NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Burgum Discuss Need for Oil, Gas, Coal & Critical Mineral Production to Support U.S. Energy Dominance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum efforts to advance U.S. energy dominance, including:

    • Unlocking the potential of taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves.
    • Increasing critical mineral production on federal lands.
      • Hoeven pointed to the development of Talon Metals’ minerals processing facility, which is being developed in North Dakota and will support a secure, fully-domestic supply chain for battery production.

    Hoeven stressed the importance of such activities in supporting local economies, while generating revenues for the federal government to help fund priorities and reduce the debt and deficit. Accordingly, Hoeven has been working with Burgum to provide regulatory relief and roll back burdensome rules at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

    “Taxpayer-owned lands and minerals are a real strategic and economic asset to our nation, but only if we have a regulatory process in place that actually allows the multiple uses that Congress has mandated for these acres, including energy production,” said Hoeven. “Doing so is not only important to local economies, but is essential to our efforts to make the U.S. truly energy dominant. We’re going to get there by providing regulatory relief and certainty for our energy and critical mineral producers, and that’s exactly what I’m working to accomplish with Secretary Burgum.”

    Providing Regulatory Relief

                In particular, Hoeven is working to rescind two Biden-era regulations at the BLM that threaten to severely limit access to vast areas of minerals and energy resources – the Public Lands Rule and the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. The Public Lands Rule would overhaul the management of more than 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands and establish “conservation leases” to lock away federal lands and minerals. At the same time, the RMP for North Dakota would close off leasing to 45 percent of potential federal oil and gas acreage and nearly 99 percent of federal coal acreage in the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Burgum Discuss Need for Oil, Gas, Coal & Critical Mineral Production to Support U.S. Energy Dominance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum efforts to advance U.S. energy dominance, including:

    • Unlocking the potential of taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves.
    • Increasing critical mineral production on federal lands.
      • Hoeven pointed to the development of Talon Metals’ minerals processing facility, which is being developed in North Dakota and will support a secure, fully-domestic supply chain for battery production.

    Hoeven stressed the importance of such activities in supporting local economies, while generating revenues for the federal government to help fund priorities and reduce the debt and deficit. Accordingly, Hoeven has been working with Burgum to provide regulatory relief and roll back burdensome rules at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

    “Taxpayer-owned lands and minerals are a real strategic and economic asset to our nation, but only if we have a regulatory process in place that actually allows the multiple uses that Congress has mandated for these acres, including energy production,” said Hoeven. “Doing so is not only important to local economies, but is essential to our efforts to make the U.S. truly energy dominant. We’re going to get there by providing regulatory relief and certainty for our energy and critical mineral producers, and that’s exactly what I’m working to accomplish with Secretary Burgum.”

    Providing Regulatory Relief

                In particular, Hoeven is working to rescind two Biden-era regulations at the BLM that threaten to severely limit access to vast areas of minerals and energy resources – the Public Lands Rule and the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. The Public Lands Rule would overhaul the management of more than 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands and establish “conservation leases” to lock away federal lands and minerals. At the same time, the RMP for North Dakota would close off leasing to 45 percent of potential federal oil and gas acreage and nearly 99 percent of federal coal acreage in the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Working with Interior Secretary, USFS Chief to Improve Grazing Access on Federal Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week outlined priorities to improve access to federal lands for grazers in discussions with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz. During hearings of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee, respectively, Hoeven:

    • Outlined the need to streamline the process for issuing grazing permits.
    • Discussed efforts to update the Little Missouri National Grassland Travel Management Plan.
      • Hoeven secured a commitment from Schultz to work with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and local grazing associations during this process.
      • The senator stressed the importance of ensuring the plan works for grazers, who need reliable access to federal lands for their operations.
      • To this end, Hoeven also urged Schultz to work with him on making section line rights-of-way available so ranchers can access their cattle in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
    • Encouraged Schultz to continue working with him on better managing pests in the national grasslands, including prairie dogs and noxious weeds.
      • Hoeven highlighted his previous work with USFS Deputy Chief Chris French on efforts to address noxious weeds on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and urged Schultz to maintain these efforts.

    “We’ve had a tremendous partnership with USFS Deputy Chief French who has worked with us to address our priorities for the national grasslands, like noxious weed control. This week’s hearings were an opportunity to keep these initiatives moving forward, ensure these federal acres are properly managed and improve access for grazing,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, Chief Schultz has committed to consult with our grazers and Ag Commissioner Goehring as the Travel Management Plan for the Little Missouri National Grassland is updated. That’s a critical part of our work to make sure we have rancher-friendly policies in place that strengthen access to the vast federal acreage in North Dakota.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Working with Interior Secretary, USFS Chief to Improve Grazing Access on Federal Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week outlined priorities to improve access to federal lands for grazers in discussions with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz. During hearings of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee, respectively, Hoeven:

    • Outlined the need to streamline the process for issuing grazing permits.
    • Discussed efforts to update the Little Missouri National Grassland Travel Management Plan.
      • Hoeven secured a commitment from Schultz to work with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and local grazing associations during this process.
      • The senator stressed the importance of ensuring the plan works for grazers, who need reliable access to federal lands for their operations.
      • To this end, Hoeven also urged Schultz to work with him on making section line rights-of-way available so ranchers can access their cattle in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
    • Encouraged Schultz to continue working with him on better managing pests in the national grasslands, including prairie dogs and noxious weeds.
      • Hoeven highlighted his previous work with USFS Deputy Chief Chris French on efforts to address noxious weeds on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and urged Schultz to maintain these efforts.

    “We’ve had a tremendous partnership with USFS Deputy Chief French who has worked with us to address our priorities for the national grasslands, like noxious weed control. This week’s hearings were an opportunity to keep these initiatives moving forward, ensure these federal acres are properly managed and improve access for grazing,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, Chief Schultz has committed to consult with our grazers and Ag Commissioner Goehring as the Travel Management Plan for the Little Missouri National Grassland is updated. That’s a critical part of our work to make sure we have rancher-friendly policies in place that strengthen access to the vast federal acreage in North Dakota.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Padilla, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) abd U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. 

    The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in more than 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.

    Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.

    “We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote the Senators. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”

    The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.

    “For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

    “We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”

    In addition to Senator Duckworth, Durbin and Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    June 14, 2025

    Dear President Trump,

    We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.

    For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

    We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”

    We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Padilla, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) abd U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. 

    The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in more than 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.

    Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.

    “We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote the Senators. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”

    The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.

    “For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

    “We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”

    In addition to Senator Duckworth, Durbin and Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    June 14, 2025

    Dear President Trump,

    We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.

    For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

    We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”

    We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth: “Trump’s Birthday Parade Is Nothing More Than an Ego Boost for a Known Draft Dodger”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 13, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement ahead of Donald Trump further politicizing our military by diverting $25 to $45 million of Army resources in order to throw himself a birthday parade:

    “Donald Trump’s birthday parade has nothing to do with celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday—it’s to stroke his own ego and make taxpayers foot the bill.

    “If he truly cared about celebrating the Army and our Soldiers, Trump could spend the tens of millions of taxpayer dollars he’s spending on this autocratic show of bravado toward long-term investments in our servicemembers that would actually help military families struggling to make ends meet—like covering the costs of child care, reimbursing tuition or expanding food assistance so they can put food on the table. If you asked any servicemember to list a thousand things they need, I bet an extravagant military parade to celebrate a known draft dodger’s birthday wouldn’t make the cut.

    “Whether it’s this obscene misuse of our military, deploying our servicemembers against their fellow Americans in California or the violent attempt to silence Senator Alex Padilla, our nation is witnessing the very democracy our troops swore an oath to defend look more and more like an authoritarian regime with each passing day. Republicans must grow a spine and stand up for our servicemembers and our Constitution—before it’s too late.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Secretary of the Navy Addresses Naval War College 2025 Graduates

    Source: United States Navy

    NEWPORT, RI— In his first visit to the professional military education institution, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) summer graduation ceremony onboard Naval Station Newport, June 13.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Dissolution of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement

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

    SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the dissolution of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement between the Federal Government, Tribes and the states of Washington and Oregon for the management and restoration of the Columbia River Basin:

    “This Executive Order represents the careless discarding of many years of work on the Columbia-Snake River system between the Federal Government, Pacific Northwest Tribes, and the states of Oregon and Washington to address energy, irrigation, environmental, and recreation challenges. Salmon play an essential role in our ecosystem, our community, Tribal culture, and our economy. Breaking up this historic agreement will harm salmon protection efforts — also impacting efforts to recover endangered Southern Resident killer whale populations, jeopardize energy stability and production, and fly in the face of our commitments to our Tribal Nations. 

    “This agreement had been a major accomplishment for the Northwest, and Trump’s moves to pull the Departments of Energy, the Interior, and Commerce out of binding agreements come after months of inaction to fulfill the commitments made in the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement. Instead of supporting federal agencies’ implementation of the agreement, the Trump administration gutted federal funding for programs like Columbia River Fish Mitigation, forced out career federal employees at agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and undermined the use of science within the federal government.

    “My office has been in close communication with many stakeholders impacted by and involved in the health of and operations on the Columbia-Snake River system. We must continue to work in partnership with conservationists to support regional sovereigns and use all available tools to prevent salmon extinction, rebuild salmon populations to healthy abundance, and create a more resilient energy future.”

    Issues: Environment

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrest leads to indictment for Dominican alien who apparently illegally re-entered the US

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON – A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigration enforcement operation led to the indictment of an unlawfully present Dominican alien residing in Brockton. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts indicted Edwin Antonio Sanchez-Lara, 34, on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

    “Edwin Antonio Sanchez-Lara has allegedly displayed a blatant disregard for American immigration laws,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He has already been deported once and apparently returned to live illegally in Brockton. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal aliens from out New England communities.”

    ICE removed Sanchez-Lara from the United States to the Dominican Republic in August 2019. Apparently, sometime after his removal, the defendant unlawfully reentered the United States. Officers with ICE Boston encountered him May 11.

    If convicted, Sanchez-Lara faces a prison sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. ICE intends to remove Sanchez-Lara from the United States upon the completion of his sentence.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU agencies help take down largest illegal trading platform for drugs

    Source: European Union 2

    The dark web marketplace was active for over five years. Archetyp was one of the only platforms to allow the sale of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The marketplace had around 17 000 listings online, and with more than 600 000 users, it is considered one of the largest of its kind.

    Investigations into Archetyp revealed that its creator and current administrator is a German national residing in Spain. International cooperation between authorities, financial tracking and digital evidence analysis led to the identification of the people behind Archetyp. Investigators discovered the location of the servers, moderators and vendors on the marketplace. A coordinated action week was planned to dismantle Archetyp and arrest those responsible for selling and operating the platform, under the coordination of Eurojust and Europol.

    The action week took place between 11 and 13 June, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors and the servers running the website. Coordinated actions in five countries, carried out by around 300 officers, resulted in the arrest of the thirty year old administrator in Spain, seven other persons and the seizure of assets worth EUR 7.8 million. By taking Archetyp offline, authorities have dealt a severe blow to drug traffickers in Europe.

    Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation. During the action days and the preliminary investigations, Eurojust coordinated the execution of mutual legal assistance and European Investigation Orders.

    Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions.

    The following authorities, with the support of the United States, carried out the operation:

    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center; Federal Criminal Police Office
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rotterdam; National Police, Unit Police Unit Rotterdam
    • Spain: Investigative Court num 10 in Barcelona; International Cooperation Section of PPO Barcelona; National Police
    • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime in Gothenburg; Swedish National Police; National Operations Department / Swedish Cybercrime Unit
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Monday, June 16, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    Kananaskis, Alberta

    9:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    10:00 a.m The Prime Minister will welcome G7 leaders to Kananaskis, Alberta.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

    10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 Working Session I on the global economic outlook.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    12:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

    12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 working lunch on economic growth, security, and resilience.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

    2:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    2:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 Working Session III on making communities safe.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

    4:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    4:50 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    5:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a G7 family photo.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Country Golf Course

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

    6:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 working dinner on making the world secure.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Country Golf Course

    Note for media:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders Texas Firm to Pay Over $100 Million to Customers Defrauded in Cattle Fraud Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered a final judgment and consent order imposing a permanent injunction and equitable remedies against Agridime LLC, a Texas firm now in receivership. 
     
    The consent order requires Agridime to pay $102,936,904 in restitution and permanently enjoins Agridime from engaging in conduct that violates the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged, and permanently bans Agridime from registering with the CFTC and from solicitating and trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. 
     
    The consent order further states the restitution obligation shall be satisfied by the collection efforts and resulting distributions by the receiver appointed in the parallel SEC action to defrauded customers. [SEC v. Agridime LLC, et al., 4:23-cv-01224-P (N.D. Tex. Dec. 11, 2023)].
     
    The CFTC also announced the court entered a final judgment by default against Agridime’s co-founders, Joshua Link and Jed Wood. The default judgment orders Link to pay disgorgement of $815,327.92 and Wood to pay disgorgement of $1,472,127.92. These disgorgement amounts represent gains received, respectively, by Link and Wood in connection with the violations alleged in the CFTC’s May 2024 complaint. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The default judgment further states that Link and Wood shall make payments of their disgorgement obligations, and any post-judgment interest payments, to the receiver for distribution to defrauded customers. The default judgment also permanently enjoins Link and Wood from further violating the CEA and CFTC regulations, as charged, and imposes trading and registration bans.
     
    The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable.
     
    Case Background
    The consent order and default judgment stem from a CFTC complaint filed against the defendants Agridime, Link, and Wood in May 2024.  [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The complaint alleged the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by soliciting, accepting, and using customer funds to pay other customers in the nature of a Ponzi scheme, rather than for the purposes Agridime said the funds would be used, in connection with contracts of sale of a commodity in interstate commerce (i.e., the customer’s purchase of cattle). 
     
    According to the complaint, Agridime represented that customers’ funds would be used only for the purchase, raising, and feeding of the purchased cattle. Instead, because Agridime did not buy the number of cattle required to fulfill its obligations under the livestock contracts, Agridime had to use  recently collected customers’ funds to pay the guaranteed profits of earlier customers. In addition, as further alleged in the complaint, customers’ funds were also used to pay millions in undisclosed commissions to Agridime personnel, including Link and Wood.  Link’s and Wood’s disgorgement obligations are based on the gains they received in connection with their fraud, including undisclosed commissions.
     
    The Division of Enforcement thanks the Fort Worth Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division, for their assistance in this matter. 
     
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Janine Gargiulo, Nicole Buseman, Judith M. Slowly, Trevor Kokal, Lenel Hickson, Jr., Manal M. Sultan, Charles D. Marvine, and former employee David W. MacGregor.
     
    * * * * * *
    CFTC’s Fraud Advisories
     
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection advisories and articles, including information about forex, precious metals, and romance scams. Visit CFTC.gov to read more about these highly prevalent frauds.
     
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity. A company’s registration status can be found using NFA BASIC.
     
    Customers and other individuals can report suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders Texas Firm to Pay Over $100 Million to Customers Defrauded in Cattle Fraud Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered a final judgment and consent order imposing a permanent injunction and equitable remedies against Agridime LLC, a Texas firm now in receivership. 
     
    The consent order requires Agridime to pay $102,936,904 in restitution and permanently enjoins Agridime from engaging in conduct that violates the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged, and permanently bans Agridime from registering with the CFTC and from solicitating and trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. 
     
    The consent order further states the restitution obligation shall be satisfied by the collection efforts and resulting distributions by the receiver appointed in the parallel SEC action to defrauded customers. [SEC v. Agridime LLC, et al., 4:23-cv-01224-P (N.D. Tex. Dec. 11, 2023)].
     
    The CFTC also announced the court entered a final judgment by default against Agridime’s co-founders, Joshua Link and Jed Wood. The default judgment orders Link to pay disgorgement of $815,327.92 and Wood to pay disgorgement of $1,472,127.92. These disgorgement amounts represent gains received, respectively, by Link and Wood in connection with the violations alleged in the CFTC’s May 2024 complaint. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The default judgment further states that Link and Wood shall make payments of their disgorgement obligations, and any post-judgment interest payments, to the receiver for distribution to defrauded customers. The default judgment also permanently enjoins Link and Wood from further violating the CEA and CFTC regulations, as charged, and imposes trading and registration bans.
     
    The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable.
     
    Case Background
    The consent order and default judgment stem from a CFTC complaint filed against the defendants Agridime, Link, and Wood in May 2024.  [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The complaint alleged the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by soliciting, accepting, and using customer funds to pay other customers in the nature of a Ponzi scheme, rather than for the purposes Agridime said the funds would be used, in connection with contracts of sale of a commodity in interstate commerce (i.e., the customer’s purchase of cattle). 
     
    According to the complaint, Agridime represented that customers’ funds would be used only for the purchase, raising, and feeding of the purchased cattle. Instead, because Agridime did not buy the number of cattle required to fulfill its obligations under the livestock contracts, Agridime had to use  recently collected customers’ funds to pay the guaranteed profits of earlier customers. In addition, as further alleged in the complaint, customers’ funds were also used to pay millions in undisclosed commissions to Agridime personnel, including Link and Wood.  Link’s and Wood’s disgorgement obligations are based on the gains they received in connection with their fraud, including undisclosed commissions.
     
    The Division of Enforcement thanks the Fort Worth Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division, for their assistance in this matter. 
     
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Janine Gargiulo, Nicole Buseman, Judith M. Slowly, Trevor Kokal, Lenel Hickson, Jr., Manal M. Sultan, Charles D. Marvine, and former employee David W. MacGregor.
     
    * * * * * *
    CFTC’s Fraud Advisories
     
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection advisories and articles, including information about forex, precious metals, and romance scams. Visit CFTC.gov to read more about these highly prevalent frauds.
     
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity. A company’s registration status can be found using NFA BASIC.
     
    Customers and other individuals can report suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CDC warns of Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio cream

    Source: US Gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






    Official websites use .gov

    A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

    A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    For immediate release: June 16, 2025

    CDC Media Relations

    (404) 639-3286

    A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/pistachiocream-06-25/index.html

    Key Points:

    • Four people in two states have gotten sick with the same strain of Salmonella that has been linked to pistachio cream. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
    • Do not eat, sell, or serve Emek-brand pistachio cream with a use-by date of October 19, 2026.
    • Emek-brand pistachio cream is a shelf-stable nut butter cream sold online for wholesale distributors, restaurants, and food service locations nationwide.
    • FDA is working to determine if this lot is in distribution or if other lots or products are affected.

    What You Should Do:

    • Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe Salmonella symptoms after eating pistachio cream.

    What Businesses Should Do:

    • Do not sell, serve, or distribute Emek-brand pistachio cream with the production code and date below:
    • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the pistachio cream.
    • Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning recommendations when cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

    About Salmonella:

    • Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
    • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
    • In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
    • Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

    If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

    If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

    Thank you,

    CDC News Media Branch

    ###
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

    Content Source:

    Office of Communications (OC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CDC warns of Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio cream

    Source: US Gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






    Official websites use .gov

    A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

    A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    For immediate release: June 16, 2025

    CDC Media Relations

    (404) 639-3286

    A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/pistachiocream-06-25/index.html

    Key Points:

    • Four people in two states have gotten sick with the same strain of Salmonella that has been linked to pistachio cream. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
    • Do not eat, sell, or serve Emek-brand pistachio cream with a use-by date of October 19, 2026.
    • Emek-brand pistachio cream is a shelf-stable nut butter cream sold online for wholesale distributors, restaurants, and food service locations nationwide.
    • FDA is working to determine if this lot is in distribution or if other lots or products are affected.

    What You Should Do:

    • Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe Salmonella symptoms after eating pistachio cream.

    What Businesses Should Do:

    • Do not sell, serve, or distribute Emek-brand pistachio cream with the production code and date below:
    • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the pistachio cream.
    • Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning recommendations when cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

    About Salmonella:

    • Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
    • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
    • In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
    • Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

    If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

    If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

    Thank you,

    CDC News Media Branch

    ###
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

    Content Source:

    Office of Communications (OC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2174, Paycheck Protection Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2174 would prohibit federal agencies and the Postal Service from deducting federal labor union dues, fees, or political contributions from employee paychecks.Under current law, most federal unions collect dues through payroll deductions made in agreement with the federal employer.

    CBO expects that to implement those changes, agencies would need to update their payroll systems. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    Enacting H.R. 2174 could affect direct spending by some agencies that are allowed to use fees, receipts from the sale of goods, and other collections to cover operating costs. CBO estimates that any net changes in direct spending by those agencies would be negligible because most of them can adjust amounts collected to reflect changes in operating costs.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Emma Uebelhor. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2174, Paycheck Protection Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2174 would prohibit federal agencies and the Postal Service from deducting federal labor union dues, fees, or political contributions from employee paychecks.Under current law, most federal unions collect dues through payroll deductions made in agreement with the federal employer.

    CBO expects that to implement those changes, agencies would need to update their payroll systems. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    Enacting H.R. 2174 could affect direct spending by some agencies that are allowed to use fees, receipts from the sale of goods, and other collections to cover operating costs. CBO estimates that any net changes in direct spending by those agencies would be negligible because most of them can adjust amounts collected to reflect changes in operating costs.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Emma Uebelhor. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Issues Emergency Proclamation to Facilitate Activation of National Guard

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Issues Emergency Proclamation to Facilitate Activation of National Guard

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued an emergency proclamation that will facilitate activation of the Nebraska National Guard and deployment of additional state law enforcement resources in advance of planned protests across the United States, including in Nebraska this weekend. The protests have been promoted in the aftermath of recent operations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proclamation is a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.

    Under the Governor’s declared state of emergency, members of the Guard may be activated to assist local law enforcement should any demonstrations escalate, threatening people or property.  Nebraska National Guard members and Nebraska State troopers will be prepared to assist in any civil disturbance, and in particular, to secure the College World Series (CWS) and its surrounding areas. Under normal conditions, National Guard activation can take 12 to 24 hours. This proclamation shortens that time to ensure troop resources are available and standing by, as needed.

    “Free speech will be respected and protected in Nebraska, but the lawlessness, chaos, and rioting seen in other cities in past weeks will not be tolerated here,” said Gov. Pillen. “I have taken the necessary steps to ensure we have the state resources necessary to promptly respond to disorder. Any person who poses a threat to life, health, or property will be arrested. Nebraskans across the state, as well as the thousands of visitors to Omaha for the College World Series, can rest assured that the State of Nebraska and our local partners have taken the appropriate steps to ensure security and order.”

    A copy of the Governor’s proclamation is included below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    MEDIA . Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

    LINCON, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the statement below, regarding the observance of Flag Day.

    “I encourage all Nebraskans to proudly display their American flags in accordance with President Trumps’s proclamation marking June 14 as Flag Day.

    The U.S. flag is the most recognizable symbol of freedom, strength and unity across the globe.  It is a reminder of the hard-fought battles that were waged and won, permitting us to live under its banner.   On this day, we should look upon the Stars and Stripes with reverence for all that it represents.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Fort Myers Man Sentenced To 5 Years In Federal Prison For Child Sexual Abuse And Firearm Offenses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Samuel Villarreal III (25, North Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children and possessing an unregistered firearm. He was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Villarreal entered a guilty plea on March 4, 2025.

    According to court documents, from on or about December 29, 2022, through on or about June 29, 2023, Villarreal knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view images of children being sexually abused that he sought out and downloaded from the internet. 

    In December 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Villarreal had uploaded files that depicted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A subsequent search warrant for Villarreal’s social media account revealed CSAM.

    On June 29, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Villarreal’s residence in North Fort Myers, Florida, and seized Villarreal’s laptop and cellphones.  Villarreal agreed to speak with agents and admitted that he used his computer to access CSAM on the internet and that he had a folder on his computer where he stored CSAM images. He also admitted that he had also used his cellphone to view CSAM and having used the social media application. 

    During the search of Villarreal’s residence, agents located Villarreal’s unregistered short-barreled rifle, which they seized. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a record check of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records database and found no records of the firearm being registered, as required since the barrel was less than 16 inches. Villarreal admitted that he got the firearm as a rifle and modified it himself by putting a shorter barrel on it. He told agents that he never applied to have it registered with ATF, and that he was aware of the requirement before replacing the barrel with a shorter one.

    The subsequent forensic examination of Villarreal’s cellphones and laptop revealed images of CSAM.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

    This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Fort Myers Man Sentenced To 5 Years In Federal Prison For Child Sexual Abuse And Firearm Offenses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Samuel Villarreal III (25, North Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children and possessing an unregistered firearm. He was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Villarreal entered a guilty plea on March 4, 2025.

    According to court documents, from on or about December 29, 2022, through on or about June 29, 2023, Villarreal knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view images of children being sexually abused that he sought out and downloaded from the internet. 

    In December 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Villarreal had uploaded files that depicted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A subsequent search warrant for Villarreal’s social media account revealed CSAM.

    On June 29, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Villarreal’s residence in North Fort Myers, Florida, and seized Villarreal’s laptop and cellphones.  Villarreal agreed to speak with agents and admitted that he used his computer to access CSAM on the internet and that he had a folder on his computer where he stored CSAM images. He also admitted that he had also used his cellphone to view CSAM and having used the social media application. 

    During the search of Villarreal’s residence, agents located Villarreal’s unregistered short-barreled rifle, which they seized. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a record check of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records database and found no records of the firearm being registered, as required since the barrel was less than 16 inches. Villarreal admitted that he got the firearm as a rifle and modified it himself by putting a shorter barrel on it. He told agents that he never applied to have it registered with ATF, and that he was aware of the requirement before replacing the barrel with a shorter one.

    The subsequent forensic examination of Villarreal’s cellphones and laptop revealed images of CSAM.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

    This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo

    Source: US FBI

    Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Devin J. Kowalski, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Field Office, announced today the arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo (Vergara). Vergara was charged under a Federal Criminal Complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of Children), 2252A(a)(2), 2252(a)(5)(B) (Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography Including Images of Prepubescent Minors), for events which took place in Puerto Rico between the years 2023 and 2025. Three minor victims were identified.

    “This case represents the worst evil, yet strikes at the very heart of the FBI mission: rescuing children and disrupting predators, thanks to our relentless investigators and unshakable federal prosecutors. I’m proud of the men and women of the FBI San Juan Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, our partners at the Police of Puerto Rico and the United States Attorney’s Office—who moved swiftly and with precision to protect little kids from further harm,” said SAC Kowalski. “A warning to those targeting America’s youth—you cannot hide from us. The FBI has a very particular set of skills and capabilities—refined since 1908—and we will use every single one of them to hunt you down and bring you to justice.”

    This case is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Field Office and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

    Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The FBI reminds the public that anyone with information on this case or who believes they have been a victim of this subject should contact the FBI San Juan Field Office immediately by calling 787-987-6500 or submit tips through the FBI’s Internet complaint portal at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

    The public is reminded that a Federal Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty by a court of law. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo

    Source: US FBI

    Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Devin J. Kowalski, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Field Office, announced today the arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo (Vergara). Vergara was charged under a Federal Criminal Complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of Children), 2252A(a)(2), 2252(a)(5)(B) (Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography Including Images of Prepubescent Minors), for events which took place in Puerto Rico between the years 2023 and 2025. Three minor victims were identified.

    “This case represents the worst evil, yet strikes at the very heart of the FBI mission: rescuing children and disrupting predators, thanks to our relentless investigators and unshakable federal prosecutors. I’m proud of the men and women of the FBI San Juan Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, our partners at the Police of Puerto Rico and the United States Attorney’s Office—who moved swiftly and with precision to protect little kids from further harm,” said SAC Kowalski. “A warning to those targeting America’s youth—you cannot hide from us. The FBI has a very particular set of skills and capabilities—refined since 1908—and we will use every single one of them to hunt you down and bring you to justice.”

    This case is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Field Office and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

    Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The FBI reminds the public that anyone with information on this case or who believes they have been a victim of this subject should contact the FBI San Juan Field Office immediately by calling 787-987-6500 or submit tips through the FBI’s Internet complaint portal at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

    The public is reminded that a Federal Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty by a court of law. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Features on One UI 8 Watch Help Users Build Healthier Habits

    Source: Samsung

    When it comes to health, small changes can make a big difference. Every incremental improvement to daily habits contribute to a healthier whole, and the upcoming One UI 8 Watch is designed to help build these habits more effectively through a suite of new features that support sleep, heart health, fitness and nutrition.
     
    What’s New:
    New features1 include Bedtime Guidance2 to optimize sleep; Vascular Load3 to measure stress on the vascular system during sleep; Running Coach4 to support personalized training strategies; and Antioxidant Index5 to measure carotenoid levels for healthy aging. These features — part of One UI 8 Watch on the latest Galaxy Watch series — will be available to a limited number of users through a beta program.6
     
    Why it Matters:
    The goal of these new features is to help build healthier daily habits — which can be challenging as they don’t develop overnight. It takes time to form lasting behavior patterns, and meaningful change often becomes visible only after sustained effort. But the rewards are worth it.
     
    For example, while eating unhealthy food may not have an immediate impact, it can lead to significant health consequences over time. Conversely, healthy habits may not produce instant results, but they often contribute to long-term physical and mental well-being.
     
    “Sleep remains a cornerstone of our approach to health as it influences physical and mental well-being, social relationships and even work performance,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Now, we envision the Galaxy Watch delivering holistic insights centered around sleep — insights that lead to meaningful changes in daily life. We believe this aligns with our vision of empowering people to lead healthier lives through proactive care and holistic health management.”
     
    New Features
    Samsung Health’s new features are designed to help users build healthy habits by providing instant feedback as a motivating tool.
     
    Bedtime Guidance

     
    A single night of restful sleep offers immediate health benefits, encouraging proactive behavioral changes that contribute to a healthier tomorrow. This begins with setting and maintaining a consistent, optimal bedtime.
     

    Samsung continually advances its sleep-related features, including sleep pattern analysis, sleep coaching, tools for optimizing sleep environments and a feature that detects signs of sleep apnea7 — a common sleep disorder.
    Now, Samsung is introducing additional tools for better sleep, such as recommending an optimal bedtime based on individual lifestyle and sleep patterns along with reminders to help users stay consistent.
    By analyzing sleep data from the past three days, the feature evaluates both sleep pressure and circadian rhythm to suggest a bedtime that maximizes alertness the next day.
    This feature is especially helpful for those recovering from periods of irregular sleep. If users go to bed later than planned for several days or follow inconsistent schedules between weekdays and weekends, Bedtime Guidance will consider these factors to help ensure sufficient rest.

     
    Vascular Load

     
    Sleep is a window into overall health, influencing holistic well-being. The Galaxy Watch series leverages this opportunity to measure vascular load — the amount of stress on the vascular system during sleep.
     

    The vascular system carries blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing waste, making it a key indicator of heart health.
    During sleep, stress on the vascular system should naturally decrease. However, excessive fluctuations may negatively impact cardiovascular health.
    By wearing the Galaxy Watch during sleep, users can receive insights into vascular load and the stress placed on their vascular system.
    Because health factors are interconnected, Vascular Load also provides insight into lifestyle components such as sleep, exercise and stress — helping users maintain a healthier routine and build positive habits.

     
    Running Coach

     
    While sleep is a vital time to restore and support overall health, managing well-being during active moments is equally important. Running is one of the most accessible fitness activities, and Samsung has long supported runners by offering features that promote consistent training and help users reach their fitness goals.
     

    Many runners experience injuries due to over-pacing or undertraining. Running Coach is designed to help users train safely for marathons through optimized intensity and injury-preventive routines, making it ideal for beginners.
    The feature offers motivation and real-time guidance, creating a personalized training program based on the runner’s fitness level.
    By wearing the Galaxy Watch and running for 12 minutes, users receive a performance analysis and a running level score from 1 to 10. Based on this data, a detailed training plan is generated to support completion of a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon. As users complete sessions, they level up and unlock their next running challenge.

     
    Antioxidant Index

     
    A holistic approach to health naturally includes a focus on aging and healthy aging. However, behavioral factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, UV exposure, stress and lack of sleep can accelerate aging by increasing free radicals in the body that damage cells. Antioxidants, compounds found in many healthy foods, neutralize these free radicals to help prevent chronic illness and support healthy aging.
     

    The Galaxy Watch can measure carotenoids — antioxidants found in green and orange fruits and vegetables — that are stored in the skin.
    Antioxidant Index uses an industry-first feature to assess carotenoid levels in just five seconds via an advanced, light-activated BioActive Sensor.
    These insights can reflect behavioral changes. For example, drinking carrot juice may result in a measurable change in the index, offering motivation to adopt healthier habits.

     
    Great health comes from the combination of many small changes — and with Galaxy Watch, it’s now more achievable than ever.
     
     
    1 Samsung Health features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. A Samsung account login is required. Vascular Load, Running Coach and Antioxidant Index are available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and require the Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index are Labs features that can be previewed before official launch. These experimental features can be turned off in Samsung Health settings.
    2 Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Bedtime Guidance is available on Android phones (Android 11 and above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Based on three days of sleep analysis of the user’s sleep pressure and circadian rhythm.
    3 Service only available with the Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch series. To use Vascular Load, users need to wear the Galaxy Watch while sleeping for at least three days out of the most recent 14 days.
    4 Service only available with the Galaxy Watch7 series or later released Galaxy Watch series. To use Running Coach, users need to take a running level test and get a level before starting the program.
    5 Service only available with the Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch series. To measure, place a finger on the sensor located on the back of the device and hold for five seconds. While Antioxidant Index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate results. Repeated measurements due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results.
    6 Users based in Korea and the United States with Galaxy Watch models (Galaxy Watch5 series or later released Galaxy Watch series) are eligible to join the beta program.
    7 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only mobile medical application operating on compatible Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones. This feature is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users age 22 and older over a two-night monitoring period. The feature is designed for on-demand use and not intended for individuals previously diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not rely on this feature as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. The data provided by this device is not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or a paired smartphone.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola, United States (U.S.) Set Course for Expanded Energy Cooperation During Meeting in Washington

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    Angola has taken a decisive step in advancing its strategic partnership with the U.S., following a high-level meeting between Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington, D.C. on June 11. The meeting – also attended by Angola’s Ambassador to the U.S., Agostinho Van-Dúnem –   underscored the shared commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation across oil and gas, critical minerals and renewable energy development.

    American companies have long played a leading role in Angola’s oil and gas industry, from offshore exploration to production and infrastructure. Minister Azevedo and Secretary Wright explored opportunities to build on this foundation through new upstream projects, gas monetization, refining and critical mineral development which is vital for clean technology supply chains. They also highlighted Angola’s efforts to attract U.S. capital for renewable energy initiatives, particularly in solar and green hydrogen, as part of the country’s diversification and modernization drive.

    “This meeting reflects the robust and evolving partnership between Angola and the United States. We are committed to working together to achieve a balanced energy transition – one that leverages Angola’s natural resources, advances technological cooperation and contributes meaningfully to our economic transformation and development goals,” stated Minister Azevedo. 

    With more than nine billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Angola has unveiled over $60 billion in oil and gas investment prospects through its National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG). These span exploration, development, gas processing, refining and midstream infrastructure. A licensing round set to launch this year will offer ten new blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins, while 11 additional blocks are open for direct negotiation, alongside five marginal field opportunities. 

    U.S. firms continue to play a foundational role in Angola’s energy landscape. Earlier this month, ExxonMobil, as a joint venture partner alongside operator TotalEnergies, secured an extension of the PSC for Block 17, enabling continued deepwater exploration and development in this prolific basin and underscoring its long-term commitment to Angola’s offshore sector. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil is advancing the redevelopment of Block 15 – where over 2.6 billion barrels have already been produced – with an 18-well program extending the block’s life by more than two decades and yielding two new discoveries. The company is also undertaking prospective studies on Blocks 17/06 and 32/21, in collaboration with TotalEnergies and ANPG, aiming to identify future drilling targets. 

    Chevron, through its affiliate Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, is leading Angola’s gas development efforts. The company has ramped up gas supply to 600 million cubic feet per day to the Angola LNG plant and achieved first gas earlier this year from its Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project, which will supply both the Soyo power plants and Angola LNG. Angola LNG – one of sub-Saharan Africa’s few operational LNG export terminals – offers a strategic entry point for U.S. firms into global LNG supply chains. As part of the New Gas Consortium, Chevron is also developing Angola’s first non-associated gas project, set to come online in late 2025 or early 2026.

    Downstream and midstream projects are another key pillar of Angola’s energy transformation. Construction is advancing on the $920-million Cabinda Refinery, with U.S. firms engaged in engineering and procurement roles. The U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor – a major infrastructure initiative connecting Angola’s Lobito port to Zambia and the DRC – is poised to boost regional energy transport and industrialization, offering additional opportunities for American companies in logistics, storage and rail-linked energy infrastructure. Complementary investments in storage terminals, fuel distribution and domestic refining capacity are helping Angola reduce its reliance on imports and increase energy self-sufficiency.

    The engagement marks a renewed commitment to aligning U.S.-Angola energy collaboration with the goals of sustainable development, energy security and economic modernization. 

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Bashes Elise Stefanik for Using Congressional Committee for Her Gubernatorial Campaign, Condemns Republicans for Rubber Stamping Trump’s Authoritarian ICE Raids

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Rep. Dan Goldman: “I’m sorry you have to deal with this crap. Governor Hochul, I want you to know, as a proud member of the delegation of your state, I am not going to use my five minutes to mount a campaign for governor against you as my colleague from the North chose to do.” 

     

    Goldman: “You’re going after people who actually are going through the lawful process you say they should. But just because Donald Trump and Stephen Miller need to bump up their numbers because they can’t do a good enough job in actually finding convicted criminals, you’re going after Moms and Dads, separating parents from children. You have a voice, Republicans. Speak up.” 

     

    Watch the Full Committee Exchange Here 

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today excoriated Rep. Elise Stefanik for her desperate theatrics in the Oversight Committee that were clearly designed to generate five minutes of internet fame in pursuit of her quixotic 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Goldman then challenged committee Republicans to stand up to the Trump administration’s authoritarian crackdown on law-abiding, non-violent immigrants. 

    A rough transcript of the committee is available below. Watch Congressman Goldman’s committee remarks here. 

    Rep. Dan Goldman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  

    I would urge you to reserve comment on what happened to Mr. Padilla until you get full information. In fact, I would urge all of my Republican colleagues to take a breath before you once again desperately run to bend the knee to Donald Trump and to Kristi Noem, because anyone with two eyes that can see can see that that was authoritarian, lawless behavior that no person in America, much less a senator conducting constitutional oversight, should have received. 

    And I know it’s hard for all of you to speak up against Donald Trump and that’s why we’re here at this hearing, talking all about Joe Biden, talking all about Joe Biden’s policy. 

    Is it just because you’re consistently trying to ignore the fact that Joe Biden is not President? Donald Trump is President. And what he’s doing right now, which you all know, is he is going after people who are lawfully present. 

    Now, I appreciate the governors being here. I’m sorry you have to deal with this crap. Governor Hochul, I want you to know, as a proud member of the delegation of your state, I am not going to use my five minutes to mount a campaign for governor against you as my colleague from the North chose to do. 

    I will give you the opportunity to actually answer some questions, unlike she did. And I will allow you to explain exactly what the policies in New York are, as it relates to cooperation between the state and federal agents.  

    Governor Hochul: 

    First of all, I’m glad you’re not running against me. Thank you. Secondly, I appreciate the opportunity to break through all the noise here today and to stop the talking points that keep mischaracterizing our policies in the great state of New York. 

    New York is not a sanctuary or a haven for criminals. We devote an enormous amount of our energy working to keep New Yorkers safe. $2.5 billion, I’ve allocated just in the last few years.  

    We do cooperate with ICE when it comes to investigating or building a case against criminals.  

    We do this all the time, and when someone goes through the criminal justice system in the state of New York, they do their time in prison. 

    We alert ICE 30 days in advance of when they’re to be removed, and we send them away. That’s how it’s supposed to work. But what we do not do under our laws is divert our essential resources that protect everyday New Yorkers from crimes themselves, and have that help ICE with civil immigration enforcement. That is their job. That is the federal government’s job. And we cannot be told to enforce federal laws.  

    Goldman: Or to use all your limited resources to spend all that time doing their job.   

    Hochul: My concern is that every minute that ICE officers are going after moms and dads and kids and separating families, perhaps one more criminal is still out there at large. 

    Goldman: I actually, in my district office down in lower Manhattan, witnessed ICE officers waiting for immigrants to come out of a courtroom.  

    These are immigrants who have asylum applications. And I’m sure you agree with me that asylum is a lawful pathway to immigrate to this country. Is that correct? 

    Hochul: That is absolutely correct.  

    Goldman: So, in order to make these immigrants here unlawfully, the DHS is now dismissing their cases, their own removal proceedings against them to void out the asylum claim. That way, when they go downstairs in the elevator, there are ICE agents that can be there to arrest them and put them in expedited removal. 

    And they don’t have an asylum claim that is live anymore because they’ve just voided it out. These are non-criminal, nonviolent immigrants who are here going through the lawful process. And this is who the Trump Administration is going after every single day. It’s a disgrace. 

    You said you were going to go after the worst of the worst. You were going to go after convicted criminals. You’re here questioning about all these criminals.  

    You’re going after people who actually are going through the lawful process you say they should. But just because Donald Trump and Stephen Miller need to bump up their numbers because they can’t do a good enough job in actually finding convicted criminals, you’re going after moms, dads, separating parents from children.   

    You have a voice. Republicans speak up. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Bashes Elise Stefanik for Using Congressional Committee for Her Gubernatorial Campaign, Condemns Republicans for Rubber Stamping Trump’s Authoritarian ICE Raids

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Rep. Dan Goldman: “I’m sorry you have to deal with this crap. Governor Hochul, I want you to know, as a proud member of the delegation of your state, I am not going to use my five minutes to mount a campaign for governor against you as my colleague from the North chose to do.” 

     

    Goldman: “You’re going after people who actually are going through the lawful process you say they should. But just because Donald Trump and Stephen Miller need to bump up their numbers because they can’t do a good enough job in actually finding convicted criminals, you’re going after Moms and Dads, separating parents from children. You have a voice, Republicans. Speak up.” 

     

    Watch the Full Committee Exchange Here 

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today excoriated Rep. Elise Stefanik for her desperate theatrics in the Oversight Committee that were clearly designed to generate five minutes of internet fame in pursuit of her quixotic 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Goldman then challenged committee Republicans to stand up to the Trump administration’s authoritarian crackdown on law-abiding, non-violent immigrants. 

    A rough transcript of the committee is available below. Watch Congressman Goldman’s committee remarks here. 

    Rep. Dan Goldman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  

    I would urge you to reserve comment on what happened to Mr. Padilla until you get full information. In fact, I would urge all of my Republican colleagues to take a breath before you once again desperately run to bend the knee to Donald Trump and to Kristi Noem, because anyone with two eyes that can see can see that that was authoritarian, lawless behavior that no person in America, much less a senator conducting constitutional oversight, should have received. 

    And I know it’s hard for all of you to speak up against Donald Trump and that’s why we’re here at this hearing, talking all about Joe Biden, talking all about Joe Biden’s policy. 

    Is it just because you’re consistently trying to ignore the fact that Joe Biden is not President? Donald Trump is President. And what he’s doing right now, which you all know, is he is going after people who are lawfully present. 

    Now, I appreciate the governors being here. I’m sorry you have to deal with this crap. Governor Hochul, I want you to know, as a proud member of the delegation of your state, I am not going to use my five minutes to mount a campaign for governor against you as my colleague from the North chose to do. 

    I will give you the opportunity to actually answer some questions, unlike she did. And I will allow you to explain exactly what the policies in New York are, as it relates to cooperation between the state and federal agents.  

    Governor Hochul: 

    First of all, I’m glad you’re not running against me. Thank you. Secondly, I appreciate the opportunity to break through all the noise here today and to stop the talking points that keep mischaracterizing our policies in the great state of New York. 

    New York is not a sanctuary or a haven for criminals. We devote an enormous amount of our energy working to keep New Yorkers safe. $2.5 billion, I’ve allocated just in the last few years.  

    We do cooperate with ICE when it comes to investigating or building a case against criminals.  

    We do this all the time, and when someone goes through the criminal justice system in the state of New York, they do their time in prison. 

    We alert ICE 30 days in advance of when they’re to be removed, and we send them away. That’s how it’s supposed to work. But what we do not do under our laws is divert our essential resources that protect everyday New Yorkers from crimes themselves, and have that help ICE with civil immigration enforcement. That is their job. That is the federal government’s job. And we cannot be told to enforce federal laws.  

    Goldman: Or to use all your limited resources to spend all that time doing their job.   

    Hochul: My concern is that every minute that ICE officers are going after moms and dads and kids and separating families, perhaps one more criminal is still out there at large. 

    Goldman: I actually, in my district office down in lower Manhattan, witnessed ICE officers waiting for immigrants to come out of a courtroom.  

    These are immigrants who have asylum applications. And I’m sure you agree with me that asylum is a lawful pathway to immigrate to this country. Is that correct? 

    Hochul: That is absolutely correct.  

    Goldman: So, in order to make these immigrants here unlawfully, the DHS is now dismissing their cases, their own removal proceedings against them to void out the asylum claim. That way, when they go downstairs in the elevator, there are ICE agents that can be there to arrest them and put them in expedited removal. 

    And they don’t have an asylum claim that is live anymore because they’ve just voided it out. These are non-criminal, nonviolent immigrants who are here going through the lawful process. And this is who the Trump Administration is going after every single day. It’s a disgrace. 

    You said you were going to go after the worst of the worst. You were going to go after convicted criminals. You’re here questioning about all these criminals.  

    You’re going after people who actually are going through the lawful process you say they should. But just because Donald Trump and Stephen Miller need to bump up their numbers because they can’t do a good enough job in actually finding convicted criminals, you’re going after moms, dads, separating parents from children.   

    You have a voice. Republicans speak up. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman’s Statement on Israel’s Military Operation Against Iran’s Nuclear Program

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    “One fundamental objective must guide our foreign policy in the Middle East: Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon. This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded that this possibility was closer than ever and censured Iran for violating its obligations.  

    “Iran has principally funded and supported the terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in their quest to eradicate Israel and western democracy writ large. At this dangerous time, diplomacy must continue to be the primary pathway towards ensuring a denuclearized Iran. But Iran must engage in diplomatic talks in good faith, not while rushing to build a nuclear bomb.  

    “While our Administration’s first priority is to ensure the safety and security of U.S. forces throughout the region, the United States must also defend our democratic ally and strategic partner Israel and continue to work with our regional partners to prevent a broader conflict. 

    “My prayers are with all those who may be in harm’s way.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Announces Western North Carolina Homeowners Can Apply for Single-Family Housing Recovery Program

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Announces Western North Carolina Homeowners Can Apply for Single-Family Housing Recovery Program

    Governor Josh Stein Announces Western North Carolina Homeowners Can Apply for Single-Family Housing Recovery Program
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the state is accepting applications for a new program to repair or rebuild homes in western North Carolina that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The program is the first of a series of recovery initiatives to be offered by the North Carolina Commerce Department’s Division of Community Revitalization under the program name Renew NC.

    “Helene caused significant damage to thousands of homes across western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “There is a lot of work to do, and the Renew NC Housing program is the next step in helping western North Carolinians recover. If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for assistance depending on your income, so I encourage you to apply today.”

    The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is a key initiative to address remaining long-term recovery needs of homeowners in western North Carolina and will prioritize low-to-moderate income (LMI) families. Later this year, two additional Renew NC Housing programs will be offered to address multi-family housing and workforce housing for ownership. Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization programs will also be launched in the coming months.

    “We’re ready to get hammers swinging and home construction underway,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Today’s opening of the application period for our Renew NC Housing program is an important milestone for Hurricane Helene survivors and western North Carolina’s recovery.”  

    “We know the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene will be a long one,” said Division of Community Revitalization Deputy Secretary, and native western North Carolinian, Stephanie McGarrah. “We are moving with urgency and care to restore homes and rebuild communities through this program.”

    The Renew NC programs are funded through a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of the total $1.4 billion in CDBG-DR funding that was allocated to the state for western North Carolina recovery needs, $807 million is allocated to the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program. 

    Governor Stein encourages all low to moderate income homeowners in eligible counties whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene to see if they are eligible and apply for housing repair or reconstruction at www.renewnc.org.  

    Homeowners from these eligible counties can apply: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (only from zip code 28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.

    For homeowners seeking more information about the Renew NC Housing program, please visit www.renewnc.org or call 1-888-791-0207. Program staff can help determine if you qualify for assistance from the program.

    Information about the administration of the Renew NC programs can be found at the Division of Community Revitalization’s website at CommerceRecovery.nc.gov. 

    Jun 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –