Teski operates kiosks selling alleged counterfeit goods at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek.

    According to court documents, Teski ran one kiosk that primarily sold replica professional soccer jerseys and hats containing trademarked soccer teams, including FC Barcelona, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, Manchester City and Arsenal. Teski operated another kiosk that sold primarily oversized slippers that look like sneakers and included Nike and Air Jordan trademarks. 

    Teski allegedly sold an investigator counterfeit Nike slippers that illegally used the trademark Nike Swoosh. It is alleged that he also sold a counterfeit pink Messi jersey.

    The total domestic value for all items seized by federal agents is nearly $150,000.

    Teski was arrested in March 2025. Trafficking counterfeit goods is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the plea entered on May 8 before Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Adds 316 Immigration Cases in First Week of May

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 316 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 2 through May 8.

    Among the new cases, Cirilo Delgado-Alderete, Dilan Karim Valenzuela-Baca, and Antelmo Eligio Ramirez-Bernardo were arrested at an alleged stash house in Anthony, New Mexico. According to an affidavit, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations agents observed three vehicles that had been identified as being used to smuggle illegal aliens to Albuquerque, New Mexico, parked at the residence. When agents questioned Ramirez-Bernardo, a Guatemalan national, they allegedly discovered he possessed a key to the residence on his keychain. Agents then located 25 individuals inside the residence who admitted to being citizens of Mexico, Peru, Honduras, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and Pakistan without documentation to be in the U.S. Two of the individuals, Delgado-Alderete and Valenzuela-Baca, were identified as alleged stash house caretakes and drivers to harbor and transport the illegal aliens. Delgado-Alderete, Valenzuela-Baca, and Ramirez-Bernardo are charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.  The drivers allegedly picked up aliens in El Paso before transporting them to New Mexico.

    Mexican national Erasmo Soto-Aguilar and Cesar Jared Garcia-Raucho, a U.S. citizen, were charged with statutes related to harboring illegal aliens after agents arrested them outside an alleged stash house in El Paso. A criminal complaint alleges that Soto-Aguilar had been involved in multiple smuggling schemes in which he coordinated pick-up drivers to meet and exchange illegal aliens. The complaint also alleges that Garcia-Raucho admitted to working as an illegal alien caretaker.

    Leonel Sotelo-Santillan, a Mexican national, was arrested after allegedly entering a National Defense Area near El Paso illegally on May 2. Sotelo-Santillan is a convicted felon with two 2015 convictions for domestic abuse battery and theft in Louisiana, as well as a felony conviction in June 2024 for illegal re-entry. He has two prior removals, the last one being Dec. 28, 2024.

    In San Antonio, Mexican national Joandel De Jesus Tierrablanca-Tellez aka Joandel Tierras Blanca was arrested after law enforcement officers allegedly observed him sell four firearms to a buyer in New Braunfels. Homeland Security Investigations had previously learned the firearms were to be sold and trafficked to Mexico for a predetermined amount of U.S. currency. A search of Tierrablanca-Tellez’s vehicle allegedly revealed his Mexican passport and an additional firearm along with .223 caliber and .308 caliber ammunition. Tierrablanca-Tellez is charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and, if convicted, faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

    Alejandro Mata-Zavala, also a Mexican national, was arrested during a traffic stop in Guadalupe County on May 6. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) immigration history inquiry determined Mata-Zavala had been convicted in April 2021 for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, and was removed from the U.S. to Mexico on or about June 2, 2022. He’s currently charged with one count of illegal re-entry and faces up to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted.

    USBP agents arrested Mexican national Tomas Medina-Martinez near Brackettville on May 1. Medina-Martinez is a two-time convicted felon with three prior removals from the U.S., the most recent being Feb. 12. Mexican national Mauro Morales-Lopez was also arrested by USBP on May 1 near Eagle Pass. Morales-Lopez was deported Nov. 12, 2024 through Atlanta, Georgia following multiple violent misdemeanor convictions for family violence.

    On May 5, Mexican national Sergio De La Cruz-Ruiz was arrested near Brackettville for being illegally present in the U.S. His criminal record includes nine deportations and multiple felony convictions. De La Cruz-Ruiz was also convicted in January 2024 for assault on a family member. His latest removal was April 18 through Harlingen.

    Jorge Luis Benavides-Alvarado, a Mexican national, was encountered by federal law enforcement at the Williamson County Jail and charged with illegal re-entry. He was convicted for possession of a dangerous drug in Georgetown on May 7. In 2017, Benavides-Alvarado was convicted for aggravated robbery in Dallas. He was removed from the U.S. July 26, 2019. Also encountered at the Williamson County Jail, Mexican national Agustin Ruiz-Vazquez was convicted May 7 for assault causing bodily injury. Federally charged with illegal re-entry, Ruiz-Vazquez was previously removed from the U.S. July 10, 2014, two years after being convicted of injury to a child in Austin.

    And in Midland, Salvadoran national Edenilzon Hernandez was encountered at the Ector County Detention Center in Odessa, where he was being held for indecency with child sexual contact. Now facing a federal illegal re-entry charge, Hernandez has three prior removals and a criminal history that includes convictions for burglary of a habitation, assault on a public servant and an additional assault charge.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), 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), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

    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).

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Gate.io Releases Latest Proof of Reserves Report: Total Reserves Reach $10.865 Billion, with $2.415 Billion in Excess Reserves

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate.io has released its latest Proof of Reserves report. As of May 8, the total value of Gate.io’s reserves stands at $10.865 billion, with a total reserve ratio of 128.57% and an excess reserve of $2.415 billion.

    Currently, the BTC reserve ratio is 137.69%, with an increase of 2,802 BTC compared to the previous period. The ETH reserve ratio is 121.36%, with an increase of 188,563 ETH, and the USDT reserve ratio is 102.63%, with an increase of 441,334,786 USDT. In addition, reserve ratios for assets such as GT, DOGE, and XRP all exceed the 100% benchmark, reaching 178.50%, 109.19%, and 116.72%, respectively.

    Gate.io has always prioritized asset security and user trust, consistently advancing the innovation upgrade of its reserve audit technologies. Gate.io employs zero-knowledge technology and Merkle Tree structures, allowing users to verify whether their assets are included in the platform’s reserves without revealing any details. Combined with hot and cold wallet verification and balance snapshots, this approach completes a closed-loop of data, allowing users to independently verify their holdings through a dedicated page.

    In addition, Gate.io regularly updates its reserve data and provides users with corresponding verification paths and report summaries to help them understand asset composition and reserve levels. Currently, Gate.io’s reserves cover most mainstream cryptocurrencies, equipping the platform with robust market resilience and offering strong support for stable operations and long-term growth.

    Looking ahead, Gate.io will continue to leverage its strengths in transparent operations and technical adoptions, exploring new technological breakthroughs to co-create a safer and more trustworthy digital asset trading ecosystem with users worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer:
    This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate.io may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more information, please read the User Agreement via https://www.gate.io/user-agreement.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Gate. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9abe1667-28a8-43f0-9572-64c7e361d438

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington and California lead coalition of states to challenge Trump’s fake “energy emergency”

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Washington state filed suit today alongside 14 other states to challenge the president’s fake “energy emergency,” declared to line the pockets of Big Oil by handing out free passes to pollute our environment.

    On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump declared a “national energy emergency” under the National Emergencies Act. Congress passed the National Emergencies Act to prevent presidents from declaring national emergencies for frivolous or partisan matters — exactly what the president has done here.

    At the direction of the president, federal agencies are bypassing or shortening critical reviews under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Historic National Preservation Act for energy projects. These laws play a critical role protecting the environment and human health and protecting our heritage and places sacred to tribes in Washington.

    U.S. energy production is at an all-time high. The country is producing so much oil and natural gas that energy companies do not plan to increase output in response to the president’s order. The president is simultaneously seeking to increase exports which, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, will increase prices for American consumers.

    The only “emergency” is that the president disagrees with policies to address climate change in Washington state and elsewhere. He is illegally using emergency authorities to keep the nation reliant on energy sources like coal, oil, and gas. The order excludes wind, solar, and batteries — among the cheapest and cleanest modern energy sources that exist today. The end goal is clear: eliminate the competition so his oil and gas donors can keep gouging Washingtonians and polluting the state.

    “The president’s attempt to bypass important environmental protections is illegal and would cause immense harm to Washingtonians. This won’t lower prices, increase our energy supply, or make our country safer,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “We’re back in court to hold him accountable.”

    “Environmental regulations exist because we’ve seen what happens when they don’t,” said Casey Sixkiller, director of the Washington Department of Ecology. “The federal administration is proposing an end-run that ignores the hard lessons of the past. These protections aren’t red tape — they’re guardrails that protect our air, water, land, and keep our families safe.”

    Until now federal agencies have only used emergency procedures during actual emergencies such as hurricanes and catastrophic oil spills — for example, the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, where lives were at risk. Now agencies are acting under emergency procedures only due to the president’s order.

    The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, names as defendants President Donald Trump, as well as the head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Both agencies have taken illegal action to implement the president’s directive.

    The attorneys general ask the court to declare the president’s directive, and the agencies’ implementation of it, illegal and stop them from issuing emergency permits under the executive order.  

    Joining Attorney General Brown and Attorney General Rob Bonta in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the complaint is available here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Leads Colleagues in Calling on Trump Administration to Crack Down on U.S. Firearms Flowing to Latin American Drug Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Administration’s Designation of 8 Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations Unlocks New Tools to Crack Down on Southbound Arms Trafficking  
    Over 200,000 American Firearms Flow into Mexico Every Year, Fueling Gang Violence and Drug and Human Trafficking 
    Washington, D.C – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), along with U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Rob Menendez (D-N.J.), led 14 of their colleagues—including U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.)—in urging the Trump administration to use its recent designation of Latin American cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) to take aggressive action to stop the illegal trafficking of American firearms across the Southern Border.
    In a letter addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the lawmakers called for a coordinated federal response to stem the flow of hundreds of thousands of American firearms that arm violent drug cartels, fuel lawlessness along the Southern Border, and bring drugs into communities across the United States. 
    “We were pleased that President Trump agreed to address the outflow of hundreds of thousands of American-made firearms across the southern border when he initially postponed the implementation of tariffs on our ally Mexico. Accordingly, we urge you to utilize the FTO designation to take aggressive action to stem the flow of American guns to the cartels,” the Members wrote. 
    Anywhere between 200,000 and 500,000 American firearms are smuggled across U.S. borders into Mexico every year, arming Latin American criminal organizations that have used them to undermine domestic law enforcement and assert control over fentanyl and human trafficking operations back into the United States. 
    “The new FTO designation for these cartels provides additional legal tools to bolster interagency coordination, disrupt their financial networks, and impose stricter penalties on those who provide material support to these criminal enterprises. Specifically, under current statute, it is unlawful to knowingly provide material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and those who do so can be fined or imprisoned for up to 20 years,” the Members continued. 
    The members urged the administration to effectively and strategically employ the full suite of legal options this new designation enables and offered their assistance to empower it to specifically address the “Iron River” of American firearms that are fueling violence and destruction in communities across the United States and Mexico. 
    “We hope that you move swiftly and use these new legal authorities to combat southbound arms trafficking. We stand ready to assist in this effort in any way we can, including through legislation that expands your programmatic authorities to address this critical issue,” the Member concluded.  
    In addition to Senators Luján and Bennet and Representatives Goldman and Menendez, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), along with U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), and Nellie Pou (D-N.J.).
    Read the letter here or below: 
    Dear Secretary Noem, Secretary Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi: 
    We write to you today regarding the Trump Administration’s recent designation of eight Latin American cartels and gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), a move aimed at addressing the growing harms these organizations are causing in the United States. As you know, the primary source of strength and control that these criminal organizations exert over the U.S./Mexico border stems from one source: American firearms. We were pleased that President Trump agreed to address the outflow of hundreds of thousands of American-made firearms across the southern border when he initially postponed the implementation of tariffs on our ally Mexico. Accordingly, we urge you to utilize the FTO designation to take aggressive action to stem the flow of American guns to the cartels.  
    It is a well-established fact that the overwhelming majority of the weapons used by Latin American cartels are manufactured in the United States. In fact, anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 are smuggled into Mexico every single year and a whopping 70 percent of firearms recovered at crime scenes in Mexico are traced to the U.S. Alarmingly, although Mexico has just a single gun store in the entire country, it still endures approximately 30,000 firearm related deaths every year. This steady supply of weapons coming in from the north has allowed these criminal organizations to gain control over fentanyl and human trafficking across the border and undermine Mexican law enforcement. 
    Put simply, if we do not stop the flow of American-made guns across the southern border to Mexico, we cannot stop the flow of fentanyl into our country over that same border.  
    The new FTO designation for these cartels provides additional legal tools to bolster interagency coordination, disrupt their financial networks, and impose stricter penalties on those who provide material support to these criminal enterprises. Specifically, under current statute, it is unlawful to knowingly provide material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and those who do so can be fined or imprisoned for up to 20 years. Individuals and entities that provide weapons, funds, equipment, or other tangible support to designated terrorist organizations can face serious federal prosecution if found liable.   
    To leverage this designation most effectively, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of State (DOS) must take immediate steps to crack down on the “Iron River” of illegal arms flowing into Mexico by taking the following actions: 
    Increasing interagency cooperation to track, target, and dismantle smuggling rings that facilitate weapons trafficking across the Mexican border.  
    Expanding inspections at border crossings to intercept vehicles carrying firearms, related munitions, and other contraband into Mexico.  
    Increasing law enforcement efforts against straw purchasers and firearm dealers that knowingly provide material support to smugglers.  
    Strengthening our intelligence-sharing with Mexican authorities and trusted partners to target and disrupt arms traffickers and their networks. 
    Given that this issue has been a key topic of discussion between President Trump and President Sheinbaum of Mexico – which has resulted in the U.S. government agreeing to work together to stop the flow of firearms into Mexico – we hope that you move swiftly and use these new legal authorities to combat southbound arms trafficking. We stand ready to assist in this effort in any way we can, including through legislation that expands your programmatic authorities to address this critical issue.  
    Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to continuing to work with you on this issue. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Urges Court to Immediately Halt Mass Firings Across Federal Government

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief in American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, et al. v. Trump, in support of the request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the Trump Administration’s illegal mass firings in agencies across the federal government. 

    “The illegal ransacking of federal agencies and the mass firing of federal workers that make these agencies run has sown tremendous chaos, instilled distrust among the American people, and caused deep harm to our country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Beyond the on-the-ground impacts we are seeing, the continued uncertainty surrounding the fate of various federal agencies has a real and lasting impact on states that must devote substantial time and resources to prepare for agencies that may or may not cease to exist. I urge the court to order an immediate end to the Trump Administration’s firing rampage.”

    In the brief, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration is acting beyond its authority in dismantling agencies across the federal government — the Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department. 

    Massive federal layoffs substantially disrupt the ability of the states to protect and serve their residents and pose serious risks and harms to their citizens’ health, safety, and lives by impacting state programs ranging from emergency planning and response, infrastructure repair, environmental protection, public health, among many more.

    The brief includes multiple examples of federal statutes inviting or requiring federal and state collaboration to solve problems, including:

    • The United States Geological Survey’s work to identify, assess, and plan for potential landslide hazards; 
    • The tsunami hazard mitigation program created by the Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
    • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) national suicide and mental health hotlines; 
    • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s deployment of a team to address crises such as food-borne pathogens’ threat to human health; and 
    • FEMA’s responsibility to develop operational plans and lead infrastructure workers who respond to disasters, establish programs for temporary housing during emergencies, and ensure that federal agencies work in coordination with state and local officials.  

    Attorney General Bonta has forcefully stood up to the Trump Administrations illegal efforts to dismember and impair the federal government though mass firing. 

    This week, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time HHS employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices  — in addition to previously filed lawsuits challenging the illegal firing of probationary federal workers and U.S. Department of Education workers. 

    Attorney General Bonta has submitted two amicus briefs (here and here) in lawsuits challenging the Trump Administrations dismantling of the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau — actions that include issuing a suspension of work across the agency and terminating probationary employees — and rapidly and substantially increases the burden on state agencies to protect consumers. 

    Last month, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging operational changes to Social Security Administration policies. These changes, including staffing cuts, field office closures, and the illegal shuttering of departments, have hampered SSA’s ability to help older adults and persons with disabilities access the benefits and services they depend on. 

    In filing the brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Spit science: why saliva is a great way to detect disease

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Genecy Calado de Melo, Lecturer in Operative and Primary Care Dentistry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    noriver/Shutterstock.com

    A few drops of saliva can now reveal what used to require a scalpel, a syringe or a scan.

    Scientists have developed ways to analyse spit for the tiniest traces of illness – from mouth cancer to diabetes, and even brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

    Unlike blood tests or biopsies, saliva is easy to collect, painless and inexpensive. During the COVID pandemic, some countries used saliva-based testing for rapid screening.

    This isn’t entirely new. Scientists first noticed the diagnostic potential of spit decades ago. In the 1980s, researchers used saliva to detect hormones and drug use. By the 1990s, it was being explored as a way to detect HIV.

    What’s new is the speed and precision. Today’s techniques can detect subtle molecular shifts that would have been impossible to measure just a few years ago.

    Saliva holds a surprising amount of information. It’s full of tiny fragments of DNA, RNA, proteins and fats – many of which change when disease takes hold. Researchers have already shown that saliva can be used to detect changes linked to diabetes, Parkinson’s, heart disease and some cancers.

    A recent study even showed saliva could help distinguish between healthy people and those with mild cognitive impairment, a possible early sign of Alzheimer’s.

    In dentistry, spit science is being studied for early signs of gum disease and even the risk of tooth decay.

    A light-based technique called Raman spectroscopy is one of the latest tools being used to scan saliva for hidden chemical changes. It works by bouncing harmless light off molecules in a spit sample and reading the pattern it sends back – a kind of fingerprint for what’s happening inside your body.

    It sounds like science fiction, but the technology is already being used in labs to detect early signs of cancer and other diseases often before symptoms appear.

    This could be a gamechanger for oral cancer, which often starts with small, painless changes inside the mouth that are easy to miss. Early detection is vital, but many people don’t realise they have a problem until it’s much harder to treat.

    A simple spit test during a regular dental check-up could help find cancer early, before it spreads.

    It’s not just about cancer, either. Saliva is being trialled as a tool to monitor everything from stress levels to infections.

    Spit could monitor stress levels.
    ViDI Studio/Shutterstock

    Simplicity

    What makes saliva so appealing is its simplicity – no needles, no specialist clinics. Samples can often be collected at home, posted to a lab and analysed within hours. This could make a huge difference in places with limited access to healthcare or for people who avoid doctors out of fear, cost or time.

    Of course, not every disease leaves a clear marker in spit and researchers are still working out which conditions saliva can reliably detect. But the idea of using what’s already naturally produced by the body to give an early warning is a powerful one. It could help catch disease when it’s most treatable, save lives and make healthcare faster, cheaper and more comfortable for everyone.

    There’s still work to be done before spit tests become part of routine check-ups. Larger clinical trials are needed and researchers are still fine tuning the best ways to analyse and interpret the data. But the direction of travel is clear: the days of saliva being seen as just drool are over.

    Saliva may not seem glamorous, but thanks to the rise of spit science, it’s fast becoming one of the most promising tools in the fight against disease. A future where your dentist, doctor, or even you could spot health problems early with nothing more than simple spit.

    Genecy Calado de Melo received funding from Science without Borders – Brazil (2015).

    Cathy E. Richards does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Spit science: why saliva is a great way to detect disease – https://theconversation.com/spit-science-why-saliva-is-a-great-way-to-detect-disease-255342

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –