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Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Announces Investments to Expand Services that Prevent Incarceration in Western North Carolina Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Announces Investments to Expand Services that Prevent Incarceration in Western North Carolina Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    NCDHHS Announces Investments to Expand Services that Prevent Incarceration in Western North Carolina Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene
    jawerner

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced funding to community-based programs in Western North Carolina that provide alternatives to incarceration. The $6.5 million will support diversion programs and reentry services in counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. These counties include, but are not limited to, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Rutherford, Surry and Wilkes.

    “At a time when our western counties are struggling to rebuild infrastructure and meet daily needs, programs that help people avoid entering or remaining in the justice system are more important than ever,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We know that half of the people in North Carolina prisons and jails have mental health needs, and three-quarters have substance use disorders. They need treatment and support to prevent further involvement in the system and to find a path toward recovery.” 

    Of the organizations receiving funding, three will establish or expand their Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs: Project Lazarus, HealthBook, and Vaya Health. LEAD supports community-based alternatives to jail and incarceration. The program connects individuals who are at risk of being arrested with mental health, medical and social services. 

    Diversion programs like LEAD provide dedicated resources to give law enforcement alternatives to punitive action for addressing low-level non-violent crimes through referrals to treatment or community services. Approaches vary, but it is common for law enforcement to partner with community agencies to support the referral process. Diversion programs provide appropriate safety nets along the way to reduce the chance of a return to jail or prison.

    “Our western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene need support for programs that prevent detention.  When these types of programs aren’t available, people who need treatment for mental health and substance use disorders can end up in carceral settings,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “We know that incarceration raises the risk of drug overdose, post- traumatic stress disorder  and chronic health conditions. LEAD programs, transitional housing and employment services are crucial interventions that steer people away from incarceration and toward recovery and stability.”

    HealthBook, FIRST at Blue Ridge, Oxford House, and Freedom Life Ministries will all receive funds to support housing services, while both Healthbook and FIRST at Blue Ridge will also receive funding for employment services. All six awardees support reentry programs to provide dedicated resources before or immediately after release from incarceration, so people transition back into their communities safely and successfully. 

    Reentry programs include guidance and case management support as well as addressing non-medical needs like transportation, housing and employment. The goal of reentry programs is to reduce the number of people who cycle back into the justice system. Supporting people upon their release with housing, employment and other needs is critical to stopping the cycle of justice system involvement. It also improves outcomes and efficiency across our health and justice systems.

    This $6.5 million funding announcement builds on a previous announcement of $11 million for people at risk of incarceration and is part of NCDHHS’ historic $835 million investment to transform behavioral health in North Carolina. The department is investing $99 million to support people involved in the justice system by increasing services related to diversion, reentry and capacity restoration.

    Looking ahead, the department plans to leverage the $835 million investment to further expand services and continue to build toward an integrated behavioral health system that works for all North Carolinians. 

    More information on North Carolina’s investments in behavioral health is available in the following report: Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It. Additionally, the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 details plans for driving innovation and positive change for all North Carolinians. 

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy la financiación de programas comunitarios en el oeste de Carolina del Norte que ofrecen alternativas al encarcelamiento. Los $ 6.5 millones apoyarán programas de alternativas y servicios de reingreso en condados que fueron fuertemente afectados por el huracán Helene. Estos condados incluyen, entre otros, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Rutherford, Surry y Wilkes.

    “En un momento en que nuestros condados occidentales están luchando por reconstruir la infraestructura y satisfacer las necesidades diarias, los programas que ayudan a las personas a evitar ingresar o permanecer en el sistema de justicia son más importantes que nunca”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Sabemos que la mitad de las personas en las prisiones y cárceles de Carolina del Norte tienen necesidades de salud mental, y tres cuartas partes tienen trastornos por uso de sustancias. Ellos necesitan tratamiento y apoyo para evitar una mayor participación en el sistema judicial y encontrar un camino hacia la recuperación”.

    De las organizaciones que reciben fondos, tres establecerán o ampliarán sus programas de alternativos asistido por la policía (LEAD, por sus siglas en inglés): Project Lazarus, HealthBook y Vaya Health. LEAD apoya alternativas a la cárcel y el encarcelamiento basadas en la comunidad. El programa conecta a las personas que corren el riesgo de ser arrestadas con servicios de salud mental, médicos y sociales.

    Los programas de alternativas como LEAD proporcionan recursos dedicados a brindar alternativas de aplicación de la ley a la acción punitiva para abordar delitos no violentos de bajo nivel a través de remisiones a tratamiento o servicios comunitarios. Los enfoques varían, pero es común que las fuerzas del orden se asocien con agencias comunitarias para apoyar el proceso de alternativas. Los programas de alternativas proporcionan redes de seguridad apropiadas en el camino para reducir la posibilidad de un regreso a la cárcel o prisión.

    “Nuestros condados del oeste afectados por el huracán Helene necesitan apoyo para programas que prevengan la detención.  Cuando este tipo de programas no están disponibles, las personas que necesitan tratamiento para la salud mental y los trastornos por uso de sustancias pueden terminar en un entorno carcelario”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios por Uso de Sustancias de NCDHHS. “Sabemos que el encarcelamiento aumenta el riesgo de sobredosis de drogas, trastorno de estrés postraumático y enfermedades crónicas. Los programas de LEAD, la vivienda de transición y los servicios de empleo son intervenciones cruciales que alejan a las personas del encarcelamiento y las llevan hacia la recuperación y la estabilidad”.

    HealthBook, FIRST en Blue Ridge, Oxford House y Freedom Life Ministries, recibirán fondos para apoyar los servicios de vivienda, mientras que Healthbook y FIRST en Blue Ridge también recibirán fondos para servicios de empleo. Los seis seleccionados apoyan los programas de reingreso para proporcionar recursos dedicados antes o inmediatamente después de salir del encarcelamiento, para que las personas regresen a sus comunidades de manera segura y exitosa.

    Los programas de reingreso incluyen orientación y apoyo en el manejo de casos, así como abordando necesidades no médicas como transporte, vivienda y empleo. El objetivo de los programas de reingreso es reducir el número de personas que vuelven al sistema judicial. Apoyar a las personas tras su liberación con vivienda, empleo y otras necesidades es fundamental para detener el ciclo de participación en el sistema de justicia. También mejora los resultados y la eficiencia en nuestros sistemas de salud y justicia.

    Este anuncio de financiamiento de $6.5 millones se basa en un anuncio anterior de $11 millones para personas en riesgo de encarcelamiento y es parte de la histórica inversión de $835 millones de NCDHHS para transformar la salud del comportamiento en Carolina del Norte. El departamento está invirtiendo $99 millones para apoyar a las personas involucradas en el sistema de justicia mediante el aumento de los servicios relacionados con el desvío, el reingreso y la restauración de la capacidad.

    Mirando al futuro, el departamento planea utilizar la inversión de $835 millones para expandir aún más los servicios y continuar avanzando hacia un sistema integrado de salud conductual que funcione para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte.

    Puede encontrar más información sobre las inversiones de Carolina del Norte en salud conductual en el siguiente informe: Transformar el sistema de salud conductual de Carolina del Norte: invertir en un sistema que brinde atención integral cuando y donde las personas la necesiten. Además, el Plan Estratégico para 2024-2029 de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias del NCDHHS detalla planes para impulsar la innovación y el cambio positivo para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte.

    Apr 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Grassley Reintroduce Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S.Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on intricate retail theft schemes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft. 
    “Large criminal organizations are constantly evolving their tactics to steal goods from retailers and the supply chain in communities across the Silver State,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The rise in organized retail crime has left businesses scrambling, and it is time for Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement agencies keep our communities safe.”
    “Retail crime has cost Iowa billions, and it’s even worse across the nation. Organized theft rings deploy innovative tactics to pilfer goods, and it’s causing financial harm to businesses, putting employees and consumers at risk and funding transnational criminal organizations throughout the world. It’s time for the law to catch up and prevent criminals from exploiting the internet and online marketplaces. Our bill improves the federal response to organized retail crime and establishes new tools to recover stolen goods and illicit proceeds, and deter future attacks on American retailers,” said Senator Grassley.
    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security that combines expertise from state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as retail industry representatives. The bill would also create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of organized retail crime and help recapture lost goods and proceeds. 
    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation (NRF), United Postal Service (UPS), Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), American Trucking Associations, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) and the Home Depot.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here and summary is available here.
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act, to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention, passed the Senate last Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pennsylvania State Police Completes Rollout of Body-Worn Cameras Ahead of Schedule, Demonstrating Strong Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Policing

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 10, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Pennsylvania State Police Completes Rollout of Body-Worn Cameras Ahead of Schedule, Demonstrating Strong Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Policing

    The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced that patrol troopers at every station across the Commonwealth are now equipped with body-worn cameras to record their public interactions. PSP successfully completed its initiative to outfit troopers with these cameras and to update the mobile video recorders in their patrol vehicles – weeks ahead of schedule.

    “Our ability to maintain efficient operations relies heavily on the trust placed in us by the communities we serve,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “With the completion of our body-worn camera rollout, we aim to strengthen that trust by documenting our public interactions and demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, and respectful police services.”

    PSP’s initiative involved outfitting more than 3,000 troopers whose assignments are spread across 89 stations within 16 troops with body-worn cameras. The initiative additionally upgraded the mobile video recorders in more than 1,400 patrol vehicles.

    Speakers Include:
    Sgt. Logan Brouse
    Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Since January, California has seized over $316 million in illicit cannabis

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 10, 2025

    What you need to know: California officials continue to protect consumers and support the legal cannabis market through operations to seize 212,681 illegal cannabis plants worth $316 million.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that officials have seized more than $316 million worth of illegal cannabis and $474,000 in cash since January 2025. Through coordinated enforcement actions with state agency partners and local governments, these efforts build upon the previous work to seize $534 million worth of illegal cannabis in 2024.

    In addition to confiscating 212,681 illicit cannabis plants, officials issued 99 warrants, which resulted in the removal of 35 firearms and 29 arrests.

    “As California’s legal cannabis market expands, we have a responsibility to crack down on the nefarious actors that put public health at risk and undermine the progress we’ve made. Unlicensed, unregulated products threaten consumer safety and jeopardize the integrity of this industry. We’re doubling down on our commitment to protect Californians and lift up the legal cannabis marketplace that so many have worked hard to build.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    These figures represent combined enforcement efforts from the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Department of Pesticide Regulations, Torrance Police Department, Alameda District Attorney’s Office, Oakland Police Department, among others, since January.

    California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection. The Department of Cannabis Control recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing.

    A unified strategy across California 

    Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 800 tons, or over 1.7 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.1 billion through over 1,500 operations.

    The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

    Protecting California’s consumers

    In September, Governor Newsom announced emergency hemp regulations in response to increasing health incidents related to intoxicating hemp food and beverage products, which state regulators found sold across the state. The new regulations ban any detectable quantity of THC from consumable hemp products to protect youth and mitigate the risk of adverse health effects. The emergency regulations better align the sale of hemp products with certain restrictions currently seen in the California legal cannabis market by limiting serving and package size and establishing a minimum age of 21 to legally purchase industrial hemp food, beverage and dietary products.

    In October, Governor Newsom issued a statement following the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s recent decision to reject the hemp industry’s attempt to block enforcement of the regulations.

    Since the emergency hemp regulations were put in place, agents from California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control have visited 9,251 locations and seized 7,007 hemp products from 141 violators. 

    To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Home Minister congratulates NCB, Assam Police and CRPF on seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore and arrest of 3 persons in Assam, in a massive blow to drug cartels

    Modi Government’s offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has said that the Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might.

    In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “in our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”

    Details of Operation:

    NCB seizes 30.4 kg Methamphetamine Tablets (YABA) worth Rs 24.32 Crores and arrests three drug traffickers in two cases on April 6, 2025

    Pursuant to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a DRUG FREE INDIA and acting upon the directives of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in dismantling inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam.

    ​In a major breakthrough, the NCB seized a total of 30.4 kg worth Rs 24.32 Crores of methamphetamine tablets popularly known as YABA, along with two vehicles, and arrested three accused during two separate operations in Silchar recently. On 06.04.2025, in an intelligence led operation developed over 3 months, NCB Guwahati, in a joint operation with the Assam police, intercepted a car and recovered 10 packets containing 9.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The contraband was concealed in a cavity within the vehicle’s boot. The sole occupant of the car who is a resident of Churachandpur, Manipur, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are on to identify the backward and forward linkages. 

    Later that night, in another intelligence led operation NCB Guwahati, Assam Police and the CRPF, a Mahindra Thar was intercepted. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets packed in 21 packets hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Both occupants of the vehicles who also belong to Churachandpur were taken into custody. Investigations are underway to unravel the backward and forward linkages.

    ​NCB had earlier seized around 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations on March 13, 2025. In the seizure of 7.5 kg at Silchar, Assam one person has been arrested so far who is resident of Moreh, Manipur. In the seizure of 102.5 kg at Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, 03 accused have been arrested and 03 vehicles have been seized so far. Further investigations in these matters are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

                     

    (Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)

    ​NCB, through its newly created 4 Zonal Units at Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala and Imphal and a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati, has been persistently working against the drug traffickers operating in the region in collaboration with other agencies. A Field Office of NCB in Aizawl, Mizoram has been operationalised with the help of Mizoram police in March 2025 and there was immediate success in seizure of 10.814 Kg Meth on 24.3.2025 in for which 06 accused have been arrested so far, out of which 02 accused are Myanmarese. 04 vehicles have also been seized in this case. Further investigations in this case are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

    These 5 seizures of Meth in the North East in the last one month exemplify the NCB’s commitment to successfully disrupt trans-national and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of DRUG FREE INDIA.

    *****

    VV / RR / PR / PS

    (Release ID: 2120774) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    Source: Government of India

    Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    India’s Decisive Battle Against Left Wing Extremism

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

    “It is true that Maoist violence had stalled the progress of many districts in central and eastern India. That is why in 2015, our government formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to eradicate Maoist violence. Along with zero tolerance towards violence, we have also focused on a massive push to infrastructure and social empowerment to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor people in these regions.”

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

    Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges. Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, LWE has historically affected some of the most remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions of the country. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.

    However, in recent years, India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy – combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement – has delivered significant success. The movement has been systematically weakened, violence has drastically declined, and many LWE-affected districts are being reintegrated into the national mainstream. The government of India is committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by 31st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.

    The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024. Out of total Naxalism-affected districts, number of most affected districts has been reduced from 12 to 6, which include four districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli). Similarly, out of the total 38 affected districts, the number of Districts of Concern, where additional resources need to be intensively provided beyond the severely affected districts, has reduced from 9 to 6. These 6 districts are: Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem). Due to persistent action against Naxalism, number of Other LWE-affected Districts has also decreased from 17 to 6. These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu). In the last 10 years, over 8,000 Naxalites have abandoned the path of violence, and consequently, the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20.

    The most affected Districts and Districts of Concern are given financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 10 crore, respectively, by the Government of India under a special scheme, Special Central Assistance (SCA), to fill the gaps in public infrastructure. Apart from this, special projects are also provided for these districts as per the need.

    Incidents of violence by LWE which reached its highest level of 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81%. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85% during this period from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.

    State-wise details of LWE perpetrated violence (number of deaths recorded) in the last 3 years are as given under:

    State

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    3

    1

    Bihar

    11

    4

    2

    Chhattisgarh

    246

    305

    267

    Jharkhand

    96

    129

    69

    Kerala

    0

    4

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    7

    11

    Maharashtra

    16

    19

    10

    Odisha

    16

    12

    6

    Telangana

    9

    3

    8

    West Bengal

    0

    0

    0

    TOTAL

    413

    485

    374

    Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and other Key Initiatives

    The government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards left-wing extremism and with 100% implementation of government schemes, it seeks to fully develop the LWE-affected areas. The government had laid down two rules of law to fight left wing extremism. First, to establish the rule of law in Naxalism-affected areas and completely stop illegal violent activities. Second, to quickly compensate for the loss in those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.

    To address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.

    The Central Government closely monitors the situation and supplements and coordinates their efforts in several ways. These include providing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools; modernisation and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus; reimbursement of security related expenditure under the Security-related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; providing helicopters for anti-LWE operations, assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence, the Central Police Organisations and the Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; assistance in community policing and civic action programmes etc. On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Government of India has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

    • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring. The reimbursement includes the expenditure relating to training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/security forces killed/injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity materials. The SRE Scheme aims at strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE menace effectively. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
    • Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 and is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. The main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts, which are of emergent nature. Till now, Rs 3,563 crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
    • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme.
    • Scheme of Fortified Police stations: Under the scheme 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States. Put together 612 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in LWE affected areas in the last 10 years. This is in contrast to 2014, when there were only 66 fortified police stations.
    • Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided to Central Agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc.) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for Helicopters. Rs. 1120.32 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25.
    • Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
    • Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup. Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted. Rs. 52.52 crore have been released under the scheme since 2017-18.
    • Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE): The RRP-I Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for improving road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The RCPLWE scheme was launched in the year 2016 to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme has twin objectives of enabling smooth and seamless anti-LWE operations by the security forces and also ensuring socio-economic development of the area. 17,589 km of roads have been sanctioned under these two schemes. Of these, 14,618 km have been constructed.
    • Telecom Connectivity: 3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity. A total of 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned. The entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1, 2025.
    • Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
    • Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
    • Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.  For quality education in tribal blocks of LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. The Skill Development Scheme reached all 48 districts, and a strong vertical of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created. 1,143 tribal youths were recruited into the security forces.

    Since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and 6 CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.

    October 2, 2024, PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. This campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. The government is strengthening 3-C i.e., Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity in the LWE affected areas.

    Success Stories

    As part of zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism, 90 Naxals have been killed, 104 arrested, and 164 have surrendered in the year, by March 2025. In 2024, 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 were arrested, and 881 surrendered.

    Recently on 30th March 2025, 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered. On 29th March 2025, our security agencies neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma (Chhattisgarh). On 20th March 2025, in two different operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh, 22 Naxals were killed, achieving another major success in the ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’.

    As per the information shared by the honourable Home Minister, for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to LWE was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. From 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. 15 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue. Areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. 85% of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. More than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream.

    In 2014, there were 330 police stations where Naxal incidents occurred, but now this number has reduced to 104. Earlier Naxal-affected area was spread in more than 18,000 square kilometers, now only span 4,200 square kilometers. Between 2004 and 2014, there were a total of 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. However, during 2014 to 2024, the number of violent incidents decreased by 53%, dropping to 7,744. Similarly, the number of causalities of security forces decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509. By 2014, there were a total of 66 fortified police stations, but over the past 10 years, their number has increased to 612. In the past 5 years, a total of 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established.

    To financially choke the Naxalites and break their financial backbone, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate were used, seizing several crores of rupees from Naxalites. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cases were filed, and those who funded the Naxalites were sent behind bars. To bring development to Naxal-affected areas, the budget allocation for these regions was increased by 300%.

    In December 2023, within a single year, 380 Naxalites were killed, 1,194 were arrested, and 1,045 surrendered.

    Conclusion

    India’s multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has significantly weakened the insurgency, both territorially and operationally. The government’s focus on a blend of security, development, and rights-based empowerment has transformed the landscape in previously affected areas. With sustained political will, administrative commitment, and people’s participation, the vision of a LWE-free India is closer than ever.

    References

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2062905

    https://www.mha.gov.in/en/divisionofmha/left-wing-extremism-division

    https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-01/QuestionFaqEng_16012025.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2042128

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3524_Vx5iCE.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AU2378_awyJFP.pdf?source=pqals

    https://www.narendramodi.in/our-prime-role-is-to-ensure-good-governance-harness-aspirations-of-those-who-have-reposed-faith-in-us-pm-540680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112250

    https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/267/AU2951_bVSJLP.pdf?source=pqars

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3989_Tr9MsC.pdf?source=pqals

    https://x.com/amitshah/status/1909881269950853260?s=48&t=TYQpZk9GYbxE_Un686FYnA
    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117140

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113303

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113902

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2042680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2101652

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116756

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116853

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILUCYOQpDTc

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2115170 

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2120771) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Police and security cooperation between Europol and the Dominican Republic – E-001379/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001379/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Javi López (S&D), Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D)

    The fight against organised transnational crime, internal security, and respect for and compliance with the law are objectives shared by the countries of the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean. Police cooperation between the two regions is key to ensuring safer societies for our citizens. The cooperation agreements signed by Europol with third countries are of great importance in this regard.

    The Dominican Republic is one of the most stable and safest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, with one of the lowest homicide rates in the entire region and excellent bilateral cooperation on internal security with many European Member States. However, the Dominican Republic and Europol have not signed cooperation agreement, as this would require the country to be declared a ‘country of interest’ by the European Commission (DG HOME).

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to add the Dominican Republic to its list of countries of interest to Europol?
    • 2.What action is being taken in this regard and what progress has been achieved?

    Submitted: 3.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Defending traditional hunting – E-001340/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001340/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Christophe Gomart (PPE), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Christophe Bay (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Petr Bystron (ESN), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE), Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE), Markus Buchheit (ESN), Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez (PPE)

    The Commission has just brought a case before the EU Court of Justice against wood pigeon hunting in France, which it deems to be contrary to the Birds Directive.

    In the south-west of France, chiefly in the regions of Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, pigeon-hunting hides have been set up for hunting of non-protected species. They serve as genuine intergenerational meeting spaces in abandoned rural areas that have been left behind by globalisation.

    The hides also enable maintenance and monitoring the forest and its fauna, and prevent the proliferation of certain birds that can sometimes be harmful to ecosystems.

    These include cormorants, whose numbers have spiked by 16% in three years, greatly hindering the reproduction of eels and pike, protected river species. Cormorants are overprotected by partisan animal-protection associations, which put pressure on authorities to stand idly by.

    • 1.Does the European Commission intend to enshrine traditional hunting, such as wood pigeon hunting in France, as part of Europe’s heritage and way of life?
    • 2.Will it guarantee hunting quotas for invasive bird species despite the influence of partisan associations?

    Submitted: 1.4.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need for an urgent action plan to combat criminal networks and prevent children and young people from being recruited into organised crime – P-000506/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission stepped up actions on crime prevention through the ‘EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime’[1] and is engaging with stakeholders to strengthen cooperation among competent authorities and with Internet companies through the EU Internet Forum[2]. The Commission presented the ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy on 1 April 2025[3] and announced that it will develop an Action Plan on the Protection of Children against Crime, encompassing the online and offline dimensions. In addition, the Commission adopted the ‘BIK+ Strategy’[4] to protect and empower children and young people online, designed ‘A comprehensive approach to mental health’[5] and will carry out an EU-wide inquiry on the impacts of social media on mental health and wellbeing, focusing on young people.

    2. Under the Digital Services Act ( DSA ), online service providers must take appropriate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors[6], and the Commission is preparing Guidelines. Providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) must assess the risks that the design and functioning of their services may have on minors, adopt proportionate and effective risk mitigation measures, and submit a risk assessment report yearly.

    3. The Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether TikTok, Facebook and Instagram may have breached the DSA in areas related to the protection of minors. The Commission is continuously monitoring compliance of VLOPs and VLOSEs with their obligations under the DSA and remains ready to open additional formal investigations when needed.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, Brussels, 18.10.2023 COM(2023) 641 final.
    • [2] EU Internet Forum Senior Officials Meeting ‘Tackling online harms’, 12 December 2024, 14:00 — 17:30, Brussels and online, and EU Internet Forum Technical Meeting ‘Preventing the online recruitment of minors by criminal networks’, 5 March 2025, 10:30 — 12:30, online. For further information, see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-union-Internet-forum
    • [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-presents-protecteu-internal-security-strategy-2025-04-01_en
    • [4] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A Digital Decade for children and youth: the new European strategy for a better Internet for kids (BIK+), Brussels, 11.5.2022, COM(2022) 212 final.
    • [5] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a comprehensive approach to mental health, Brussels, 7.6.2023 COM(2023) 298 final. For further information, s ee also https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en; https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6317c605-5f5d-4d4f-9c8a-d5c93e869814_en?filename=ncd_tracking-framework-mh_en.pdf
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (Text with EEA relevance).
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Call for the protection of human health in Slovenia’s capital city Ljubljana on account of the construction of the environmentally controversial C0 sewer, financed by EU funds – E-000791/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Ljubljana Wastewater Collection and Treatment Plant project is essential for Slovenia to meet its obligations under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive[1].

    In its ruling of 30 November 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union found that Slovenia is not in compliance with the directive due to insufficient collection, treatment, and monitoring of wastewater in the agglomeration of Ljubljana[2].

    While the realisation of the wastewater treatment system project in Ljubljana — including the C0 connecting channel — is important to ensure compliance with EU legislation and that the Court’s ruling is met, the Commission emphasises the responsibility of the Member State to implement the project while protecting the environment and human health.

    Should the project be found in breach of the law, the Commission expects the national authorities to take appropriate corrective action.

    The Commission will continue to follow developments closely, including ongoing administrative procedures regarding the environmental consent and building permit, to ensure EU funds are used appropriately and in line with environmental and human health objectives.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31991L0271
    • [2]  C-328/22: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=281904&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=1284411
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Special Election Announced in 22nd Senate District

    Source: US State of New York

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    April 10, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a special election to fill the vacancy in the 22nd Senate District created by the resignation of Simcha Felder will be held on Tuesday, May 20. Governor Hochul issued the proclamation on April 10 pursuant to the Public Officers Law.

    “To ensure residents of the 22nd District have representation in the State Senate, there will be a special election in May to fill the seat being vacated by Senator Simcha Felder,” Governor Hochul said. “Senator Felder has served in Albany for many years, and we wish him well in his next chapter. I look forward to working with his successor on the issues that matter to the people of the 22nd District.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Announces Relaunch of VOICE Office Shuttered by Biden

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The Trump Administration is standing up for Americans who were victims of illegal alien crimes.  

    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is relaunching the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. 

    The Trump administration is once again putting Americans first and standing up for law and order by reinstating the VOICE office within Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

    A statement from Secretary Noem is below:  

    “I met with Angel Families who lost a loved one because of an illegal alien who should never have been in our country. The previous administration ignored these families and the other victims of illegal alien crime. With the re-launching of the VOICE Office, we are giving victims and their families access to resources and support services. President Trump and I will continue to remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets and make America safe again.” 

    A statement from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons is below:  

    “Illegal aliens harming American citizens is unconscionable. But now, thanks to President Trump, we’re able to help people victimized by criminal aliens through the VOICE Office. I’m extremely proud of ICE’s entire workforce — the officers and agents on the ground who are enforcing immigration law fairly, the support staff who pull these operations together and handle logistics, and those who help shine a light on those who have suffered harm at illegal aliens’ hands.”

    The VOICE Office helps victims of crime and their families by: 

    • Helping victims follow and understand the immigration enforcement and removal process. 
    • Signing up victims to receive automated custody status information on criminal aliens in ICE custody. 
    • Providing additional criminal or immigration history about illegal aliens to victims or their families. 
    • Explaining where a victim may have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement in applicable cases. 
    • Giving access to social service professionals and local contacts who can help connect victims to resources and service providers. 

     The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Recovered at Scene of Shooting Where 4-Year-Old Was Injured

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

    ?           MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for illegally possessing a firearm recovered at the scene of a shooting. On April 9, 2025, a judge ordered that 27-year-old Grenden James Jordan serve 174 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Following his 14-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Jordan will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.

                According to court records and evidence presented at his January 2025 trial, on March 16, 2024, an officer with the Montgomery Police Department responded to the scene of a shooting on Atlanta Highway near the Eastern Boulevard overpass after hearing gun shots. Upon arrival, the officer saw three men walking away from a blue Dodge Challenger that was stopped in one of the lanes of traffic. One of the men, later identified as Grenden James Jordan, was observed by the officer throwing a firearm towards the side of the road. This was also captured on the officer’s dash cam video. The three men fled the scene.

                Witnesses stated that the three men were occupants of the Dodge Challenger and had exchanged gunfire with a red sedan, which left the scene when law enforcement arrived. Numerous bullet holes were found on the Dodge Challenger. There was a third vehicle on the scene that had been caught in the crossfire and had gunshot damage as well. This vehicle was occupied by innocent bystanders including a mother, father, and four-year-old child. The child sustained injuries from broken glass caused by the gunshots and was treated.

                Officers recovered an AR-style pistol from the area where the firearm had been thrown by Jordan, along with a high-capacity drum magazine with ammunition. During the trial, the jury saw a photo taken prior to March 16, 2024, showing Jordan posing with an AR-style pistol matching the one found on the scene of the shooting. Law enforcement found two additional firearms when searching Jordan’s residence in April of 2024. Jordan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The jury found Jordan guilty earlier this year for illegally possessing the firearm recovered on March 16, 2024.

                “This significant sentence not only reflects the need to ensure justice is served, but it also reflects the gravity of the danger posed by Grenden Jordan’s reckless behavior,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Violent crime has an enormous impact on communities and those that work and live within them, including our children. This case is a stark reminder of the harm that can be inflicted when individuals use guns to settle disputes without regard for the wellbeing of others. Montgomery is a safer place with Grenden Jordan off the streets.” 

                “This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated and most especially by a previously convicted felon,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd. “FBI Mobile will continue to work alongside our state, local, and federal partners to bring justice to the victims of this senseless gun violence.”

                This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

                The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining Student Visa, Other Documents

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

    T. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted fraudulently obtaining a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri and admitted using the visa to obtain a Social Security card, a driver license, a bank account and an apartment.

    Mercy Ojedeji, 24, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud.

    Ojedeji admitted using counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendations, a resume and a report about his English language proficiency to obtain a student visa from the University of Missouri and admission to the chemistry PhD program in the fall of 2023. Ojedeji also obtained a stipend and a tuition waiver worth more than $49,000. Ojedeji presented his student visa and other documents to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security card and used the fraudulently-issued Social Security number and other documents to open a bank account. He also used the Social Security number and documents produced by his paramour to rent an apartment. After Ojedeji failed to attend classes, his assistantship or join a research group, the university terminated him from the graduate program in January 2024. This also resulted in the termination of his student visa. On Feb. 26, 2024, Ojedeji used his fraudulently-obtained and now invalid visa and other documents to obtain a Missouri driver license.

    The investigation into Ojedeji began when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received complaints that romance fraud victims were mailing packages containing cash and gift cards to the home of Ojedeji’s paramour. Between Dec. 19, 2023, and Jan. 4, 2024, 35 Express Mail packages that had been tracked by Nigerian internet protocol addresses were delivered to the paramour’s address. A court-approved search of the home resulted in the discovery of packages sent pursuant to a Nigerian romance fraud scheme. A total of 193 packages were sent to the home through the Postal Services Express Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman. At sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total intended loss is more than $1 million, based on the $94,150 contained in the 17 packages seized by law enforcement. Ojedeji continues to deny any involvement in romance fraud.

    A judge will ultimately determine the loss amount at Ojedeji’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 10. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The immigration charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine.

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI and the Town and Country Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laguna Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charges Involving Serious Injuries

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man pleaded guilty to federal assault charges for a violent attack that left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries.

    According to court records, on August 18, 2023, Kenzie Alonzo, 26, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, physically assaulted Jane Doe during a verbal altercation. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injury, including a concussion, severe bruising, and bite marks, requiring emergency medical transport and hospitalization.

    At sentencing, Alonzo faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Alonzo will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TOBYHANNA MAN CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD FOR HIS MISAPPROPRIATION OF COVID RELIEF FUNDS AND WITH MAKING A FALSE TAX RETURN IN SUPPORT OF WIRE FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Freeman, IV, age 45, of Tobyhanna, PA, was charged by criminal information with one count of wire fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, over a multi-year period between 2020 and 2021, Freeman submitted at least 10 applications seeking pandemic stimulus funds through both the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on behalf of several entities under his control, including, Second Haven Services for Youth, Inc., Phoenix Behavioral Health Network, LLC, Pocono Wing Hut, LLC, and Legacy Group Real Estate Company. The applications submitted by Freeman were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false employee headcount information, fabricated gross revenues, and costs of goods sold. Freeman additionally made material misrepresentations on these applications about his criminal history, representing that he had none when, in fact, he did. Freeman obtained over $300,000 dollars in stimulus funds through filing the fraudulent applications, which he spent on unapproved personal expenses and which was never repaid. 

    Additionally, and in support of that fraud, Freeman filed a falsified Form 1040 and a falsified W-3 in 2020 for the 2019 tax year claiming thousands of dollars in taxes that were withheld and paid over to the IRS which never happened. In addition to his failure to pay over those taxes, he also attempted to obtain thousands of dollars of tax refund money. Mr. Freeman did this for the purpose of creating a filed tax return in an attempt to obtain additional stimulus funds.

    The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti. 

    “IRS Criminal Investigation agents will continue to be on the front lines to fight fraud.” Stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 23 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    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 at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP seizes cocaine, other drugs and prohibited weapon; man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Bay St. George RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a parked vehicle on April 6, 2025, that resulted in the seizure of drugs and a weapon and the arrest of 28-year-old Austin Feltham.

    At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, Bay St. George RCMP checked on a vehicle that was parked on a commercial property on Carolina Avenue in Stephenville. The driver, Austin Feltham, was detained as part of an impaired driving investigation. Feltham was found in possession of cocaine and brass knuckles. He was arrested. A search of the vehicle was conducted. As part of this investigation, the following items were seized:

    • Nearly 30 grams of cocaine
    • Two tablets labeled as Xanax
    • More than 12 grams of an unknown substance that will be sent for a drug analysis
    • A prohibited weapon – brass knuckles
    • Other items consisted with possession for the purpose of trafficking

    Feltham is due to appear in court at a later date and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

    The investigation is continuing with further charges possible.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Four Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions, Fills One County Vacancy

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 10, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy.

    Joseph Barbaglia, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

    Mr. Barbaglia is the owner of Columbia Auto Parts and currently serves as secretary for the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners. He has been a member of the board since 2017. He is a dedicated member and volunteer with several community associations and civic organizations, including the Second District Police Business Association, St. Ambrose Athletic Association, Toys for Tots, and the Soap Box Derby.

    Cary Corley, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed to the Committee of Professional Counselors.

    Dr. Corley is the clinical director and owner of Corley Counseling, LLC. Licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, he has earned the National Certified Counselor credential, awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors. In addition to his professional work, Corley is a member of the Election Committee for the Lakewood Homeowners Association and a ministry leader at Abundant Life Church in Lee’s Summit. Dr. Corley earned his Doctor of Counseling from Midwestern College, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

    Kelly Marriott, of Calhoun, was appointed as the Henry County Clerk.

    Ms. Marriott currently serves as the deputy county clerk and elections coordinator for Henry County, a position she has held for almost two decades. She is an active member of her community and has been a member of the Calhoun Colt Show Committee since 2015. Ms. Marriott is a graduate of Calhoun R-8 High School.

    Dudley McCarter, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

    Mr. McCarter is a principal of Behr, McCarter, Neely & Gabris, P.C., specializing in civil and construction litigation. McCarter was first appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in 2019. A former president of both The Missouri Bar and the St. Louis County Bar Association, he has received several prestigious awards for his quality of work, leadership, and integrity, including the Spurgeon Smithson Award, the Purcell Professionalism Award, and Missouri Lawyers Media’s prestigious ICON award. McCarter served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1972 to 1980, earning the rank of captain before being honorably discharged. Mr. McCarter received his bachelor’s degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

    Andrew Schwartz, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

    Mr. Schwartz is the president of AJ Adhesives, Inc, and Mid-America Packaging. Schwartz first served on the St. Louis City Board of Elections from 2011 to 2016 and again in 2024. He is an active member of his community, serving as a voting member of the Forest Park Advisory Board, a local soccer, basketball and baseball coach, and an officer for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Mr. Schwartz earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Southeast Missouri State University.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files a Proposed Statement of Interest Supporting Equal Access to Southwest Airlines Travel Program

    Source: US State of California

    The Justice Department filed a proposed statement of interest today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to make clear that federal law protects the equal right of all Americans to make and enforce contracts regardless of their race.

    According to the allegations in the case, the 2024 ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Travel Award Program was an annual program in which college and graduate students could receive free Southwest Airlines flight vouchers, but only Hispanic students were eligible to apply. The American Alliance for Equal Rights sued Southwest alleging that by denying that opportunity to all other students on the basis of their race or ethnicity, Southwest’s program facially discriminated against non-Hispanic students in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981. The Department’s proposed statement of interest affirms its continuing commitment to eradicating racially exclusionary practices across the government and in the private sector.

    “Every person in the United States should have equal and nondiscriminatory rights to make and enforce contracts, and race should never be a consideration,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is working to end discrimination using all of the tools at our disposal.”

    “Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas. “Our office will continue to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws to address racial discrimination affecting our residents.”

    To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Arrest warrant issued for Simon Dobbin (UPDATED)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Update: Simon Dobbin was arrested by Holyrood RCMP on April 3, 2025.

    Holyrood RCMP is looking to arrest wanted man, 34-year-old Simon Dobbin of St. Joseph’s. Dobbin is wanted for charges of assault and two counts of breaching a release order.

    An image of Dobbin is attached.

    Anyone having information about Dobbin’s current location is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bicameral Letter Raising Alarm Over Escalating Violence in West Bank, Assault of Hamdan Ballal 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Ballal is an Oscar-winning co-director of the documentary No Other Land 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) today led 29 of their bicameral colleagues in raising the alarm over escalating violence in the West Bank. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Lawmakers urge the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate sanctions against individuals who perpetrate violence that undermines regional stability and security in the West Bank. The bicameral letter comes in response to the violent assault of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, an Oscar-winning co-director of the documentary, No Other Land, which chronicles life for Palestinians under occupation in the West Bank. 
    “The assault on Mr. Ballal occurred against the backdrop of intensified Israeli military operations across the West Bank,” wrote the Lawmakers. “Given the gravity of this attack and its implications on the ability of Palestinian civilians to advocate for self-determination peacefully, the U.S. must put pressure on the Israeli government to hold perpetrators accountable.” 
    On March 24, 2025, Ballal was attacked by a group of Israeli settlers in the village of Susiya in the occupied West Bank. The account of the attack from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) differs greatly from witness reports, which also claim that the IDF did not intervene and instead handcuffed Ballal after he sustained serious injuries.   
    “Given Mr. Ballal’s platform, we are especially concerned that this violent attack and failure to hold his perpetrators accountable suppresses his freedom of speech and those who tell Palestinian stories,” continued the Lawmakers. “While it is important to dismantle militant cells in the West Bank that threaten the security of the Israeli people, we are concerned recent Israeli operations have disproportionately impacted Palestinian civilians.” 
    This assault occurred as tensions continue to rise in the occupied West Bank during intensified military operations by the IDF forces. Since January, operations have displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians.  
    In addition to Senator Welch, the letter was signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).  
    In the House, the letter was signed by Representative Jayapal and Reps. Becca Balint (VT-At-Large), André Carson (D-IN-07), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D-GA-04), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12). 
    The Lawmakers’ letter is supported by the American Friends of Combatants for Peace, CAIR Action, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Church Women United in New York State, Christian-Jewish Allies for a Just Peace for Israel/Palestine, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), IfNotNow Movement, J Street, Jahalin Solidarity, MARUF CT, Medglobal, Minnesota Peace Project, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslims United PAC, New Jewish Narrative, Oasis Legal Services, Partners for Progressive Israel, Peace Action, Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction, Upte Members for Palestine, Voices for Justice in Palestine, WILPF, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section (WILPF US), and Win Without War. 
    Read the full text of the letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Joins Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) joined Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) today in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to target the rise in theft, fraud, and other organized crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain across America. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a coordinated multi-agency response and creates new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft to combat these criminal operations.

    “By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Congresswoman Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.’

    “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Congressman Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes.”

    Congresswoman Titus joined six other members of the House in co-leading the legislation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, Home Depot, UPS, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads, the International Council of Shopping Centers,  the American Trucking Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

    Background

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This Coordination Center will allow increased collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations and subject matter experts, to create a cohesive strategy to combat these crimes and share valuable resources.

    According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93 percent from 2019 to 2023, including a 90 percent increase in actual dollar loss. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021, $61.7 billion in 2019, and $46.8 billion in 2017. In 2023, 84 percent of retailers reported that violence and aggression were a greater concern than in 2022. At the same time, product manufacturers and the supply chain are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These crimes are often orchestrated by organized groups that resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act seeks to address these challenges by enhancing legal frameworks, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation responds to the limitations of state-level efforts, which struggle with resource constraints and the interstate and international nature of organized retail and supply chain crime, and it aims to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Schakowsky, Espaillat, Panetta Introduce Legislation to Protect Immigrant Survivors of Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) today introduced the Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act to protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. The bill would ensure that immigrants have access to protections intended by the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA), and other federal and state laws. The bill would also move to ensure survivors pursuing relief are not detained or deported before their applications are fully adjudicated.

    “The Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign has sowed immeasurable fear in immigrant communities, driving survivors of crime to hide in fear of deportation. That simply cannot be the case,” said Jayapal. “Immigrant women are significantly more likely to suffer domestic violence, nearly three times the national average. Especially in the current environment, it is critical that we take steps to ensure that survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence are protected. The WISE Act would improve protections for immigrant witnesses and victims of crimes and foster safe communities — the opposite of what Trump is pushing.”

    “Our immigrant communities are under attack by the Trump administration, and immigrant women faced with domestic violence make up one of the most vulnerable populations. These women should not feel forced to stay in violent, life-threatening intimate partner relationships because of their tenuous immigration status,” said Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the WISE Act to help ensure that all victims of domestic violence, regardless of immigration status, have access to the public resources and support they need to escape abuse.”

    “Immigrant families are facing tremendous challenges in light of the Trump administration, and we are working to combat these dangerous anti-American policies daily. Immigrant victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and gender-based assaults are particularly vulnerable and deserve protections regardless of their immigration status,” said Espaillat. “Immigrant survivors are less likely to report a crime in fear of detention and deportation, especially in this political climate, which makes them even more vulnerable to such abuse and exploitation. These crimes are dehumanizing and reprehensible, and we must do all that it takes to ensure protections are in place and victims feel empowered to seek assistance. I am proud to join my colleagues, once again, to introduce legislation this Congress to reaffirm our commitment to victims of violence when they need our help the most.”

    “Our criminal justice system works when victims and witnesses have the will and confidence to come forward and testify to hold criminals accountable,” said Panetta.  “In addition to being scared of retribution by criminals, there also are times when undocumented individuals are fearful of deportation due to their cooperation with law enforcement.  That is why U and T visas are critical to putting away bad guys and giving people faith in our criminal justice system.  I’m proud to be a part of the reintroduction of the WISE Act, which includes my Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act to strengthen safeguards and expand the availability of U and T visas.  By ensuring that victims and witnesses have access to the protections of our government in their cooperation with law enforcement, we can hold criminals accountable and strengthen trust in our justice system.”

    This bill introduction comes after President Donald Trump, in a proclamation for National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, blamed sexual violence on undocumented immigrants. However, studies have found zero evidence to support a link between undocumented immigrants and a rise in crime rates.

    Immigrant women and children are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, and the rate of abuse against immigrant women is nearly 49 percent, three times the national average. While domestic violence is a consistently underreported issue, immigrant survivors are significantly less likely to report these crimes due to fear of deportation. 

    The WISE Act would strengthen protections for immigrant survivors by:

    • Eliminating arbitrary caps on the U Visa and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
    • Expanding qualifying crimes for the U Visa to include hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse as well as grant protections for abused children, stepchildren, spouses, and parents of immigrant survivors.
    • Granting work authorization to survivors while their applications are pending.
    • Prohibiting detention and deportation of immigrant survivors while their cases are pending.
    • Limiting the use or disclosure of information pertaining to a pending immigrant survivor’s VAWA, T, U, or SIJ applications.
    • Restricting immigration enforcement at certain protected areas including any domestic violence shelter, rape crisis center, supervised visitation center, family justice center, or victim services providers, among other locations.
    • Ensuring survivors have the support necessary to thrive and reduce reliance on abusers by providing access to certain assistance, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Medicaid.

    The legislation is sponsored by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

    The WISE Act is also endorsed by Alianza Nacional de Campesinas; Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; Center for Gender & Refugee Studies; Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Church World Service; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Coalition on Human Needs; End SIJS Backlog Coalition; Esperanza United; Esperanza United; Freedom Network USA; Just Detention International; Just Solutions ; Justice for Migrant Women; Justice in Motion; Kids in Need of Defense; Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund; Make the Road States; Naila Amin Foundation; National Alliance to End Sexual Violence; National Council of Jewish Women; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence; National Network To End Domestic Violence; National Partnership for New Americans.org ; National Resource Center on Domestic Violence; Oxfam America; Refugees International ; Sisters of Mercy Justice Team; Tahirih Justice Center; The Advocates for Human Rights; Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community; VALOR; We Are All America; Women’s Refugee Commission; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; Al Otro Lado; Asian Resources, Inc.; Ayuda; California Partnership to End Domestic Violence; Center for Domestic Peace; Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Daya Inc.; DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Domestic Abuse Center; Domestic Violence Project | Urban Justice Center; East Bay Sanctuary Covenant; Equality California; Estrella del Paso; Gray’s Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp; Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments; Her Justice; IL Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Immigrant Children Advocates’ Relief Effort (ICARE); Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Immigration Center for Women and Children; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Jane Doe Inc.; Just Neighbors; Los Angeles LGBT Center; Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault; Maitri; Make the Road Connecticut ; Make the Road Nevada ; Make the Road New Jersey ; Make the Road New York ; Make the Road Pennsylvania ; Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence; Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault; National Organization for Women-Nassau County chapter; National Organization for Women-New York State; Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence; Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence; Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC); Northwest Workers’ Justice Project; Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV); Ohio Domestic Violence Network; Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network; Raksha, Inc; Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network; Sanctuary for Families; Silver State Equality; Survivor Justice Center (formerly known as Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice); The Immigration Project; The Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc.; Utah Domestic Violence Coalition; Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Violence Free Minnesota; Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance; Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Womankind; Workers Center of Central New York and; ZeroV.

    If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, help is available at 800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. 

    Issues: Immigration, Public Safety & Criminal Justice

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Charges Five Suspects in Unlicensed Tobacco Scheme that Cost Californians $24 Million in Lost Tax Revenue

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, April 10, 2025

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

    SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the grand jury indictment of five suspects for selling tobacco without a license and committing tax fraud that cost the state of California over $24 million in lost tax revenue. On March 14, 2025, the Sacramento County criminal grand jury indicted the five suspects with 118-counts of conspiracy, selling tobacco as an unlicensed distributor, filing false tax returns, money laundering, and a white-collar enhancement. 

    “From the investigation to prosecution, my office is dedicated to seeing these five defendants pay for their crimes against the people of California,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Schemes that defraud the government of millions in taxpayer money will not be tolerated. Today’s announcement should serve as a reminder: If you break the law and engage in fraud and theft, my office will hold you accountable.”

    “Tobacco taxes provide funding for medical research, childhood development, and tobacco-prevention programs for kids. They also pay for many other critical services that Californians rely on,” said California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Director Trista Gonzalez. “That’s why we will continue to work with DOJ and our other state colleagues to fight against tax evasion.” 

    From January 2017 to April 2024, the suspects allegedly engaged in the importation of untaxed tobacco products into California using shell entities, subsequently selling these products to customers in the state while evading the tobacco excise tax. This operation involved a series of coordinated actions aimed at misusing personal and regulatory information, hiding the source of funds used for purchasing untaxed tobacco, concealing the arrival of tobacco shipments in California, misleading customers about compliance, and avoiding obligations related to California’s tobacco excise tax. 

    Additionally, the five suspects perpetuated their scheme by submitting false monthly excise tax returns to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration or, in some cases, neglecting to file these returns altogether. As a result of their actions, the state of California suffered over $24 million in lost tax revenue, significantly compromising the integrity of its tobacco regulatory system. This case was investigated by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. It is being prosecuted by DOJ. 

    It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    A copy of the unsealed indictment can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files a Proposed Statement of Interest Supporting Equal Access to Southwest Airlines Travel Program

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    The Justice Department filed a proposed statement of interest today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to make clear that federal law protects the equal right of all Americans to make and enforce contracts regardless of their race.

    According to the allegations in the case, the 2024 ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Travel Award Program was an annual program in which college and graduate students could receive free Southwest Airlines flight vouchers, but only Hispanic students were eligible to apply. The American Alliance for Equal Rights sued Southwest alleging that by denying that opportunity to all other students on the basis of their race or ethnicity, Southwest’s program facially discriminated against non-Hispanic students in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981. The Department’s proposed statement of interest affirms its continuing commitment to eradicating racially exclusionary practices across the government and in the private sector.

    “Every person in the United States should have equal and nondiscriminatory rights to make and enforce contracts, and race should never be a consideration,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is working to end discrimination using all of the tools at our disposal.”

    “Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas. “Our office will continue to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws to address racial discrimination affecting our residents.”

    To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — RCMP-RNC JFO West arrests two individuals found in possession of cocaine and cash at traffic stop on TCH near Deer Lake

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two men, ages 64 and 42, of Deer Lake were arrested by RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation (JFO) West at a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway on April 8, 2025.

    As part of an ongoing investigation, JFO West, with assistance from Deer Lake RCMP, stopped a vehicle on the TCH, near Deer Lake. Officers located and seized approximately 5 ounces of cocaine, more than $18,000.00 cash and other items consistent with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

    The two were released from custody and are set to appear in court at a later date. Each man will answer to a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

    The investigation is continuing.

    JFO West, which includes dedicated police officers from both the RCMP and RNC, targets drug trafficking and organized crime on the west coast of the province.

    If you are a resident on the province’s west coast and you suspect there is drug trafficking in your neighbourhood, JFO West wants to talk with you. You can remain anonymous while speaking directly with a police officer by contacting the JFO West designated drug line at (709) 637-4221.

    Residents in other areas of the province are encouraged to contact their local police detachment to report illegal drug activities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Government Seeks Death Penalty for Federal Inmate Charged with First Degree Murder

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment this week, charging Ishmael Petty, 56, with first degree murder and murder by a federal prisoner serving a life sentence.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 19, 2020, Petty murdered a fellow inmate while the two were housed in the same unit at the U.S. Penitentiary-Florence, Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado. Petty has been in federal custody since a 1998 conviction for bank robbery. In 2002, Petty was sentenced to life in prison for murdering an inmate at another federal prison. In 2015, Petty was sentenced to 60 years in prison for an assault on two federal officers at ADX.

    For the current charges, the maximum penalty is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Petty.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado made the announcement.

    The FBI Denver Field Office investigated the case.

    This case is being prosecuted by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Guilty of Assault in Stabbing Case

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

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty as charged in his federal indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon because he intentionally stabbed his ex-girlfriend and struck her with his vehicle during a violent altercation.

    According to court records, on November 2, 2024, Jane Doe, and her sister were stopped at a road construction zone when her ex-boyfriend, Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached their vehicle. Johnson physically attacked Jane Doe, striking her head, stabbing her abdomen with a knife, and striking her with his vehicle as he fled the scene. Jane Doe sustained injuries, including an abdominal wound, bruises, abrasions, and a concussion.

    Navajo Police located Johnson’s vehicle in Cudei, New Mexico, identified by its damaged front bumper, and apprehended him after a brief pursuit. Officers recovered a black folding knife from Johnson’s possession and confirmed he had no alcohol in his system during processing.

    At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Lawler Celebrates Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act Passing House Foreign Affairs Committee

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 4/9/2025… Today, Chairman Mike Lawler (NY-17) of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee released the following statement in response to the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act passing the House Foreign Affairs Committee by voice vote. 

    The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act expands secondary sanctions on foreign entities that facilitate Iran’s illegal oil trade, making it clear that the U.S. will not tolerate those who enable the Iranian regime’s dangerous activities. Chairman Lawler and Ranking Member Sheila Cherfilus–McCormick (FL-20) introduced the bipartisan bill in the 119th Congress this past February.

    “Today’s passage of the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act in Committee marks a critical step toward holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions and curbing its access to the funds that go toward terrorism and undermine global security. This bill is a direct response to Iran’s exploitation of weak spots in the global sanctions framework and its continued attempts to skirt international efforts to limit its malign influence,” said Chairman Mike Lawler. 

    “I am proud that this bipartisan legislation has received strong support in the committee and is on its way to being debated and voted on in the full House. Our allies in the Middle East, including Israel, are depending on us to take decisive action to stop Iran from further destabilizing the region and advancing its nuclear ambitions. This bill is an important step in that direction,” concluded Chairman Lawler.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, Velázquez, Ocasio-Cortez, and Hernández Press DOE to Deploy Renewable Energy Funds for Puerto Rico

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    April 10, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate solar installations under Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund’s (PR-ERF) programs, warning that continued delays could have severe consequences for vulnerable communities across the island.
     
    “Every hurricane season we fail to act, we risk lives,” the lawmakers wrote. “The funding has been obligated, the technology exists, and the urgent need for these programs is clear. We call on the Department to move swiftly to fulfill the intent of Congress and protect the people of Puerto Rico.”
     
    Congress established the PR-ERF with $1 billion through the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, thanks to the leadership of the late Representative Raúl M. Grijalva. Lawmakers were explicit that the funding support rooftop solar and battery storage systems for last-mile communities and individuals with electricity-dependent disabilities and medical conditions.
     
    “This request was made in response to both the proven reliability of rooftop solar and battery systems, which consistently preserved power during major storms, and to direct appeals from residents across Puerto Rico urging Congress to lower the cost barriers for acquiring these systems,” the Members wrote. “These stakeholders specifically emphasized the need for rooftop solar systems to mitigate the disproportionate health impacts and mortality for elderly residents and residents with disabilities, as was seen during Hurricane María in 2017 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022.”
     
    In the letter, the lawmakers applauded the launch of the DOE’s Solar Access Program and call on the Department to accelerate installations without delay. They also urged immediate action on the Resilient Communities Program, which remains stalled, noting that the Department has not yet finalized agreements to release $365 million intended to enhance energy security in multi-family housing properties and community healthcare facilities.
     
    “With hurricane season quickly approaching, any further delay risks severe consequences,” continued the lawmakers. “In Puerto Rico, where power outages are frequent and backup power is often out of reach for many, the failure to deploy decentralized energy systems puts lives at risk.”
     
    The letter underscores that rooftop solar with battery storage is the most practical and proven way to improve energy security in Puerto Rico. Tens of thousands of systems already in use produce 1.1 gigawatts of power and help prevent up to 56 hours of outages each year by supplying electricity directly to homes. The PR-ERF will expand this network and strengthen the island’s ability to avoid blackouts during peak demand.
     
    In the letter, the Members request a briefing from DOE on the PR-ERF’s progress, including a timeline for finalizing agreements and launching installations.
     
    Read the full letter.
     

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