NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on President Trump’s Executive Orders to Unleash Senseless Trade Wars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed executive orders to impose a new 25 percent tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a new 10 percent tax on goods from China:

    “Virginians want lower prices, not higher ones, and the last thing we need are new, senseless taxes on imports from America’s three largest trading partners. During President Trump’s first term, his trade wars hit Virginia hard. Our farmers and foresters were especially affected, but everyone suffered. Everyone, that is, except for Trump’s cronies—billionaires, bitcoin bros, and offshore bandits. Here we go again.”

    Kaine is committed to protecting Virginia families from price hikes imposed by tariffs. Yesterday, he introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act to rein in chaos that Trump could create by unilaterally imposing tariffs on allies and nations with a congressionally-approved trade agreement. Last week, he introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American families and businesses from increased costs by limiting the president’s authority to impose unlimited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law never intended to be used for tariffs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” with Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele and Alicia Menendez.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Symone Sanders Townsend, MSNBC:  Well, President Donald Trump just defended his tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, saying online in part, quote, “Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe, and maybe not, but we will make America great again, and it will be all worth the price that must be paid.” Joining us now to discuss is New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

    Michael Steele, MSNBC: Welcome, Governor. That tweet is the musings of a man who has no clue the impact of what he just did. Let’s take, for example, in 2022, total New York-Canada trade increased to $42.6 billion. As we can show on the graph, this rise was comprised of a 19 percent increase in exports and a 28 percent rise in imports.

    The states are the ones that will carry the burden of his illiberal, unhinged reaction to whatever — we don’t know. But he somehow thinks that this is a public policy of engaging a tariff war that, somehow, a state like yours is going to be immune from. Talk to us about what this means and Canada’s response potentially to the citizens of your state.

    Governor Hochul: Well, we’re deeply concerned about this. We have a strong trade arrangement, and they’ve been partners of ours since the beginning of our country. New York State has one of the largest borders with any country in the world because, you know, we have the water line — the water and land crossings.

    But, there’s a synergy between our two communities. Canada and New York State are really– it’s like all part of one region, and we have a lot of trade between us, and it’s critically important for our farmers, and our manufacturers, and all the areas we produce materials that Canada needs that we get that across the border with ease.

    Now, Canada — and this is not a surprise — is already talking about retaliatory tariffs on our products. So, our businesses are going to feel it immediately. And also just, why are we doing this? New York State is the economic engine of the country. When you do something that hurts New York — because we are in such close proximity to Canada — it’s going to have a ripple effect across the country, and I’m concerned about that.

    So, if this is a temporary measure to get the attention of the other countries — Mexico and Canada, in particular — to talk about fentanyl coming across the border, we’ll continue focusing on that; I’m putting more money on the border to stop that as well, right here in the State of New York. But this is going to be an additional tax on New York residents and American residents overall, and I don’t see a way around that. This is what we’re facing right now.

    In a time when I’m working so hard to put money back in New Yorkers pockets, an additional $1,300, $1,400 a year is going to take that money right back out. So consumers are the ones who are going to bear the brunt of this, and that’s what concerns me so much.

    Alicia Menendez, MSNBC: You know, Governor, during the past presidential campaign, there were so many Democrats who tried to make it clear that even if you live in a Democratic state, even if you live in a blue state, you would be impacted by some of the proposed changes from this Republican party, from Donald Trump.

    We’re now seeing that play out in real time when it comes to abortion access. This, from the Washington Post, you have a New York doctor who’s been charged with prescribing abortion pills to a Louisiana girl. The case appears to be the first instance of criminal charges against a doctor accused of sending abortion pills to another state since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

    You have said you would never, under any circumstances, turn this doctor over to the State of Louisiana under any extradition request. What other mechanisms are available to you to protect health care workers in New York?

    Governor Hochul: I will protect this doctor and all health care workers because this is the continued collateral damage of the overturning of Roe v. Wade that we saw at that moment and we sound the alarms about it, but, sadly, this is the law right now where it’s left to individual states. But, I have to protect my doctors, and my doctors have a right to prescribe FDA-approved medication via telehealth. And for having a doctor in the State of New York who simply answered the call of a mother who wanted to get this prescription filled legally and now to be facing jail time and conviction as a, you know, an accomplice to murder here — where has this country gone? It feels like we’ve lost our minds.

    We’re now penalizing doctors who are trying to do what they can in a state like Louisiana that has 60 percent higher maternal mortality rates — sometimes, these medication-assisted abortions can be life saving for someone who’s having complications. My gosh, what has this country come to? So I will continue to stand up strongly to support women’s rights to abortion. This is my mother’s generation’s fight. It’s something we all took for granted, and it’s not there for my daughter — and it better be back in place for my granddaughter. These are the values we espouse in New York, and I will protect this doctor.

    I will never, ever sign an extradition agreement to send this doctor into harm’s way to be prosecuted as a criminal for simply following her oath.

    Symone Sanders Townsend, MSNBC: Governor Hochul, can we turn to talk about immigration? New York State has literally been in the, I would argue, the top of mind for some Trump administration officials. We have this from our colleague Jonathan Allen on Friday. U. S. President Donald Trump’s new Homeland Security Secretary made sure cameras were rolling when she joined federal agents to arrest migrants in New York City. Secretary Kristi Noem said the publicity created around the arrest was to show that the new administration was taking a different, tougher approach.

    What are your thoughts about these stunts is what it looks like, because if you look at the numbers, actually, the Trump administration– these raids aren’t necessarily new, they’re just bringing cameras and the secretaries to execute what ICE had been doing even when President Biden was in office. So I just, your reaction to the target that is on, essentially the backs of people who are migrants in this country, undocumented, but also people who are American citizens who are also being swept up into some of these rates.

    Governor Hochul: That’s right, that’s right. So let’s level-set here. ICE has come into the State of New York for many years, whether it’s someone who’s already served time in a prison and they were being removed back to their country if they’ve been convicted of a crime here; if they have a warrant for an arrest, there is cooperation from state and local officials — that is nothing new. So, there’s a lot of drama around this, but I have to make sure that yes, we keep our streets safe, that we remove the gangs that have been terrorizing some of our neighborhoods — yes, that is critically important; I’ll support anyone who can do that. But, we will not let people get swept up into raids when they are simply here trying to earn a living.

    What I wanted to do? I want to put people to work. I have 400,000 open jobs in the State of New York at all levels. I have a database with 52,000 jobs of people who said if we can get migrants work authorization, which I desperately need from the federal government, that it’s a whole new ballgame — they’ll hire them. So, this is good for our economy if we can take the people who’ve already come here. And again, our borders are too fluid, they were too open. I believe that we need a strong national immigration policy like the kind I worked on when I was a Staffer for Senator Moynihan and Ronald Reagan, work with Democrats.

    I still have hope that there can be a bipartisan approach to dealing with this and have our borders protected, but let’s deal with what has happened already. We have people who are in our communities and children are not going to school now because they’re afraid of their parents being swept up if they pick them up.

    And people are cowering in church basements. This is the State of New York. We’re not going to let this happen here. We will work with law enforcement. We’ll make sure that the criminal element is gone, we all want them gone, but we also have a place in our State and we can take care of people who’ve already been here, who are already contributing to our tax base.

    They’re doing jobs that so many others didn’t want to do, so let’s recognize that as well.

    Symone Sanders Townsend, MSNBC: Governor Kathy Hochul, thank you very much for your time this morning.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How political polarization informed Mexico’s protests against femicide

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Arturo Tejeda Torres, Sessional instructor, Department of Social Sciences, University of Alberta

    Between 2015 and 2024, more than 8,000 women were killed in Mexico because of their gender.

    These crimes are referred to as femicides and, unlike homicides, are not the consequence of private or personal disputes. Instead, they are the result of a culture of oppression and domination that historically has targeted women and perpetuated a patriarchal society.

    While the number of femicides has decreased in recent years, there has not been any significant decline, and it remains a serious crisis. According to government data, around 10 women and girls across Mexico are killed every day by intimate partners or other family members. Worsening the crisis is Mexico’s systemic impunity, with many crimes going unreported or uninvestigated, and unreliable data masking the true scale of this problem.

    As a result, femicides in Mexico have been described as “another pandemic” — one driven by a deeply embedded machismo culture of violence against women, combined with a lack of transparency and justice from the state.

    In response to this crisis, protests led by feminist groups have gained increasing attention in recent years. They have urged Mexican society to recognize the severity of this problem and called on authorities to act. However, the polarized political climate in Mexico has undermined the demands of these demonstrations.

    Polarization shaped public conversation

    My doctoral research focused on examining the political and public discourse surrounding protests against gender-based violence in Mexico. More specifically, my work analysed how polarizing narratives, especially on social media platforms, affected these demonstrations.

    In 2020, feminist collectives organized the annual International Women’s Day march alongside a silent strike called #UnDiaSinNosotras (#ADayWithoutUs) in which women abstained from all public activities for an entire day.

    While the support for these protests grew, even from conservative groups traditionally opposed to feminist ideals, speculations emerged about the movement being used opportunistically to undermine the left-wing federal government.

    Initially, then-president Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed solidarity with feminist groups. However, after refusing to revise his strategy on femicide, he warned that conservative elements could be infiltrating the protests. This created an unusual scenario where conservative groups backed feminist demands while the left-wing federal government dismissed them.

    Such a turbulent political climate raises several questions: Did conservative groups suddenly embrace progressive feminist ideals? Did feminist groups align with conservatives despite historically opposing their ideas? Did the left-wing government adopt conservative positions to counter feminist movements? More importantly, how did this scenario impact the calls of the protests against femicide?

    A fluid polarization

    Polarization is typically framed as a stark and often stagnant political divisions between two dominant and opposing narratives. However, the interactions produced in scenarios like Mexico’s feminist protests suggest more fluid dynamics.

    Rather than a rigid conflict between two opposing sets of ideals, polarization here should been seen as a relationship between narratives that are constantly reshaped and defined by each other.

    This can be observed in how the narratives aligned with the federal government and those opposing it demonstrated apparent contradictions based on the other’s positioning regarding the protests.

    Following this, it can be interpreted that conservative groups backed the protests as a way of reinforcing their opposition to the government. Similarly, the left-wing governing party, typically associated with more progressive ideals, appeared as dismissive of the protests and their demands to distance itself from perceived conservative influences.

    Viewing polarization this way helps explain how unlikely allies find themselves on the same side of particular issues. In this context, polarization is less about fixed beliefs and values and more about maintaining a distinct identity relative to the opposing side. In essence, polarization becomes an exercises in being as opposed as possible to the other side.

    Obscuring social issues

    My analysis of social media comments about the protests revealed they centred on two themes: debates on whether the feminist movement was being co-opted by conservative forces and criticism of López Obrador and his administration.

    In both cases, the discussions shifted away from the urgent issue of femicides, ignoring the protests’ central calls. Moreover, these conversations reinforced existing political divisions rather than addressing the root problem. This way, the interplay between the narratives involved created a polarized environment in which political rivalries overshadowed meaningful discussion of the structural violence against women.

    In other words, polarized dynamics can obscure urgent and immediate social issues, contributing to impunity and a lack of action.

    The Mexican political landscape reveals how forms of violence and oppression can be reproduced and reinforced through the interactions happening around them. In this sense, addressing femicides requires not only structural modifications to current strategies but also changing how this issue is discussed.

    It’s also essential to recognize how polarization, as a fluid dynamic, shapes the public space. Doing this can provide insights into how meaningful action can happen in the context of today’s social and political debates framed by stark perceived divisions.

    Arturo Tejeda Torres 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. How political polarization informed Mexico’s protests against femicide – https://theconversation.com/how-political-polarization-informed-mexicos-protests-against-femicide-246974

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum discussed the deep people-to-people ties, the strong trade and investment relationship between Canada and Mexico, and the importance of preserving North American competitiveness and prosperity. They spoke about the imposition of U.S. tariffs on both countries, as well as their respective efforts to enhance border security and combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs. The leaders agreed to continue working together in areas of common interest and to enhance the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Mexico.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese will pitch to blue collar men with heavy warnings on Dutton’s workplace policies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in conversation with Michelle Grattan.

    Anthony Albanese has outlined his pitch to improve his and his government’s standing among men, as he insists he can hold onto majority government at the election to be held in April or May.

    In a wide-ranging interview on The Conversation’s Politics podcast, canvassing both his plans and current issues, the Prime Minister addresses the gender voter gap the polls have been showing, which is worrying Labor strategists.

    On a two-party basis, a December Essential poll had the Coalition on 51% among men, and Labor on 44%, with 4% undecided. Among women, Labor was on 49% and the Coalition on 46%, with 5% undecided.

    In a Resolve poll on preferred prime minister, Peter Dutton polled 40% among men, and Albanese 34%. Among women, Albanese was on 36% and Dutton on 31%.

    Albanese tells the podcast: “One of the things that we will be really campaigning very hard on is the impact on blue collar workers of the Coalition promises to get rid of same job, same pay [law], the definition of casual in employment [and] their plan to essentially go back to wages going backwards, not forwards.”

    Targeting younger voters

    As Labor crafts its election policy, Albanese also flags he is looking to do more for young people.

    Asked who he feels is being “left behind” in Australia at the moment, he points to the issue of “intergenerational equity”.

    “I think that young people feel like they’ve got the rough end of the pineapple compared with previous generations,” he says. This is “something I’m really conscious of”.

    Outlining what the government has done or announced already on student debt, housing supply, schools, the universities accord and free TAFE, he suggests there will be further policies targeted towards younger voters.

    The likeliest election dates

    Albanese confirms he has not locked in an election date. “We make decisions when we finalise them and I’ll consult,” he says.

    “But I’ve always said […] one of the problems with three year terms is that they are too short.”

    The speculation is the election will be either April 12, or one of the first three Saturdays in May, with May 17 the last practical date.

    April 12 would mean scrapping the scheduled March 25 budget. “We certainly are working to hand down a budget in March,” Albanese says. “The ERC [Expenditure Review Committee] will be meeting this week, as it met last week.”

    Asked whether he is confident he could still deliver his program if the election resulted in a minority Labor government, Albanese says: “I’m confident that we can achieve an ongoing majority government at this election. I think there are seats that we currently hold that we have good prospects in.”

    He names two Victorian Liberal seats he had just visited – Menzies and Deakin – among those he believes Labor can win from the Coalition. (After the redistribution, Menzies is notionally a Labor seat by a tiny margin.)

    Watching for a rate cut and trade wars

    Asked when Australia might come out of the present per capital recession, Albanese says things are “heading in a positive direction”, but does not nominate a time.

    He sounds confident about interest rates falling soon:

    All of the economic commentators are saying that that is the most likely prediction of markets. It’s not up to me as prime minister to tell the independent Reserve Bank what to do, but I’m certain that we have created the conditions through, as well as our responsible economic management, producing two budget surpluses – the massive turnaround that we have seen, compared with what the Morrison 2022 budget handed down by the Coalition […] was predicting.

    Prompted about the Reserve Bank’s next meeting on February 18, he says “I’m certainly conscious of that date”.

    With United States President Donald Trump slapping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China while foreshadowing wider tariffs, Albanese recalls his phone conversation after Trump was elected, in which he reminded the incoming president that America has a trade surplus with Australia. Australia would “put our arguments forward very clearly” if it faced the threat of tariffs, Albanese says.

    Looking ahead

    Looking ahead to this fortnight’s parliamentary sitting, Albanese confirmed to The Conversation that he will not proceed with the Nature Positive legislation. It had been strongly opposed by the Western Australian government, which has its election on March 8.

    But he hopes the Senate will pass the legislation for political donation and spending caps, indicating the government is willing to compromise to get the bill through.

    Looking to a second term, Albanese highlights in particular the opportunities presented by the energy transition.

    “We are positioned better than anywhere else in the world to benefit, in my view, from this transition that’s occurring.”

    He contrasts Dutton’s energy plan, which he describes as a “myopic vision” to make Australia smaller.

    “I want Australia to be more successful, to be enlarged in our optimism and our vision. And I want to lead a government that does that.”

    Michelle Grattan 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. Albanese will pitch to blue collar men with heavy warnings on Dutton’s workplace policies – https://theconversation.com/albanese-will-pitch-to-blue-collar-men-with-heavy-warnings-on-duttons-workplace-policies-248851

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Slams Trump’s Tariffs for Raising Prices on Families, and Hurting Farmers and Manufacturers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    Published: 02.01.2025
    Baldwin: “Families across the country are going to be paying more out of their wallets from the gas pump and the grocery store – and it will only get worse when retaliation hits”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s announcement of across-the-board 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China.
    “When it comes to the high-level goals of tackling the fentanyl epidemic and securing our border, President Trump and I agree. We have to do both. Tariffs are an important tool to crack down on other countries’ unfair practices, and one I have long supported using. But the tariffs the President announced today will force Wisconsin families to pay the price. Industries where people grow things and make things – like Wisconsin’s iconic farming and manufacturing sectors – are going to be crushed by this. Families across the country are going to be paying more out of their wallets from the gas pump and the grocery store – and it will only get worse when retaliation hits. If President Trump is going to impose these broad tariffs on our closest trading partners, he needs to do it with a real plan to address retaliation and make sure costs aren’t passed on to hardworking Wisconsinites – but right now, none of those are in place and it’s Wisconsinites and our economy that will suffer the consequences.”
    Senator Baldwin has long worked to crack down on other countries exploiting trade loopholes that undermine our manufacturers, farmers, and producers, and also bring illicit drugs like fentanyl into the United States. Last year, Senator Baldwin led her colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to support a group of families’ petition under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to hold China accountable for its role in actively supporting the production and export of fentanyl into the United States. Senator Baldwin also led her colleagues in support of the United Steelworkers Section 301 petition to launch an investigation into China’s unfair trade practices in the commercial shipbuilding industry that undermine American workers and jeopardize our national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement On President Trump’s Price-Raising Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on President Trump’s announcement that he will impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China:

    “I am focused on bringing prices down, but Donald Trump isn’t. Trump’s tariffs and economic policies are likely to make things like groceries and construction more expensive and place a burden on working families.  There’s no economic or strategic reason to put 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while letting China – an actual economic and strategic challenger – face a 10 percent tariff. It’s just another piece of his chaos agenda.

    “It’s unclear how effective these tariffs will be, but it’s already clear that American consumers will take a financial hit.  This is a de facto ‘Trump tax’ and it will cost Americans in every state. 

    “President Trump should take a smarter, more balanced approach to our economy that focuses on helping American families and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our National Border

    Source: The White House

         By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

    I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the sustained influx of illicit opioids and other drugs has profound consequences on our Nation, endangering lives and putting a severe strain on our healthcare system, public services, and communities.

    This challenge threatens the fabric of our society.  Gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and illicit drugs of all kinds have poured across our borders and into our communities.  Canada has played a central role in these challenges, including by failing to devote sufficient attention and resources or meaningfully coordinate with United States law enforcement partners to effectively stem the tide of illicit drugs.

    Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are the world’s leading producers of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit drugs, and they cultivate, process, and distribute massive quantities of narcotics that fuel addiction and violence in communities across the United States.  These DTOs often collaborate with transnational cartels to smuggle illicit drugs into the United States, utilizing clandestine airstrips, maritime routes, and overland corridors. 

    The challenges at our southern border are foremost in the public consciousness, but our northern border is not exempt from these issues.  Criminal networks are implicated in human trafficking and smuggling operations, enabling unvetted illegal migration across our northern border.  There is also a growing presence of Mexican cartels operating fentanyl and nitazene synthesis labs in Canada.  The flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl to the United States through both illicit distribution networks and international mail — due, in the case of the latter, to the existing administrative exemption from duty and taxes, also known as de minimis, under section 1321 of title 19, United States Code — has created a public health crisis in the United States, as outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy) and Executive Order 14157 of January 20, 2025 (Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists).  With respect to smuggling of illicit drugs across our northern border, Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre recently published a study on the laundering of proceeds of illicit synthetic opioids, which recognized Canada’s heightened domestic production of fentanyl, largely from British Columbia, and its growing footprint within international narcotics distribution.  Despite a North American dialogue on the public health impacts of illicit drugs since 2016, Canadian officials have acknowledged that the problem has only grown.  And while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security seized, comparatively, much less fentanyl from Canada than from Mexico last year, fentanyl is so potent that even a very small parcel of the drug can cause many deaths and destruction to America families.  In fact, the amount of fentanyl that crossed the northern border last year could kill 9.5 million Americans.

    Immediate action is required to finally end this public health crisis and national emergency, which will not happen unless the compliance and cooperation of Canada is assured.

    I hereby determine and order:

         Section 1.  (a)  As President of the United States, my highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens.  A Nation without borders is not a nation at all.  I will not stand by and allow our sovereignty to be eroded, our laws to be trampled, our citizens to be endangered, or our borders to be disrespected anymore.

    I previously declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and illicit drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border).  Pursuant to the NEA, I hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in that Proclamation to cover the threat to the safety and security of Americans, including the public health crisis of deaths due to the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and the failure of Canada to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept DTOs, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and drugs.  In addition, this failure to act on the part of Canada constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  I hereby declare and reiterate a national emergency under the NEA and IEEPA to deal with that threat.  This national emergency requires decisive and immediate action, and I have decided to impose, consistent with law, ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of Canada set forth in this order.  In doing so, I invoke my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA and specifically find that action under other authority to impose tariffs is inadequate to address this unusual and extraordinary threat.

         Sec. 2.  (a)  All articles that are products of Canada as defined by the Federal Register notice described in subsection (e) of this section (Federal Register notice), and except for those products described in subsection (b) of this section, shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice. 

    (b)  With respect to energy or energy resources, as defined in section 8 of Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), and as otherwise included in the Federal Register notice, such articles that are products of Canada as defined by the Federal Register notice shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice.  

    (c)  The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles. 

    (d)  Should Canada retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on United States exports to Canada or similar measures, the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action.

    (e)  In order to establish the duty rate on imports of articles that are products of Canada, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine the modifications necessary to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in order to effectuate this order consistent with law and shall make such modifications to the HTSUS through notice in the Federal Register.  The modifications made to the HTSUS by this notice shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect until such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.

    (f)  Articles that are products of Canada, except those that are eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duties imposed by this order and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41.  Such articles will be subject upon entry for consumption to the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading in effect at the time of admittance into the United States foreign trade zone. 

    (g)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this order. 

    (h)  For avoidance of doubt, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) and subsection (b) of this section.

         (i)  Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance related to trade with Canada that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order. 

         (j)  The articles described in subsection (a) and subsection (b) of this section shall exclude those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b).

         Sec. 3.  (a)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall regularly consult with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security on the situation at our northern border.  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, indicate that the Government of Canada has taken adequate steps to alleviate this public health crisis through cooperative enforcement actions.  Upon the President’s determination of sufficient action to alleviate the crisis, the tariffs described in section 2 of this order shall be removed.

    (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should the Government of Canada fail to take adequate steps to alleviate the illegal migration and illicit drug crises through cooperative enforcement actions.

         Sec. 4.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Commerce, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  The Secretary of Homeland Security may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of Homeland Security.  All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

         Sec. 5.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency under IEEPA declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

         Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        February 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US imposes 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to impose a 10-percent tariff on goods imported from China. The latest U.S. trade protectionist measure has drawn widespread opposition both domestically and internationally.

    The White House said the 10-percent tariff is on all imports from China on top of existing tariffs. Trump says the tariffs dovetail with his embrace of protectionist measures.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has said that China always believes that there is no winner in a trade war or tariff war, and remains steadfast in safeguarding its national interests. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce He Yadong said China’s position on the tariff issue is consistent. Tariff measures are not conducive to the interests of either China or the United States, nor to the rest of the world, He said.

    According to the executive order, the United States also imposed a 25-percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. For energy products from Canada, the administration imposed a 10-percent tariff. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Condemns President Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs on Canada and Mexico that Will Raise Costs for Americans and Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to President Trump imposing sweeping 25 percent tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, which economists have warned could stoke further inflation, slow economic growth and raise prices on consumers: 
    “Putting far-reaching tariffs on our neighbors and close trading partners is going to spike costs for our families, businesses and workers. It’s a fact that hardworking American consumers and small businesses will be forced to foot the bill of the President’s price hikes, not foreign countries. 
    “Because of this misguided, politically motivated action, the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries will increase—and Americans struggling to make ends meet will be hit the hardest. While that might not matter to Donald Trump and his entourage of billionaires, it matters deeply to the people in my state. 
    “As always, I stand ready to work with anyone to make life more affordable. It’s a shame that the President has chosen to play politics instead of delivering for the families we serve.” 
    Yesterday, Shaheen led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in urging the President not to place sweeping tariffs on imports, especially from our Canadian and Mexican neighbors, citing how it would dramatically increase costs for families and small businesses across the Granite State.  
    Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced new legislation with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The Senators’ legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.   
    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders warned that if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico and China

    Source: The White House

    ADDRESSING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION: The extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

    • Until the crisis is alleviated, President Donald J. Trump is implementing a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China.  Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff.
    • President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.
    • The orders make clear that the flow of contraband drugs like fentanyl to the United States, through illicit distribution networks, has created a national emergency, including a public health crisis. Chinese officials have failed to take the actions necessary to stem the flow of precursor chemicals to known criminal cartels and shut down money laundering by transnational criminal organizations.
      • In addition, the Mexican drug trafficking organizations have an intolerable alliance with the government of Mexico. The government of Mexico has afforded safe havens for the cartels to engage in the manufacturing and transportation of dangerous narcotics, which collectively have led to the overdose deaths of hundreds of thousands of American victims. This alliance endangers the national security of the United States, and we must eradicate the influence of these dangerous cartels.
      • There is also a growing presence of Mexican cartels operating fentanyl and nitazene synthesis labs in Canada.  A recent study recognized Canada’s heightened domestic production of fentanyl, and its growing footprint within international narcotics distribution

    USING OUR LEVERAGE TO ENSURE AMERICANS’ SAFETY: Previous Administrations failed to fully leverage America’s economic position as a tool to secure our borders against illegal migration and combat the scourge of fentanyl, preferring to let problems fester.

    • Access to the American market is a privilege. The United States has one of the most open economies in the world, and the lowest average tariff rates in the world.
    • While trade accounts for 67% of Canada’s GDP, 73% of Mexico’s GDP, and 37% of China’s GDP, it accounts for only 24% of U.S. GDP. However, in 2023 the U.S. trade deficit in goods was the world’s largest at over $1 trillion.
    • Tariffs are a powerful, proven source of leverage for protecting the national interest.  President Trump is using the tools at hand and taking decisive action that puts Americans’ safety and our national security first.
    • Though previous Administrations have failed to leverage America’s combination of exceptional strength and its unique role in world trade to advance the security interests of the American people, President Trump has not.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP IS KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO STOP THE FLOOD OF ILLEGAL ALIENS AND DRUGS: When voters overwhelmingly elected Donald J. Trump as President, they gave him a mandate to seal the border. That is exactly what he is doing.

    • The Biden Administration’s policies have fueled the worst border crisis in U.S. history.
    • More than 10 million illegal aliens attempted to enter the United States under Biden’s leadership, including a rising number of Chinese nationals and people on the terror watchlist.
    • This problem is not confined to the southern border – encounters at the northern border with Canada are rising as well.
    • The sustained influx of illegal aliens has profound consequences on every aspect of our national life – overwhelming our schools, lowering our wages, reducing our housing supply and raising rents, overcrowding our hospitals, draining our welfare system, and causing crime.  
    • Gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and illegal drugs and narcotics of all kinds are pouring across our borders and into our communities.
      • Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apprehended more than 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at our borders, enough fentanyl to kill more than 4 billion people.
      • It is estimated that federal officials are only able to seize a fraction of the fentanyl smuggled across the southern border.  
    • These drugs kill tens of thousands of Americans each year, including 75,000 deaths per year attributed to fentanyl alone.
      • More Americans are dying from fentanyl overdoses each year than the number of American lives lost in the entirety of the Vietnam War.

    BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS: President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest.

    • As President Trump said in the Presidential Memorandum on American First Trade Policy, trade policy is a critical component in national security.
    • President Trump promised in November to “sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
    • During his first term as President of the United States, President Trump established the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis and declared the Opioid Crisis a public health emergency.
    • President Trump also has a long record of putting America first on trade. In his first term, President Trump successfully used threats of tariffs on Mexico to help secure our border.
    • When our national security was threatened by a global oversupply of steel and aluminum, President Trump took swift action to protect America’s national security by implementing tariffs on imports of these goods.
    • In response to China’s intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and other unreasonable behavior, President Trump acted with conviction to impose tariffs on imports from China, using that leverage to reach a historic bilateral economic agreement.
    • Just last week, President Trump leveraged tariffs to successfully resolve national security concerns with Colombia, swiftly reaching an outcome that prioritizes the safety and security of the American people and the sanctity of our national borders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Calls With Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense and Secretary of the Navy

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On January 31, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had constructive introductory calls with Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, and Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Raymundo Morales Angeles, to discuss U.S. national security interests and our countries’ defense cooperation. Secretary Hegseth underscored that his top priority is to safeguard the United States and its citizens, to include securing the southern border. The Secretary highlighted the importance of Mexico’s armed forces continuing to disrupt cartel activities that threaten the United States, and for Mexico to continue taking steps to curb illegal migration into the United States. In both calls, the Secretary and his Mexican counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation between our militaries. They also agreed that they and their staffs will maintain close communication and coordination with each other to protect the citizens and territories of both nations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen: “President Trump has effectively enacted a new tax on Americans”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that President Trump is implementing a 25% across-the-board tariff on imported goods from Mexico and Canada, the top trading partners for the United States.
    “President Trump has effectively enacted a new tax on Americans for anything imported from Canada and Mexico,” said Senator Rosen. “His across-the-board tariffs are going to drive up costs for hardworking families on essential items, including groceries and housing. At a time when Nevadans are already being squeezed by high costs, this action is only going to hurt families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Statement on Rising Demands for Return Assistance

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Washington, 1 February 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes the United States’ commitment to resuming life-saving humanitarian activities. Secretary Rubio’s decision reinforces U.S. leadership in global humanitarian response, bringing stability and structure to complex displacement challenges.

    Amid rising demand for return assistance across Latin America and the Caribbean, IOM is expanding efforts to help migrants return home, reintegrate, and rebuild their lives. In Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama, IOM has resumed its regional Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programs, providing urgent support to vulnerable migrants who are unable or unwilling to remain where they are and need help to return home safely and with dignity. Working closely with governments and humanitarian partners, IOM ensures that returns are voluntary, sustainable and managed in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner. Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in AVR requests, underscoring the program’s crucial role as a lifeline for stranded migrants.   

    In Haiti, where thousands are returned each week, IOM has long delivered a range of services to returned migrants, including urgent assistance on arrival, temporary shelter, and support to help returnees reintegrate into their communities. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also contribute to stability, security and the creation of alternatives to irregular migration. 

    IOM remains committed to ensuring returnees have access to reintegration opportunities— both individually and at community level – so they can rebuild their lives in their home country.  Over the past decades, IOM has facilitated the voluntary return of more than 1.5 million migrants globally, underscoring its longstanding commitment to sustainable return and reintegration as a cornerstone of sound migration management. 

     With decades of experience partnering with governments—including the United States as a founding member and its largest donor—IOM remains dedicated to addressing migration challenges through effective, principled, and needs-driven solutions. IOM looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the United States in the months and years ahead. 

    END

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: UN rapporteur welcomes ‘best news’ — Hague Group coalition pushing for Palestinian state

    Asia Pacific Report

    UN Special Rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territory Francesca Albanese has hailed the formation of The Hague Group, describing it as the “best news” from a coalition of policymakers “in a long time”.

    Formed on Friday in the city of its namesake, The Hague Group’s members — Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa — have joined together to “end Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine”.

    The groups said in a joint statement that they could not “remain passive in the face of such international crimes” committed by Israel against the Palestinians.

    They said they would work to see the “realisation of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine”.

    Albanese said on social media: “Let’s make it real. And let’s keep growing.”

    “The Hague Group’s formation sends a clear message — no nation is above the law, and no crime will go unanswered,” said the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

    South Africa filed a case before the International Court of Justice alleging genocide in 2023 and an interim ruling in January 2024 said that there was “plausible genocide” and accepted the case for substantive judgment. Since then, 14 countries have joined the proceedings in support of South Africa and Palestine.

    Malaysia has been preparing a draft resolution for United Nations to expel Israel from the global body.

    Joyful scenes erupted today as buses carrying Palestinian prisoners released under last month’s Gaza ceasefire deal arrived in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. A total of 183 prisoners were due to be freed today.

    Three captives — Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas– were earlier released in two separate locations in southern and northern Gaza.

    Samoan artist Michel Mulipola with his characteristic clutch of protest flags at the “march of the martyrs” in Auckland today . . . latest addition is the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo to acknowledge a brutal war being waged by M23 rebels. Image: David Robie/APR

    NZ ‘march of the martyrs’ protest
    In New Zealand’s largest city Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau today, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters staged a vigil and march for the more than 47,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s war on Gaza — mostly women and children.

    Hamas released three more hostages from Gaza today – a total of 14 since the ceasefire. Image: Al Jazeera screenshot APR

    More than 44,500 names of the victims of the genocidal war were spread out on the pavement of Te Komititanga Square in the heart of Auckland and one of the organisers, Dr Abdallah Gouda, said: “It is important to honour the names, they are people, families — they are not just numbers, statistics.”

    A canvas with an outline of Palestine flag was also spread out and protesters invited to dip their fingers in black, red and green paint — the colours of the Palestinian flag — and daub the ensign with their collective fingerprints.

    This was part of a global campaign to “stamp my imprint” for the return to Palestine.

    “Each mark represents solidarity and remembrance for those who have lost their lives in the struggle for justice,” said the campaign.

    “As you add your fingerprint, please take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice and the collective desire for peace and freedom.

    “This canvas will become a living tribute with each fingerprint contributing to a powerful symbol of unity and support.”

    Today’s Palestinian and decolonisation “march of the martyrs” in Auckland. Image: David Robie/APR

    The protesters followed with a “march for the martyrs” through central streets of Auckland past the consulate of the United States, main backer and arms supplier to Israel, and beside the city’s iconic harbourside.

    More than 100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was signed and came into force on January 19.

    A young girl keeps vigil over more than 44,000 names from the 47,000 people killed in Israel’s war on Gaza at today’s pro-Palestinian demonstration in Auckland today. Image: David Robie/APR

    UNRWA chief “salutes’ aid staff defying Israeli ban
     Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports that the head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has hailed staff for continuing to work despite an Israeli ban on their operations coming into force on Thursday.

    In a post on social media, Philippe Lazzarini said: “I salute the commitment of UNRWA staff”.

    “We remain committed to upholding the humanitarian principles and fulfil our mandate,” Lazzarini said.

    He noted that nearly 500,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, continued to access healthcare provided by UNRWA.

    Since the start of the ceasefire in Gaza, UNRWA has ensured that humanitarian food supplies entering the territory under bombardment have reached more than 600,000 people, he said.

    “UNRWA must be allowed to do its work until Palestinian institutions are empowered and capable within a Palestine State,” he added.

    Israel passed a law in October that came into effect this week, banning UNRWA from operating on Israeli territory — including in East Jerusalem where its headquarters is located — and prohibiting contact with Israeli authorities.

    However, Israel is occupying the Palestinian territories illegally in defiance of many UN resolutions ordering it to leave.

    UNRWA has said that it is mandated by the UN General Assembly and is committed to staying open and delivering services to Palestinians despite Israel’s prohibitions.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he was portrayed on a banner at the Palestinian “march of the martyrs” in Auckland today . . . he is “wanted” by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump orders preparation at Guantanamo Bay for detention of 30,000 migrants

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will instruct the Pentagon and the Homeland Security Department to prepare a facility for 30,000 migrants at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. naval base located on the southeastern coast of Cuba.

    “We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. This will double our capacity immediately,” Trump made the remarks before he signed the Laken Riley Act at the White House.

    The Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes, was approved by Congress earlier this month. It marks the first major legislation of the new administration.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CNN that the base could be reserved to detain what she described as “the worst of the worst.”

    During his campaign, Trump promised to carry out large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants once he took office. After his inauguration on Jan. 20, deportation operations have ramped up in several parts of the United States, reportedly focusing on criminals.

    On Sunday alone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made nearly 1,000 arrests, with lots of activity taking place in the southeastern part of the country, Fox News cited various ICE field offices as saying.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mexico braces for possible US tariffs: president

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Mexico doubts if Washington will enforce the 25 percent tariff but stands prepared if it does, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday.

    “The truth is we do not believe that it will happen, but if it does happen, we also have our plan and we will present it then,” the Mexican president said at a regular press conference.

    Mexico’s Foreign Ministry, headed by Juan Ramon de la Fuente, is in talks with the U.S. government, she said.

    On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. President Donald Trump still plans to apply a 25 percent tariff on all imported products from Mexico and Canada starting Saturday, unless both countries cooperate to resolve the problem of mass immigration and fentanyl trafficking. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Chicago Announces Capture of Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Arnoldo Jimenez

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

    This image is a screenshot of the updated FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive poster for Arnoldo Jimenez, who was captured on January 30, 2025.

    The FBI is announcing the capture of Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Arnoldo Jimenez after he was taken into custody without incident in Monterrey, Mexico on January 30.

    FBI Chicago, FBI San Antonio, the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City, and the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois collaborated to locate Jimenez. He was later arrested by agents of the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), in conjunction with Interpol. Jimenez
    will remain in custody pending extradition proceedings.

    “The FBI is extremely appreciative of the Burbank Police Department, our law enforcement partners in Mexico, and the public for their tremendous investigative efforts and collaboration in the capture of Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Arnoldo Jimenez,” said Douglas S. DePodesta, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. “The FBI will use all of its available resources to bring criminals to justice, no matter how much time has passed or where they may be in the world.”

    “The apprehension of Arnoldo Jimenez was the result of the tireless teamwork by the FBI and Burbank Police Department, and we would like to commend the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved,” said Deputy Chief William Casey of the Burbank Police Department. “The FBI and Burbank Police Department were committed to bringing justice for Estrella Carrera and her family.”

    On May 13, 2012, Estrella Carrera was found deceased in the bathtub of her apartment less than 48 hours after getting married. Jimenez was charged with first-degree murder by the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest on May 15, 2012. A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, on May 17, 2012, after Jimenez was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

    Jimenez was the 522nd person to be placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, which was established in March of 1950. Additional information concerning Jimenez and the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list can be found by visiting fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on Univision 41

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on Univision 41. The Governor spoke with Mariela Salgado on her affordability agenda, immigration, public safety and more.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: So we’re very blessed that you’re talking to us and we’re very thankful, because we know how busy you are. So when you guys are ready, let us know. Just give me five minutes before we start, so I know we’re good. We’re good? Okay.

    Governor, so the first question is to talk about the economy, and after I’m done with the question, I’ll just do a quick Spanish question. So, when you talk about your agenda, you talk about fighting for New Yorkers families. And I’ve been in your press conferences, and you talk about your family, you allude to your daughter in law and having to spend — and knowing for yourself how expensive things are — and you talk about inflation, and you see how things have gone up. And you’ve heard what New Yorkers are saying, and you’ve presented an array of so many things. When you planned your agenda for this budget, what were the main areas that you were concerned about when you presented that?

    Governor Hochul: I am concerned so much about New York’s struggling families. My own family, my grandparents were immigrants, came here and lived in great poverty. They were migrant farm workers. My grandpa was a steel worker. My parents lived in a trailer park. We were raised having to get our clothes at used clothing stores. And you know, we were not doing well financially for a long time. But what I also know is my experience as a young mom and how expensive it is to pay for the diapers and the formula, and the kids outgrow their clothes every three months. And not just from my life, but I see now my own son and daughter in law struggling as well.

    So I come to a Budget process and look at it as a statement of my priorities of what I want for New Yorkers and New York families, and to be able to firmly say, “I’m on your side, your family is on my fight and here’s what I’m going to do to find countless ways to put money back in your pockets.” And whether it’s the inflation rebate — which puts money back to the people who weren’t paid because of inflation — $500 per family. Someone with children under the age of four — $1,000 per child, school age child $500. Also covering the cost of all school breakfasts and lunches — that’s money back for every parent to be able to not have to spend $1,600 a year.

    You add it all up, plus a middle class tax cut, there are many families in New York who will receive $5,000 more in their pockets. So, I took my own life experience, but also what I’ve seen as Governor going to every corner of the State and here in the boroughs where life can be hard for people — they struggle, they want to be successful — and anything I can do as Governor to relieve them of that burden is what drives me every single day.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Now, those are immediate reliefs: the child tax credit, the rebate. Those are things that people are going to get right away and will see an impact on their pockets. But the child care, as a parent, I know how expensive it is. That’s going to take some time because there are spaces that need to be built and things need to be figured out. So when do you think parents are going to start to see those benefits coming through?

    Governor Hochul: We announced a program that for families earning $108,000 or less, their child care costs are kept at $15 a week. Now think about that. An average family pays, right now, $21,000 a year for child care for one child. You may have two and you’re paying even more, but we are saying that there’s families that are struggling. We should have that expense capped at $15. The problem is, we need to have more providers. We need more facilities. So in my Budget, I understood this, and I’m putting $110 million into building new child care facilities, renovating existing ones and making home child care more available for people as well.

    So there’s no one answer, but we’re working hard. I know people want to know when, but it is hard to try to break through a system where no one paid attention before. I’m New York’s first Mom Governor. I had to leave a job I loved because I couldn’t find child care. I know what that does to your family when one income is gone, or if you’re a single parent and you can’t find anyone to watch your children. So those are real struggles, but it’s something I’m fighting for every day and trying to solve for people, and there will come a time when people will have all the access to affordable child care that they need.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: That’s kind of the question with housing — and we’ll go quickly on with the interview, but — these are the things people need: To go from child care to housing, and you’ve done a couple of things. One is the $100 million investment, which is geared to people who — and I’ll talk about what my community needs, which is trying to have the American dream and be a homeowner. We see that a lot in places like Long Island where people have been struggling to be able to access that. When do you think that would be, you know, a reality for them? And then also we talk about New York City, “City of Yes”; creating more space. That’s a very robust plan — long term — but very robust. More than 80,000 new housing there. So, when do you think people in Long Island, per se, will be able to access those benefits?

    Governor Hochul: Well, with respect to the assistance for first time homebuyers, I want to pass it in my Budget this year and make it available almost immediately. So, let’s get through the Budget. It usually wraps up in the spring, and then we’ll talk about how to get that money out there. So, that is so important because that is the manifestation of the dream: to have your own place to call your own. And this is where your family can grow up, and someday, your own children might live in the neighborhood.

    And the problem with places like Long Island and others, is they’ve not built enough housing to meet the demand for people to want to raise their children there. And I’ve taken this on and it’s been a hard fight, but I did support the City with $1 billion to help the Mayor get the “City of Yes” done. But also, we have thousands and thousands of housing units and apartments that are not online because they need repairs done to them.

    So we’re trying to make it so landlords will make those repairs and bring on more units. So what happens is you flood the zone. You bring in as much housing as you can. And then what happens? Prices start to drop. That’s what we also need to have. So people starting out in that first apartment, you can save the money to get that home. We’ll have that apartment available to them. So it’s, it’s a whole continuum of approaches to it, but no other Governor has worked harder on what is people’s largest expense, whether they’re paying rent or mortgage. And some families are paying half of their income, half of their earnings, in just their housing alone. And that doesn’t consider all the other bills they have in covering the cost of children.

    So I know how important it is. My family struggled. My parents lived in a trailer park. My grandparents had a family of 10 in a tiny, little house with two bedrooms. I grew up with that experience, seeing them live like that, and I know how critical it is for people just to feel that they have that within their reach.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Congestion price was not easy. It was — you had some criticism. First it was one price, then you came to a different, more reduced price, but still people were complaining about what they had to pay because of the economy. We are hearing from people in the Bronx and I’m not sure this is correct, because I’m sure there have to be studies, that some of the people who are driving through the zone are trying to avoid paying the toll, and they’re using their bridges or their roads, and that’s creating more congestion on their roads. Is that something that was considered when that was put in place? Are you going to be looking at it, maybe creating more studies to see if that needs to be tweaked somehow or fixed?

    Governor Hochul: Right. This is a program that was passed back by my predecessor in the Legislature back in 2019. And they did study for many years the environmental impacts and also the traffic impacts. It was supposed to go into effect in June. I knew that $15 was just too much for New Yorkers, especially when inflation was so high. So I paused it. I got a lot of criticism for doing that. But I had to work hard to reduce the price, and we did by 40 percent. So I’m very much aware of the cost and what it does for families.

    But there are areas of our city that are seeing less traffic. But you’re absolutely right, we need to go back to the areas that might be affected in a way that wasn’t anticipated. There is money for traffic mitigation for the Bronx, about $150 million. But also to look at the effects of, if traffic’s congregating — are there higher rates of asthma, for example. I’m very concerned about the health of our children in places like the Bronx. So, of course, this is always going under review and study.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: And another question and I have to talk about the Trump administration because we’ve had conversations with Republican legislators who have told us that there’s a possibility that the new administration might want to somehow revert the plan. Is that something that can happen?

    Governor Hochul: It is already the law. It was supported by the Biden administration and all the — it has already started. So I don’t know if that will happen or not.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Okay. So we don’t really know? If this is something that–

    Governor Hochul: No.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: And to that effect, we’ve heard President Trump speak highly of you. Do you have a relationship with him? Have you talked to him about certain issues? And the reason I bring it up is because immigration is in everybody’s mind and I know that this is a sanctuary state, and it’s not new in New York, and many states have helped the federal government when it comes to immigrants. Now it’s front and stage, but it’s something that’s been done for a long time. But, of course, there is concern and fear right now among people because it’s frontal. So, are you having any connection with them right now? Are you having conversations with Tom Homan?

    Governor Hochul: I have been having conversations. And what I’ve reinforced is the fact that we have always worked with ICE when it comes to removing people who have committed serious crimes. Whether they’re in their own country, they never should have been able to arrive here, or they do something while they’re here. This has happened. So we want to make sure that all of our citizens and all the residents and all the people who have come before, whether they have status or not, that they’re safe from criminals. So we have said we will work with the Trump administration, just like we did with the Biden administration.

    These ICE raids are not something new. There’s just more attention on them. But this has been going on for a while. But, even though we want to support removing criminals, I want people to not live in fear. It is heartbreaking to me to know that there are children not going to school today, or not going to a doctor’s office, someone who’s ill or a senior citizen needs that appointment. They’re not going to churches. So, people’s lives are being so disrupted because of that.

    And I reinforce the administration that we’ll help you with the criminal element, absolutely. But, let’s not go after these families and separate them. Let’s not have a cruel approach to this.

    I mean, we can find them jobs. I said before, we have 400,000 open jobs in the State of New York. We give people work authorization. They can actually do what they came for and what we want them to do, get a job — get a job and work and take care of their family.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: So, you’re having that conversation with them?

    Governor Hochul: Yes.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: And the reason why I bring it up is because we’re hearing stories like this mom, for example, she was 60-years-old and she had an order of deportation. Her mom never told her to do anything. Now she’s an adult, she has kids, and she has to be deported. So things like that. Or you know, somebody who had a DUI 20 years ago and now is a grandparent. I’m not saying that a DUI is something right to do and people need to be accountable. But urging the administration to see it case by case.

    Governor Hochul: We cannot give up our compassion. We cannot be a State where people are not feeling protected and supported. That’s never been who we are as New Yorkers. And we’re proud of that. So again, it is very easy for me to separate someone who will do harm to other people and say, “You do not belong here.”

    But other people should not have that hanging over their heads that they’ve been doing — especially ones who were brought here as children. I mean, think about those individuals. Or someone who may have done something when they’re 20 and now they’re 60 years old. We have to have compassion for people and understand that they’re part of our society. And we cannot reject them now.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: We’re hearing things from — I like speaking with you. I’m sorry, I know we’re running out of time — but we’re hearing things from teachers. I have a very good relationship with teachers from high schools. And they tell me, “Look, we have gang members here.” You know, like from MS-13. And that’s going to happen in Long Island. They’re going to want to come in. Because some of the police are not going to let them in, so they’re going to have to come in. And that’s the reality.

    Governor Hochul: The gangs have to go. I mean, there’s a gang — a dangerous gang from Venezuela — which is showing up here and causing crimes and wreaking havoc. And we have to just round them up and send them back. That’s not legal activity here. And that is exactly what the administration has been doing.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: But I’m also talking about — sorry to interrupt, Governor — the gangs that are in schools who might be like MS-13.

    Governor Hochul: No, no. MS-13 has been here for a long time. I mean, they murdered a 13-year-old girl on Long Island years ago. I met her parents. So, no, they have been here. And they have to be removed. We cannot have gang members operating freely in our schools, whether they’re from a gang, from another country, or they’re a street gang here. We have to protect our children and our teachers in a school environment. That’s a basic necessity.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: I won’t talk about immigration anymore because I don’t have time. I have two more questions, but I want to shift to subway safety. And I think it’s important because the subway is related to the economy, too. There was a very big fear — I think we’re better now. But there was a moment where the perception of fear was scary.

    Because one thing is, “Oh, we’re okay, the crime has gone down.” You know, Mayor Adams kept saying that. Another thing is people having the perception of being afraid and not going, and that’s hard to break. But now I think it’s better than perception. However we are hearing from people that six months patrolling at night might just not be enough.

    So, then there’s the mental health initiatives that might not be hitting on time. So the question is, do you think it’s being done enough?

    Governor Hochul: I’m very impatient when it comes to protecting our subways, and that’s why I took dramatic steps where I have actually used State support, State money, to hire more police officers, to put them on overtime so we can have those patrols all night long. People coming in for their jobs, whether they’re health care workers, they work the night shift, they work at a hotel or a restaurant. I mean, it is scary to be on a train when there’s not a lot of other people, and you feel so vulnerable. That’s why every single train will have two police officers — not one, but two — patrolling during the nighttime hours. We said six months just so we could manage the Budget. I’m willing to look at the numbers, but I do believe that the crimes are going down.

    But as long as there’s still that really frightening story that you hear where someone’s pushed onto the subway track and, or, you know, assaulted. These are horrible crimes. They do create fear. So, I can tell you the statistics. I just had a briefing with the — I guess it was at the breakfast hosted by the new Commissioner of Police — and she gave statistics that are really, really inspiring to know that our police are working so hard to protect our community. And there’s always going to be those cases that grab the attention of the public and are just creating fear. And that’s something that is unfortunate because it’s not the entire story, but how people feel is what matters to me.

    And I want to help break through that. So, we’re going to keep funding this. Every single train car, at my insistence, now has a camera in it. If someone’s committing a crime, they will be caught. And people know that as well. And also, the Commissioner of Police announced a whole initiative dealing with the quality of life crimes.

    And saying that people with mental health issues need to be removed, we support that. We’re trying to change State law in this Budget that says that if someone who’s not able to take care of themselves does harm to others — they cannot live on the subway. The subways are not rolling homeless shelters. We need to get people into supportive care, housing or hospitalizations. So, we have to do more, but there is progress being made.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: So this could be perpetual if needed. I have one more question. I have 30 seconds, so one more question. And it’s a quick one. I just have to ask it. The possibility of Mayor Adams being pardoned by President Trump — what do you think?

    Governor Hochul: I don’t know that that’s going to happen. We’re also hearing about charges being dropped. Two different things could happen: You get pardoned and you’re forgiven for crimes — which is what a pardon does — or if the charges are dropped. That’s a whole different dynamic. It’s still evolving right now, we really don’t know what the outcome is like.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Thank you very much, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Wonderful. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Markus Wagner, Professor of Law and Director of the UOW Transnational Law and Policy Centre, University of Wollongong

    It’s official. On February 1, US President Donald Trump will introduce a sweeping set of new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. China will also face new tariffs of 10%.

    During the presidential campaign, Trump threatened tariffs against all three countries, claiming they weren’t doing enough to prevent an influx of “drugs, in particular fentanyl” into the US, while also accusing Canada and Mexico of not doing enough to stop “illegal aliens”.

    There will be some nuance. On Friday, Trump said tariffs on oil and gas would come into effect later, on February 18, and that Canadian oil would likely face a lower tariff of 10%.

    This may only be the first move against China. Trump has previously threatened the country with 60% tariffs, asserting this will bring jobs back to America.

    But the US’ move against its neighbours will have an almost immediate impact on the three countries involved and the landscape of North American trade. It marks the beginning of what could be a radical reshaping of international trade and political governance around the world.

    What Trump wants from Canada and Mexico

    While border security and drug trade concerns are the official rationale for this move, Trump’s tariffs have broader motivations.

    The first one is protectionist. In all his presidential campaigning, Trump portrayed himself as a champion of US workers. Back in October, he said tariff was “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”.

    Trump hasn’t hidden his fondness for protectionist trade measures.

    This reflects the ongoing scepticism toward international trade that Trump – and politicians more generally on both ends of the political spectrum in the US – have held for some time.

    It’s a significant shift in the close trade links between these neighbours. The US, Mexico and Canada are parties to the successor of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    Trump has not hidden his willingness to use tariffs as a weapon to pressure other countries to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals. This is the epitome of what a research project team I co-lead calls “Weaponised Trade”.

    This was on full display in late January. When the president of Colombia prohibited US military airplanes carrying Colombian nationals deported from the US to land, Trump successfully used the threat of tariffs to force Colombia to reverse course.



    Read more:
    What are tariffs?

    The economic stakes

    The volume of trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico is enormous, encompassing a wide range of goods and services. Some of the biggest sectors are automotive manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and consumer goods.

    In 2022, the value of all goods and services traded between the US and Canada came to about US$909 billion (A$1.46 trillion). Between the US and Mexico that same year, it came to more than US$855 billion (A$1.37 trillion).

    One of the hardest hit industries will be the automotive industry, which depends on cross-border trade. A car assembled in Canada, Mexico or the US relies heavily on a supply of parts from throughout North America.

    Tariffs will raise costs throughout this supply chain, which could lead to higher prices for consumers and make US-based manufacturers less competitive.

    Auto manufacturing stands to be hit hard by Trump’s tariffs.
    Around the World Photos/Shutterstock

    There could also be ripple effects for agriculture. The US exports billions of dollars in corn, soybeans, and meat to Canada and Mexico, while importing fresh produce such as avocados and tomatoes from Mexico.

    Tariffs may provoke retaliatory measures, putting farmers and food suppliers in all three countries at risk.

    Trump’s decision to delay and reduce tariffs on oil was somewhat predictable. US imports of Canadian oil have increased steadily over recent decades, meaning tariffs would immediately bite US consumers at the fuel pump.

    We’ve been here before

    This isn’t the first time the world has dealt with Trump’s tariff-heavy approach to trade policy. Looking back to his first term may provide some clues about what we might expect.

    In 2018, the US levied duties on steel and aluminium. Both Canada and Mexico are both major exporters of steel to the US.

    In his first term, Trump imposed major tariffs on US steel imports.
    ABCDstock/Shutterstock

    Canada and Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs. Ultimately, all countries removed tariffs on steel and aluminium in the process of finalising the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

    Notably, though, many of Trump’s trade policies remained in place even after President Joe Biden took office.

    This signalled a bipartisan scepticism of unfettered trade and a shift toward on-shoring or re-shoring in US policy circles.

    The options for Canada and Mexico

    This time, Canada and Mexico’s have again responded with threats of retaliatory tariffs.

    But they’ve also made attempts to mollify Trump – such as Canada launching a “crackdown” on fentanyl trade.

    Generally speaking, responses to these tariffs could range from measured diplomacy to aggressive retaliation. Canada and Mexico may target politically sensitive industries such as agriculture or gasoline, where Trump’s base could feel the pinch.

    There are legal options, too. Canada and Mexico could pursue legal action through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s dispute resolution mechanisms or the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Both venues provide pathways for challenging unfair trade practices. But these practices can be slow-moving, uncertain in their outcomes and are susceptible to being ignored.

    A more long-term option for businesses in Canada and Mexico is to diversify their trade relationships to reduce reliance on the US market. However, the facts of geography, and the large base of consumers in the US mean that’s easier said than done.

    The looming threat of a global trade war

    Trump’s latest tariffs underscore a broader trend: the widening of the so-called “Overton window” to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals.

    The Overton Window refers to the range of policy options politicians have because they are accepted among the general public.

    Arguments for bringing critical industries back to the US, protecting domestic jobs, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains gained traction after the ascent of China as a geopolitical and geoeconomic rival.

    These arguments picked up steam during the COVID-19 pandemic and have increasingly been turned into actual policy.

    The potential for a broader trade war looms large. Trump’s short-term goal may be to leverage tariffs as a tool to secure concessions from other jurisdictions.

    Trump’s threats against Denmark – in his quest to obtain control over Greenland – are a prime example. The European Union (EU), a far more potent economic player, has pledged its support for Denmark.

    A North American trade war – foreshadowed by the Canadian and Mexican governments – might then only be harbinger of things to come: significant economic harm, the erosion of trust among trading partners, and increased volatility in global markets.

    Markus Wagner receives funding from the Department of Defence, Australia as a Chief Investigator on a project titled Weaponised Trade.

    – ref. Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war – https://theconversation.com/trumps-25-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-amp-up-the-risk-of-a-broader-trade-war-248667

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell: Trump’s New Tariffs Will Drive Up Grocery & Gas Prices, Costs for American Manufacturers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    01.31.25

    Cantwell: Trump’s New Tariffs Will Drive Up Grocery & Gas Prices, Costs for American Manufacturers

    WA consumers will pay the price as Trump chooses to tax goods from Canada and Mexico up to 25%, plus a 10% tax on goods from China

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, a move that will likely increase prices for consumers across the country, particularly in Washington state.

    U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) – who serves as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, as well as senior member of the Finance and Energy and Natural Resources Committees– issued the following statement:

    “President Trump should not start trade wars that hurt American manufacturers, consumers, and farmers, especially when food prices and interest rates are so high. After two weeks in office and lots of executive orders, where are the administration’s ideas to lower costs for American families?  Let’s not put 25% tariffs that will increase consumer costs,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Canada and Mexico are already willing to partner with us to fight fentanyl and strengthen border security.  I hope the President will work with Congress on opening new markets, growing U.S. exports, and using the EXIM Bank to compete with China, instead of driving up prices at the grocery store and gas pump. I want an export strategy — one that maximizes opportunities to sell American products overseas.“

    Two out of every five jobs in the State of Washington are tied to trade and related industries. In 2023, Washington state imported $19.9 billion of goods from Canada – primarily oil, gas, lumber, and electrical power — making our northern neighbors Washington state’s largest trade partner.

    Also in 2023, Washington state imported $1.7 billion in goods from Mexico, including motor vehicles, vehicle parts, and household appliances. All of these raw materials and goods will now be subject to a 25% tariff.

    A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.

    Sen. Cantwell has been a champion for Washington state growers and exports. Agriculture and food manufacturing generate more than $21 billion per year and employ more than 171,000 people in the State of Washington. Small and family farms are key contributors, making up 89% and 94%, respectively, of Washington’s farms. 

    Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which devastated Washington state’s apple exports. In September 2023, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to help U.S. potato growers finally get approval to sell fresh potatoes in Japan. In June 2023, Sen. Cantwell hosted U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), then-chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in Washington state for a forum with 30 local agricultural leaders in Wenatchee to discuss the Farm Bill.

    In 2022, Sen. Cantwell spearheaded passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a law to crack down on skyrocketing international ocean shipping costs and ease supply chain backlogs that raise prices for consumers and make it harder for U.S. farmers and exporters to get their goods to the global market.

    In August 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to then-Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting aid funds be distributed to wheat growers. In December 2018, Sen. Cantwell celebrated the passage of the Farm Bill, which included $500 million of assistance for farmers, including those who grow wheat.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell helped secure a provision in the $16 billion USDA relief package, ensuring sweet cherry growers could access emergency funding to offset the impacts of tariffs and other market disruptions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Markus Wagner, Professor of Law and Director of the UOW Transnational Law and Policy Centre, University of Wollongong

    It’s official. On February 1, US President Donald Trump will introduce a sweeping set of new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. China will also face new tariffs of 10%.

    During the presidential campaign, Trump threatened tariffs against all three countries, claiming they weren’t doing enough to prevent an influx of “drugs, in particular fentanyl” into the US, while also accusing Canada and Mexico of not doing enough to stop “illegal aliens”.

    There will be some nuance. On Friday, Trump said tariffs on oil and gas would come into effect later, on February 18, and that Canadian oil would likely face a lower tariff of 10%.

    This may only be the first move against China. Trump has previously threatened the country with 60% tariffs, asserting this will bring jobs back to America.

    But the US’ move against its neighbours will have an almost immediate impact on the three countries involved and the landscape of North American trade. It marks the beginning of what could be a radical reshaping of international trade and political governance around the world.

    What Trump wants from Canada and Mexico

    While border security and drug trade concerns are the official rationale for this move, Trump’s tariffs have broader motivations.

    The first one is protectionist. In all his presidential campaigning, Trump portrayed himself as a champion of US workers. Back in October, he said tariff was “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”.

    Trump hasn’t hidden his fondness for protectionist trade measures.

    This reflects the ongoing scepticism toward international trade that Trump – and politicians more generally on both ends of the political spectrum in the US – have held for some time.

    It’s a significant shift in the close trade links between these neighbours. The US, Mexico and Canada are parties to the successor of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    Trump has not hidden his willingness to use tariffs as a weapon to pressure other countries to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals. This is the epitome of what a research project team I co-lead calls “Weaponised Trade”.

    This was on full display in late January. When the president of Colombia prohibited US military airplanes carrying Colombian nationals deported from the US to land, Trump successfully used the threat of tariffs to force Colombia to reverse course.



    Read more:
    What are tariffs?

    The economic stakes

    The volume of trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico is enormous, encompassing a wide range of goods and services. Some of the biggest sectors are automotive manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and consumer goods.

    In 2022, the value of all goods and services traded between the US and Canada came to about US$909 billion (A$1.46 trillion). Between the US and Mexico that same year, it came to more than US$855 billion (A$1.37 trillion).

    One of the hardest hit industries will be the automotive industry, which depends on cross-border trade. A car assembled in Canada, Mexico or the US relies heavily on a supply of parts from throughout North America.

    Tariffs will raise costs throughout this supply chain, which could lead to higher prices for consumers and make US-based manufacturers less competitive.

    Auto manufacturing stands to be hit hard by Trump’s tariffs.
    Around the World Photos/Shutterstock

    There could also be ripple effects for agriculture. The US exports billions of dollars in corn, soybeans, and meat to Canada and Mexico, while importing fresh produce such as avocados and tomatoes from Mexico.

    Tariffs may provoke retaliatory measures, putting farmers and food suppliers in all three countries at risk.

    Trump’s decision to delay and reduce tariffs on oil was somewhat predictable. US imports of Canadian oil have increased steadily over recent decades, meaning tariffs would immediately bite US consumers at the fuel pump.

    We’ve been here before

    This isn’t the first time the world has dealt with Trump’s tariff-heavy approach to trade policy. Looking back to his first term may provide some clues about what we might expect.

    In 2018, the US levied duties on steel and aluminium. Both Canada and Mexico are both major exporters of steel to the US.

    In his first term, Trump imposed major tariffs on US steel imports.
    ABCDstock/Shutterstock

    Canada and Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs. Ultimately, all countries removed tariffs on steel and aluminium in the process of finalising the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

    Notably, though, many of Trump’s trade policies remained in place even after President Joe Biden took office.

    This signalled a bipartisan scepticism of unfettered trade and a shift toward on-shoring or re-shoring in US policy circles.

    The options for Canada and Mexico

    This time, Canada and Mexico’s have again responded with threats of retaliatory tariffs.

    But they’ve also made attempts to mollify Trump – such as Canada launching a “crackdown” on fentanyl trade.

    Generally speaking, responses to these tariffs could range from measured diplomacy to aggressive retaliation. Canada and Mexico may target politically sensitive industries such as agriculture or gasoline, where Trump’s base could feel the pinch.

    There are legal options, too. Canada and Mexico could pursue legal action through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s dispute resolution mechanisms or the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Both venues provide pathways for challenging unfair trade practices. But these practices can be slow-moving, uncertain in their outcomes and are susceptible to being ignored.

    A more long-term option for businesses in Canada and Mexico is to diversify their trade relationships to reduce reliance on the US market. However, the facts of geography, and the large base of consumers in the US mean that’s easier said than done.

    The looming threat of a global trade war

    Trump’s latest tariffs underscore a broader trend: the widening of the so-called “Overton window” to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals.

    The Overton Window refers to the range of policy options politicians have because they are accepted among the general public.

    Arguments for bringing critical industries back to the US, protecting domestic jobs, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains gained traction after the ascent of China as a geopolitical and geoeconomic rival.

    These arguments picked up steam during the COVID-19 pandemic and have increasingly been turned into actual policy.

    The potential for a broader trade war looms large. Trump’s short-term goal may be to leverage tariffs as a tool to secure concessions from other jurisdictions.

    Trump’s threats against Denmark – in his quest to obtain control over Greenland – are a prime example. The European Union (EU), a far more potent economic player, has pledged its support for Denmark.

    A North American trade war – foreshadowed by the Canadian and Mexican governments – might then only be harbinger of things to come: significant economic harm, the erosion of trust among trading partners, and increased volatility in global markets.

    Markus Wagner receives funding from the Department of Defence, Australia as a Chief Investigator on a project titled Weaponised Trade.

    – ref. Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war – https://theconversation.com/trumps-25-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-amp-up-the-risk-of-a-broader-trade-war-248667

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gerber Products Company Announces Recall and Discontinuation of All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Choking Hazard

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Foodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential choking hazard for babies and young children

    Company Name:
    Gerber Products Company
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Gerber

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks

    Company Announcement

    ARLINGTON, VA., January 31, 2025 — Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children.

    GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS were distributed nationwide via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores in the following states and territories: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and Puerto Rico.

    Recalled products can be identified as follows:

    • GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04618 7, all lot codes
    • GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8, all lot codes
    • GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 1.59 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7, all lot codes

    This recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA.

    The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm.

    Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

    We are working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.

    We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers and retail customers.

    (Press Release URL: https://www.nestleusa.com/media/pressreleases/gerber-recalldiscontinuation-soothe-n-chew-teething-sticks)

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237)

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National with Pending Federal Indictment Charged with Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant previously released and deported following arrest for federal drug and firearm charges

    BOSTON – A Dominican national, residing in Lawrence with pending federal fentanyl trafficking and firearm charges, has been arrested and charged with unlawfully reentering the United States. After the defendant was arrested and charged in 2023 with alleged federal drug and firearm offenses, he was released on conditions and later deported.

    Santo Alberto Baez Baez, 36, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Baez Baez was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023 with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (fentanyl). He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023 with one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

    In 2022, law enforcement began investigations into multiple drug trafficking organizations (“DTOs”) that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the Lawrence area. According to court documents, on June 21, 2023, search warrants were executed at 13 locations in Massachusetts, including three locations in Lawrence, allegedly used by the DTOs. It is alleged that, during a search of one of the Lawrence-based residences, Baez Baez was found in the bedroom where a Rossi model M971 .357 caliber revolver loaded with .38 special ammunition and a silencer, a box of .38 special ammunition, a container of controlled substances – some of which were packaged in clear plastic bags for sale – and a brick that weighed approximately 200 grams – later analyzed and determined to contain fentanyl – was recovered. According to the criminal complaint, fraudulent identification documents, including social security cards and Baez Baez’s Dominican passport, where also discovered.

    At the time of his arrest, it was determined that Baez Baez had an outstanding state warrant for distribution of fentanyl, and it was determined that he was not legally present in the United States.

    Following a detention hearing on federal charges, Baez Baez was released by the Court on conditions on July 11, 2023. According to court documents, he was later brought into the custody of immigration authorities and placed into removal proceedings and, on Aug 28, 2023, he was ordered removed from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Baez Baez was removed on Sept. 19, 2023, at which time his fingerprint, photograph and signature were obtained.

    It is alleged that on an unknown date and location, Baez Baez reentered the United States without being inspected. Authorities learned that Baez Baez was living in Lawrence, Mass.

    According to the criminal complaint, on Oct. 18, 2024, an individual was stopped for a traffic violation in Andover, Mass. The operator produced a New York driver’s license identifying himself as Jose Villar Baez. It was determined that there was a warrant for “Villar Baez” in Concord District Court for leaving the scene of an accident, causing property damage and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The operator of the vehicle was arrested and later fingerprinted. Fingerprint analysis allegedly determined that “Villar Baez,” the operator of the vehicle, was in fact Baez Baez. According to the criminal complaint, Baez Baez was released by a state clerk magistrate on personal recognizance.

    On Jan. 27, 2025, a federal arrest was issued for Baez Baez for violating his pre-trial release. On Jan. 31, 2025 Baez Baez was arrested in Lawrence at a location that had been previously searched in June 2023 at the time Baez Baez originally was arrested.

    The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, no less than four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense provides for a sentence of no less than five years in prison to run consecutively with any sentence imposed on the drug offense. Baez Baez will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon 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; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police and made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts and the Natick Police Department. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno and Christopher Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of expected Trump tariffs, Senators Coons and Kaine introduce legislation to require congressional approval of new tariffs on U.S. allies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) yesterday introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act, which would rein in chaos that President Trump could create by unilaterally imposing tariffs on trading partners like the ones expected to go into effect this weekend on Canada and Mexico.
    The STABLE Trade Policy Act would institute a requirement of congressional approval before a president could impose new tariffs on U.S. allies and free trade agreement (FTA) partners. Currently, the president can impose tariffs on any nation using authorities that Congress created to combat national security risks and address international emergencies. The bill reclaims congressional authority over trade policy and limits the president’s ability to treat allies as enemies.
    “Congress gave the president the authority to impose tariffs so that he could combat our enemies in the event of a national security crisis, not so that he could pursue grudges against our allies and neighbors. If the president is going abuse this power to bully and coerce our allies, Congress should take this authority back,” said Senator Coons. “If this weekend’s tariffs go into effect, they’ll do catastrophic damage to our relationships with our allies and raise costs for working families by hundreds of dollars a year. Congress needs to stop this from happening again.”
    “Virginians want costs to go down, not up. But President Trump’s plans to impose broad-based tariffs would raise the price of everyday goods and hurt our economy,” said Senator Kaine. “It’s time for Congress to make it clear that no president should abuse existing tariff authorities designed to protect America’s national security from threats posed by our adversaries to slap tariffs on our allies and closest trading partners. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Coons to take that step to protect Americans’ pocketbooks from sharp price hikes and safeguard our relationships with our allies.”
    The introduction of STABLE Trade Policy Act comes shortly before President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on Canada and Mexico are expected to go into effect. On his first day in office, President Trump pledged 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada to go into effect February 1. The two nations, both members of the U.S.M.C.A. trade agreement that President Trump negotiated, accounted for almost one-third of all U.S. goods imports last year. Additionally, President Trump has promised 10% tariffs on China. President Trump has already threatened and then rescinded tariffs on Colombia.
    Specifically, the STABLE Trade Policy Act would:
    Require the president to explain to Congress any proposal to impose tariffs on allies and FTA partners.
    The president must explain why challenges with allies cannot be better addressed through diplomacy or other mechanisms.
    The president must assess of how tariffs will impact the U.S. economy and U.S. foreign policy interests. 
    Require congressional approval for new or additional tariffs on imports from allies and FTA partners.
    The bill constrains tariff authorities created by Congress to combat national security risks and address international economic emergencies. 
    The executive branch retains full authority to impose safeguard tariffs to combat unfair trade practices.
    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Hospital Administrator Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison in Identity Theft Scheme that Spanned Three Decades

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Victim Falsely Prosecuted, Jailed, and Forcibly Medicated with Psychotropic Drugs

    An Iowa hospital administrator who lived under a false identity for more than 30 years and caused the false imprisonment, involuntary hospitalization, and forced medication of his victim was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison.

    Matthew David Keirans, age 59, from Hartland, Wisconsin, received the prison term after an April 1, 2024, guilty plea to one count of false statement to a national credit union administration insured institution and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    Evidence presented at hearings in the case established that Keirans and his identity theft victim worked together at a hotdog cart in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the late 1980s.  Keirans assumed the victim’s identity and, for the next three decades, used that identity in every aspect of his life.  Keirans obtained several false documents in the victim’s name, including a Kentucky birth certificate.

    In 2013, Keirans obtained employment as a high-level administrator in an Iowa City hospital.  Keirans provided the hospital with false identification documents during the hiring process, including a fictitious I-9 form, social security number, date of birth, and other identification documents in his victim’s name.  After getting hired, Keirans worked for the hospital remotely from his residence in Wisconsin.  Keirans’ access to, and roles in, the system architecture of the hospital’s computer infrastructure were “the highest it could be,” and Keirans “was the key administrator of critical systems.”

    Between March 2014 and May 2022, Keirans repeatedly obtained vehicle and personal loans from two credit unions in the Northern District of Iowa using the victim’s name, social security number, and date of birth.  Keirans obtained nine loans with a total value of over $250,000 from the credit unions.  Keirans also obtained various lines of credit from other lenders in the victim’s name and with his personal identifiers.

    Keirans also maintained deposits at a national bank in the victim’s name.  In August 2019, the victim, who was homeless at the time, entered the branch of the national bank in Los Angeles, California, and told a branch manager that he had recently discovered that someone was using his credit and had accumulated large amounts of debt.  The victim stated that he did not want to pay the debt and wished to close his accounts at the bank.  The victim presented the bank with his true social security card, as well as an authentic State of California identification card.  Due to the large amount of currency in the accounts, the branch manager asked the victim a series of security questions, which the victim was unable to answer.  The national bank then called the Los Angeles Police Department (“LAPD”).

    LAPD officers spoke with Keirans on the telephone, who stated he lived in Wisconsin and did not give anyone in California permission to access his bank accounts.  After faxing the LAPD a series of phony identification documents, the LAPD arrested Keirans’ victim on two felony charges.  After Keirans requested his victim’s prosecution, the victim was charged in Keirans’ name and held without bail at the Los Angeles County Jail.

    In the ensuing months, Keirans contacted the LAPD and Los Angeles District Attorney (LADA) numerous times requesting updates on the victim’s prosecution.  Meanwhile, Keirans’ victim continued to assert throughout the California criminal proceedings that he was not Keirans.  A California state court judge ultimately found Keirans’ victim was not mentally competent to stand trial and ordered Keirans’ victim to a California mental hospital.  The California state court also ordered Keirans’ victim to receive psychotropic medication. 

    In March 2021, Keirans’ victim pled “no contest” to the two felony charges in exchange for a “time-served” sentence, a $400 fine, and immediate release from custody.  In total, Keirans’ victim spent 428 days in county jail and 147 days in the mental hospital as a result of Keirans’ false reports to the LAPD and LADA.  The state court also ordered Keirans’ victim to “use only their true name, Matthew Keirans” in the future.

    After his release from jail and hospital, Keirans’ victim made numerous attempts to regain his identity.  For his part, Keirans continued to make false reports and statements to law enforcement officials in Wisconsin and California.  The State of California billed the victim over $118,000 for the costs of his “care” in the mental hospital between October 20, 2021, and March 15, 2021.

    In January 2023, after learning where Keirans was employed, the victim contacted the Iowa City hospital’s security department about Keirans.  The hospital referred Keirans’ complaint to a local law enforcement agency, which assigned an experienced detective, Ian Mallory, to investigate the victim’s complaint.  The detective conducted an investigation and, over the course of the ensuing months, unraveled Keirans’ identity theft scheme.  Among other things, the detective obtained DNA evidence that conclusively proved that Keirans was not the son of an elderly man in Kentucky, as Keirans had claimed, but that Keirans’ victim was the man’s son. 

    During an interview with the detective in July 2023, Keirans initially insisted that the victim was “crazy” and “needed help and should be locked up.”  After the detective presented Keirans with the results of the DNA testing, however, Keirans confessed to the three-decade identity theft scheme.  Keirans also admitted to providing fraudulent documents to authorities in Los Angeles from his residence in Wisconsin to aid in the arrest, prosecution, and incarceration of the victim.  A California court ultimately exonerated the victim after Keirans pled guilty in federal court.

    Keirans was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Keirans was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment and fined $10,000.  He was ordered to make $6,191 in restitution the victim and ordered to repay $10,000 in court-appointed attorney fees.  Keirans must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Williams said Keirans’ crime was “egregious,” “callous,” and “Kafkaesque.”  Chief Judge Williams stated Keirans “weaponized the criminal justice system to achieve his goals.”  Chief Judge Williams praised the “remarkable and exceptional work” of the Iowa detective.

    “Matthew Keirans spent decades pretending to be someone he was not, all the while knowing that his victim was suffering,” said United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax.  “Keirans used his victim’s identity to live his life, obtain loans, and lines of credit.  When the victim tried to clear his name of Keirans’ debts, Keirans deliberately and calculatedly lied to police officers and prosecutors in California in order to keep his victim locked up, unable to live his life, and to keep his own secret safe.  Today, Keirans has been held responsible for his actions and will spend years in prison.” 

    “I would like to thank Detective Mallory for his tenacious work on this case,” said University of Iowa Police Chief Lucy Wiederholt.  “His persistence in finding the facts highlights our commitment to helping victims of crime.”

    “The FBI is committed to working with our local law enforcement partners wherever we can to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” said Eugene Kowel, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge. “The FBI commends the University of Iowa Police Department’s tenacity in bringing Keirans’ fraudulent crimes to an end, and we remain dedicated to holding individuals like Keirans accountable when they break the laws of our country and impose harm on victims.”

    Keirans is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.  

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the University of Iowa Police Department.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 23-CR-1020.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 31st, 2025 Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to Chiropractic Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, legislation to expand Medicare coverage of chiropractic services to ensure patients enrolled in the program can access care as a non-drug alternative for pain management. Additionally, it would expand Medicare coverage to include x-rays and other diagnostic services needed to determine and prescribe appropriate chiropractic treatments.
    “New Mexicans deserve to have the care they need, when they need it,” said Heinrich. “By expanding Medicare to include chiropractic services, seniors will have more choices and freedom to pick the care that’s right for them.”
    The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.),Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
    The text of the bill is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 31st, 2025 Heinrich, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.
    “I have worked for years to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico, Los Angeles, and across the West. This includes securing more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base in Albuquerque so that it can support and refuel the most effective firefighting planes that make the most difference for firefighters on the ground by dropping larger loads of fire retardant on blazes,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sheehy on this bipartisan legislation that will help aerial wildfire firefighting contractors continue purchasing excess equipment from the military to support their heavy aircraft. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires.”
    “As a former Navy SEAL and the only aerial firefighter in the Senate, I understand government’s most solemn duty is to keep the American people safe. Combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires is a year-round mission, and we must ensure our aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the resources needed to protect our communities. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help our brave first responders fight wildfires better, faster, and stronger by streamlining wildland firefighting efforts and removing outdated bureaucratic obstacles to getting the job done,” said Sheehy.
    The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of excess aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. The bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.
    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense’s authority to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardant or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again.
    Read more on the bill here.
    Heinrich’s Support for Aerial Firefighting
    Heinrich has long worked to expand and improve aerial firefighting operations in New Mexico to more effectively fight wildfires. In 2022, Heinrich secured more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Those upgrades were completed in 2024 – a major milestone that makes it possible to support and refuel Very Large Air Tanker planes that can drop large volumes of fire retardant on blazes.
    In an op-ed published in the Albuquerque Journal, Col. Mike Power, Kirtland Air Force Base Installation Commander, highlighted the importance of these newly completed upgrades at the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base that will help the U.S. Forest Service fight wildfires in New Mexico more efficiently and effectively.  one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.
    “This base upgrade, where now up to 30 Forest Service professionals work to lead the fight against wildfires, includes the larger ramp space for a stronger, more efficient capability to fight wildfires in New Mexico year-round. It now also houses a retardant tank farm,” said Col. Power in the op-ed. “What does that mean to the average New Mexican? It means 75,000 gallons of retardant available at one time, and cuts response time to a fire in half. Ours is one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.”
    Heinrich’s Continued Leadership on Wildfire Recovery
    Heinrich remains focused on delivering the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires and prevent future devastating blazes by restoring the health and resilience of our forests and watersheds.
    Heinrich is keeping up the effort to do right by the New Mexico families whose lives were upended by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. As communities continue to rebuild, Heinrich will keep working to deliver for every person impacted by that fire and the floods that followed.
    Heinrich, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) successfully secured an additional $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire within the Continuing Resolution that Congress passed in December.
    The Continuing Resolution also extended the period that victims may file claims with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office to March 14, 2025. The lawmakers are continuing to call for the passage of their Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Extension Act, legislation they introduced last year to extend the period a victim can file a claim with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office through the end of 2027.
    The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has now secured a total of $5.45 billion in federal resources to help New Mexicans recover and rebuild since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
    In November, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández announced that President Biden’s disaster supplemental request included transfer authority for $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández also sent a letter urging the FEMA Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and the FEMA Director of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office to address concerns from New Mexicans about the process for receiving compensationfrom the Claims Office and help families get the relief and compensation needed to recover.
    Additional information on Heinrich’s leadership on Hermit’’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Response and Recovery can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Leads New Hampshire Congressional Delegation In Urging Trump to Halt Planned Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Citing Likelihood of Increasing Energy and Food Prices for Families in the Middle of Winter

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), are sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, the Granite State’s largest trading partner, and Mexico. Sweeping tariffs would dramatically increase costs for families in New Hampshire and around the nation. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, and these tariffs are estimated to drive up energy prices for families in the middle of winter. It would also increase costs for essential items like groceries, housing, cars and more. Click here to read the full letter.
    In part, the delegation wrote: “During your campaign, you promised to ‘bring down the price of everything.’ Despite that promise, sweeping tariffs would be a tax on Americans that raises the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries. Tariff costs would be passed on to our consumers and businesses through higher costs for goods and services.”
    They continued: “For the more than 350,000 households in New Hampshire who rely on heating oil, propane and wood to keep their homes warm and comfortable, adding these costs would be particularly cruel in the middle of a winter that has seen recent temperatures reach 20 below zero. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, not because we don’t produce enough in the United States, but because it makes logistical and economic sense. The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), which represents wholesale and retail liquid heating fuel distributors throughout the Northeast, estimates that tariffs could increase heating costs by at least $375 per winter for a home in New Hampshire.”
    They concluded: “These taxes would raise families’ grocery bills, too. The type of broad tariffs you’ve proposed could raise food costs by $200 per year for the average household. That’s because the U.S. imports 38 percent of our fresh vegetables, 60 percent of our fresh fruit, and more than 99 percent of our coffee. This is the last thing families need when they’re already struggling with record high prices for eggs or coffee […] We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and reconsider the wisdom of placing sweeping tariffs on imports that would raise prices for our constituents.”
    Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced new legislation with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The Senators’ legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools. 
    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders verified that, if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of a Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates  said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Coons Introduce Legislation to Require Congressional Approval of New Tariffs on U.S. Allies Ahead of Expected Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Chris Coons (D-DE), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act to rein in chaos that President Trump could create by unilaterally imposing tariffs on trading partners.
    The STABLE Trade Policy Act would institute a requirement of Congressional approval before a president could impose new tariffs on U.S. allies and free trade agreement (FTA) partners. Currently, the president can impose tariffs on any nation using authorities that Congress created to combat national security risks and address international emergencies. The bill reinstates Congressional authority over trade policy and limits the president’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs on our allies.
    “Virginians want costs to go down, not up. But President Trump’s plans to impose broad-based tariffs would raise the price of everyday goods and hurt our economy,” said Kaine. “It’s time for Congress to make it clear that no president should abuse existing tariff authorities designed to protect America’s national security from threats posed by our adversaries to slap tariffs on our allies and closest trading partners. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Coons to take that step to protect Americans’ pocketbooks from sharp price hikes and safeguard our relationships with our allies.”
    The introduction of STABLE Trade Policy Act comes shortly before President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on Canada and Mexico are expected to be announced. On his first day in office, President Trump pledged to implement 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The two nations, both members a trade agreement that President Trump negotiated, accounted for almost one-third of all U.S. goods imports last year. The tariffs set to go into effect soon are expected to raise the costs of gasoline, cars, groceries, and home goods.
    Specifically, the STABLE Trade Policy Act would:
    Require the president to explain to Congress any proposal to impose tariffs on allies and FTA partners.
    The president must explain why challenges with allies cannot be better addressed through diplomacy or other mechanisms.
    The president must assess of how tariffs will impact the U.S. economy and U.S. foreign policy interests. 

    Require Congressional approval for new or additional tariffs on imports from allies and FTA partners.
    The bill constrains tariff authorities created by Congress to combat national security risks and address international economic emergencies. 
    The executive branch retains full authority to impose safeguard tariffs to combat unfair trade practices.

    Kaine is committed to protecting Virginian families from price hikes imposed by tariffs. Last week, he introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American families and businesses from increased costs by limiting the president’s authority to impose unlimited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –