To be attributed to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Pritchard:
Three Wairoa men are before the courts following three separate, unrelated incidents in the town over the weekend.
The first incident occurred in Ruataniwha Road at around midday on Saturday 17 May, when a man allegedly presented a firearm.
Soon after, officers located the man in a vehicle and arrested him. The 50-year-old man subsequently appeared in Gisborne District Court, facing several firearms and drug-related charges.
The second incident was a house fire in Frasertown at around 7.30pm on Saturday. The house was totally destroyed and was determined to be suspicious.
A 37-year-old man was arrested on Monday 19 May and charged with arson. He was scheduled to appear in Gisborne District Court today.
The third incident was a report of gunshots being fired in the Clyde Domain, followed by a serious crash on Kopu Road in the early hours of Sunday morning (19 May).
The crash claimed the life of the driver and a passenger sustained minor injuries. That passenger, a 27-year-old man, was subsequently arrested and charged with firearms-related offending. He is scheduled to appear in Wairoa District Court on 25 May.
Police will continue to make enquiries into the crash – and the events leading up to the crash – on behalf of the Coroner. Our sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the deceased driver.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) will launch the Digitalised Basic Law and National Security Law Test (Degree/Professional Grades) (Digitalised BLNST), which prospective applicants can apply for through the online application system on the CSB website starting from tomorrow (May 21) at 9am for the examination to be held from May 23 onwards.
The examination will be conducted by computer at the Recruitment Centre, General Grades Office of the CSB. There are six examination timeslots per working day, and it is estimated that around 60 000 examination quotas will be provided each year.————————————
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement in response to news that the Justice Department charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10):
“I am deeply disturbed by the charges filed today against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. LaMonica has been a tireless advocate for justice, equity, and the dignity of every person — especially the most vulnerable in our communities. Her presence at Delaney Hall was not only lawful, it was courageous. She was conducting routine oversight and exercising her First Amendment right of free speech to call out the injustice she witnessed firsthand at an unsanctioned ICE facility, as any public servant should.
“These charges send a chilling message to every elected official who dares to challenge this Administration or speak truth to power. We cannot allow political intimidation to silence those who fight for accountability and transparency.
“I stand firmly with Rep. McIver. I know her character and her commitment to justice, and I urge everyone to look beyond the headlines and recognize this for what it is — a deeply troubling attempt to deter oversight.
“We will not be deterred. We will continue to speak out.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov
c: 202.913.0126
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:
“The baseless charges filed this evening against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver are nothing more than a reprehensible political stunt intended to intimidate an exceptional public servant into abiding by the overwhelming injustice and cruelty created by the very administration now prosecuting her. For months, this president and his lackeys have been relentless in trying to disrupt the work of Congress as a co-equal branch of government. Now, they’ve stooped so low and so shamefully as to weaponize the Justice Department against Rep. McIver, who only stood up for the freedoms of her constituents and her fellow elected officials.
“Members of Congress have every right to conduct oversight. When egregious, illegal violations are taking place, they have a responsibility to do so. Rep. McIver was just doing her job, and that is why the American people recognize these charges as bogus to a laughable degree. No matter how many attempts this administration makes to intimidate Congress, local leaders, the federal workforce, or anyone who stands up against the Trump regime, they should know our resolve is only deepened by this disgusting attack. He does not have the capacity to scare us.
“Donald Trump took a monstrous step on his pathway to dictatorship tonight. With it, it’s clear this is no longer the America I know.”
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law — a key initiative of First Lady Melania Trump and a landmark step in the fight to protect victims of digital exploitation.
The signing of this critical bill received bipartisan praise on Capitol Hill and beyond:
Sen. Ted Cruz: “The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is an historic win for victims of revenge porn and deepfake image abuse. Predators who weaponize new technology to post this exploitative filth will now rightfully face criminal consequences, and Big Tech will no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye to the spread of this vile material. This day stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose relentless advocacy made this law possible. I am deeply grateful to my legislative partners, particularly Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First Lady Melania Trump, for their collaboration in advancing this critical legislation to protect every American’s privacy and dignity online.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar: “Big news: my bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act w/Sen. Cruz was signed into law by the President today. It protects victims of online abuse and set some rules of the road for social media and AI. Thank you to the First Lady for her support and to the advocates who made this possible.”
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar: “Before this law, victims were ignored. Schools couldn’t act, police had no tools, and Big Tech looked away. With TAKE IT DOWN, that changes. Platforms must respond — and predators will face justice. Now, victims have the power and the law behind them.”
X CEO Linda Yaccarino: “Honored to be at the @WhiteHouse today as @POTUS signed the Take It Down Act. Grateful to @FLOTUS for her dedication to ensuring safety. @X will continue to work alongside @SenTedCruz @MarshaBlackburn @RepNancyMace and @NCMEC to do everything possible to make the internet safer, especially for children.”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson: “No one should have to live in fear of their most private moments being weaponized against them. Revenge porn is a cruel and deeply violating crime, and for too long, the law has lagged behind the technology. Today, with President Trump’s leadership, we’re now bringing that fight to the national stage, by standing up for survivors, holding predators accountable, and making it absolutely clear: digital abuse is real abuse, and it will be met with real consequences.”
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: “Today, @NCMEC_CEO, Michelle DeLaune and NCMEC’s Chief Legal Officer, Yiota Souras attended the TAKE IT DOWN Act bill signing ceremony at the White House. We’re grateful for @POTUS and @FLOTUS prioritizing this critical legislation and shining a light on child exploitation. This groundbreaking new law closes a dangerous gap by targeting the distribution of both real and digitally altered exploitative content involving children – content that may fall outside existing CSAM definitions – and requires social media platforms to take this imagery down. As the Congressionally designated national clearinghouse on missing and exploited children issues, we will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to identify evolving threats in child sexual exploitation and look forward to continuing our work together to protect children online.”
National Organization for Women President Christian F. Nunes: “Today, President Donald Trump signed into law the Take It Down Act—the first bipartisan legislation that zeroes in on one of the most pernicious threats to women’s health and safety—the theft of our bodily autonomy through deepfake images used to harass and exploit women and girls … Today’s signing shows how much can be done when we get out of the silos that separate us from issue to issue and work together on the values and common goals that unite us despite those differences. When it comes to protecting women and girls from online abuse, this work is just beginning.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “I was pleased to be at the White House to witness the signing of The Take It Down Act, which will criminalize the distribution of nonconsensual intimate imagery. I will be working to get the Kids Online Safety Act to President Trump’s desk next to hold Big Tech accountable for failing to protect innocent children from online harms.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “I am proud to be an original cosponsor on the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This important legislation will protect victims of digital exploitation by making non-consensual, explicit images shared online against the law. Thank you to @FLOTUS for your work on this issue and for @POTUS signing it into law today.”
Sen. John Cornyn: “I was honored to join @POTUS + @FLOTUS at the @WhiteHouse today for the signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This bill will help punish predators & protect kids from exploitation by requiring online platforms to remove explicit images, including AI generated deepfakes, within 48 hours. Happy to see this commonsense bill signed into law!”
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto: “I’m glad Pres. Trump signed our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act today. We’ve seen how technology can deliver incredible innovations but there have to be guardrails to keep people safe. That’s why I supported this bill to protect and empower victims of real and deepfake revenge porn.”
Sen. Roger Wicker: “The U.S. must lead in AI innovation and accountability. Today, President Trump signed the Take It Down Act. This new law protects people from AI deepfakes which often target families and children.”
Sen. Todd Young: “Glad to see @POTUS sign our TAKE IT DOWN Act into law today to protect victims—especially young women and children—from harmful deepfakes.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “Glad to see @POTUS sign the Take It Down Act into law. Deepfake sexual exploitation has sadly become more common with technological advancements. Thankfully, this law will hold perpetrators accountable and protect the victims of these depraved crimes.”
House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain: “In America, we will not tolerate the exploitation of our children. This law will protect our children and families from becoming targets of digital predators. I’m proud to have stood alongside President Trump when he signed this important legislation into law. I look forward to continuing to support his administration and the First Lady’s efforts to hold those who create harmful content accountable, ensure that platforms take responsibility, and keep our children safe in the digital age.”
Rep. Rick Allen: “✅ SIGNED INTO LAW: The Take It Down Act As a grandfather of 14, I was proud to support this bill in @HouseCommerce and on the House floor. Thank you to @FLOTUS for your tireless work to create a safer digital future and protect our kids from online exploitation.”
Rep. Vern Buchanan: “President Trump has signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law, which protects children and victims of revenge porn from online exploitation. I was proud to help introduce this bill and vote for its passage in support of those who have been subject to this horrific violation.”
Rep. Kat Cammack: “Glad to support the Take It Down Act and to see it signed into law today by @POTUS.”
Rep. Ben Cline: “President Trump just signed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act into law—a major step toward removing non-consensual AI-generated deepfakes on social media. Grateful for @FLOTUS’s leadership in getting this across the finish line and protecting every American from these harmful images.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell: “The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is now law. This is a huge win for women and children across the country. Grateful for my partners in the House and Senate who helped get this bill across the finish line and passed into law.”
Rep. Randy Feenstra: “Thank you to President Trump for signing the TAKE IT DOWN Act to deliver the harshest punishment possible for criminals who take advantage of our kids.”
Rep. Laura Gillen: “I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Take It Down Act and glad to see it signed into law today. No one should have to endure such a violation of privacy without protection. #TakeItDown”
Rep. Morgan Griffith: “For me, voting for the Take It Down Act was easy. This commonsense bill protects our kids from nonconsensual online distribution of sexually explicit images.”
Rep. Brett Guthrie: “I want to thank President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their steadfast leadership, as well as the millions of Americans affected by online exploitation, for their courage. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I am proud that we delivered on our commitment to advance this important legislation to protect victims of online exploitation. I want to honor Eli Heacock, and express my gratitude to his mom, Shannon Cronister-Heacock, for having the courage to share her son’s devastating story. The scourge of sexual exploitation online has upended the lives of innocent victims all across our country. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is an important step forward in protecting kids from new, 21st century threats to their well-being. This bill would not have been possible without the bravery of families like the Heacocks, and the TAKE IT DOWN Act works to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.”
Rep. Pat Harrigan: “A few weeks ago, I voted for the TAKE IT DOWN ACT in the House. Today, it’s the law! Justice is here for the victims, and a reckoning is coming for those who thought they could get away with preying on the vulnerable.”
Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “The Take It Down Act is a crucial step in protecting our children from predatory behavior online. I was proud to support this important legislation!”
Rep. Kevin Hern: “I’m honored to be at the @WhiteHouse today to witness @POTUS sign the Take It Down Act into law! Earlier this year, @FLOTUS came to Capitol Hill for a roundtable that I was grateful to be a part of. We heard directly from teenagers whose lives had been destroyed by malicious AI-generated pornographic images shared on social media. This legislation will require social media sites to act as quickly as possible to remove such images from their platforms. The First Lady has been an incredible advocate for this legislation, helping to garner bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Congratulations!”
Rep. Young Kim: “Good news! The TAKE IT DOWN Act is now the law of the land to protect kids from online exploitation. I was proud to vote in favor of this historic, bipartisan bill on the House floor.”
Rep. Barry Loudermilk: “Today, @POTUS signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. As AI advances, so do the risks involved with it. This legislation will help children and their families to remove explicit or defamatory images posted online. In the digital age, privacy and security are vital and this is a major step.”
Rep. Nancy Mace: “We’re at the @WhiteHouse as the Take It Down Act is signed into law. Thank you, President Trump. With the rise of AI and deepfake a*use, women and children have been left vulnerable for too long. The Take It Down Act finally gives victims real protection, and makes exploitation a crime, not a loophole.”
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie: “Proud to attend today’s signing of the Take it Down Act. As a Pennsylvania State Representative, I helped to lead efforts to remove harmful deepfake images. Now, this law takes that fight nationwide and protects young people throughout our nation from AI-generated online exploitation.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Today @POTUS signed the Take It Down Act, bipartisan legislation I co-sponsored, into law! Together we’re protecting women (and men) from becoming victims of digital exploitation.”
Rep. August Pfluger: “I just witnessed @POTUS sign the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law! This is a major step forward in protecting innocent victims and restoring online accountability, and I was proud to co-lead this legislation alongside @RepMariaSalazar.”
Rep. Roger Williams: “Today @POTUS signed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. This law will hold abusers accountable and empower victims of online abuse to have deepfake content or explicit material shared without their consent removed. We will not tolerate the exploitation of our children.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi: “I was proud to stand with @POTUS as he signed the Take It Down Act. Thank you @FLOTUS for your work in safeguarding children from deepfake exploitation.”
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “As @FLOTUS’ Take it Down Act is signed into law, @POTUS highlights $25 million to support foster youth aging out of the foster care system. I am proud to partner with the First Lady to provide young adults with the assistance and foundation they need to transform their lives.”
House Republican Conference: “The Take It Down Act was signed into LAW by @POTUS! Congratulations to @FLOTUS, @RepMariaSalazar, and Chairman @RepGuthrie. Thank you for leading this effort to protect children from exploitation online.”
Republican Study Committee: “This is a huge win. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is critical to protecting children from non-consensual deepfakes online and holds AI abusers accountable. Thank you, President Trump!”
Department of Homeland Security: “Thank you @POTUS Trump for continuing to prioritize America’s children by signing into law the “Take It Down Act,” to protect children from extortion. DHS is at the forefront fighting predators who try to harm and exploit our children. Make America Safe Again!”
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 20, 2025.
Can you treat headaches with physiotherapy? Here’s what the research says Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zhiqi Liang, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland BaanTaksinStudio/Shutterstock You might’ve noticed some physiotherapists advertise they offer treatments for headaches and wondered: would that work? In fact, there’s a solid body of research showing that physiotherapy treatments can be really helpful for certain types of headache.
NZ joins call for Israel to allow full resumption of aid to Gaza New Zealand has joined 22 other countries and the European Union in calling for Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. The partners also said Israel must enable the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially “to save lives, reduce suffering, and maintain dignity.” Israel imposed a blockade
Can cats drink milk? Despite the stereotypes, it’s actually a bad idea Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Henning, PhD Candidate in Feline Behaviour, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Shawn Rain/Unsplash Cats have a long history with humans, going back more than 9,000 years. Attracted to human settlements by the rodents that plagued (sometimes literally) our ancestors, cats ingratiated themselves
Boredom gets a bad rap. But science says it can actually be good for us Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Kennedy, Youth Mental Health Researcher, University of the Sunshine Coast We have all experienced boredom – that feeling of waning interest or decreased mental stimulation. Eventually we lose focus, we disengage. Time seems to pass slowly, and we may even start to feel restless. Whether it
15 years ago, I urged the AFL to launch a mental health round. Now it’s time for action Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pat McGorry, Professor of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne The death of former AFL footballer Adam Selwood, less than four months after the death by suicide of his twin Troy, is an unfathomable tragedy for the Selwood family. The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the AFL
Does drawing on memory help us solve problems? Our experiment gave some surprising answers Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Macaskill, Senior Lecturer in Experimental Psychology, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Conventional wisdom suggests memories of past experiences can help us navigate problems in the present. For example, if a friend told you they were having a disagreement with their partner,
Speight’s Fiji coup had more to do with power, greed than iTaukei rights, says Chaudhry Today marks the 25th anniversary of the May 19, 2000, coup led by renegade businessman George Speight. The deposed Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, says Speight’s motive had less to do with indigenous rights and a lot more to do with power, greed, and access to the millions likely to accrue from Fiji’s mahogany plantation. On
The federal government wants to boost productivity. Science can help Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deanna D’Alessandro, Professor & Director, Net Zero Institute, University of Sydney Daniel Sone/National Cancer Institute In the wake of Labor’s resounding victory in Australia’s federal election earlier this month, there has been much talk about flailing productivity in Australia. In fact, last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Fish driving cars and chimps doing maths: what teaching animals ‘irrelevant’ skills reveals about our own minds Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scarlett Howard, Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University VixtorPhoto / Shutterstock Did you know goldfish can learn to drive cars? Have you heard bumblebees can learn to pull on a string? Would you believe some primates can perform calculations with Arabic numerals? These tasks seem
Surviving swamps on South Australia’s parched Fleurieu Peninsula are a lifeline to wildlife – and farmers Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Auricht, Visiting Research Fellow in Natural Resources Management, University of Adelaide Yundi Nature Conservancy, CC BY-NC-ND South Australia is famously the driest state on the driest inhabited continent. But even for South Australia, the current drought is extreme. Rainfall has been the lowest on record across
‘No pain, no gain’: why some primary students are following intense study routines Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Ho, Associate professor in Social and Political Sciences, University of Technology Sydney MNStudio/ Shutterstock Every year, thousands of New South Wales students sit a test to determine places for highly sought-after selective high schools. These are academically selective public schools often associated with high Year 12
NZ Budget 2025: anything less than a 5% increase in health funding amounts to merely standing still Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Professor of Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Health Minister Simeon Brown. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Minister of Health Simeon Brown claimed earlier this year that health funding in New Zealand has never been higher and that suggestions of underfunding are “fake news”. On
Former Canberra diplomat Ali Kuzak dies on the way to Palestine Ali Kazak: born Haifa, 1947; died May 17 2025, Thailand By Helen Musa in Canberra Former Palestinian diplomat and long-time Canberra identity Ali Kazak died on Saturday en route to Palestine. Sources at the Canberra Islamic Centre report that he was recovering from heart surgery and died during a stopover in Thailand. Kazak was born
Environmentalists question Henry Puna’s role in deep sea mining firm By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Environmentalists in the Cook Islands have criticised former Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) head Henry Puna for joining the board of a deep sea mining company. Puna, who finished his term as PIF secretary-general in May last year, played a pivotal part in the creation of multi-use
Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney I. Noyan Yilmaz, Shutterstock Societies increasingly rely on scientists to guide decisions in times of uncertainty, from pandemic outbreaks to the rise of artificial intelligence. Addressing climate change is no
Joe Biden has advanced prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9. What does this mean? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones. A statement Biden’s office issued
Open letter from John Cusack: ‘The children of Gaza need your outrage – end the siege’ Pacific Media Watch American film star celebrity John Cusack, who describes himself on his x-page bio as an “apocalyptic shit-disturber”, has posted an open letter to the world denouncing the Israeli “mass murder” in Gaza and calling for “your outrage”. While warning the public to “don’t stop talking about Palestine/Gaza”, he says that the “hollow
Russia is labelling Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’, not a prisoner of war. What’s the difference – and why does this matter? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University Oscar Jenkins, a 33-year-old former teacher from Melbourne, was one of many foreigners who responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call in 2022 for volunteers to join Ukraine’s armed forces to help repel Russia’s invasion. In early 2024, Jenkins
Serious and Organised Crime Branch and Western District investigators have arrested three people after they were stopped at Adelaide Airport on Sunday night (18 May) in possession of methamphetamine.
A 31-year-old woman, a 32 -year-old man from Paralowie and a 34-year-old man from Munno Para West were stopped after they disembarked a flight from Sydney.
Concealed within their luggage police located approximately 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in bath salt containers.
The trio were arrested and have been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug.
They appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 19 May where they were remanded in custody to face court at a later date.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)
Washington, D.C. (May 19, 2025)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, and Rep. Lucy McBath, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, released the following statement following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) unfounded targeting of Rep. LaMonica McIver:
“The targeting of Representative McIver is a blatant attempt to intimidate Members of Congress and to block our oversight of this administration’s actions, which have been enjoined more than 150 times by federal courts. We stand by Representative McIver’s exercise of her constitutional rights and duties. If you come for the legal rights of one of us, you come for the rights of all of us.
“Members of Congress have the right to conduct oversight, full stop — whether that’s holding Cabinet officials accountable or visiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Representative McIver was performing her proper oversight role, a role she was elected by the American people to do — and even participated in a one-hour tour after the incident occurred.
“Charging Members of Congress for doing our jobs is a dangerous precedent to set. It reveals the increasingly authoritarian nature of this Administration and its relentless, illegal attempts to suppress any dissent or oversight, including from judges, Members of Congress, and the American people, which check lawless executive power. Representative McIver has our full support, and we will do everything in our power to help fight this outrageous threat to our constitutional system.”
Background:
Section 527 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47) explicitly states that the Department of Homeland Security cannot prevent Members of Congress from “entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens […]. The law goes on to state that “Nothing in this section may be construed to require a Member of Congress to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility […] for the purpose of conducting oversight.”
A group of young people had their plans foiled after a break-in at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre last night.
Mall security reported a burglary taking place at 8.15pm.
“A group of offenders were seen breaking into a mobile shop inside Sylvia Park,” Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager Inspector Rachel Dolheguy says.
“They gained entry to the store via the rear door, where once inside they have smashed the cash register and stolen items.”
A timely response by Police led to the group being located at the back of the mall.
The group were found in possession of items belonging to several other retailers from within the shopping precinct.
“It is unacceptable to see young people committing these types of offences, but we are elated that the partnership and timely actions by security and Police working together resulted in their apprehension and recovery of the stolen items,” Inspector Dolheguy says.
The group were aged between 13 and 15 years old. They have been referred to Youth Aid.
Attributable to Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Leonard:
A man has been arrested in relation to an assault in Hawke’s Bay last month in which cyclists competing in a race were pelted with glass bottles.
On the afternoon of Saturday 19 April, the occupants of a black ute were seen on Mutiny Road, Poukawa throwing bottles from their vehicle towards participants of a Council-sanctioned cycle race.
A young person was hit by a bottle and fell from their bike – fortunately they were not seriously injured.
Hastings Police would like to thank the public for their response to our appeal for information at the time, as this has helped bring this matter to a resolution.
An 18-year-old man has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, and is due to appear in Hastings District Court on Friday 23 May.
He was a passenger in the black ute at the time. This vehicle has been seized by Police, and Police are following lines of inquiry to speak with the driver.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind road users that cyclists are legal road users under the Land Transport Act, who will on occasion ride two abreast, particularly in organised ride or race situations.
Please be patient and overtake when safe to do so for all parties, ensuring everyone arrives at their destination safely – preserving Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as a proud cycling region.
A new report from Aotearoa Educators’ Collective, released today, has confirmed what teachers, students, and whanau have been calling out for years–our learning support system is overstretched, underfunded, and simply not working.
“This report paints a stark picture of systemic strain, with those working in learning support being pushed to breaking point,” says Green Party Education Spokesperson, Lawrence Xu-Nan.
“Education should serve the wellbeing and potential of all mokopuna—not just those whose needs align with the status quo. We have all the tools we need to give them that and more, but it requires serious investment and support for our workforce.
“However, the Government is intent on making cosmetic tweaks, like fragmented and reactive funding, while ignoring the core issue: the system was never set up to work properly in the first place.
“Every announcement to date from this coalition has tinkered around the edges to make the numbers look prettier, rather than prompting genuine change that benefits our tamariki, their whānau, kaiako, kaimahi, and the wider communities.
“Today’s report shows decades of neglect, growing pressure, and a workforce pushed to breaking point. The Government’s cancellation of 33 pay equity claims–many of which affect teachers and support staff–makes it blatantly clear they’re not serious about fixing it.
“Further, the new Education and Training Amendment Bill completely fails to recognise the actual need of our education system.
“The Greens’ plan lays out real solutions. As a starting point: nationalising ECE, expanding free school lunches, and building a learning support system where every child belongs.
“Our plan will put children’s wellbeing at the centre of decision-making and policy, where it should have been all along,”says Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Source: African Development Bank Group According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), “Corruption is the main obstacle to economic and social development in the world. Every year, $1 trillion is paid in bribes, while an estimated $2.6 trillion, equivalent to more than five per cent of global GDP, is stolen.”
Police have made arrests following an early morning burglary at a Devonport apartment building.
Two offenders were seen allegedly breaking into the Queens Parade complex just before 2am.
Waitematā East Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant CJ Miles says Police quickly deployed into the area.
“Our staff were on scene quickly and located a vehicle travelling away from the scene,” she says.
“The vehicle was stopped on Lake Road in Hauraki and its occupants were spoken to.”
A 39-year-old woman, who was a passenger, has since been charged with a raft of offences.
She will appear in the North Shore District Court today charged with burglary, possession of instruments for burglary, resisting Police and possession of methamphetamine utensils.
Another passenger taken in custody, a 27-year-old woman, had warrants for her arrest for failing to appear in court.
Police enquiries remain ongoing into the burglary.
“I’d like to acknowledge the work of our night shift team in their response,” Senior Sergeant Miles says.
“It highlights the benefits of having good quality CCTV operating around your property.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Due to an increase in police demand, Katherine police have increased proactive measures in order to drive down crime and antisocial behaviour.
Alcohol remains a primary catalyst for crime an anti-social behaviour across the region, and in response, police have significantly increased Banned Drinkers Orders (BDO) for problem drinkers.
February to April saw a 354% increase in the number of BDO’s issued. For the month of April, 145 people were rejected from purchasing alcohol due to an active BDO.
In addition to these measures, since March 2025, 280 SupportLink referrals have been made by Katherine Police. Support Link delivers targeted referral and diversion services to people who require social services assistance. These referrals can be made to address issues such as domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol dependence, drug and alcohol diversions and homelessness.
Commander Terry Zhang said, “Our members have seen a noticeable increase in the demand for our services due to a sudden surge of people into the Katherine Region.
“In response to this, we have shifted to proactively tackling the drivers of crime and antisocial behaviour through support services and alcohol restrictions. In addition to these changes, we will also welcome a further 15 new constables who will start in Katherine from mid-June to further enhance our targeted operations.
“Police have also continued to work closely with other organisations in Katherine. This includes working with the local council on early morning patrols focused on rough sleepers, and a joint operation with Public Housing Officers targeting problem tenancies.
“Police would like to thank the Katherine Community for their ongoing support and re-iterate our commitment to keeping the Katherine community safe.”
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29. The counties are Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington.
“This season’s weather pattern has brought one destructive severe storm after another to Missouri, and the April 29 storms led to widespread damage in six counties – damage that is simply beyond their capabilities and those of the state to sustain without federal assistance,” Governor Kehoe said. “Missourians are rallying to rebuild and support one another and will continue to do so as we now respond to the latest deadly and highly destructive storms that swept across the state on Friday, May 16.”
Governor Kehoe is requesting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance based on documented damage and emergency response costs that exceed $16.5 million in Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington counties alone. Those cost estimates were gathered during joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials and include damage to a public elementary school, a Missouri Department of Transportation facility, essential utility distribution lines, roads and other public infrastructure as well as debris removal.
If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.
As of May 19, there have now been four major storms in the state of Missouri. The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe’s federal assistance requests:
March 14-15 Storms
Status:Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On April 2, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 28 counties in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15, claiming 13 lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
March 30 – April 8 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 1, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 26 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that caused widespread destruction across the state, resulting in six confirmed deaths.
April 29 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29.
May 16 Storms
Status:FEMA to participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments
Sent request for federal Emergency Declaration to authorize Direct Federal Assistance and up to $5 million in immediate funding to the state
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe took two actions to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the appointment of Katherine Reilly as the agency’s Acting Inspector General. Ms. Reilly is currently serving as a Deputy Inspector General at the SEC. She replaces Deborah Jeffrey, who has served as the SEC’s Inspector General since 2023 and is retiring.
“Our Inspector General’s office champions transparency and seeks to root out redundancy and overlap to ensure our agency is running as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “Katherine possesses the experience and expertise to continue these oversight efforts. We also thank Deb for her leadership and dedication in this area during these past two years.”
Prior to her arrival at the SEC, Ms. Jeffrey served as inspector general at AmeriCorps for 11 years after working in the private practice of law for 25 years. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Law School, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review.
Ms. Reilly joined the SEC’s Office of Inspector General in 2020 as Counsel to the Inspector General. She later served as Acting Inspector General in a rotating role prior to Ms. Jeffrey’s arrival and served as the Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations from December 2022 to March 2025.
Ms. Reilly began her career as an antitrust lawyer at the Federal Trade Commission before transitioning to private practice in the field of antitrust and commercial litigation. She joined the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) in 2005 and ascended to become Director of Legal Services before leaving in 2013 to join the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review, where she served in the roles of Chief Counsel for Employee and Labor Relations as well as Deputy Director. In June 2019, Ms. Reilly returned to the USPS-OIG as Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Mission Support.
Ms. Reilly is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate degrees. Ms. Reilly also has a Master of Laws degree from The University of Melbourne, Australia.
The SEC’s Office of Inspector General is an independent unit that promotes the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the SEC’s critical programs and operations through rigorous and objective oversight.
Under the Inspector General Act of 1978, inspectors general have a dual and independent reporting relationship to the Commission and Congress. Appointments are made without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations.
Headline: Justice Department Establishes Civil Rights Fraud Initiative
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced the establishment of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will utilize the False Claims Act to investigate and, as appropriate, pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws. Violations of the False Claims Act can result in treble damages and significant penalties.
COLORADO SPRINGS/PUEBLO – Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law in Colorado Spring and Pueblo to make Colorado safer by strengthening public safety, save Coloradans and businesses money on energy, expand access to the healthcare needed to thrive, support Colorado’s advanced industries, and more.
At the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Governor Polis signed HB25-1171 – Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender Crimes, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Andrew Boesenecker, and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Dafna Michaelson Jenet.
“Today, we are taking important steps to make Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the nation. From now on anyone convicted of first degree motor vehicle theft ineligible to possess a firearm, keeping guns out of the wrong hands and protecting our communities. I am proud of our work to improve public safety in Colorado, and with this bill signed into law, I look forward to continuing our bold progress to protect Coloradans and our communities,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also signed the bipartisan HB25-1177 – Utility Economic Development Rate Tariff Adjustments, sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Ty Winter and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Byron Pelton.
“In Colorado, utility rates remain below the national average, and this new bipartisan law will help reduce costs, saving Coloradans and businesses money on energy. This law will provide utilities and businesses the certainty needed to secure new investment, help lower electricity costs, and allow communities and businesses to plan for the future, all while advancing our climate goals, continuing embracing new money-saving clean energy, and protecting our clean air,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also signed SB25-008 – Adjust Necessary Document Program sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Cathy Kipp and Representative Meg Froelich.
Then, Governor Polis visited SkyView Middle School, one of Colorado’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award Winning schools. With today’s visit, Governor Polis has visited all four Colorado Blue Ribbon schools. Governor Polis previously visited Mesa View Elementary School in Grand Junction, DSST: Cedar Ridge High School in Denver, and Zach Elementary School in Fort Collins.
“Providing every Colorado student with a high-quality education at every level of K-12 education is important for students’ futures, our workforce, and economy. I was honored to visit SkyView Middle School to celebrate its well-deserved national recognition as a blue ribbon school, and learn about how successful strategies at SkyView can help other schools across Colorado,” said Governor Polis.
Later this afternoon, Governor Polis will sign the bipartisan HB25-1184 – Community-Based Continuing Care for Seniors, sponsored by Representatives Amy Paschal and Anthony Hartsook and Senators Dylan Roberts and John Carson.
“In a Colorado For All, every Coloradan, no matter your age or ability, should have access to the care you need when you need it. Thanks to this law, Coloradans awaiting admission to supportive living facilities will not need to wait before receiving necessary care. By expanding access to the care seniors need, we are ensuring that Colorado is the best state for anyone to live out their golden years,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis will also sign the bipartisan HB25-1157 – Reauthorize Advanced Industries Tax Credit, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and William Lindstedt, and Senators Marc Snyder and Mark Baisley.
“Colorado is a state of innovators, leading the way in the cutting-edge emerging technologies of the future. Advanced industries support hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, find solutions in every sector from transportation to health care and agriculture, and are leading the way. These tax credits will ensure that our advanced industries continue to drive our innovation and economy,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis will also sign the following bipartisan bills:
HB25-1270 – Patients’ Right to Try Individualized Treatments, sponsored by Representatives Rose Pugliese and Lindsay Gilchrist and Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Lindsey Daugherty
SB25-116 – Spousal Maintenance Guidelines sponsored by Senators Marc Snyder and Lisa Frizell and Representatives Monica Duran and Ryan Armagost
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced the establishment of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will utilize the False Claims Act to investigate and, as appropriate, pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws. Violations of the False Claims Act can result in treble damages and significant penalties.
“Institutions that take federal money only to allow anti-Semitism and promote divisive DEI policies are putting their access to federal funds at risk,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate these violations of civil rights – inaction is not an option.”
“America has watched a tidal wave of anti-Semitism sweep our universities and seen public institutions codify inherently divisive policies like DEI at an unprecedented rate,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In advancing the initiative, the Department of Justice’s Civil Fraud Section and Civil Rights Division will work in concert – alongside other Department components and government agencies – to identify and root out instances in which recipients of federal funds fail to uphold their basic obligations under federal civil rights laws. The days of using federal funds to further discrimination are over.”
The Department strongly encourages anyone with knowledge of discrimination by federal funding recipients to consider filing a qui tam action under the False Claims Act. See 31 U.S.C. § 3730. When a qui tam action is successful, the whistleblower typically receives a portion of the monetary recovery. The Department also encourages the public to report instances of such discrimination to the appropriate federal authorities. Please visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/report-fraud for more information.
An eagle-eyed camera operator alerted Police to a person possessing a firearm in Paihia overnight.
“At around 2am Police were notified by Kaitaia cameras that a male had been seen on CCTV pulling what appeared to be a firearm from his pants,” Mid North Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt says.
“He was observed holding it on camera for a few seconds before adjusting it and placing it back into his pants.”
Units were dispatched to the location and located the man a short distance away after carrying out area enquiries.
Senior Sergeant Barratt says the firearm he was allegedly possessing has not been located at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
Police have since located methamphetamine paraphernalia.
“This was great work by the camera operator who as part of proactive prevention has observed this male, and we were able to locate and charge him,” Senior Sergeant Barratt says.
“We will continue to act on this sort of information to keep our communities safe.”
A 37-year-old male, who is a patched Black Power member, has been charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm and possessing utensils for methamphetamine. He will appear in the Kaikohe District Court today.
Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
Hickenlooper: “Rev. Peters carried that same commitment when he came to Denver and to Colorado. That same commitment to justice… Along the way, he had a significant impact on many of Colorado’s leaders. I was one of them.”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in memory of longtime civil rights leader Reverend Dr. James D. Peters, Jr.
“He knew that they were – that we are – strongest when we’re united, marching hand in hand. Walking next to Rev. Peters, it was impossible not to feel buoyed up by the enduring hope he carried with him pretty much at all times,” said Hickenlooper on the Senate floor.
Reverend Peters was a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in the Denver metropolitan area for 28 years and previously chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. He passed away on Saturday, May 10th.
Hickenlooper continued: “As Rev. Peters’ friend and mentor Dr. King famously said that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ Like many around the country today, I’ve felt that, in recent years, that arc has not bent as far as we had hoped. But, if Rev. Peters’ taught us one thing, it is that neither today or tomorrow is the day to bow our heads.”
Hickenlooper with Rev. Peters outside of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery.
To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below:
“I come to the floor today to honor the incredible life of Rev. Dr. James D. Peters, seated here.
“Rev. Dr. James D. Peters, I should say, who passed away last week at the age of 92. And what a life he lived.
“James was truly one of the greatest men I’ve ever known.
“Rev. Peters’ story started not far from these walls here in Washington, D.C.
“He grew up in Washington during a time of deep segregation and became an early leader in the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s and into the 1970s.
“In 1957, he helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“He worked with Dr. King for many years to help shape the course of American history.
“He marched unbowed in the March on Washington in 1963 and numerous other marches. Notably, Selma across the Edmund Pettus bridge in 1965.
“Rev. Peters carried that same commitment when he came to Denver and to Colorado. That same commitment to justice.
“For more than 28 years, he preached Dr. King’s gospel of freedom and unity as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, the largest Black church in Denver.
“He also served many years on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to make Colorado a better place for all our residents.
“Along the way, he had a significant impact on many of Colorado’s leaders. I was one of them.
“In 2003, I was the newly elected Mayor of Denver. Not quite inaugurated yet when on July 5th, Paul Childs was shot and killed in his own front hall by an inexperienced Denver police officer.
“Paul was only fifteen years old. But he was beloved by his community and his death shook the entire city.
“Following that awful tragedy, Rev. Peters, alongside my predecessor, Wellington Webb, who’s one of the great mayors of the 20th century, they helped organize their community and mentored me on the appropriate ways to address this tragedy in such a way that it could be constructive. That somehow the community could be made more stronger and more resilient.
“Reverend Peters knew that the community had to change and use this tragedy to make a better future for the entire community.
“He was one of those leaders who helped us create Denver’s first Citizen Oversight Board to oversee the Denver Police and Sheriff Departments, and make sure any allegation of police misconduct could be investigated. And to make sure all neighborhoods would have an active voice in how their neighborhoods were policed.
“He also helped us start the Office of the Independent Monitor, with subpoena power again to make sure that allegations of police misconduct could be fully investigated.
“Over the past twenty years, the Citizen Board and the Independent Monitor has worked to improve the policies of Denver’s police departments and improve the relationship and the trust between the community and law enforcement.
“Many, many years later, about eight years ago, I was fortunate enough to join Rev. Peters, along with Rev. Dr. Patrick Demmer and a small group, in Montgomery to visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice – our country’s first national memorial to victims of lynching and racial terrorism in the United States.
“And it’s hard to describe the feeling of that memorial. The power is so immense. The weight of our country’s nagging, persistent shame remains so heavy.
“Walking through the memorial with Rev. Peters, he spoke about his life growing up in Washington D.C. during segregation and his fierce belief in nonviolence and nonviolent movements.
“He reflected on how their nonviolent tactics led more and more people to join them. He knew that they were – that we are – strongest when we’re united, marching hand in hand.
“Walking next to Rev. Peters, it was impossible not to feel buoyed up by the enduring hope he carried with him pretty much at all times.
“I think so many of those lessons from Rev. Dr. Peters still ring true today.
“As Rev. Peters’ friend and mentor Dr. King famously said that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
“Like many around the country today, I’ve felt that, in recent years, that arc has not bent as far as we had hoped.
“But, if Rev. Peters’ taught us one thing, it is that neither today or tomorrow is the day to bow our heads.
“We can’t give up our work and our dreams that Dr. Peters fought for.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force have charged a 21-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery in Sadadeen on 27 April.
He was arrested yesterday afternoon by members of the Southern Investigations team and was subsequently charged with aggravated robbery. He is remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.
The 24-year-old male arrested on 2 May 2025 was subsequently charged with Aggravated robbery and was remanded to re-appear in Alice Springs Local Court on 5 June 2025.
A 22 year old Lake Taupo mystery involving a Russian stuntman has been solved thanks to some useful information being sent in following an appeal by Police.
Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Turangi Police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve, 400 metres north of Bulli Point at Lake Taupo.
Despite extensive search efforts, there was no sign of Artour and Police established he hadn’t been seen since he left Auckland two days prior.
On 9 January this year, Police were called to a holiday park at Motutere, where several bones were located near a walking track. Police believed the bones were those of Artour, but extensive enquiries had been unable to lead to a positive identification.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd QSM, of the Taupo Area Search and Rescue Squad, said following an appeal for information two people have come forward with photos which have enabled Police to formally identify Artour.
“The two photos sent in have shown clear evidence of his gold teeth and clothing he was wearing when he was found,” Senior Constable Shepherd said.
“I want to thank these people for coming forward to allow us to formally identify Artour and provide some closure.”
A Georgia man was arrested today in connection with his role in 15 fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, totaling more than $3.39 million in fraudulent loan proceeds.
According to court documents, Ian Patrick Jackson, 37, of Atlanta, conspired with another Atlanta man to solicit, recruit, and direct at least nine business owners to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications using fabricated tax documents. Jackson and his co-conspirator allegedly directed the business owners to falsely claim in the loan applications that each business employed 16 individuals and paid monthly wages of $120,000. After receiving the funds, the business owners wrote “payroll” checks to individuals who did not work for their companies and then either kept the money for themselves or gave the money to the co-conspirator, who in turn provided a share to Jackson.
Jackson is the 12th defendant to be charged in connection with the Atlanta-based PPP fraud ring that allegedly fraudulently obtained millions in PPP loans. All eleven previously charged defendants, including the nine business owners, have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial related to $2.7 million in fraudulent PPP loans. To date, authorities have recovered nearly $1.2 million of the stolen money.
In addition to the charged conspiracy, Jackson is alleged to have participated in three other schemes to submit fraudulent PPP or EIDL applications: (1) He applied for a fraudulent $237,500 PPP loan on behalf of Parkway Media Group LLC using fabricated tax forms and a doctored bank statement; (2) He used a forged driver’s license to fraudulently apply for approximately $100,000 in PPP and EIDL program loans using false revenue statements; and (3) He fraudulently obtained a $240,035 PPP loan and $125,000 in EIDL program loans and grants on behalf of Express Xchange LLC. As alleged in the indictment, he wrote checks made payable to individuals who did not work for the businesses using the loan proceeds. He also allegedly used the loan proceeds to pay for personal expenses, including restaurant dining, spa services, phone and credit card payments, and a vacation in Aruba.
Jackson is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and bank fraud counts and 20 years in prison on each of the wire fraud and money laundering counts.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia, Deputy Inspector General Sheldon Shoemaker of the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The SBA Office of Inspector General and FBI Atlanta Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew Reilly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane C. Schulman for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
Since the inception of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominique Terrel Gonzales, 35, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor. Gonzales has been in federal custody since his arrest for illegal firearms possession in August 2020. The court has set a restitution hearing date for Aug. 18.
According to court documents, Gonzales first met the victim when she was 13 or 14 years old. In July and August 2020, when the victim was 17 years old, Gonzales caused her to engage in commercial sex acts. He arranged her travel across state lines and directed her acts in a rented apartment in Portland, Oregon. Gonzales collected the illicit proceeds and controlled the victim with various rules that he implemented.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for the criminal conduct he perpetrated for years within the Western District of Washington,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Predators who target and coerce the vulnerable face appropriately serious sanctions under federal law, and the Justice Department will continue to seek significant sentences to vindicate the rights of human trafficking victims.”
“For years this defendant used violence, threats, and emotional coercion to force vulnerable young women into having sex with strangers and giving their earnings to him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington. “He preyed upon teenagers and young women who were insecure and estranged from their families. To maintain control over his victims, Gonzales physically beat them, verbally assaulted them, and forced them to install tracking programs on their cellphones so that he could follow their every move. He used whatever means necessary to ensure that his victims engaged in prostitution to fund his luxurious lifestyle.”
“Today’s sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who prey on vulnerable children through violence and exploitation will be held fully accountable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle. “This individual used force and coercion to rob a minor of their freedom and dignity, and justice has now been served. This outcome was made possible through the unwavering collaboration with our law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions, whose dedication and coordination were vital to this investigation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Olympia Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Idaho State Police, Ada County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), and the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Crisham for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Jessica Arco of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, instructed the House Committee on the Judiciary to recommend legislative changes that would increase deficits up to a specified amount over the 2025-2034 period. As part of the reconciliation process, the House Committee on the Judiciary approved legislation on April 30, 2025, with provisions that would increase deficits.
Estimated Federal Cost
The reconciliation recommendations of the House Committee on the Judiciary would increase deficits by $6.9 billion over the 2025-2034 period. The estimated budgetary effects of the legislation are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 150 (international affairs), 600 (income security), and 750 (administration of justice).
Return to Reference
Table 1.
Estimated Budgetary Effects of Reconciliation Recommendations Title VII, House Committee on the Judiciary, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending
Budget Authority
81,395
-354
-667
-605
-703
-789
-871
-912
-990
-1,113
79,066
74,391
Estimated Outlays
*
6,467
10,273
15,082
18,799
13,657
8,207
2,625
-530
-1,122
50,621
73,458
Increases in Revenues
Estimated Revenues
0
4,533
5,916
6,193
6,990
8,004
8,397
8,635
8,872
9,008
23,632
66,548
Net Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit
From Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues
Effect on the Deficit
*
1,934
4,357
8,889
11,809
5,653
-190
-6,010
-9,402
-10,130
26,989
6,910
Basis of Estimate
For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted in summer 2025. CBO’s estimates are relative to its January 2025 baseline and cover the period from 2025 through 2034. Outlays of directly appropriated amounts were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates for similar programs. The estimates account for judicial decisions and administrative actions through April 10, 2025.
Subtitle A. Immigration Matters
Subtitle A would impose new or modify existing fees on aliens (non-U.S. nationals) seeking benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Under the legislation, a portion of those fees would remain available to certain agencies to spend without further appropriation; the remaining amounts would be deposited in the Treasury. Subtitle A also would directly appropriate $81.4 billion in total to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ) for increased immigration enforcement and other activities. CBO estimates that enacting subtitle A would increase direct spending outlays by $73.5 billion and increase revenues by $66.5 billion over the 2025-2034 period (see Table 2).
Part 1. Immigration Fees
The legislation would impose fees on aliens for undertaking various activities, including applying for or renewing certain travel or work authorization documents, and applying for other benefits under the INA. Under current law, the Department of State adjudicates requests for visas from aliens abroad; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates requests for benefits under the INA for aliens who are physically present in the United States. Fees also can be assessed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for inspections of people at ports of entry, and by the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), which oversees removal proceedings and adjudicates requests from aliens in immigration court. Under current law, those agencies can charge fees to cover the costs of providing services. Any new fees collected under the legislation would be additional to collections under current law.
A portion of some fees under the legislation would be made available to the Department of State, CBP, EOIR, HHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and USCIS; those amounts could be spent without further appropriation. Beginning in 2027, CBO estimates that some of that spending would be subject to sequestration.
The legislation specifies fee amounts for 2025. In subsequent years, some amounts would increase based on the consumer price index for all urban consumers. The legislation would prohibit any fees from being waived or reduced.
Indirect taxes and regulatory fees tend to reduce collections of income and payroll taxes. As a result, CBO expects that most of the new fee collections would be partially offset by decreases in tax receipts of about 25 percent of the gross fee collections each year. Unless otherwise noted in the estimates below, that offset is applied to the estimated revenues for each fee.
CBO’s estimates of the number of people who would pay the fees are based on a January 2025 demographic and economic forecast. Where applicable, those projections were adjusted to account for executive actions and judicial decisions undertaken as of April 10, 2025. Those include ending the use of various categorical parole programs; terminating parole for people who arrived under the Parole Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans; and terminating the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals physically present before October 3, 2023. CBO’s estimates also are based on historical trends in filing volume and recent trends in inflows of other foreign nationals since January 2025. Where applicable, CBO’s estimates also account for applicants’ and petitioners’ responses to the fees that would be imposed under the legislation.
Asylum Fee. Section 70002 would impose a $1,000 fee on aliens applying for asylum. CBO estimates that about 4 million people will apply for asylum over the 2025-2034 period, increasing revenues by $2.3 billion under this section for the same period. Some of those fees would be made available to EOIR and USCIS to retain and spend without further appropriation. CBO estimates that the provision would increase outlays by $1.5 billion over the 2025-2034 period. On net, CBO estimates that enacting this section would decrease the deficit by $784 million over the 2025-2034 period. (Under current law, aliens in removal proceedings can file defensive asylum applications with EOIR; others can file affirmative asylum applications with USCIS. Under this provision, 50 percent of the fees collected from defensive asylum applications would be made available to EOIR and 50 percent of the fees collected from affirmative asylum applications would be made available to USCIS.)
Employment Authorization Document Fees. Section 70003 would impose a $550 fee on certain aliens applying for initial work authorization. The fee would apply to asylum applicants, parolees, and people granted TPS. Of the fees collected from asylum applicants, 25 percent would be made available to USCIS to retain and spend without further appropriation.
CBO estimates that about 3 million asylum applicants, 225,000 parolees, and fewer than 1,000 TPS beneficiaries will apply for initial work authorization over the 2025-2034 period, increasing revenues under this provision by $1.4 billion over the same period. CBO also estimates that the provision would increase outlays by $413 million over the 2025‑2034 period. On net, CBO estimates that enacting the provision would decrease Erich Dvorak (for nonimmigration matters)
Estimate Reviewed By
Elizabeth Cove Delisle Chief, Income Security Cost Estimates Unit
Ann E. Futrell Acting Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit
Justin Humphrey Chief, Finance, Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit
Joshua Shakin Chief, Revenue Projections Unit
Kathleen FitzGerald Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit
Christina Hawley Anthony Deputy Director of Budget Analysis
H. Samuel Papenfuss Deputy Director of Budget Analysis
Chad Chirico Director of Budget Analysis
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
[Table 2 begins on the next page.]
Authorization Document Fees
Budget Authority
0
77
63
54
47
42
39
38
37
35
241
432
Estimated Outlays
0
50
62
57
50
44
40
38
36
36
219
413
Sec. 70007, Unaccompanied Alien Child Sponsor Fee
Budget Authority
0
23
24
18
17
18
18
18
19
19
82
174
Estimated Outlays
0
12
21
20
18
18
18
18
19
19
71
163
Sec. 70009, Form I-94 Fee
Budget Authority
0
-702
-1,012
-1,063
-1,131
-1,204
-1,283
-1,355
-1,442
-1,544
-3,908
-10,736
Estimated Outlays
0
-746
-1,016
-1,066
-1,135
-1,208
-1,287
-1,369
-1,457
-1,550
-3,963
-10,834
Sec. 70015, Diversity Immigrant Visa Fees
Budget Authority
0
143
137
149
152
155
158
166
170
169
581
1,399
Estimated Outlays
0
71
108
143
150
153
156
159
163
166
472
1,269
Sec. 70016, EOIR Fees
Budget Authority
0
28
37
40
40
41
43
45
46
46
145
366
Estimated Outlays
0
18
30
37
40
41
43
43
44
45
125
341
Sec. 70017, ESTA Fee
Budget Authority
0
-80
-10
116
123
129
136
146
155
159
149
874
Estimated Outlays
0
-26
-38
15
80
123
130
136
144
152
31
716
Sec. 70018, Immigration User Fees
Budget Authority
0
-96
-152
-132
-134
-137
-140
-128
-131
-148
-514
-1,198
Estimated Outlays
0
-194
-174
-140
-137
-139
-142
-145
-148
-151
-645
-1,370
Sec. 70019, EVUS Fee
Budget Authority
0
11
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
20
56
150
Estimated Outlays
0
2
10
14
15
16
17
18
18
19
41
129
(Continued)
Table 2.
Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title VII, House Committee on the Judiciary, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
(Continued)
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending
Part 2. Use of Funds
Sec. 70100, Executive Office for Immigration Review
Budget Authority
1,250
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,250
1,250
Estimated Outlays
*
47
153
322
553
144
31
0
0
0
1,075
1,250
Sec. 70101, Adult Alien Detention Capacity and Family Residential Centers
Budget Authority
45,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
45,000
45,000
Estimated Outlays
*
4,000
6,900
9,550
11,500
7,050
4,200
1,800
0
0
31,950
45,000
Sec. 70102, Retention and Signing Bonuses for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Personnel
Budget Authority
858
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
858
858
Estimated Outlays
*
77
86
101
126
206
238
24
0
0
390
858
Sec. 70103, Hiring of Additional U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Personnel
Budget Authority
8,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8,000
8,000
Estimated Outlays
*
320
700
1,100
1,500
2,220
1,720
360
80
0
3,620
8,000
Sec. 70104, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hiring Capability
Budget Authority
600
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
600
600
Estimated Outlays
*
390
120
90
0
0
0
0
0
0
600
600
Sec. 70105, Transportation and Removal Operations
Budget Authority
14,400
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
14,400
14,400
Estimated Outlays
*
625
1,561
2,538
3,575
3,068
1,853
935
245
0
8,299
14,400
Sec. 70106, Information Technology Investments
Budget Authority
700
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
700
700
Estimated Outlays
*
7
40
84
160
196
115
70
28
0
291
700
Sec. 70107, Facilities Upgrades
Budget Authority
550
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
550
550
Estimated Outlays
*
6
30
66
128
154
92
52
22
0
230
550
Sec. 70108, Fleet Modernization
Budget Authority
250
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
250
250
Estimated Outlays
*
20
44
70
69
35
12
0
0
0
203
250
Sec. 70109, Promoting Family Unity
Budget Authority
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
20
Estimated Outlays
*
16
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
20
(Continued)
Table 2.
Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title VII, House Committee on the Judiciary, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
(Continued)
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending
Sec. 70110, Funding Section 287(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
Budget Authority
650
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
650
650
Estimated Outlays
*
50
105
165
190
100
40
0
0
0
510
650
Sec. 70111, Compensation for Incarceration of Criminal Aliens
Budget Authority
950
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
950
950
Estimated Outlays
*
9
142
285
256
190
29
19
10
10
692
950
Sec. 70112, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor
Budget Authority
1,320
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,320
1,320
Estimated Outlays
*
56
115
183
245
369
281
59
12
0
599
1,320
Sec. 70113, Return of Aliens Arriving From Contiguous Territory
Budget Authority
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
500
500
Estimated Outlays
*
275
150
75
0
0
0
0
0
0
500
500
Sec. 70114, State and Local Participation in Homeland Security Efforts
Budget Authority
787
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
787
787
Estimated Outlays
*
394
236
157
0
0
0
0
0
0
787
787
Sec. 70115, Unaccompanied Alien Children Capacity
Budget Authority
3,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3,000
3,000
Estimated Outlays
*
90
180
450
600
600
450
270
120
0
1,320
2,760
Sec. 70116, Department of Homeland Security Criminal and Gang Checks for Unaccompanied Alien Children
Budget Authority
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
20
Estimated Outlays
*
16
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
20
Sec. 70117, Department of Health and Human Services Criminal and Gang Checks for Unaccompanied Alien Children
Budget Authority
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
20
Estimated Outlays
*
4
6
6
4
0
0
0
0
0
20
20
Sec. 70118, Information about Sponsors and Adult Residents of Sponsor Households
Budget Authority
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
50
50
Estimated Outlays
*
10
15
15
10
0
0
0
0
0
50
50
(Continued)
Table 2.
Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title VII, House Committee on the Judiciary, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
(Continued)
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending
Sec. 70119, Repatriation of Unaccompanied Alien Children
Budget Authority
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
100
100
Estimated Outlays
*
80
15
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
100
100
Sec. 70120, United States Secret Service
Budget Authority
1,170
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,170
1,170
Estimated Outlays
*
61
188
333
469
94
25
0
0
0
1,051
1,170
Sec. 70121, Combating Drug Trafficking and Illegal Drug Use
Budget Authority
500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
500
500
Estimated Outlays
*
350
100
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
500
500
Sec. 70122, Investigating and Prosecuting Immigration Related Matters
Budget Authority
600
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
600
600
Estimated Outlays
*
128
150
150
150
22
0
0
0
0
578
600
Sec. 70123, Expedited Removal for Criminal Aliens
Budget Authority
75
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
75
75
Estimated Outlays
*
60
11
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
75
75
Sec. 70124, Removal of Certain Criminal Aliens Without Further Hearing
Budget Authority
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
25
Estimated Outlays
*
20
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
25
Subtitle C. Other Matters
Sec. 70300, Limitation on Donations Made Pursuant to Settlement Agreements to Which the United States Is a Party
Budget Authority
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Estimated Outlays
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Total Changes
Budget Authority
81,395
-354
-667
-605
-703
-789
-871
-912
-990
-1,113
79,066
74,391
Estimated Outlays
*
6,467
10,273
15,082
18,799
13,657
8,207
2,625
-530
-1,122
50,621
73,458
(Continued)
Table 2.
Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title VII, House Committee on the Judiciary, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
(Continued)
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases and Decreases (-) in Revenues
Subtitle A. Immigration Matters
Part 1. Immigration Fees
Sec. 70002, Asylum Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
356
361
287
244
219
206
198
195
194
1,248
2,260
Sec. 70003, Employment Authorization Document Fees
Estimated Revenues
0
234
205
167
148
134
125
120
118
116
754
1,367
Sec. 70004, Parole Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
19
49
Sec. 70005, Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8
18
Sec. 70006, Temporary Protected Status Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
126
212
154
155
209
142
162
205
139
647
1,504
Sec. 70007, Unaccompanied Alien Child Sponsor Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
68
69
53
51
52
53
54
56
57
241
513
Sec. 70008, Visa Integrity Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
2,154
2,992
3,115
3,080
3,216
3,355
3,499
3,646
3,798
11,341
28,855
Sec. 70010, Yearly Asylum Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
0
0
0
61
118
231
231
233
237
61
1,111
Sec. 70011, Fee for Continuances Granted in Immigration Court Proceedings
Estimated Revenues
0
30
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
156
386
Sec. 70012, Fee Relating to Renewal and Extension of Employment Authorization for Parolees
Estimated Revenues
0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sec. 70013, Fee Relating to Termination, Renewal, and Extension of Employment Authorization for Asylum Applicants
Estimated Revenues
0
313
489
622
1,462
1,984
2,155
2,200
2,205
2,211
2,886
13,641
Sec. 70014, Fee Relating to Renewal and Extension of Employment Authorization for Aliens Granted Temporary Protected Status
Estimated Revenues
0
229
364
549
546
543
538
534
531
526
1,688
4,360
(Continued)
Table 2.
Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title VII, House Committee on the Judiciary, as Ordered Reported on April 30, 2025
(Continued)
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases and Decreases (-) in Revenues
Sec. 70015, Diversity Immigrant Visa Fees
Estimated Revenues
0
703
717
734
750
766
783
800
817
835
2,904
6,905
Sec. 70016, EOIR Fees
Estimated Revenues
0
76
104
107
109
112
114
116
118
121
396
977
Sec. 70017, ESTA Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
0
208
288
299
571
592
603
626
648
795
3,835
Sec. 70019, EVUS Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
13
18
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
68
178
Sec. 70020, Fee for Sponsor of Unaccompanied Alien Child who Fails to Appear in Immigration Court
Estimated Revenues
0
210
110
30
-5
-15
5
15
15
15
345
380
Sec. 70021, Fee for Aliens Ordered Removed in Absentia
Estimated Revenues
0
10
13
13
14
14
14
15
15
15
50
123
Sec. 70022, Customs and Border Protection Inadmissible Alien Apprehension Fee
Estimated Revenues
0
5
6
7
7
9
10
12
14
16
25
86
Subtitle C. Other Matters
Sec. 70300, Limitation on Donations Made Pursuant to Settlement Agreements to Which the United States Is a Party
Estimated Revenues
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Total Changes
Estimated Revenues
0
4,533
5,916
6,193
6,990
8,004
8,397
8,635
8,872
9,008
23,632
66,548
Net Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit
From Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues
Effect on the Deficit
0
1,934
4,357
8,889
11,809
5,653
-190
-6,010
-9,402
-10,130
26,989
6,910
a. CBO has no basis on which to estimate the direction or magnitude of the changes in direct spending and revenues or the effect on the deficit that would stem from the enactment of section 70300.
A Georgia man was arrested today in connection with his role in 15 fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, totaling more than $3.39 million in fraudulent loan proceeds.
According to court documents, Ian Patrick Jackson, 37, of Atlanta, conspired with another Atlanta man to solicit, recruit, and direct at least nine business owners to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications using fabricated tax documents. Jackson and his co-conspirator allegedly directed the business owners to falsely claim in the loan applications that each business employed 16 individuals and paid monthly wages of $120,000. After receiving the funds, the business owners wrote “payroll” checks to individuals who did not work for their companies and then either kept the money for themselves or gave the money to the co-conspirator, who in turn provided a share to Jackson.
Jackson is the 12th defendant to be charged in connection with the Atlanta-based PPP fraud ring that allegedly fraudulently obtained millions in PPP loans. All eleven previously charged defendants, including the nine business owners, have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial related to $2.7 million in fraudulent PPP loans. To date, authorities have recovered nearly $1.2 million of the stolen money.
In addition to the charged conspiracy, Jackson is alleged to have participated in three other schemes to submit fraudulent PPP or EIDL applications: (1) He applied for a fraudulent $237,500 PPP loan on behalf of Parkway Media Group LLC using fabricated tax forms and a doctored bank statement; (2) He used a forged driver’s license to fraudulently apply for approximately $100,000 in PPP and EIDL program loans using false revenue statements; and (3) He fraudulently obtained a $240,035 PPP loan and $125,000 in EIDL program loans and grants on behalf of Express Xchange LLC. As alleged in the indictment, he wrote checks made payable to individuals who did not work for the businesses using the loan proceeds. He also allegedly used the loan proceeds to pay for personal expenses, including restaurant dining, spa services, phone and credit card payments, and a vacation in Aruba.
Jackson is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and bank fraud counts and 20 years in prison on each of the wire fraud and money laundering counts.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia, Deputy Inspector General Sheldon Shoemaker of the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The SBA Office of Inspector General and FBI Atlanta Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew Reilly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane C. Schulman for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
Since the inception of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominique Terrel Gonzales, 35, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor. Gonzales has been in federal custody since his arrest for illegal firearms possession in August 2020. The court has set a restitution hearing date for Aug. 18.
According to court documents, Gonzales first met the victim when she was 13 or 14 years old. In July and August 2020, when the victim was 17 years old, Gonzales caused her to engage in commercial sex acts. He arranged her travel across state lines and directed her acts in a rented apartment in Portland, Oregon. Gonzales collected the illicit proceeds and controlled the victim with various rules that he implemented.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for the criminal conduct he perpetrated for years within the Western District of Washington,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Predators who target and coerce the vulnerable face appropriately serious sanctions under federal law, and the Justice Department will continue to seek significant sentences to vindicate the rights of human trafficking victims.”
“For years this defendant used violence, threats, and emotional coercion to force vulnerable young women into having sex with strangers and giving their earnings to him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington. “He preyed upon teenagers and young women who were insecure and estranged from their families. To maintain control over his victims, Gonzales physically beat them, verbally assaulted them, and forced them to install tracking programs on their cellphones so that he could follow their every move. He used whatever means necessary to ensure that his victims engaged in prostitution to fund his luxurious lifestyle.”
“Today’s sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who prey on vulnerable children through violence and exploitation will be held fully accountable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle. “This individual used force and coercion to rob a minor of their freedom and dignity, and justice has now been served. This outcome was made possible through the unwavering collaboration with our law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions, whose dedication and coordination were vital to this investigation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Olympia Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Idaho State Police, Ada County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), and the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Crisham for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Jessica Arco of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
A federal jury in the Eastern District of Texas convicted Corey Lamar Johnson, 42, of Jefferson, Texas, today on two counts of sex trafficking and related charges for his conduct in trafficking multiple young women in several states, compelling the victims to engage in commercial sex through acts and threats of physical and psychological harm. Specifically, the jury convicted Johnson of two counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation, three counts of interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Johnson’s co-defendants, Jessica Smith, 38, and Rachel Walker, 31, previously pleaded guilty respectively to conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution sex trafficking.
“The defendant used violence and threats of violence to compel his victims to engage in commercial sex for his profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “There is no place in a civilized society for the defendant’s inhumane conduct, and the Justice Department is committed to punishing human trafficking and achieving justice for its victims.”
“Congratulations to the team who brought Corey Johnson to a well-deserved appointment with justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas. “For far too long, the defendant treated vulnerable, young women in ways no person should ever be treated, but today justice was served. There is no more important work for the U.S. Attorney’s Office than to rescue the oppressed and protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Evidence at trial showed that Johnson recruited young and vulnerable women through alluring posts online of his supposedly extravagant lifestyle. Johnson promised the victims he recruited that they, too, could achieve such a lifestyle. Once recruited, however, Johnson had the victims engage in commercial sex acts, and when the victims wanted to leave Johnson, he turned violent, using threats, physical force, brandishing his firearms, and bragging about having “beat” a murder charge, all to keep the victims engaging in commercial sex for his profit.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Johnson faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel Kummerfeld and Robert Wells for the Eastern District of Texas, and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who was on supervised release when he brought methamphetamine and a firearm to a meeting with his United States Probation Officer was sentenced today by United States District Judge James C. Mahan to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Anthony Valenzuela was on supervised release for a felony conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. On March 7, 2023, he drove to the United States Probation Office for a meeting with his supervising officer. During a search of his vehicle, officers found a bookbag containing a digital scale, plastic bags, mail, and a fake drink can containing methamphetamine. In another bag, officers found additional methamphetamine and a Taurus 9mm semiautomatic pistol. The drugs recovered from the vehicle consisted of at least 150 grams but less than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Photo of methamphetamine powder in resealable bag concealed in drink can.
Photo of a black Taurus 9mm semiautomatic pistol in a bag.
In January 2025, Valenzuela pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the United States Probation Office with assistance by Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jean Ripley prosecuted the case.