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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Joins Colleagues in Demanding DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety and Anti-Crime Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 30 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg to reverse the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of public safety grants that serve crime victims and improve public safety in communities across the country. The letter calls on DOJ to provide information about its decision to cancel the grants.
    The Senators wrote, in part: “On April 22, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) notified hundreds of grant recipients across the country, without warning, that their funding had been terminated, effective immediately. Many of these grants are authorized by Congress and support programs that have enhanced public safety in communities rural and urban, affluent and poor, Democratic and Republican.”
    The Senators continued: “As DOJ’s largest grantmaking component, OJP over the last several decades has supported crime victim assistance and compensation programs, juvenile justice and child protection activities, sex offender management efforts, criminal justice research, and crime statistics collection. These programs deliver critical resources to state, local, and community advocates who help people with addiction and protect kids, veterans, and victims of crime across the country.”
    The Senators concluded: “Additionally, we advise that the Department restore immediately the grants terminated on April 22. The cursory termination of these programs imperils the public safety of the victims and communities that rely on these critical resources.”
    The full text of the letter can be read here.
    In her role as the former Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen led efforts to fund programs that increase public safety and support New Hampshire’s law enforcement agencies. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation, Shaheen secured $23,212,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to help build safe and prosperous communities and other priorities.
    Shaheen also champions efforts in the Senate to boost services and programs for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 CJS Subcommittee Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured and helped advance $739.5 million, the highest funding level ever, for grants authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Enhance 9-1-1 Emergency Response System Advances Through Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    The legislation would ensure Americans reach help when dialing 9-1-1, including during natural disasters, and make important updates to the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced that their bipartisan Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to ensure Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters and improve implementation of Kari’s law, has advanced out of the Commerce Committee.
    The legislation will also ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are recognized as protective service workers to ensure their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
    “Americans need reliable communications networks, especially 9-1-1, and this is a crucial step toward ensuring that reliability,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will save lives by ensuring Americans can connect to 9-1-1 during major disasters and improving the resiliency of our 9-1-1 system against outages and disruptions. It also recognizes 9-1-1 dispatchers for their critical roles during times of crisis by ensuring they are classified as the first responders that they are.”
    “Ensuring Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters is paramount,” said Blackburn. “The Emergency Reporting Act takes necessary steps to prevent 9-1-1 service disruptions, properly recognize dispatchers for their lifesaving work, and further study how we can make improvements to the 9-1-1 emergency response system.”
    Specifically, the Enhancing First Response Act would:
    Require the FCC to issue a report after major natural disasters on the extent to which people were unable to reach 9-1-1 during the disaster and subsequent recovery efforts, and make recommendations to improve the resiliency of 9-1-1 systems to prevent future service disruptions;
    Require the FCC to study the unreported 9-1-1 outages and develop recommendations to improve outage reporting and communication between mobile carriers experiencing network outages and 9-1-1 centers;
    Update the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers from clerical workers to protective service workers in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) to better reflect the life-saving work they perform each day. The SOC is a tool used by federal agencies to classify the workforce into useful, occupational categories;
    Require the FCC to report on the extent to which multi-line telephone system manufacturers and vendors have complied with Kari’s Law, which Senator Klobuchar worked to pass into law in 2018 and requires the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Kim Lead Members of NJ Congressional Delegation in Letter to PJM Interconnection (PJM) Raising Serious Concerns over Rate Increase Impacting New Jersey Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    NEWARK, N.J. – This afternoon, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) led a letter alongside seven members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation to PJM Interconnection (PJM), New Jersey’s regional transmission organization (RTO). Ahead of an anticipated 17% rate increase on June 1, the legislators urged PJM to provide updates on the steps it is taking to lower rates for New Jersey families and those across the thirteen states PJM operates.
    The legislators wrote: “We write to express concerns over the expected electricity price increase in New Jersey, along with other states across the PJM Interconnection (PJM) territory, in the months ahead, and to request information regarding steps PJM is taking to mitigate these increases. As the regional transmission organization (RTO) for the electric grid across a 13-state region that includes New Jersey, PJM plays an essential role in ensuring capacity to maintain affordable rates for electricity customers.
    “The results of your most recent capacity auction in 2024 reflect the growing demand on the grid from data centers and advanced computer technology, along with an insufficient increase in new generation. As you know, there is a $14.7 billion cost to ratepayers, which is in large part driving an expected 17 percent or greater increase in electric utilityhttps://www.booker.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/pjm_letter_5225final.pdf bills in New Jersey beginning June 1, 2025.”
    The legislators conclude: “We know that unlocking the interconnection queue and lowering electricity prices will require efforts from a range of entities, including federal and state partners, in concert with PJM’s ongoing work. However, given PJM’s central role in processing interconnection requests and the impact of the project backlog on the recent capacity auction price spike, we request prompt responses to the following series of questions related to lowering costs for New Jersey families:”
    The full questions the lawmakers pose can be found below:
    PJM’s 2022 interconnection reforms do not appear to be delivering the new capacity the region needs. What are the latest updates on efforts to reform and speed up interconnection processes and efficiently connect resources to PJM’s system?
    We know that PJM’s interconnection queue is increasingly made up of a higher number of smaller-capacity projects. As PJM is still required to allow open access to the grid, what steps can PJM take to speed up the processing of this changing resource mix?
    What reforms are PJM exploring related to expanding transmission capacity, including recognizing the capacity value of neighboring regions and removing barriers to importing capacity?
    Prior to the upcoming capacity auction that will impact rates for New Jerseyans in 2026 and 2027, what changes has PJM effectuated to ensure that unnecessary price spikes are avoided in the near future and in the long-term? 
    Will PJM’s FERC Order 1920 implementation fully incorporate New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan? What steps is PJM taking to ensure that New Jersey does not pay an unfair share of transmission that benefits other states?
    In addition to New Jersey, PJM Interconnection serves as the RTO across Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. 
    A full copy of the May 2 letter can be found here and below:
    Dear Mr. Takahashi and Mr. Asthana,
    We write to express concerns over the expected electricity price increase in New Jersey, along with other states across the PJM Interconnection (PJM) territory, in the months ahead, and to request information regarding steps PJM is taking to mitigate these increases. As the regional transmission organization (RTO) for the electric grid across a 13-state region that includes New Jersey, PJM plays an essential role in ensuring capacity to maintain affordable rates for electricity customers.
    The results of your most recent capacity auction in 2024 reflect the growing demand on the grid from data centers and advanced computer technology, along with an insufficient increase in new generation. As you know, there is a $14.7 billion cost to ratepayers, which is in large part driving an expected 17 percent or greater increase in electric utility bills in New Jersey beginning June 1, 2025.
    According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), data centers will account for up to 12 percent of total national electricity consumption by 2028, nearly tripling from 2023 levels. Clean energy projects and battery storage are urgently needed to meet demand, lower electricity prices, and continue to reduce our carbon emissions to combat climate change. Currently, there are 268 GW of new resources ready to be added to the PJM grid—95 percent of them clean energy resources—according to analysis conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, also present significant opportunities for New Jersey to expand baseload carbon-free energy generation capacity.
    While there are a number of complex challenges facing our region as we work together to make energy more affordable for New Jersey families, one of the most pressing is the growing backlog of energy projects to boost supply and the reforms necessary to expedite grid interconnection. We know that unlocking the interconnection queue and lowering electricity prices will require efforts from a range of entities, including federal and state partners, in concert with PJM’s ongoing work. However, given PJM’s central role in processing interconnection requests and the impact of the project backlog on the recent capacity auction price spike, we request prompt responses to the following series of questions related to lowering costs for New Jersey families:
    PJM’s 2022 interconnection reforms do not appear to be delivering the new capacity the region needs. What are the latest updates on efforts to reform and speed up interconnection processes and efficiently connect resources to PJM’s system?
    We know that PJM’s interconnection queue is increasingly made up of a higher number of smaller-capacity projects. As PJM is still required to allow open access to the grid, what steps can PJM take to speed up the processing of this changing resource mix?
    What reforms are PJM exploring related to expanding transmission capacity, including recognizing the capacity value of neighboring regions and removing barriers to importing capacity?
    Prior to the upcoming capacity auction that will impact rates for New Jerseyans in 2026 and 2027, what changes has PJM effectuated to ensure that unnecessary price spikes are avoided in the near future and in the long-term? 
    Will PJM’s FERC Order 1920 implementation fully incorporate New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan? What steps is PJM taking to ensure that New Jersey does not pay an unfair share of transmission that benefits other states?
    We appreciate your attention to this letter, and we look forward to continuing to work together on these important issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/2/2025 Blackburn Statement on Nomination to Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement praising President Trump’s nomination of Whitney Hermandorfer to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit:
    “I am so pleased that President Trump has nominated Whitney Hermandorfer to fill the vacancy on the Sixth Circuit. Whitney’s legal career has been nothing short of outstanding, and she is a rising star in Tennessee. Her experience makes her eminently qualified to serve on the Sixth Circuit – clerking for Supreme Court Justice Alito and others before joining the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office as Director of Strategic Litigation. Throughout Whitney’s esteemed career, she has demonstrated that she will be a fair-minded, principled jurist who will apply our nation’s laws as they are written and protect the constitutional rights of all Americans. The President could not have selected a better individual to be his first judicial nomination this term, and I look forward to swiftly advancing Whitney’s nomination through the Senate Judiciary Committee and onto the Senate floor to get her confirmed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard Proposes Changes to Aids to Navigation in the Northeast

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast
    Contact: 1st District Public Affairs
    D1PublicAffairs@uscg.mil
    1st District online newsroom

     

    05/02/2025 06:39 PM EDT

    BOSTON – The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public input on proposed aids to navigation (AtoN) changes

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 10 picnic spots in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Head to Queen Elizabeth II Island for an iconically Canberran picnic. Image: Tourism Australia

    In Brief:

    • Canberra has a wealth of excellent places to enjoy a picnic.
    • This story lists 10 picnic spots and describes what is available at each one.

    Canberra does not disappoint when it comes to picnic spots.

    Picture yourself sitting on a picnic blanket under the shade of the impressive trees at Lennox Gardens with a view of Lake Burley Griffin unfolding before you.

    Or you could escape the city and venture out to Weston Park with the family to make use of the barbecue facilities. Soak up the views while the kids enjoy the water playground.

    Here are some of our picks for your next picnic destination:

    National Rose Gardens and Old Parliament House Gardens

    In spring, these gardens are bursting with colourful roses. At Old Parliament House Gardens, wisteria drip from the pergolas.

    Each of the gardens has plenty of soft grass where you can spread out. Choose a shady spot by the trees or soak up the sun.

    Low on caffeine or food? Rosa’s at the Lawns is nearby and offers coffee, pastries and pizza.

    Queen Elizabeth II Island

    This picturesque island is the home of the iconic National Carillon. It was formerly known as Aspen Island.

    With lush grass and shady trees, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy views of Lake Burley Griffin. Time your visit to hear the hourly chime of the Carillon’s 57 bronze bells.

    Telopea Park

    Telopea Park’s lush green grass and towering trees are the ideal spot for a picnic.

    There are also:

    • shade sails
    • public toilets
    • picnic tables
    • a playground
    • a skate ramp.

    With Manuka and Kingston shops nearby, there are plenty of choices for coffee or food to take along with you.

    The National Arboretum

    There are many idyllic picnic spots at the Arboretum. Head to Dairy Farmers Hill to enjoy 360-degree views across Canberra. You can also check out the iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, up close.

    Another favourite spot is the Himalayan cedar forest barbeque and picnic area. The picnic and barbeque desk has tables and free electric barbeques.

    Weston Park

    Weston Park spreads across 40 hectares, with plenty of picnic spots to choose from.

    The area around Pescott Lane is a popular area for families. Here, you’ll find:

    • drinking water
    • picnic tables
    • a playground.

    The Yarralumla Play Station is across the road from the picnic. It has a café and miniature railway.

    Fadden Pines

    Fadden Pines is loved by families in the Tuggeranong region. With three playgrounds and multiple picnic areas, there are plenty of spots to choose from.

    It also has:

    • large shady trees
    • drinking water
    • a skate park

    Lake Ginninderra

    Virtually any spot around the edge of Lake Ginninderra is a beautiful setting for a picnic.

    John Knight Memorial Park is particularly suitable. It has beautiful views of the lake and plenty of shady trees. You’ll also find:

    • picnic tables
    • public toilets
    • model boat jetty
    • water garden
    • drinking water
    • playground.

    Mount Ainslie

    You can choose to hike or drive to the top of Mount Ainslie. Either way, the view across Canberra is bound to get your heart racing.

    There are picnic tables so you can take a seat and soak up the views.

    Regatta Point

    On a sunny afternoon, it’s a common sight to see locals enjoying a picnic on the grassy hill overlooking the lake.

    There are public toilets nearby, as well as picnic shelters.

    Need food and coffee? Pop into The Walter Café for some takeaway.

    Lennox Gardens

    The stunning park is home to Canberra Beijing Garden and Canberra Nara Peace Park. It’s right on the waterfront and has beautiful views and shady trees.

    You’ll also find:

    • public barbecues
    • drinking water
    • picnic tables
    • public toilets.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Addresses Religious Discrimination in Lawsuit for Former Teacher Denied Exemption from Vaccine Mandate

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Addresses Religious Discrimination in Lawsuit for Former Teacher Denied Exemption from Vaccine Mandate

    The Justice Department announced that a federal judge has approved a consent decree that settles its lawsuit against the Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter Schools (ASTEC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The lawsuit alleges ASTEC discriminated against Marcus Rethwill, a former teacher at the school, on the basis of religion, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when it terminated him after denying his request for a religious exemption from ASTEC’s vaccine mandate for employees because he could not provide a clergy letter supporting his request. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin or religion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Atlanta host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico

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

    ATLANTA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta Field Division hosted a joint press conference with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico.

    “Firearms trafficking and the illegal activity associated with it continues to threaten the safety of the general public throughout our communities,” said ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to illegally move firearms between the United States and Mexico. Extensive time in a federal prison awaits those who think they can endanger our communities and get away with it.”

    “Homeland Security Investigations is steadfast in our mission to combat international firearms trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety on both sides of the border,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “By targeting those who illegally purchase and smuggle weapons into Mexico, we are cutting off a vital lifeline to cartel members and terrorist-designated organizations, while upholding our duty to protect communities at home and abroad. HSI will continue to work relentlessly to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice those fueling this dangerous trade.”

    In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

    Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within many local communities. They have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out illicit activities including fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

    Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

    Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives.

    ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

    ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Encourages HHS to Protect Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth

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

    Washington, D.C. – 5/2/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) is calling on Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to preserve the Specialized Services for LGBTQ+ Youth within the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline, following reports that the Department’s FY2026 budget proposal would eliminate the program.

    The 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline, which offers support via voice, text, and chat in both English and Spanish, introduced the specialized services pilot program for LGBTQ+ youth in 2022. By March 2023, the program expanded to 24/7 availability. As of February 2025, it averages over 2,100 contacts per day.

    According to a 2021 CDC study, 45% of high school students who seriously considered attempting suicide identified as LGBTQ+. Lawler emphasized the potential consequences of eliminating these services, noting that it could result in increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and long-term mental health issues, which would place further strain on the healthcare system and families.

    “The 988 Lifeline has saved countless lives, and for many LGBTQ+ youth, who face disproportionately high risks of suicide, this specialized service is a lifeline in every sense of the word,” wrote the lawmakers. “We cannot leave our children without critical mental health care. As we’ve said in the letter, we firmly believe in parents’ rights, but we also know that we must ensure young people in crisis receive immediate and compassionate care.”

    “These are real, vulnerable young people who urgently need access to mental health care. The reported HHS budget draft would eliminate this specialized lifeline, leaving many LGBTQ+ youth without a compassionate voice in moments of profound distress,” concluded the lawmakers. 

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

    ###

    The full letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard, partner agencies search for 75-year-old man near Larose, La.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
    Office: 504-671-2020
    After Hours: 618-225-9008
    Eighth District online newsroom

     

    Port conditions change based on weather forecasts, and current port conditions can be viewed on the following Coast Guard homeport webpages:

    For more information follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Addresses Religious Discrimination in Lawsuit for Former Teacher Denied Exemption from Vaccine Mandate

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    The Justice Department today announced that a federal judge has approved a consent decree that settles its lawsuit against the Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter Schools (ASTEC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The lawsuit alleges ASTEC discriminated against Marcus Rethwill, a former teacher at the school, on the basis of religion, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when it terminated him after denying his request for a religious exemption from ASTEC’s vaccine mandate for employees because he could not provide a clergy letter supporting his request. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin or religion.

    “When employees’ religious principles conflict with work rules, they should not be forced to choose between practicing their religion and keeping their jobs if a reasonable accommodation can be made,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Employer policies that rigidly restrict how employees can demonstrate the sincerity of their religious beliefs for religious accommodations are inconsistent with the breadth of Title VII’s protection against religious discrimination.” 

    “No employee should be forced to violate their religious beliefs just to keep their job,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Employers must take care not to craft or apply policies that require employees to forfeit their religious beliefs or impose unreasonable conditions that question the sincerity of those beliefs.”

    Under the consent decree, ASTEC will pay Rethwill $95,000 in monetary damages, revise its anti-religious discrimination policy, and provide mandatory training on the policy to personnel.

    The Oklahoma City Area Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigated and attempted to resolve Rethwill’s charge of discrimination before referring it to the Justice Department for litigation. More information about the EEOC is available on its website at www.eeoc.gov.

    The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Influencers sound alarm on US recession driven by tariff-induced economic turmoil, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Influencers sound alarm on US recession driven by tariff-induced economic turmoil, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    In April 2025, discussions surrounding the recession topic on social media increased by nearly 70% compared to the previous month, driven by growing concerns over economic instability. This marked the highest level of discourse since January 2025, reflecting heightened public anxiety regarding the state of the economy, while influencer sentiment on the topic declined by 25% in April compared to the prior month, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    A key factor fueling this surge in discussions was the imposition of substantial US tariffs under the Trump administration, which drew parallels to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, often linked to the onset of the Great Depression. Influencers cautioned that these tariffs, among the highest imposed since the 1920s, could lead to inflation, reduced consumer spending, and weakened global competitiveness, thereby increasing the risk of a recession.

    Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers characterized the tariffs as a detrimental policy destabilizing the economy, increasing risks of stagflation or recession. They emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs’ duration, warning that prolonged enforcement could entrench economic downturn risks. Their discourse, conveyed with urgency, condemned the tariffs as reckless, forecasting severe recessionary or depression-like consequences. Influencers stressed on the tariffs’ immediate adverse effects, global trade implications, and disruption of prior economic stability as driving the recession narrative.”

    Below are a few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Sadaf Sayeed, Chief Executive Officer at Muthoot Microfin Ltd:

    “Ultimately US consumers will end up paying for these tariffs. US will face massive inflation and crash of consumer confidence. Recession is certain.”

    1. Brett House, Economist:

    “I joined @kcalnews to explain why President Trump’s tariffs are a tax on American households—not a “liberation.” They’re set to raise costs, squeeze supply chains, and risk triggering the first White House-induced recession in the postwar era.”

    1. Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Eliot Professor and President Emeritus at Harvard:

    “This has probably been the least successful first hundred days of a presidency @realDonaldTrump on the economy in the last century. We have seen the stock market go down, the dollar go down, forecasts of unemployment go up, forecasts of inflation go up, forecasts on the odds of a recession go up. We’ve seen consumer confidence collapse. We’ve seen businesses take back all their previous earnings projections. So, this has been a disastrous hundred days for the US economy.”

    1. Robinson Meyer, Founding Executive Editor at Heatmap News:

    “What remains astonishing is that this isn’t a “natural” recession. There’s no cyclical slowdown or housing bubble. Consumers were holding up okay. This is about one man choosing to crash the economy because of a dumb idea, and 273 of his party’s lawmakers letting him do it.”

    1. Mehdi Hasan, Editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News:

    “He inherited the fast growing economy in the western world, with one of the lowest unemployment rates, and he is now ‘fixing’ it by ushering in a global trade war and possible recession.”

    1. John Ashcroft, Founder at John Ashcroft and The Saturday Economist:

    “US tariffs ‘will push UK, Europe and Asia into recession’ Economists rip up forecasts for global growth as the White House increases average tariffs from 2.5% to 25% …  highest since the 1920s …”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Comment Letter to Trump Administration Opposing Fair Housing Rule Change

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in sending a comment letter to the Trump Administration’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), opposing its interim final rule that walks back HUD’s duty to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), HUD is statutorily required to administer programs that prevent discrimination in home sales or rentals and affirmatively further fair housing (otherwise known as the AFFH Mandate), which includes combatting the persistence of segregation in housing and its harmful effects. In 2021, HUD issued a rule requiring that all grantees — including local governments, states, and public housing authorities — certify their AFFH compliance prior to receiving any federal funding. HUD’s new interim final rule walks back this requirement, replaces robust rules with a weak AFFH certification process, and seeks to dismantle HUD’s prior AFFH rulemaking efforts.  

    “During the first Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development tried repeatedly to abandon its legal obligation to facilitate fair housing. My office took a leadership role in fighting back, and we’re doing so again now,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Ending housing discrimination and fostering diverse communities should not be controversial. My fellow attorneys general and I will continue to champion fair housing opportunities for all.”

    In their letter, the attorneys general argue that the new interim final rule violates the charge of the FHA and the AFFH Mandate, as it does not require grantees to meaningfully evaluate whether their actions will reduce segregation and promote integration, nor does it require any specific fair housing planning processes. Instead, it undermines efforts to promote fair housing and ignores HUD’s statutory requirement to affirmatively further fair housing. According to the attorneys general, the proposed rule lacks any factual basis for its drastic policy change and practically depletes HUD’s oversight to identify and address barriers to fair housing. 

    Many California municipalities and public housing authorities are recipients of HUD funding awards. The Trump Administration’s new interim final rule will undermine California’s efforts to combat housing segregation, promote equal housing opportunities, and address homelessness throughout the state.

    Attorney General Bonta co-led the letter with Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell and New York Attorney General Letitia James. They were joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.  

    A copy of the comment letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Statement on President’s Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    Published: May 02 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump released his Fiscal Year 2026 discretionary budget request to Congress:
    “The budget the President released today reflects what we’ve seen over the past 103 days—that the Trump Administration is laser-focused on taking a chainsaw to important government programs that Americans rely on so that they can cut taxes for billionaires. This cruel budget would cut critical funding for education, such as Federal Work Study; substance use disorder prevention; rural development; housing; support for small businesses; research into cancer and other diseases; cybersecurity; foreign assistance; violence prevention, including Jabara-Heyer NO Hate grants; and more. It would also roll back funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other historic legislation that we were proud to help pass in Congress. As Congress continues negotiating a budget in the coming months, we are committed to pushing back against these massive cuts that will harm Virginians and our economy and make communities less safe.”   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Free camps for ACT public primary schools

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    All ACT primary school students will be able to attend a free camp at Birrigai during their primary school years.

    In brief:

    • The ACT Government will provide one free school camp at Birrigai for every student during their primary years.
    • The free camps will be held at Birrigai Outdoor School from term 1 this year.

    The ACT Government will provide one free school camp at Birrigai for every primary school student, with free camps starting in term 1 this year.

    Camps will be held at Birrigai Outdoor School, near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

    It’s expected that one year group from each ACT public primary school will attend a free camp each year.

    This will allow all ACT primary school students to attend a free camp during their primary school years.

    Allowing everyone to participate

    This new program means families won’t have to miss out due to cost.

    School camps are an important part of the educational experience. The program ensures all students can attend.

    The program roll out

    It’s anticipated that more than 1000 students will benefit from the program in the first half of the year.

    Additional school bookings will open in the coming weeks.

    Work is underway to support the roll out of the program’s first phase in the first half of 2025. 

    Schools will communicate to their school communities as plans are finalised.

    Semester 1 2025 bookings are subject to availability.

    Ensuring equity in education

    Equity is one of the four principles of the ACT Government’s Future of Education Strategy.

    The program comes in addition to other initiatives aimed at helping Canberra families with school costs. These include:

    • free three-year-old preschool
    • the Future of Education Equity Fund
    • a Chromebook for every public secondary school student.

    Find out more at education.act.gov.au

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First students for Aunty Agnes Shea High School

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new school’s logo and uniform design derive from an artwork created by Aunty Agnes Shea’s granddaughter.

    In brief:

    • The first students are now attending Canberra’s newest public school – Aunty Agnes Shea High School.
    • The school is named after late senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea.
    • This week, over 50,000 students return to public schools across the ACT.

    The brand-new Aunty Agnes Shea High School in Taylor welcomes its first students this week.

    The ACT’s 92nd public school, it will cater to up to 800 years 7–10 students in the growing suburbs of north Gungahlin.

    The new school’s students are among over 50,000 returning to public schools across Canberra.

    Named for a great Canberran

    The new school’s name honours late senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea.

    The school’s logo and uniform design derive from the artwork ‘Journeys’ about Aunty Agnes Shea.

    Artist Selina Walker is Aunty Agnes Shea’s granddaughter. She gifted ‘Journeys’ to the school.

    The logo was co-designed with Aunty Agnes Shea’s family. The school’s first cohort of students and their families also contributed to how ‘Journeys’ is shown on the school uniform.

    Contemporary facilities

    The school features state-of-the-art learning spaces. It is also fully electric in its operations. The buildings use sustainable materials and a large solar panel array.

    Students can also enjoy:

    • a double gym with basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball and badminton markings
    • a covered hard court suitable for basketball and netball
    • kickabout spaces for ball sports
    • external fitness equipment.

    Spaces in the school are available for community use.

    Aunty Agnes Shea OAM

    Aunty Agnes Josephine Shea OAM dedicated most of her life to bettering the world for future generations of Aboriginal Australians.

    She worked tirelessly in many different roles for the varying range of communities that call Ngunnawal Country home.

    Aunty Agnes Shea’s achievements and dedication have been recognised over the years.

    In 2001 she was awarded the Centenary Medal. In 2004, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

    In 2010 she was awarded an ACT Senior Citizen of the Year award. She also gained a place on the ACT Honour Walk that same year.

    Find more on the Aunty Agnes Shea High School website.

    The brand-new school offers state-of-the-art facilities.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Your guide to adopting a dog in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • This story includes some lesser-known considerations for adopting a dog.

    Dogs are wonderful companions that bring joy to their families.

    Owning a dog can help people to:

    • be more active
    • feel less lonely
    • socialise more
    • find a sense of purpose.

    Before you bring a dog into your family, there are a few things to consider. Here are a few points that people don’t often talk about:

    Each dog has a different personality

    You may have expected that your new pup will love fetch and swimming. But then find they prefer tug and digging instead.

    Spend some time getting to know your dog. Discovering their personality and temperament can be rewarding. Their genetics and history can inform how they react to different people, toys and other animals. Breed can also play a part in their temperament.

    It can take three months for your dog to adjust to their new environment

    Moving into a new home can be stressful for a dog. This is common for dogs who have come from a noisy shelter environment.

    In the first three days, your dog will be decompressing. They may seem scared or unsure. During this time, you might not see their ‘true’ personality.

    After three weeks, your pup will start settling in. Their personality will start to show as they get more comfortable. After three months it’s likely that your dog will be comfortable and trust you. It’s important to take this time with them and not try to rush them

    You will always need to care for your dog – even on your hardest days

    Taking your dog on a walk on a beautiful Sunday is wonderful, but not every day will be easy.

    Remember that dogs still need to go for a walk even when you don’t feel like it. Your dog will still need to be looked after when you’re feeling sick, sad or stressed. Consider if you need a support system to help you look after your pet on difficult days.

    Owning a dog will change the way your home looks

    When you have a dog, your floor may always have a few toys strewn about. There may also be stray pieces of dog food and dog hair on it.

    You may also need to change the way you decorate your home. This is to keep fragile items out of your dog’s reach. You should also consider if you are ready to clean up after your dog potentially having toileting accidents inside.

    Your social life will look a bit different

    Most dogs can be left alone for hours at a time. There are also pet-friendly venues around Canberra.

    Even so, you should prepare for times where you need to leave an event early to be with your dog.

    There may also be times where your pet is unwell. You may need to miss social occasions to care for them. Consider if these are sacrifices you are willing to make for your pet.

    Travelling can be more challenging

    Looking for dog-friendly accommodation while traveling can be difficult and expensive. It can also be hard to find someone to look after your pet if you plan on leaving them at home.

    Before getting a dog, ask friends or family if they would be willing to look after your pet while you travel. You can also check out the costs of pet-boarding or pet-sitters. It’s important to be aware of these potential costs before getting a dog.

    Dogs cost money

    In addition to buying dog food, toys, and other treats, in the ACT, owners must register, microchip, de-sex their dog which costs money.  There are also licences and permits you may need to obtain if you wish to breed your dog or if there are 4 or more dogs living at your residence.

    Dogs also need regular check-ups and vaccinations to keep them happy and healthy. Dogs can also have accidents from time-to-time which need to be seen to by a veterinarian, often at short notice. Consider whether you can financially look after a dog to give it the best life possible.

    Moving your pet interstate and overseas can be costly

    Most Australian airlines will not allow pets in the cabin. You might want to consider if you’re comfortable with your pet in the cargo hold, or if you’re comfortable driving interstate with your pet.

    If an international move is on the cards during your pets’ lifespan, you need to factor in the extra cost of bringing them. Moving your pet internationally can be costly.

    Having realistic expectations of what having a dog looks like is important for making informed decisions. A common reason for dogs being surrendered is because owners weren’t aware of the challenges of pet ownership.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE operation in Northern Virginia nets 3 alien offenders

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Department of Justice Diplomatic Security Service, arrested three illegal aliens during routine daily operations April 21 in Northern Virginia.

    Among those arrested were an illegally present Salvadoran national with prior drug convictions and an illegally present Liberian national wanted in his home country for documents fraud. Authorities also apprehended an additional illegally present Salvadoran alien.

    “ICE Washington, D.C. takes our commitment to public safety very seriously,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “Our brave officers are out on the streets every day enforcing U.S. immigration laws and ensuring the safety of our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities. We will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

    ICE officers and agents from DEA, ATF, and DSS arrested:

    • Camilo Cesar Gonzales-Encalada, 23, an illegally present Spanish national and member of the Sureños gang whose criminal history includes convictions for assault, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers with ICE New York arrested Gonzales April 6.

    • Eric Sumo, 51, illegal Liberian alien wanted for documents fraud to include fraudulently possessing/manufacturing U.S. visas.

    • An illegal Salvadoran national who is in removal proceedings.

    Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. and agents with DEA Washington, D.C.; ATF Washington, D.C.; and DSS Washington, D.C. arrested Reyes and the other Salvadoran alien in Annandale. They apprehended Sumo in Alexandria April 21. All three aliens remain in ICE custody.

    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: @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Individuals Charged in Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs of Over $9.1M

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Three Individuals Charged in Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs of Over $9.1M

    Three men were charged with participating in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of over $9.1 million in education benefits, including funds from the Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefit program. One of the men has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Prison Sentences for Three Idaho Men in Child Pornography Cases

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces Prison Sentences for Three Idaho Men in Child Pornography Cases

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that two men in eastern Idaho and one man in northern Idaho were sentenced on April 28, 2025, for the sexual exploitation of children.
    Gregg McFarlane, 51, was sentenced in Shoshone County on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (child pornography) and one count of Possessing Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children—a new law targeting images of child sex abuse generated using artificial intelligence. In August 2024, Detective Jim Bohr, using undercover law enforcement computers, identified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being uploaded from an address associated with McFarlane in Pinehurst, Idaho. In October 2024, a residential search warrant was executed at McFarlane’s address, during which various electronic devices and a child-sized sex doll were seized. McFarlane admitted to receiving links to CSAM files through torrent sites and searching for CSAM on those same sites. A forensic examination of McFarlane’s devices revealed over 200 files containing CSAM of children as young as four years old. The examination also uncovered generative AI images of what appeared to be realistic children, some as young as five, engaged in sexual acts.
    Judge Barbara Duggan sentenced McFarlane to a total of 10 years in prison, ordering that he be eligible for parole after three years. The investigation was led by Detective Jim Bohr of the Meridian Police Department, who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, and was assisted by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, and ICAC affiliates from the Moscow and Post Falls Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General James Haws.
    Skylar Reed, 25, was sentenced in Bannock County on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (child pornography). In July 2024, the ICAC Unit received a CyberTip indicating that two accounts belonging to Reed had downloaded CSAM. In November 2024, a residential search warrant was executed on Reed’s residence and devices. Reed admitted in an interview with investigators that he had downloaded and shared CSAM with others online. An examination of Reed’s phones revealed numerous files of CSAM, including material depicting children being raped.
    Judge Robert Naftz sentenced Reed to a total of 10 years in prison, ordering that he be eligible for parole after two and a half years. The investigation was led by Detective Irina Leach of the Pocatello Police Department, who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, and was assisted by the Boise Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Madison Allen and Austin Young.
    Seth Tanaka, 23, was sentenced in Bonneville County on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (child pornography). In February 2024, the ICAC Unit received a CyberTip that a social media account belonging to Tanaka had uploaded multiple files of CSAM. In August 2024, a residential search warrant was obtained for Tanaka’s property and devices. Officers found CSAM on Tanaka’s phone depicting post-pubescent female minors engaged in lascivious acts and poses. In an interview, Tanaka admitted to viewing children of all ages—from infants to teens—but stated that his primary sexual interest was in developing female children.
    Judge Michael Whyte sentenced Tanaka to a total of 10 years in prison but retained jurisdiction over the case for up to one year. During this period of retained jurisdiction, also known as a rider, Tanaka will be incarcerated and receive treatment and programming. Judge Whyte will then determine whether Tanaka should be placed on probation or serve the remainder of his sentence. The investigation was led by Detective Jared Mendenhall of the Idaho Falls Police Department, who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, and was assisted by the Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and Pocatello Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Madison Allen.
    “Idaho is committed to confronting every form of child exploitation—whether buried in the depths of the internet or advanced through new threats like AI-generated abuse material. My office will continue to pursue these threats with every tool we have. I commend the diligent work of our ICAC Unit, law enforcement partners, and prosecutors who brought these offenders to justice,” stated Attorney General Labrador.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE 5: Unified Command continues response to discharge near Garden Island Bay, LA

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
    Office: 504-671-2020
    After Hours: 618-225-9008
    Eighth District online newsroom

     

    Port conditions change based on weather forecasts, and current port conditions can be viewed on the following Coast Guard homeport webpages:

    For more information follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 124 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 124 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On April 28, Jose Maria Murillo Estrada, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Officers and reentry after deportation. According to a complaint, the assault happened after Murillo attempted to make entry into the United States from Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry by running through vehicle primary lanes and was intercepted by officers.
    • On April 27, Emma Alejandra Medina, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Attempted Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Medina was captain of a boat that was transporting eight undocumented immigrants on San Diego Bay.
    • On April 26, Jorge Alexandro Tellez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Tellez was taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection officers after he attempted to cross the border in his vehicle in the San Ysidro Port of Entry’s SENTRI lane with 286 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in all four doors, the seats, the spare tire, the tailgate, and in multiple tool bags located inside the vehicle.

    Also this week, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases:

    • On May 1, Juan Morales-Lopez, a Mexican national who was last deported in November 2024 and immediately returned on December 10th, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in custody consecutive to 12 months custody for violating the terms of his supervised released for his earlier illegal entry conviction, for a total of 30 months in custody. Morales-Lopez has 10 illegal entry felony convictions in total and has been removed from the United States a total of 35 times.
    • On May 1, Jose Ramon Ochoa-Monteverde, a Mexican national living in the United States on a Visa, was sentenced in federal court to 84 months in custody for his role as a coordinator and courier for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico, Imperial Valley, and the Central District of California. In one instance, Ochoa-Monteverde loaded a tractor trailer with duffel bags containing 106.38 kilograms of methamphetamine at a truck stop in Brawley, CA.
    • On April 28, Alejandro Gutierrez-Aguilar, who was previously convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute in 2014, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in custody for again entering the U.S illegally.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced for Assaulting Gate Agent at DFW Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A Florida man who assaulted a gate agent at DFW Airport was sentenced to four months in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham. 

    Keith Charles Owens, 53, was charged via criminal complaint in November 2024 and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging interference with security screening personnel in January 2025.  He was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who also ordered Owens to pay nearly $6,000 in restitution.

    In plea papers, Mr. Owens admitted that he assaulted an American Airlines gate agent at DFW Airport on Oct. 5, 2024.  Security footage showed Mr. Owens repeatedly punched the gate agent in the head.

    According to court documents, around 4:42 p.m., Mr. Owens approached the gate agent at gate A36, explained he was late, and attempted to scan his boarding pass. When the gate agent informed him he was at the wrong gate, Mr. Owens cursed and walked away. The agent then radioed the correct gate, A35, to inform airline personnel that Mr. Owens was headed their way and appeared to be intoxicated. 

    Mr. Owens then walked onto the A35 jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass.  Airline personnel removed him from the jet bridge. 
     

    A few moments later, at 4:48 p.m., Mr. Owens again approached gate A36.  He began yelling at the gate agent, grabbed him by the shoulders, and punched him repeatedly in the face and neck.  Eventually, airline personnel were able to restrain him. 

    Both the gate agent and the personnel who assisted in restraining Mr. Owens sustained minor injuries.  The flight departing from gate A36 was delayed. 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Beck prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mansfield Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Keevon Carter-Hickmon, a 30-year-old Mansfield man, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham. 

    Carter-Hickmon was indicted and pleaded guilty in January 2025 to production of child pornography.  He was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor on May 2, 2025.  

    According to a factual resume signed by the defendant, Carter-Hickmon drove to a local middle school to pick up a minor after communicating with the minor online for several months.  Carter-Hickmon took the minor to a motel in Arlington where they had sexual contact.  Carter-Hickmon recorded and then distributed pornographic images of the minor over the internet.  While awaiting trial on state charges, Carter-Hickmon solicited another minor online and received additional child pornography from that minor. 

    Acting United States Attorney Meacham praised the extraordinary efforts of the agencies involved in bringing justice on behalf of the victims.  Those agencies included the Arlington Police Department, Stephenville Police Department, Mansfield Police Department, United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Allyson Monte prosecuted the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine on President’s Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
     WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump released his Fiscal Year 2026 discretionary budget request to Congress:
    “The budget the President released today reflects what we’ve seen over the past 103 days—that the Trump Administration is laser-focused on taking a chainsaw to important government programs that Americans rely on so that they can cut taxes for billionaires. This cruel budget would cut critical funding for education, such as Federal Work Study; substance use disorder prevention; rural development; housing; support for small businesses; research into cancer and other diseases; cybersecurity; foreign assistance; violence prevention, including Jabara-Heyer NO Hate grants; and more. It would also roll back funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other historic legislation that we were proud to help pass in Congress. As Congress continues negotiating a budget in the coming months, we are committed to pushing back against these massive cuts that will harm Virginians and our economy and make communities less safe.”   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: WEEK 15 WINS: President Trump’s 100th Day Marked by More Success

    Source: The White House

    This week, President Donald J. Trump celebrated his 100th day in office — and set the course for the next 100 days of growth, prosperity, and success for the American people.

    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 15:

    • The economy added 177,000 new jobs in April, according to the latest jobs report — smashing expectations for another month as the workforce grows and businesses onshore jobs.
    • President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of manufacturing dominance spurred onshoring and additional U.S. investment.
      • Mercedes-Benz announced it will move production of another vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing facility.
      • AstraZeneca announced it will shift production of some medicines from Europe to the U.S.
      • Walmart expanded its support for American-made products.
      • IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
      • Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment that will result in 5,000 new manufacturing jobs across several key industrial states.
      • Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing sites, which will create 900 new jobs.
      • Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion.
      • Merck & Co. announced a $1 billion investment to build a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs — part of the company’s commitment to invest more than $9 billion over the next four years.
        • “Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance our domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.”
      • Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
        • “Pro-growth policies like the @POTUS @WhiteHouse 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped make investments like this possible. Since enactment, Amgen has invested ~$5B in capital expenditures. This amounts to an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12B.”
      • The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    • President Trump continued to secure our border and rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals.
      • New York Post: Illegal border crossings remained near historic lows in April after President Trump’s crackdown
      • The Trump Administration directed an operation at an underground nightclub in Colorado “frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists” that resulted in 100 illegal immigrant arrests.
      • ICE arrested more than 1,000 illegal immigrants in Florida in just six days as part of Operation Tidal Wave.
      • Uzbekistan agreed to pay for and accept 131 illegal immigrants from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
    • President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
      • President Trump secured a historic agreement with Ukraine that gives the U.S. an economic stake in securing a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine and allows for the long-term reconstruction and modernization of the country after Russia’s invasion.
      • President Trump announced secondary sanctions on any country or person who purchases Iranian oil.
      • President Trump secured the release of a wrongfully detained U.S. citizen in Belarus and a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Kuwait — for a total of 47 detained citizens abroad freed since President Trump took office.
      • The Trump Administration brokered a joint pledge for peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
      • The Department of the Treasury cracked down on vessels delivering oil derivatives to Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
      • The Department of the Treasury sanctioned six Iranian and Chinese firms linked to procuring missile propellant ingredients for the Iranian regime.
    • The Trump Administration forged ahead on its unprecedented effort to secure American energy dominance.
      • Woodside Energy Group financially approved a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
      • The Environmental Protection Agency granted an emergency waiver that allows Americans to buy cheaper, higher-ethanol gasoline through the summer, which will save Americans money.
    • President Trump took a series of executive actions to improve Americans’ lives.
      • President Trump strengthened the ability of state and local law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent Americans.
      • President Trump signed an executive order to protect Americans in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions from dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.
      • President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission to safeguard and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom.
      • President Trump incentivized American automobile production.
      • President Trump ordered that commercial truck drivers must be properly qualified and proficient in English.
      • President Trump ended the taxpayer subsidization of NPR and PBS.
    • President Trump unveiled his proposed budget, which would save taxpayers $163 billion in wasteful spending, gut the weaponized deep state, and provide historic increases for defense and border security.
    • President Trump launched the FEMA Review Council to help fix the broken disaster response system and return power to the states.
    • President Trump announced Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan will soon be home to the new F-15EW Eagle II fighter jets.
    • President Trump renamed May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” and November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I” in recognition of America’s role in winning the two wars.
    • The Department of Health and Human services released a comprehensive review of so-called “gender-affirming care,” finding no strong medical or scientific evidence exists to support the treatment’s irreversible effects.
    • The Trump Administration ended the Biden-era lawfare against South Dakota cattle ranchers who were wrongfully persecuted over a minor land dispute.
    • The Department of State designated Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
    • The Department of Education launched a civil rights investigation into the New York Department of Education over its threat to withhold funding from the Massapequa School District if it does not eliminate its Native American mascot.
    • The Department of Education announced its finding that the University of Pennsylvania violated Title IX, notifying the institution that they have ten days to resolve the violations or risk a referral to the Department of Justice for enforcement proceedings.
    • The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services announced investigations into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review based on reports of race-based discrimination permeating the operations of the journal.
    • The Department of the Interior announced 42 new proposed hunting opportunities across 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, which would more than triple the number of opportunities and quintuple the number of stations opened or expanded compared to the previous administration.
    • The Department of Energy announced it will lift a range of unnecessary regulations on certain indoor and outdoor gas products — expanding choice and lowering costs for consumers.
    • The Department of Transportation unveiled a new package of actions to further supercharge the air traffic controller workforce.
    • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard added counter narcotics to the National Counter Terrorism Center in order to “focus intelligence and vetting resources against these terrorists who traffic deadly narcotics into the country.”
    • The Department of Justice arrested two individuals on charges of operating an international child exploitation enterprise.
    • The Department of Agriculture secured an agreement with Mexico for an immediate transfer of water from international reservoirs to Texas farmers and ranchers.
    • The White House Council on Environmental Quality established the Permitting Innovation Center to cut red tape and accelerate the environmental review process.
    • The National Institutes of Health announced it will publish studies it funds online for free to empower Americans’ own research and promote maximum transparency.
    • PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from some popular food offerings by the end of the year following the Trump Administration’s push to end artificial food dyes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Driver arrested on North-South Motorway

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man was arrested after trying to flee police on the North-South Motorway last night.

    Police spotted the man’s vehicle on Bower Road, Semaphore just before 11pm on Friday 2 May but it took off and they called in the police helicopter to follow the black Holden sedan as it turned onto Causeway to head to the Port River Expressway.

    The vehicle travelled at high speeds, taking the Northern Connector onto the North-South Motorway, before crashing into a roundabout near the Waterloo Corner Road exit.

    The driver abandoned his vehicle and was walking east towards Port Wakefield Road but was easily spotted by police and arrested without further incident.

    The 41-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

    He was charged with excessive speed, speed dangerous and drive unlicensed and unregistered.  He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 5 May.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S RECKLESS NEW BUDGET REQUEST

    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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Announces the Rescission of Romania’s Designation into the Visa Waiver Program

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON —Today, the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State, rescinded Romania’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) designation.

    Despite security concerns, the Biden Administration designated Romania as a VWP country on January 9, 2025. On March 25, 2025, DHS paused implementation of the VWP in order to conduct a review of Romania’s designation. That review has concluded and, given this Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, DHS decided that Romania’s designation should be rescinded in order to protect the integrity of the VWP and to ensure border and immigration security. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP designation in the future should they meet the statutory eligibility criteria.

    “Maintaining the Visa Waiver Program’s high standards is essential to our national security. In light of this Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, the Secretary of Homeland Security has decided, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to rescind Romania’s VWP designation effective immediately,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are grateful for Romania’s close partnership over the years to enhance security cooperation. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP admission in the future.”

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Unlicensed D.C. Row House Sentenced in the Deaths of Two People in Fatal Kennedy Street Fire

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – James G. Walker, 67, of the District, was sentenced today to more than 35 years in prison for the Aug. 2019 row house fire that caused the deaths of Fitsum Kebede and Yafet Solomen. This case was jointly tried by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Brian L. Schwalb, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division Anthony Spotswood, Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr.

    Walker was found guilty of second-degree murder and multiple criminal building code violations on Feb. 20, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelmen sentenced Walker to five years of supervised release.

    According to the government’s evidence, Walker owned commercial property located at 708 Kennedy St., NW.  Walker did not have a certificate of occupancy for the building and the structure was in violation of several fire safety codes. Walker operated the building as an illegal “rooming house.” Some of the building’s rooms were too small to be considered habitable space, some had no windows, and the defendant failed to install or maintain functional smoke alarms throughout the building, including the basement. The most egregious violation, however, was the failure to provide an unobstructed means to escape the property, which included erecting multiple security gates that required keys from both sides, the worst offense being a double-keyed security gate installed within the property that blocked access from the kitchen to the front door. Importantly, the defendant had received specific warnings on March 21, 2019, from the Metropolitan Police Department, that the building was in violation of several building codes specifically related to fire safety and hazardous conditions. He was instructed to correct the conditions and have the building inspected for residential use but did nothing.  

    On the morning of Aug. 18, 2019, a fire erupted in the basement of 708 Kennedy St. Three tenants were present at the time of the fire. Fitsum Kebede, 40, and Yafet Solomen, 10, were in the basement and were unable to exit the premises. They subsequently died from thermal burns and smoke inhalation. The government’s evidence was that the defendant’s knowledge of the danger posed by the conditions of the property and his conscious disregard of the extreme risk that death or serious bodily injury could occur were the but-for cause of the deaths of the decedents.   

    In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin, D.C. Attorney General Schwalb, ATF Special Agent in Charge Spotswood, MPD Chief Smith, and Fire and EMS Chief Donnelly, commended the work of the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force that investigated the case, including MPD, ATF, and Fire and EMS. They also credited the work of Homicide Section Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke, Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Victim/Witness Program Specialist Yvonne Bryant, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Supervisory IT Specialists Leif Hickling and Charlie Bruce, IT Project Manager Deon Williams, Supervisory IT Specialist Giovanni Harrison, Support Services Supervisor Alvon Brown, and Legal Assistant Patricia Wills Gonzalez. In addition, they congratulated and thanked DC Fire Department Battalion Chief Stephen Faulkner; Habtom Tekle and Jimmie Drummond of Drummond Projects.

    Additionally, they thanked the Office of the Attorney General team of Elizabeth Wieser, Peter Saba, Jose Marrero, and John Roberts for their support in this joint trial. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorney Vinet Bryant, Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Cargill and Assistant Attorney General Keith Ingram who prosecuted the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –