Source: New Zealand Police
Southbound motorists are advised to expect delays on State Highway 1 north of Auckland.
Two cars collided around 10.10am between the Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road offramps.
There are no reports of injury although one of the vehicles is badly damaged.
Police are at the scene and ask motorists to be patient as there are long queues of traffic at the accident scene.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Know Your Immigration Rights
If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.
Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.
Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.
Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.
The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.
Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
Yesterday Senate Republicans unveiled their version of legislation to extend and expand the Trump tax cuts for the wealthy. While scores for their altered bill are still forthcoming, the changes from the House-passed version are unlikely to significantly alter that bill’s distributional effects, which would result in the largest transfer of wealth from working people to the rich from a single law in American history.
As a reminder, here are some of the stories that legislation generated:
Wall Street Journal: GOP Megabill Boosts Wealthy Households While Hurting Poor, CBO Says
New York Times: Trump’s Big Bill Would Be More Regressive Than Any Major Law in Decades
CBS: GOP Tax Bill Could Cost Low-Income Americans $1,600 Per Year, CBO Says
Associated Press: GOP Tax Bill Would Cost Poor Americans $1,600 A Year And Boost Highest Earners By $12,000, CBO Says
CNN: The 10 Richest Americans Got $365 Billion Richer In The Past Year. Now They’re On The Verge Of A Huge Tax Cut
Washington Post: GOP Tax Bill Could Hurt The Poorest Households More Than It Helps Them
Bloomberg: Trump Tax Bill Would Help the Richest, Hurt the Poorest, CBO Says
Reuters: Trump Tax Bill Poses Limited Benefits, Higher Costs For Lower-Income Americans
New York Times: G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest
NPR: The GOP’s Massive Bill Would Benefit The Rich The Most — While Hitting The Poor
Financial Times: Donald Trump’s Tax Bill Would Be A Boon For Richest Americans, Says Watchdog
Politico: Wealthy Gain, Low-Income People Lose From GOP Megabill, Analysis Finds
CNBC: House Republican Tax Bill Favors The Rich — How Much They Stand To Gain, And Why
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
LAREDO, Texas – A illegal alien from Mexico pleaded guilty Tuesday to transportation of child pornography following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Raul Velasco-Leon, 39, plead guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material on June 17.
“This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Laredo Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”
According to court documents, on March 12, Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary. They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age. The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.
Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.
Judge will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Velasco-Leon remains in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez from the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.
Source: New Zealand Government
Repeat violent and sexual offenders are officially on notice Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.
“Tougher penalties are now in place as the Three Strikes law comes into force today and the message is clear. If you commit serious violent or sexual offences, expect to face increasingly severe consequences. New Zealanders have had enough – they want safer streets, safer homes, and a justice system that puts victims first,” Mrs McKee says.
The Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Act 2024 restores the regime scrapped under the previous government and is a central pillar in the Coalition’s drive to restore law and order and protect the public.
Under the Act:
For example, someone convicted of murder at second or third strike will face a minimum of 17 or 20 years behind bars with no early release.
The Act provides for some judicial discretion to prevent manifestly unjust outcomes. It also sets out principles and guidance to help the courts apply the law and allows a limited benefit for guilty pleas to spare victims further trauma and reduce court delays.
“Importantly, previous strike warnings still count if they meet the new sentencing threshold – ensuring serious repeat offenders can’t escape accountability. The Ministry of Justice has published guidance to help affected individuals, and their lawyers check for active strikes,” Mrs McKee says.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
Lawmakers Call for Company to Obtain Customers’ Consent Before Including Their Data in Bankruptcy Sale
Text of Letter
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congressmen Eli Crane (R-AZ), Dave Min (D-CA), and Eric Burlison (R-MO) sent a letter to 23andMe demanding they ensure that no individual’s data—identified or de-identified—will be retained, transferred, or sold without their affirmative consent prior to any bankruptcy sale. Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Pressley slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and demanded the company protect their private information.
“Genetic data is among the most intimate and sensitive personal information to exist, and 23andMe has proven inadequate in fulfilling its responsibility to protect it,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to 23andMe Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki and interim CEO Joe Selsavage. “People deserve and require a clear choice about how their data will be handled going forward.”
In her June 10 testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Ms. Wojcicki shared that “a threat actor had gained access to a limited number of individual 23andMe accounts” in October 2023. In reality, nearly seven million people—roughly half of 23andMe’s customers—had their personal and genetic data exposed in a major data breach.
“This is not a ‘limited’ incident, but a systemic failure of data protections and accountability,” the lawmakers continued. “Now, this same data is at the heart of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The mass confusion and fear this has caused—including the crashing of 23andMe’s website as nearly two million users rushed to delete their accounts—has undermined trust in the company’s ability to handle this information.”
The lawmakers requested that 23andMe provide additional details on their ability and willingness to contact each of their 15 million customers—prior to any sale—and obtain their explicit consent to opt-in to having their data included in any transaction.
Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and private information following a severe data breach and bankruptcy, and demanded 23andMe require the explicit, informed consent of each of their customers before including their data in any bankruptcy sale. Full video of her hearing question line is available here.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
###
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed June 13 in San Diego alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”
On June 13, special agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8 shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and on social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.
In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.
As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.
Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States. As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.
The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of Alexander, who is missing in the Waiatarua area.
The 15-year-old was reported missing to Police at about 8.30pm on Monday night, after he failed to return home from school.
Alexander was dropped off at Henderson High School where he was last seen at about 8.15am on 16 June.
Police have since established he did not attend school that day.
Enquiries have been underway since Monday evening into his movements, and Police is now issuing a public appeal.
Police believe that since Alexander was last seen, he has returned to his home address in Oratia and taken camping equipment and other necessities.
Alexander did not show up to a planned meeting with friends on Monday night.
Search and Rescue staff are deploying to carry out searching around parts of Waiatarua where he frequents.
Alexander is an avid outdoor adventurer and loves spending time in the bush.
It is out of character for him to not return home or let his family know of his whereabouts.
Police and Alexander’s family have concerns for his welfare.
Alexander is described as 180 centimetres tall, of medium build with light brown straight hair.
Anyone with information about Alexander’s whereabouts is asked to contact Police immediately on 111.
People can also update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250616/4732.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Child care
Active emergency updates
Alberta Emergency Alerts
Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
Download the Alberta Wildfire app
How to prepare for an emergency
Wildfire smoke information
Emergency evacuation payments
Source: US State of North Dakota
Today, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in support of the City of Huntington Beach which wishes to cooperate with federal immigration authorities but is prevented from doing so by an unconstitutional California law. On January 7, 2025, the City of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach City Council, Police Chief, and Sherrif, sued the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Attorney General Robert Bonta over the unconstitutional “California Values Act” (CVA).
“California’s existing state law is designed to interfere with local jurisdictions that want to carry out immigration enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As this week’s violence in Los Angeles demonstrates, the safe administration of immigration enforcement is both paramount and under threat – laws that undermine immigration enforcement at great risk to agents and citizens must not stand.”
California’s CVA violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting and obstructing federal immigration authorities from cooperating with local law enforcement authorities to carry out federal immigration law. Congress has specifically authorized the use of detainer requests which permit CBP and ICE to work with local law enforcement agencies. Contrary to law, the CVA prohibits local law enforcement agencies from honoring ICE detainer requests or from arresting, detaining, or holding individuals in custody based on civil immigration warrants.
This is the latest Statement of Interest the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement.
Read the full Statement of Interest.
Source: United States Attorneys General
Today, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in support of the City of Huntington Beach which wishes to cooperate with federal immigration authorities but is prevented from doing so by an unconstitutional California law. On January 7, 2025, the City of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach City Council, Police Chief, and Sherrif, sued the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Attorney General Robert Bonta over the unconstitutional “California Values Act” (CVA).
“California’s existing state law is designed to interfere with local jurisdictions that want to carry out immigration enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As this week’s violence in Los Angeles demonstrates, the safe administration of immigration enforcement is both paramount and under threat – laws that undermine immigration enforcement at great risk to agents and citizens must not stand.”
California’s CVA violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting and obstructing federal immigration authorities from cooperating with local law enforcement authorities to carry out federal immigration law. Congress has specifically authorized the use of detainer requests which permit CBP and ICE to work with local law enforcement agencies. Contrary to law, the CVA prohibits local law enforcement agencies from honoring ICE detainer requests or from arresting, detaining, or holding individuals in custody based on civil immigration warrants.
This is the latest Statement of Interest the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement.
Read the full Statement of Interest.
Source: US State of California
Today’s guidance provides clarity and affirms the legality and necessity of environmental justice initiatives in the face of the federal government’s attacks
OAKLAND— California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 12 attorneys general in issuing a multistate guidance affirming the necessity and legality of environmental justice initiatives. The guidance clarifies that despite the Trump Administration’s recent efforts to mislabel and undermine these critical efforts, public and private entities can still lawfully engage in environmental justice work to ensure a healthy environment for all people to live, play, work, learn, and worship in.
“Making it harder for Americans to breathe safe air and drink clean water is not ‘making America great or healthy again.’ Yet, the Trump Administration continues to undermine protections aimed at helping every American, no matter their zip code, to breathe safe air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy environment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I, alongside attorneys general nationwide, are making it crystal clear with today’s guidance that the Administration does not have unilateral legal authority to dismantle policies and laws that protect our communities. We assure the public – including local governments, community-based organizations, individuals, and businesses – that environmental justice initiatives remain lawful and critically important. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to work with advocates, local leaders, and partners across the country to ensure that no community is left behind in our fight for a healthier, more just future.”
Efforts to Advance Environmental Justice Remain Essential
Environmental justice – which has its roots in our country’s civil, economic, labor, and immigrants’ rights movements – aims to ensure that every person has equal access to clean air, clean water, safe and healthy food, a healthy and sustainable environment, and protection from the impacts of climate change.
At the California Department of Justice, we believe that every Californian should have the opportunity to live in a healthy and safe environment. However, low-income communities and communities of color suffer disproportionate exposure to pollution and corresponding health impacts from that exposure. Due to the legacies of racial segregation, redlining, and disinvestment, persistent environmental and public health disparities are still prevalent today.
These excessive environmental and public health burdens are also exacerbated by climate change, which is causing environmental dangers that lead to greater instability, economic hardship, and shortened life spans. Environmental justice initiatives aim to overcome these disparities, developing solutions to persistent harms and advancing public health, safety, well-being, and prosperity across communities.
Recent Federal Actions Do Not Impact the Legality of Environmental Justice Efforts
Since day one, the Trump Administration has issued Executive Orders and memoranda that aim to reverse course on environmental justice as a longstanding federal policy. The Administration has terminated environmental and climate justice programs and grants, discontinued environmental enforcement actions, and called for legal challenges to state environmental justice and climate laws. These actions distort the meaning and attempt to cast doubt on the legality of environmental justice work.
The President cannot change or dismantle laws passed by Congress, nor can his Executive Orders or agency memoranda alter the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution and federal and state laws. In fact, civil rights and environmental laws support public and private efforts to advance environmental justice, as does the U.S. Constitution.
Through this guidance, the States assure private and public entities that they stand ready to implement and enforce the nation’s laws to advance environmental justice and will continue working in collaboration with communities and organizations to support and defend these efforts across the country.
Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this guidance, which was co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New York, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. .
To learn more about the California Department of Justice’s environmental justice, health, and equity efforts, please click here.
The Office of Community Awareness, Response and Engagement (CARE) invites you to join a virtual CARE Community Briefing featuring California Attorney General Rob Bonta about the Environmental Justice Guidance. Please click here to register.
A copy of the guidance can be found here.
Source: NATO
The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.
In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.
Source: NATO
The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.
In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of 17-year-old Mya.
The teenager has been reported missing to Police from the North Shore area.
She was last seen in the Takapuna area at around 1.45am on 17 June.
Police have been working with Mya’s family and conducting enquiries across areas she is known to frequent.
Those areas include Hauraki, Manly and Red Beach.
There are ongoing concerns for Mya’s wellbeing and our priority is to locate her to ensure she comes back to family.
Anyone who sees Mya or has information on her whereabouts should contact Police on 111.
People can also update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250617/6276.
ENDS
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: US State of California
LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a Southern California real estate agent for price gouging two families who were evacuated in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. The investigation by the California Department of Justice revealed that after the Emergency Order was in place, the defendant increased the rental price by over 30% — including to tenants who eventually signed a lease. These increases exceeded the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396. The charge carries a potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.
“Today, we’ve announced another price gouging charge, this time against a real estate agent for price gouging two families in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. Profiting off Californians’ pain though price gouging is illegal and I will not stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge current or prospective tenants to share their stories directly with local authorities like the LA City Attorney or LA District Attorney, or our office by visiting oag.ca.gov/LAfires or calling our hotline at (800) 952-5225.”
As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent more than 750 warning letters to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency.
California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.
TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:
Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.
A copy of the complaint can be found here.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
CAMDEN, N.J. — A Mexican national was sentenced for trafficking cocaine into the United States following a federal investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark.
Anastacio Santiago Chaparro, also known as Arnoldo Urquidez, 41, of Mexico, was recently sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment for trafficking cocaine at the U.S. District Court of New Jersey in Camden. In February, Santiago Chaparro pleaded guilty to an indictment of those charges and illegal reentry by a convicted felon.
“Santiago Chaparro is a criminal alien who has ties to a dangerous drug trafficking organization based out of Sinaloa, Mexico, and has disregarded our nation’s immigration law by repeatedly crossing the border illegally,” said ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “This sentence highlights our whole-of-government approach to dismantle the flow of illicit drugs into America and hold criminals accountable for their role in poisoning our communities. We commend our partners in the DEA and Customs and Border Protection who supported HSI’s investigation that led to Santiago’s sentencing along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey.”
HSI Newark also credited HSI’s Special Operations Unit and the New Jersey State Police for their support in the investigation leading up to the sentencing.
According to the investigation, on Nov. 6, 2023, ICE HSI Newark arrested Santiago Chaparro while he was caught transporting a backpack that contained over 10 kilograms of cocaine. Santiago Chaparro admitted that the cocaine was intended for distribution. Additionally, Santiago Chaparro had been deported from the United States to Mexico three times and previously sustained a conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony.
In addition to Santiago Chaparro’s prison sentence, he was ordered three years of supervised release on each charge and ordered to cooperate with ICE regarding his deportation proceedings.
Source: Eurojust
17 June 2025|
The second Regional Western Balkan Consultative Forum organised by the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project in cooperation with the General Prosecution Office of Albania, took place on 17 June 2025 in Tirana. The Western Balkan General and Special Chief Prosecutors convened to discuss common experiences and challenges, and to highlight the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organised crime.
The Consultative Forum urged for stronger regional collaboration and promoted direct exchanges among Western Balkan partners. Participants reaffirmed their shared objectives in combating crime and emphasised the supportive roles that Eurojust and the WBCJ Project can provide to authorities in the region.
Source: United States Air Force
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi hosted an all-call for Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, highlighting the base’s vital contributions to force readiness, talent development and global power projection.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), introduced a resolution reaffirming the United States’ steadfast support for Israel as it works to dismantle the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and defends its citizens from ongoing Iranian attacks.
Additional cosponsors of this resolution include Representatives Don Bacon (NE-2), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-5), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-5), Randy Feenstra (IA-4), Tom Barrett (MI-7), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Robert Aderholt (AL-4), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21). The resolution was also supported by FDD Action, JINSA, AJC, AIPAC, and Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI).
For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has actively pursued a nuclear weapons program in direct violation of international agreements while funding terrorism, threatening the existence of Israel, and fueling instability throughout the Middle East. Despite bipartisan diplomatic efforts across multiple U.S. administrations, Iran has consistently obstructed inspections, expelled international monitors, and advanced its uranium enrichment to levels dangerously close to weapons-grade. On Friday, June 13th, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
This resolution underscores the United States’ full support for Israel’s recent targeted actions to degrade the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which protects not only Israel but also the United States and the free world. It reaffirms the vital importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance and makes clear that the pursuit of a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated.
“This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense and for its bold, courageous efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program once and for all. The U.S.-Israel partnership remains unshakable, and this resolution sends a clear and unified message: we will work together to ensure the Iranian regime is never able to obtain a nuclear weapon,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has made clear time and time again its intent to ‘annihilate’ Israel and attack the United States and has funded direct military attacks on Israel and the United States for decades. It’s regrettable that Iran’s decades of violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which it signed has led us to a point where this is necessary. The only thing more dangerous than this war is an Ayatollah with access to nuclear weapons. Israel could not wait until Iran had a stockpile of nuclear weapons ready to be launched,” said Congressman Sherman.
###
Source: United States Department of Justice
A six-count indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Georgia charging former Fulton County Jail Sergeant, Khadijah Solomon, 47, with using excessive force by repeatedly deploying tasers against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees on three separate occasions in January 2025 and writing false reports about each of the incidents.
“The Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those in custody, and ensure accountability in this case.”
“Law enforcement officers in this district perform their duties professionally and honorably, but those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “On three occasions, Khadijah Solomon allegedly tased Fulton County Jail detainees without a legitimate purpose, causing each of them pain and injury. Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted.”
Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret Hobson and Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: US State of North Dakota
Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.
Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.
According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.
As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Source: US State of North Dakota
A six-count indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Georgia charging former Fulton County Jail Sergeant, Khadijah Solomon, 47, with using excessive force by repeatedly deploying tasers against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees on three separate occasions in January 2025 and writing false reports about each of the incidents.
“The Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those in custody, and ensure accountability in this case.”
“Law enforcement officers in this district perform their duties professionally and honorably, but those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “On three occasions, Khadijah Solomon allegedly tased Fulton County Jail detainees without a legitimate purpose, causing each of them pain and injury. Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted.”
Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret Hobson and Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced that this year, the state recovered 113,245 stolen items worth nearly $6.5 million. In May alone, arrests were up almost 130%, stolen assets recovered were up 65%, and the value of the items recovered was up nearly 49% from April.
Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that from January to May, the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force conducted 331 investigations, 629 arrests, and recovered 113,245 stolen items valued at nearly $6.5 million.
Spearheaded by the California Highway Patrol, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, through coordination with local law enforcement agencies and other partners, has been involved in over 3,800 investigations, resulting in the arrest of more than 4,400 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.4 million stolen goods, valued at over $58 million since 2019.
In California, we value our public safety and back our business community. Organized retail crimes have no place in our society and I’m proud of the work our CHP officers do up and down the state to protect our families and communities.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Using arresting tools made available in part because of the Governor’s organized retail crime package he passed last year and ongoing commitment to public safety, compared to April, organized retail crime enforcement has gone up in all areas in May:
As part of the coordinated national organized retail crime blitz, from May 26 to 30, the CHP conducted high-visibility enforcement operations throughout the state – arresting 90 individuals, recovering nearly $153,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and identifying multiple suspects linked to organized crime rings operating in and beyond California.
The CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies and major retailers for this multi-day effort to investigate and intercept criminal activity in shopping centers, malls, and high-traffic retail areas throughout California.
“Retail theft doesn’t stop at state lines—and neither do we,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By working together with our law enforcement partners and retailers nationwide, we are sending a clear message: if you come to California to steal, we will be here to stop you.”
The blitz, coordinated out of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, coordinated an effort across 28 states to seize stolen vehicles, narcotics, weapons and other goods.
These efforts reinforced the importance of intelligence sharing, real-time coordination, and proactive enforcement in deterring retail theft.
According to an analysis of Real Time Crime Index data by the Public Policy Institute of California, violent crime dropped by 4.6% and property crime dropped by 8.5% in 2024, compared to 2023. Overall, the decreases in violent and property crimes in California were similar to those seen by law enforcement agencies in other states – property crime went down by 8.5% in California and 8.4% elsewhere.
California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.
Last August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California’s crime rate remains at near historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.
As part of the state’s largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime, Governor Newsom announced last year the state distributed $267 million to 55 communities to help local communities combat organized retail crime. These funds have enabled cities and counties to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects.
Working collaboratively to heighten public safety, the Governor tasked the CHP to work with local law enforcement areas in key areas to saturate high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. Since the inception of this regional initiative, there have been over 7,300 arrests, more than 5,000 stolen vehicles recovered and over 350 firearms confiscated across Bakersfield, San Bernardino and Oakland.
Source: Amnesty International –
Amnesty International stages powerful ‘human timeline’ highlighting over 100 years of protest
From suffragettes to Bristol Boycott: a legacy of defiant movements
The Crime and Policing Bill seeks to further erode right to protest
Amnesty International has organised a ‘human timeline’ outside Parliament to highlight Britain’s ‘proud history of defiant movements’, ahead of the Report stage debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on the 17th June. It is the fourth anti-protest bill introduced in Parliament in just four years.
The proposed legislation would give police sweeping new powers, including the ability to ban face coverings at protests, impose restrictions on protests based on vague rules around being in the ‘vicinity’ of religious buildings, and compel people, including protesters, on limited visas to leave the country if they receive a police caution.
The bill follows last year’s Criminal Justice Bill, part of the former government’s sustained crackdown on peaceful protest. Protesters now face increasing criminalisation, with some receiving prison sentences for nonviolent action that exceed those given for serious violent crimes.
The protest outside Parliament today features real-life activists and actors representing key historical movements and holding placards:
The Suffragettes
“They told us to stay at home, but we won women the right to vote”
“They called us ‘terrorists’ but we helped bring about a fairer society”
“They called us naive, but we advocated for a safer world”
“They called us ‘irresponsible’, but we helped to make racial discrimination in employment unlawful”
“They called us “deviants”, but we won equal rights and respect”
“They called us annoying but we tackled discrimination against people with disabilities”
“They called us powerless, but we continue to expose the injustice of housing in the UK”
“They called us eco-mobs, but we made it impossible to ignore the plight of our planet”
Black Lives Matter
“They called us ‘thugs’ but we continue to uncover institutional racism”
“They call us hate marches, but we won’t stop campaigning against apartheid and genocide”
By demonstrating the breadth of protest over the past 100 years, and the rights and freedoms that were won, the stunt shows their true power in making the world a better, more equitable place.
Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK’s Director of Campaigns, said:
“The UK has a legacy of defiant movements – where demonstrations both large and small, have shaped a fairer and more just society.
“From the Suffragettes and the Anti-Apartheid Movement to the Bristol Bus Boycott or the UK’s first Pride march, these protesters faced fierce resistance in their time. Yet today, we celebrate the rights and freedoms they fought so hard to win.
“The new Crime and Policing Bill is the fourth piece of legislation in as many years aimed at clamping down on our right to protest. It’s yet another example of the Government attacking our ability to hold them to account beyond the ballot box – undermining our freedom of speech. Had such laws existed in the past, many of the historic protests we now celebrate might not have been possible.
“We have a proud history of protest and we must continue on that path, not follow the tide of authoritarian laws that’s undermining freedom globally.”
A spokesperson for Grenfell United, said:
“The power of protest should never be forgotten. Our Silent walks serve both to remember those we lost, and to show that Grenfell issues are not localised, they are a national problem. Building safety affects thousands of people across the country, whether leaseholder, private or social housing tenant, and our gatherings show those responsible the pace of change is too slow, and the risk to life too high.
“The Crime and Policing Bill is part of a growing trend on the crackdown of the right to protest. This is a deeply concerning trend for communities who turn to protest as a result of the grave injustices they have faced. By walking in our thousands each year, we show those in power we will never forget what was done to us, what needs to happen, and that the nation is behind us in our fight for Justice”
Source: European Parliament
with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure
Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere, Rasa Juknevičienė
on behalf of the PPE Group
NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.
B10-0290/2025
B10-0290/2025
B10‑0290/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,
– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,
Source: European Parliament
with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.
B10‑0289/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli
The European Parliament,
having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,
– having regard to the joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos of 2 April 2025 on latest developments in Georgia;
– having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure.
1. Urges the Georgian authorities to immediately release Mzia Amaglobeli and to withdraw any fabricated charges against her;
2. Calls on the EEAS and the Member States to closely monitor the legal process and thereby contribute to establishing transparency about this and similar cases against Georgian journalists and media organisations, especially in the light of concerns about the lack of judicial independence;
3. Urges Georgian authorities to end the harassment of independent media and journalists and reminds the Georgian authorities of their obligations to uphold media freedom and freedom of expression under the Georgian constitution and in accordance with the country’s international commitments;
4. Expresses it solidarity with the people of Georgia in their protest against the escalating repression of civil liberties, and in particular with persons such as Mzia Amaglobeli who has come to symbolize the struggle for preserving Georgia’s democratic and European future;
5. Underlines that the new pieces of legislation, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, unduly restrict fundamental freedoms, erode democracy and therefore, unless repealed, would make Georgia’s future EU membership impossible;
6. Reiterates its calls on the ruling party to end the repression against citizens, release all persons unduly detained, suspend and repeal all repressive legislation and return to the path of democracy;
7. Calls for the EU to continue supporting Georgia’s civil society, human rights defenders and independent media despite the increasingly hostile environment marked by repressive laws such as the ‘Foreign Agents Registration Act’;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/ High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and to the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.
Source: European Parliament
with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.
B10‑0283/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on The situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli
The European Parliament,
-having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian constitution;
B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;
C. whereas UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk recently called on the Georgian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly;
D. whereas several international NGOs are expressing growing concern over the media freedom situation in the country, in particular for the amendments introduced to the Law on Broadcasting;
E. whereas Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder and director of the online newspapers Batumelebi and Netgazeti, is facing charges of assaulting a police officer—carrying a sentence of up to seven years in prison;
1. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; condemns the arrest of the journalist Mzia Amaglobeli;
2. Calls on the Government of Georgia to respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, in particular freedom of press and political rights;
3. Call for the release of Mzia Amaglobeli and call the Georgian authorities to fully guarantee independent journalists freedom of expression and media pluralism, according to its own constitution and its international obligations;
4. Stresses that Georgia’s future must be determined by the will of its people, free from external pressure or interference; emphasises that Georgia’s sovereignty and political trajectory should reflect the aspirations of its citizens; condemns any attempts, whether foreign or domestic, to undermine Georgia’s democratic institutions;
5. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa facilitation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU;
6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the UN as well as the President, Government and Parliament of the Georgia.
Source: European Parliament
with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure
Lena Schilling, Mélissa Camara, Mounir Satouri, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Mārtiņš Staķis, Nicolae Ștefănuță, Markéta Gregorová
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.
B10-0282/2025
B10-0282/2025
B10‑0282/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli
The European Parliament,
having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,
– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002382/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE)
The Spanish Government has put forward a legislative proposal to regularise around a thousand substitute judges, allowing them to be admitted to the ordinary judiciary by means of an extraordinary system parallel to the ‘turno libre’ and ‘cuarto turno’ (respectively, open competitions and admittance of experienced legal professionals to the judiciary based on merit).
Spanish judicial associations have complained that such regularisation could violate the constitutional principles and EU law on access to public employment on the basis of equality, merit and ability (Article 45(2) TFEU), and affect judicial independence, as provided for in Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
In light of this situation:
Submitted: 12.6.2025