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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Possession

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

    A man who possessed a firearm as a felon pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Nicholas David Welter, age 32, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

    In a plea agreement, Welter admitted that on October 18, 2024, law enforcement officers found him while he was sitting in a vehicle in Dubuque.  There was a loaded stolen firearm near his feet.  Welter admitted that he possessed the gun.  Welter has prior felony convictions for theft second degree and burglary third degree.   

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

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Welter remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Welter faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 25-CR-1001.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Man Guilty of Offenses Stemming from Pandemic Robbery Spree

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 28, 2025, a federal jury in New Haven found WILLIAM ROSARIO LOPEZ, 39, of New Haven, guilty of offenses related to his commission of several armed robberies of Connecticut gas stations in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    According to the evidence presented during the trial:

    On March 18, 2020, Rosario Lopez entered the Shell Gas Station located at 1302 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.  Wearing a black mask, he pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee, grabbed him by the collar, directed him to walk to the cash register, and struck him in the back of the head as they were walking to the cash register.  After the employee provided Rosario Lopez with cash from the register, Rosario Lopez ordered the employee to lay on the floor and then fled the store.

    On March 22, 2020, at approximately 10 p.m., Rosario Lopez entered the Fleet Gas Station located at 1611 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he pointed a silver pistol at the store employee and demanded money.  The employee provided Rosario Lopez with a small amount of cash and, after explaining that all the money was already in the safe and that he did not know the combination, Rosario Lopez kicked the employee, ordered him to lay on the floor, and then fled the store.

    On March 22, 2020, approximately one hour after the Southington robbery, Rosario Lopez entered the Shell Gas Station located at 883 Hamilton Avenue in Waterbury.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee and demanded money.  After the employee opened the cash register and provided cash to Rosario Lopez, Rosario Lopez ordered the employee to lay on the floor and then fled the store.

    On March 23, 2020, less than two hours after the Waterbury robbery, Rosario Lopez entered the Shell Gas Station located at 696 Main Street in Ansonia.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee, demanded money and threatened to shoot the employee.  After the employee was unable to open the cash register quickly, Rosario Lopez fired one round in the direction of employee and then fled.  The employee was not struck by the projectile.

    On March 26, 2020, Rosario Lopez entered the Citgo Gas Station located at 788 West Main Street in New Britain.  Wearing a surgical-type mask, he waited for another customer to leave the store, approached the counter, pointed a small silver pistol at the store employee and demanded money.  The employee opened the cash register and Rosario Lopez took cash from the register drawer.  Rosario then fled the store.

    Solimar Rodriguez Gonzalez acted as a “lookout” in at least two of the robberies, and she is depicted on store video surveillance just prior to the robberies that occurred in Vernon and Waterbury.

    Rosario Lopez and Gonzalez were arrested on April 9, 2020.  In association with their arrests, investigators searched a vehicle they used during the robberies and recovered a silver .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition.

    Rosario Lopez’s criminal history includes convictions in New York for attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon, and convictions in Puerto Rico for importation and unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, threatening a witness, and aggravated robbery.

    On April 28, 2025, the jury found Rosario Lopez guilty of four counts of obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), one count of attempted obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 28 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    Rosario Lopez has been detained since his arrest.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

    On January 21, 2025, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery.  She awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Vernon, Southington, Waterbury, Ansonia, New Britain, New Haven, and Guilford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, Robert S. Ruff, and Daniel P. Gordon.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Mercedes man who downloaded child sexual abuse material sentenced to decade in federal prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 41-year-old Mercedes resident has been sentenced for downloading child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using a peer-to-peer program, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Armando Jose Flores Jr. pleaded guilty July 10, 2024, to receipt of child pornography.  

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now sentenced Flores to 121 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including information detailing how Flores downloaded and stored 90 GB of CSAM across five devices. The material included over 4,500 images/videos which contained bondage, bestiality and infants/toddlers. Flores will also serve five years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Flores will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be determined at a later date. 

    On Jan. 9, 2024, law enforcement identified a computer making videos of CSAM available for download through a peer-to-peer file-sharing program. Several videos were downloaded and found to depict prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The computer’s IP address was registered to an address belonging to Flores in Mercedes.    

    In February 2024, authorities executed a federal search warrant at his residence and seized four electronic devices. Each contained CSAM downloaded between approximately May 1, 2022, and Oct. 31, 2022.

    Flores admitted to using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program on his computer to download and receive material that contained child pornography at his home. He stated he had been accessing child pornography through peer-to-peer networks for multiple years. 

    He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    FBI conducted the investigation. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Files Forfeiture Action for Historic Firearm Alleged to be Stolen from Springfield Armory

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture action against a U.S. Springfield Model 1868 Style Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine bearing serial number 1444 believed to have been unlawfully removed from the Springfield Armory, a National Historic site, several decades ago.

    The Springfield Armory, located in Springfield, Mass., is a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The artifacts in the Springfield Armory’s collection are property of the United States Government.

    The model 1868 carbine was a variation of Springfield’s model 1868 rifle, designed at the request of the United States Army Chief of Ordinance in August 1869. In a request to the Springfield Armory, the U.S. Army’s Chief of Ordinance requested “two… breech loading carbines, suitable for cavalry.” These carbines were to be used to determine their suitability for use by the U.S. Army Cavalry. Records from the Springfield Armory show that three model 1868 carbines were produced in 1869 and one in 1870. Records also show that the model 1868 carbine did not make it into full production. The four carbines are the only four the Springfield Armory ever produced.

    Of the four documented model 1868 carbines produced, the Springfield Armory had maintained two in its collection, including the carbine that is the subject of this civil forfeiture action. The Smithsonian maintains one, serial number 2290. The fourth is believed to be privately held.  

    In 1985, the NPS determined one of its 1868 carbines to be missing. At various times over the years, the NPS obtained information that the missing carbine may have been in the hands of private collectors.

    In 2023, federal law enforcement initiated an investigation into the stolen carbine, which resulted in the seizure of a carbine that is the subject of the civil forfeiture action. Although analysis indicated efforts had been made to obliterate identifying marks on the carbine, as alleged in the complaint, the federal law enforcement gathered evidence indicating that the seized carbine was indeed the missing carbine that had been stolen from the Springfield Armory.

    The Springfield Armory was established in 1777 as a federal arsenal to supply the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. After the Revolutionary War, the Springfield Armory remained under control of the United States Army until 1974 when Congress designated it as a national historic landmark and transferred control to the NPS. The Springfield Armory began operating a museum on the premises in 1866 and has been collecting artifacts since that time.

    It is a violation of federal law to embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert, or, without authority, to sell, convey or dispose of government property. A civil forfeiture action allows third parties to assert claims to property, which must be resolved before the property can be forfeited to the United States and returned to victims.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The civil forfeiture action is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit.

    The accusations in the complaint, and the description of the complaint, constitute allegations that certain property is subject to forfeiture. The United States must prove, by a standard of preponderance of the evidence, that the property is subject to forfeiture. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Connecticut Brother And Sister Charged With Fraudulently Obtaining $1.2 Million In Unclaimed Property

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Henry J. White, Jr, age 75, and Patricia A. White, age 69, were both charged with conspiracy for agreeing to submit false and fraudulent claims for unclaimed property to state treasuries.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, White and White, who are siblings and residents of Old Greenwich, CT, allegedly agreed and worked together to submit over $1.2 million in false and fraudulent claims for unclaimed property from state treasuries around the United States.  Henry J. White, Jr., using the names of corporate entities with which he was not affiliated and which he had no lawful authority to use, allegedly applied for and received unclaimed property from state treasuries throughout the United States. State treasuries, relying on the certifications provided by Henry J. White, Jr., under penalty of perjury, issued payment checks, which were generally sent by U.S. mail to the shared home address of both defendants.

    From there, White and White allegedly deposited and cashed these fraudulently obtained payment checks, and these funds were then used for personal expenses, including for mortgage payments for their shared home in Connecticut.

    The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Primary Healthcare Commission announces suspected intrusion into outsourced network system of operator of Kwai Tsing District Health Centre

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau announced yesterday (April 29) that the PHC Commission received notification from the Kwai Tsing Safe Community and Healthy City Association (KTSCHCA), the operator of the Kwai Tsing District Health Centre (Kwai Tsing DHC), on April 28 on suspected hacking of its outsourced service provider’s network system, resulting in possible leakage of members’ data. The PHC Commission is highly concerned about the incident, and has instructed the KTSCHCA to seriously follow up and to submit a report within three working days. 
     
         According to the notification from the KTSCHCA, the system involved is managed independently by its outsourced service provider, and is mainly used to assist with administrative work such as service booking or members sign-in at the Kwai Tsing DHC. The outsourced network system was hacked last Sunday (April 27), resulting in possible leakage of members’ data, including names, membership numbers, dates of birth, residential districts (not full addresses) and the first four digits of the Hong Kong Identity Card of some members who have enrolled in a vaccination programme. The KTSCHCA is currently assessing the possible number of members of the Kwai Tsing DHC affected and the data involved.
     
         The PHC Commission noted that the KTSCHCA has reported the incident to the Police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and has also informed the Digital Policy Office of the incident. As required by the PHC Commission, the KTSCHCA has immediately suspended the operation of the Kwai Tsing DHC’s network system and all external connections to its computer servers to prevent further intrusion attempts by hackers. The KTSCHCA has also commissioned an independent cybersecurity expert to conduct an investigation and review. In view of the system suspension of the DHC, the appointments on blood taking and seasonal influenza vaccination of relevant DHC members will be rescheduled starting from yesterday. The operator of the Kwai Tsing DHC has started to notify the relevant members via phone calls and text messages, and will also inform all its members of the hacking incident. Members of the public may contact the DHC at 1878 222 for enquiries.
     
         The system involved does not have any direct connection with the systems of DHCs/DHC Expresses in other 17 districts in Hong Kong. The operators of other DHCs/DHC Expresses have not outsourced or used the system involved. The PHC Commission has urged the operators of other DHCs/DHC Expresses to review their network systems, including the systems of their outsourced service providers, the computer security risk, and whether any suspicious activities have occurred. The PHC Commission has not received any report of similar incidents. 
     
         Besides, the Kwai Tsing DHC is a registered healthcare provider on eHealth. Currently, it connects to eHealth through the designated clinical management system (CMS) specified by the PHC Commission to assist members in registering with eHealth, managing members’ participation in government-subsidised healthcare programmes and facilitating service referrals, etc. The system involved is independent of both the designated CMS and eHealth, with no direct system interfaces. Investigations also revealed that there was no intrusion into eHealth by hackers or any leakage of personal data from eHealth. However, for prudence’s sake, upon receiving notification of the incident, the Commissioner for the Electronic Health Record (eHRC) has suspended the eHealth registration of the operator concerned, in order to protect data privacy and system security of eHealth. During the suspension period, the Kwai Tsing DHC is unable to access to any electronic health record in eHealth. The eHRC will only resume the connection of Kwai Tsing DHC with eHealth, after conducting a careful assessment of the detailed report submitted by the Kwai Tsing DHC and confirming that the security risks of the system are fully eliminated.
     
         The Government emphasised that it has always attached great importance to cybersecurity. The PHC Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident, including whether the cybersecurity measures of the KTSCHCA are in compliance with the requirements stipulated in the DHC operation contract, and will further strengthen the protection measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IOS SAGAR CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.

    During her harbour visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) , namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

    As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship’s crew, including the multinational crew.

    On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    _____________________________________________________________

    VM/SKS                                                                                                        95/25

    (Release ID: 2125196) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Tseung Kwan O (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police today (April 29) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tseung Kwan O.

    Chau Kwai-lun Allen, aged 45, went missing after he was last seen on Tong Ming Street in July, 2024. His family then made a report to Police.
        
    He is about 1.67 metres tall, 59 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen in unknown clothing.

    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or 5632 5537 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Denounce Trump’s Disjointed International Student Visa Revocations That Drives Away Top Talent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this month, the Trump Administration abruptly and arbitrarily removed thousands of international students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) database, which schools and the federal government use to monitor visa compliance.  Students at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design were among those reported to be impacted.
    Multi-state litigation was launched on behalf of students and communities nationwide affected by the revocations, and those fearful they could be next, and the courts sided with the international students, forcing the Trump Administration to halt and reverse its wave of visa revocations.  But with uncertainty and concern still high among families and schools, Rhode Island’s two U.S. Senators are taking action to help impacted foreign students and local schools and universities.  The senators also warn President Trump is driving top talent away and harming U.S. interests.
    Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse joined Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 32 of their Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider recent decisions to revoke student visas in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons.
    The 35 U.S. Senators began by urging the Administration to undo unlawful student visa revocations, writing: “We recently learned that your agencies have been revoking student visas and terminating Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records across the country. These actions to end student status reflected an unannounced change in policy and were inconsistent with existing laws, regulations, policies, and agency guidance governing the maintenance and termination of student status—that is why we welcomed the news late last week that in response to litigation around the country, ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations. We now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance and ensure that all future actions to end student status fully comply with the law.”
    The Senators continued by highlighting the lack of reasoning provided in many of these visa revocations, writing: “[S]tudents across the country—who by all accounts appear to have followed all of the applicable laws and agency guidance—have reported visa revocations with no clear explanation as to the basis to terminate status. SEVP has completed at least 4,736 total terminations of student visa holders’ SEVIS records. By DHS’s own admission, the statute and regulations do not provide SEVP the authority to terminate nonimmigrant status by terminating a SEVIS record. Your decision to reverse such terminations is therefore prudent and required by law.”
    The Senators then outlined the Trump Administration’s apparent violation of federal law in revoking these visas, writing: “Current laws, regulations, and agency guidance also require notice to be provided when a student’s status is being terminated or revoked. Here, it is not clear that students were provided the notice required by law. Many students were notified by universities that they have lost their student status when their SEVIS records have been terminated, without being provided any information about potential reinstatement. Some students received emails that their visas were revoked and were directed to self-deport, with no clear information as to the basis for their revocation or means by which they can appeal the revocation. Some students only learned about losing status when arrested by masked federal agents. These reports suggest that students were not given notice of the termination of their status in a manner consistent with existing laws, regulations, and agency guidance.”
    The Senators conclude with an appeal to the Administration to reconsider these visa revocations and warning to adhere to federal law, before making a series of immigration requests, writing: “Students who have entered through our legal immigration system and followed the law remain unsure of what, if any, steps they may take to maintain their status and safeguard themselves from immigration enforcement. While we are relieved that ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations, we now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance. Finally, we understand that you are contemplating additional actions to end student status. Any such changes must be consistent with applicable statutes, including requirements for notice with respect to changes that would deprive a student of their status and ability to live and study in the United States and place them at risk of detention.”
    In addition to Reed, Whitehouse, and Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennett (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM),  Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    Full text of the letter follows:
    Dear Secretary Noem, Secretary Rubio, and Acting Director Lyons:
    We recently learned that your agencies have been revoking student visas and terminating Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records across the country. These actions to end student status reflected an unannounced change in policy and were inconsistent with existing laws, regulations, policies, and agency guidance governing the maintenance and termination of student status—that is why we welcomed the news late last week that in response to litigation around the country, ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations.  We now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance and ensure that all future actions to end student status fully comply with the law.
    Foreign students must navigate a complicated mix of agencies to maintain their status. Under current regulations and policy, students who enter into the United States on an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa are admitted to the United States for “duration of status.”  This essentially means that F-1 and J-1 visa holders may be in good standing as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of their status, even if their visa has expired.  Students who enter on an M-1 visa for vocational education are admitted for a fixed time period to complete their course of study.  The Office of Student Exchange and Visitor Programs (SEVP), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), works with universities and program administrators to determine whether F-1 and M-1 students are meeting requirements for their visas and terminate SEVIS records as appropriate under SEVP regulations.  The Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers the J-1 exchange visitor visa, but their records are maintained by SEVIS. Existing regulations and agency guidance inform students and other visa holders of how they might lose their student status, including that they cannot be convicted of serious crimes, cannot work unless authorized by DHS, and must be completing the education or program related to their visa. However, students across the country—who by all accounts appear to have followed all of the applicable laws and agency guidance—have reported visa revocations with no clear explanation as to the basis to terminate status. SEVP has completed at least 4,736 total terminations of student visa holders’ SEVIS records. By DHS’s own admission, the statute and regulations do not provide SEVP the authority to terminate nonimmigrant status by terminating a SEVIS record. Your decision to reverse such terminations is therefore prudent and required by law.
    Current laws, regulations, and agency guidance also require notice to be provided when a student’s status is being terminated or revoked. Here, it is not clear that students were provided the notice required by law. Many students were notified by universities that they have lost their student status when their SEVIS records have been terminated, without being provided any information about potential reinstatement. Some students received emails that their visas were revoked and were directed to self-deport, with no clear information as to the basis for their revocation or means by which they can appeal the revocation. Some students only learned about losing status when arrested by masked federal agents.  These reports suggest that students were not given notice of the termination of their status in a manner consistent with existing laws, regulations, and agency guidance.
    Once a student’s visa is revoked, although their status is not automatically terminated, removal proceedings may be initiated against them, allowing them to be detained at the discretion of DHS. Similarly, when a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, the student is no longer in an authorized period of stay in the United States, and students and their universities cannot regularly maintain student records in SEVIS, as is required to maintain student status. In addition, upon SEVIS record termination, the student must depart the United States or take other action to restore legal status, and DHS “may investigate to confirm the departure of the student.”
    Students who have entered through our legal immigration system and followed the law remain unsure of what, if any, steps they may take to maintain their status and safeguard themselves from immigration enforcement. While we are relieved that ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations, we now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance. Finally, we understand that you are contemplating additional actions to end student status. Any such changes must be consistent with applicable statutes, including requirements for notice with respect to changes that would deprive a student of their status and ability to live and study in the United States and place them at risk of detention.
    We also request information to better understand how your departments are implementing any new, unannounced policies with respect to identifying students for status revocation. Please provide the following information by May 12, 2025:
    1. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing the revocations of nonimmigrant visas, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.
    2. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing how nonimmigrants are to be notified of visa revocations, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.
    3. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing the terminations of SEVIS records, issued from January 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025.
    4. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing how student visa holders are to be notified of SEVIS terminations, issued from January 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025.
    5. Any guidance issued by DOS, DHS, and/or the Department of Justice governing the initiation of removal proceedings or immigration enforcement against student visa holders and other nonimmigrants, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.
    6. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS regarding the use of artificial intelligence to search national databases, criminal records, and social media to identify nonimmigrants for visa revocation or to otherwise end status, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.
    7. The total number of student visas (F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas) that have been revoked since January 20, 2025 to date, disaggregated by:
    a. Student’s country of origin;
    b. Consulate or embassy that issued the visa;
    c. Visa category/Optional Practical Training (OPT);
    d. Date of revocation;
    e. University of study;
    f. Type of degree or field of study;
    g. Notice provided;
    h. Legal basis for revocation;
    i. Any grace period to allow students to make travel or other arrangements; and
    j. Whether the student’s SEVIS record was also terminated.
    8. The total number of SEVIS record terminations that have been issued since January 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025, disaggregated by—
    a. Student’s country of origin;
    b. Visa category/Optional Practical Training (OPT);
    c. Date of revocation;
    d. University of study;
    e. Type of degree or field of study;
    f. Whether the termination was initiated by the university or by DHS;
    g. Basis for termination;
    h. Notice provided;
    i. Any grace period to allow students to make travel or other arrangements; and
    j. Whether the student’s visa was revoked.
    9. The number of student visa holders on F-1, M-1, J-1 nonimmigrant status issued Form I862, Notice to Appear, initiating removal proceedings.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Standing Together, Attorney General Bonta and 20 State Attorneys General Call Out Law Firms’ Capitulation to Trump’s Anti-Democratic Demands

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, alongside the 20 other state attorneys general, expressed in an open letter his continued support for the law firms that have fought back against President Trump’s unconstitutional attempts to target law firms and lawyers for advocacy the Trump Administration disfavors. The letter goes on to express profound disappointment with some of the country’s largest law firms for capitulating to President Trump’s unlawful, anti-democratic demands. In a series of executive orders, President Trump has targeted law firms that represent clients or positions he disagrees with. These orders strike at the heart of First Amendment principles and are unconstitutional on their face. In the open letter, the state attorneys general reaffirm their commitment to supporting those law firms that have chosen to fight back — and urge those law firms that capitulated to the Administration’s demands to rescind their agreements and join them in the fight. 

    “The Trump Administration’s increasing attacks on the rule of law, our legal system, and our independent judiciary are galling,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Since taking office, the President has launched a full-frontal assault on our democracy, and our legal system has played a necessary and invaluable role in these first 100 days in providing a check to his executive power. The decision by some of our nation’s largest law firms to capitulate to the President’s unreasonable, unprecedented, and frankly unconstitutional demands will only serve to embolden him further and create a chilling effect among legal professionals seeking to fairly and justly represent their clients. I stand by those firms that are resisting the pressure to submit to these demands and urge those law firms that already capitulated to change course and join us in defense of rule of law.”

    In this dark moment, we must be clear-eyed about what is occurring. Together with the President’s other attempts to eliminate checks on executive power, this Administration’s efforts to co-opt the legal profession — aided by the complicity of some of America’s most prominent law firms — are unmistakable steps on a path to eviscerating the critical constitutional safeguards that have long distinguished our country from authoritarian regimes. Fortunately, there is another path. Four law firms have sued to block President Trump’s unconstitutional executive orders: Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey. All four law firms have succeeded in obtaining court orders temporarily blocking the executive orders targeting their firms. 

    Attorney General Bonta, alongside other state attorneys general and courageous law firms, has stood in strong support of these firms, filing amicus briefs in support of Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey. He has also vigorously spoken out against the Trump Administration’s assault on the rule of law. Last month, Attorney General Bonta, along with 20 other state attorneys general issued an open letter urging the legal community to stand together in defense of the rule of law in response to President Trump’s recent attacks, which include calls for the impeachment of federal judges and threats of retribution against law firms and attorneys who take or have taken positions in opposition to him or his Administration. Attorney General Bonta also issued a separate statement on the need to speak up and push back when our democratic norms are violated, our legal system undermined, and our laws broken.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia in sending the letter.

    A copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Jason Anavitarte Applauds Signing of ‘Ricky and Alyssa’s Law’ Into Law, Strengthening School Safety

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (April 28, 2025) — Today, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) applauded Governor Brian P. Kemp’s signing of House Bill 268, a critical measure to enhance emergency response systems and strengthen school safety protections across Georgia.

    In addition to the mobile panic alert systems and mapping requirements, HB 268 contains a portion of legislation, known as “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” which tasks the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) with creating uniform guidelines for implementing panic alert technology and coordinating verified threat responses statewide.

    The legislation honors Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, the defense coordinator at Apalachee High School who was tragically killed during a shooting there in September 2024, and Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who lost her life during the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

    Similar legislation bearing Alyssa’s name, known as “Alyssa’s Law,” has already been enacted in New Jersey, Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Oklahoma.

    “Today, Georgia sends a clear message that we will not wait for another tragedy to act,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “By signing HB 268, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure every school has the tools needed to respond in an emergency and protect the lives of students, teachers, and staff. Moments matter, and this law gives our schools the ability to summon help without delay. I am incredibly grateful to Governor Kemp, my colleagues in the General Assembly, and the families who courageously advocated for this critical reform.”

    HB 268, sponsored in the House by Rep. Holt Persinger (R–Winder), passed with overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session. The new law requires every public school in Georgia to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of immediately connecting with local and state emergency services. Schools must also provide digital mapping data to first responders, ensuring faster, more coordinated responses during emergencies. HB 268 also supports mental health programs, suicide prevention and youth violence reduction.

    “Protecting Georgia’s children is a sacred responsibility,” Sen. Anavitarte continued. “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law honors two lives lost far too soon and turns heartbreak into action. It is a promise to every family in Georgia that when it comes to the safety of our schools, we will lead with urgency, compassion and resolve.”

    HB 268 will officially take effect on July 1, 2025. You can find more information about it here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Pleads Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, Tax Evasion, and Money Laundering

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A California man pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal gambling business, tax evasion, and money laundering.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Christopher Scott King, of Santa Monica, California, operated an illegal bookmaking business. Working out of Los Angeles County, King used a sports betting website based in Costa Rica to facilitate bettors wagering on sporting events in violation of both California state and federal law.

    King also evaded his taxes. Between 2019 and 2022, King concealed $13,586,493 of income from the IRS by, among other things, not reporting all of his income on his tax returns. On his 2022 income tax return, for example, King reported $143,258 in taxable income, but, in reality, he earned more than $5 million in income that year.

    King laundered his money by channeling it through real estate development projects and gold. King also used money he received from his illegal gambling business to fund his brokerage and financial accounts. As part of his plea agreement, King has agreed to pay $10 million in a personal money judgment of forfeiture at the time of sentencing.

    In total, King caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,804,218.

    King is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, operating an illegal gambling operation, and accepting a financial instrument for unlawful internet gambling, and 10 years in prison for money laundering. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys John C. Gerardi and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 and Tax Fraud

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Defendant Used Another’s Identity to File More Than $7 Million in False Refund Claims with the IRS.

    An Arizona man was sentenced to 4 years in prison for filing false tax returns and loan applications to obtain COVID-19 disaster relief.

    According to court documents and evidence presented in court, to create the appearance that he was operating several businesses, Roy Layne of St. David, Arizona filed paperwork with the IRS, applied for a business license from the City of Tuscon, opened business bank accounts, and filed false employment-related tax returns. In April 2020, he filed an application with the U.S. Small Business Administration, that claimed he operated a “wholesale” business with 17 employees that had revenue of more than half a million dollars a year. In 2021, he submitted a false application for a Paycheck Protection Act Loan, claiming that same “wholesale” business had 31 employees, and $1.2 million in revenue. Layne ultimately received $306,700 in COVID-19 related loans to which he was not entitled.

    In addition, Layne used the personal identifying information and identity of another person to file false claims for refunds with the IRS. In total, Layne claimed over $7.4 million in false refunds, of which the IRS paid $590,000.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker ordered Layne to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $856,692.91 in restitution to the United States.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Interim U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine of the District of Arizona made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Matthew R. Hoffman of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier of the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, Tax Evasion, and Money Laundering

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A California man pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal gambling business, tax evasion, and money laundering.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Christopher Scott King, of Santa Monica, California, operated an illegal bookmaking business. Working out of Los Angeles County, King used a sports betting website based in Costa Rica to facilitate bettors wagering on sporting events in violation of both California state and federal law.

    King also evaded his taxes. Between 2019 and 2022, King concealed $13,586,493 of income from the IRS by, among other things, not reporting all of his income on his tax returns. On his 2022 income tax return, for example, King reported $143,258 in taxable income, but, in reality, he earned more than $5 million in income that year.

    King laundered his money by channeling it through real estate development projects and gold. King also used money he received from his illegal gambling business to fund his brokerage and financial accounts. As part of his plea agreement, King has agreed to pay $10 million in a personal money judgment of forfeiture at the time of sentencing.

    In total, King caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,804,218.

    King is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, operating an illegal gambling operation, and accepting a financial instrument for unlawful internet gambling, and 10 years in prison for money laundering. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys John C. Gerardi and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 and Tax Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Defendant Used Another’s Identity to File More Than $7 Million in False Refund Claims with the IRS.

    An Arizona man was sentenced to 4 years in prison for filing false tax returns and loan applications to obtain COVID-19 disaster relief.

    According to court documents and evidence presented in court, to create the appearance that he was operating several businesses, Roy Layne of St. David, Arizona filed paperwork with the IRS, applied for a business license from the City of Tuscon, opened business bank accounts, and filed false employment-related tax returns. In April 2020, he filed an application with the U.S. Small Business Administration, that claimed he operated a “wholesale” business with 17 employees that had revenue of more than half a million dollars a year. In 2021, he submitted a false application for a Paycheck Protection Act Loan, claiming that same “wholesale” business had 31 employees, and $1.2 million in revenue. Layne ultimately received $306,700 in COVID-19 related loans to which he was not entitled.

    In addition, Layne used the personal identifying information and identity of another person to file false claims for refunds with the IRS. In total, Layne claimed over $7.4 million in false refunds, of which the IRS paid $590,000.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker ordered Layne to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $856,692.91 in restitution to the United States.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Interim U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine of the District of Arizona made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Matthew R. Hoffman of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier of the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana’s citizens have a right to protest: what does the law say about restricting it?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Justice Tankebe, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Cambridge

    Ghana’s attorney general and minister of justice dropped charges against members of Democracy Hub, a civil society group, in February 2025, after four months of prosecution. The group had organised a protest in September 2024 against the widespread destruction and contamination of the country’s water bodies by persons and gangs engaged in illegal artisanal mining.

    Media reports alleged police harassment and use of excessive force during the three-day protest. The actions of the police and the courts were the latest in a history of suppression of the exercise of the right to protest. They are based on a military-era law that the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional three decades ago.

    The situation highlights the tension between the right to protest and lawful interference with those rights. As a criminologist and an expert in constitutional law, we argue that the tension can be minimised by considering four factors:

    • location and time

    • rights of others

    • target of protest

    • intentions of protesters.

    Right to protest in Ghana

    Ghana’s 1992 constitution guarantees the right to protest. However, as is standard practice in democracies, the constitution also allows these rights to be restricted on specified public interest grounds. Restrictions must be “reasonably required” in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public health or the running of essential services.

    The challenge democratic societies face is managing the apparent tension between people’s fundamental rights to protest and the need, sometimes, to interfere with those rights in the larger public interest.

    While Ghana’s Supreme Court ruling in 1993 forbids any action that would deny protesters their right to protest, it had grey areas. For example, it did not offer clear guidance on what would make a restriction “reasonably required” and “reasonably justifiable in terms of the spirit of the constitution”.

    Ghana is a former British colony, and its law and legal system continue to be influenced by UK legal principles. So the UK can offer guidance. In 2021, in the case of Director of Public Prosecutions v Ziegler and others, the UK Supreme Court pronounced certain principles and factors that police, prosecutors and judges must consider.

    Location and time

    The UK court reasoned that the right to protest includes the right to choose when and where to hold the protest. The location or path of a protest will determine whether its message is received by the intended target and what impact it will have.

    The Ghanaian police and courts have often violated this principle when a protest is stopped because the location is a so-called “security zone”. The basis for this categorisation is not clearly specified or defined in law. The Ghana constitution specifies that any restriction of the right to protest must be contained in “a law”.

    Rights of others

    Ghanaian law does not allow protesters to obstruct traffic, cause confusion or disorder, or violate the rights and freedoms of other members of the public. But protests almost always do cause some interference with the rights of others.

    That’s not sufficient reason to interfere with the right to protest. According to the UK Supreme Court, the police and courts must establish the extent of the actual violation of citizens’ rights – such as how many people were likely to be inconvenienced.

    Target of protests

    Where there is obstruction, there must be evidence that it was not connected to the reasons for the protest. One accusation against the Democracy Hub protesters was that they blocked the entrance to a health facility. Had they blocked access to, say, an authority responsible for granting licences for artisanal mining, the police would not have been justified in arresting them. The police must also show that no alternative routes were reasonably available to the inconvenienced public.

    Intentions of protesters

    This factor requires the police and courts to consider whether a protest is intended to be peaceful. Cooperating with the police, such as notifying them about the intended protest, signifies a peaceful intent. The UK court notes that where a protest is intended to be peaceful and is, indeed, peaceful, protesters will have the right to resist police arrest.

    A fair hand

    The checklist is not exhaustive, but it puts an important obligation on the police and the courts not to interfere unreasonably with the fundamental rights of citizens. While the right to protest is not absolute, it remains fundamental in a democracy. Therefore, a restriction of the right cannot be absolute either. The restriction must be reasonable and proportionate.

    In short, the restrictions attached to the right to assemble and to protest are designed to do no more than restrict (limit or constrain), within reasonable limits, how, where and when the right may be exercised. They are not meant to destroy or undermine protesters’ ability to exercise that right to achieve their desired goals.

    Current Ghanaian police and judicial practice must change, along the lines of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling, to ensure the right to protest is not treated as less valuable or less important than the restrictions that may be applied to limit it.

    Henry Kwasi Prempeh, who co-authored this article, is a Ghanaian lawyer and educationist, and the current executive director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development.

    – Ghana’s citizens have a right to protest: what does the law say about restricting it?
    – https://theconversation.com/ghanas-citizens-have-a-right-to-protest-what-does-the-law-say-about-restricting-it-248049

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Middle East [as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    onsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

    La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

    Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

    En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

    Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

    À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

    Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

    Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

    Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 

    Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

    Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

    Mr. President,

    Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

    The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

    As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

    And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

    First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

    In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

    Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

    Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

    Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

    Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

    Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

    Mr. President,

    The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

    Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

    Mr. President,

    In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

    The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

    But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

    Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

    Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

    The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

    For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

    All while the world watches.

    I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

    Aid is non-negotiable. 

    Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

    I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

    And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

    The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

    There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

    We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    And we need a permanent ceasefire.

    It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

    And the trampling of international law must end.

    I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

    This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

    There must be accountability across the board.

    Mr. President,

    Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

    The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

    Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

    That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

    And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

    Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.
    I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

    Mr. President,

    In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

    This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

    We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

    The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

    The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

    My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

    Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

    Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

    The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

    I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

    At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

    Mr. President,

    At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

    Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

    The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential.

    In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

    In Syria, we must keep working to support the country’s path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population – one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria’s long-term recovery and further integration into the international community. 

    This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan — which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

    Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering.

    We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations — and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

    It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts: 

    First, that the region is at a hinge-point in history. 

    And, second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

    On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year:  a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

    Mr. President,

    Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

    The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

    As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

    And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

    First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

    In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

    Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

    Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

    Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

    Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

    Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

    Mr. President,

    The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

    Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

    Mr. President,

    In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

    The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

    But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

    Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

    Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

    The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

    For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

    All while the world watches.

    I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

    Aid is non-negotiable. 

    Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

    I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

    And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

    The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

    There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

    We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    And we need a permanent ceasefire.

    It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

    And the trampling of international law must end.

    I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

    This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

    There must be accountability across the board.

    Mr. President,

    Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

    The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

    Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

    That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

    And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

    Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

    I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

    Mr. President,

    In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

    This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

    We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

    The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

    The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

    My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

    Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

    Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

    The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

    I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

    At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

    Mr. President,

    At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

    Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

    La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

    Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

    En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

    Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

    À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

    Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

    Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

    Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 
    Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

    Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Aujourd’hui, la promesse de la solution des deux États court le risque de s’effilocher au point de disparaître.

    L’engagement politique en faveur de cet objectif de longue date n’a jamais été aussi ténu.

    De ce fait, les droits des Israéliens et des Palestiniens de vivre en paix et sécurité ont été mis à mal – et les aspirations nationales légitimes des Palestiniens ont été niées – alors qu’ils continuent de subir une présence israélienne que la Cour internationale de justice a jugée illicite.

    Depuis les effroyables attaques terroristes perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, la situation s’est aggravée sur tous les fronts.

    Premièrement, avec le conflit incessant et la dévastation que subit la bande de Gaza : les conditions de vie sont absolument inhumaines, les habitants sont la cible d’attaques à répétition et sont confinés dans des espaces de plus en plus réduits et privés d’une aide vitale.

    S’appuyant sur le droit international, le Conseil de sécurité a rejeté toute tentative de changement démographique ou territorial dans la bande de Gaza, y compris tout acte visant à réduire le territoire.

    Gaza fait partie intégrante d’un futur État palestinien et doit le rester.

    Deuxièmement, en Cisjordanie occupée, y compris Jérusalem-Est, les opérations militaires israéliennes et l’emploi d’armes lourdes dans des zones résidentielles, les déplacements forcés, les démolitions, les restrictions de circulation et l’expansion des colonies transforment radicalement les réalités démographiques et géographiques.

    Les Palestiniens sont cantonnés dans certains endroits et contraints d’en quitter d’autres. Ils sont cantonnés dans des zones où les opérations militaires se multiplient et où l’Autorité palestinienne est soumise à des pressions croissantes, et contraints de quitter les zones où les colons étendent leur emprise.

    Troisièmement, la violence exercée par les colons se poursuit dans un climat d’impunité, parfois avec la complicité de soldats israéliens, et atteint des niveaux alarmants : des communautés palestiniennes tout entières sont agressées et victimes de destructions à répétition.

    Les attaques menées par des Palestiniens contre des Israéliens en Israël et en Cisjordanie occupée se poursuivent également.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le monde ne peut pas se permettre de voir la solution des deux États s’évanouir.

    Les dirigeants politiques ont le choix : se taire, acquiescer ou agir.

    Monsieur le Président,

    À Gaza, rien ne laisse entrevoir la fin de la tuerie et des souffrances.

    Le cessez-le-feu avait apporté une lueur d’espoir : la libération des otages, tant attendue, et l’acheminement d’une aide humanitaire vitale.
    Hélas, cette lueur d’espoir s’est éteinte avec la rupture du cessez-le-feu le 18 mars.

    Depuis, les frappes et les opérations militaires israéliennes ont fait près de 2000 morts parmi les Palestiniens dans la bande de Gaza, y compris des femmes, des enfants, des journalistes et du personnel humanitaire.

    Le Hamas continue également de tirer des roquettes sur Israël sans discernement – tandis que les otages sont toujours détenus dans des conditions épouvantables.

    Déjà mauvaise, la situation humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza n’a fait qu’empirer et dépasse aujourd’hui l’entendement.

    Depuis près de deux mois, Israël bloque les livraisons de nourriture, de carburant, de médicaments et de marchandises, privant ainsi plus de deux millions de personnes d’une aide vitale.

    Et ce, au vu et au su du monde entier.

    Je suis alarmé par les déclarations de représentants d’Israël concernant l’utilisation de l’aide humanitaire comme moyen de pression militaire.

    L’aide humanitaire n’est pas négociable.

    Israël est tenu de protéger les civils ; il doit accepter les programmes d’aide et en faciliter l’exécution.

    Je rends hommage au personnel des Nations Unies, femmes et hommes, ainsi qu’à tous les autres agents humanitaires, en particulier à nos collègues palestiniens, qui continuent à travailler malgré les frappes et dans des conditions inouïes.

    Et je pleure toutes les femmes et tous les hommes des Nations Unies qui ont été tués – y compris certains avec leurs familles.

    L’acheminement de l’aide doit être rétabli immédiatement, la sécurité du personnel des Nations Unies et des partenaires humanitaires doit être garantie et les entités des Nations Unies doivent pouvoir travailler dans le plein respect des principes humanitaires : humanité, impartialité, neutralité et indépendance.

    Il ne doit y avoir aucune entrave à l’aide humanitaire, notamment au travail vital que fait l’UNRWA.

    Il faut que tous les otages soient libérés immédiatement et sans conditions.

    Et il faut un cessez-le-feu permanent.

    Il est temps de mettre un terme aux déplacements répétés de la population de Gaza, ainsi qu’à la question des déplacements forcés en dehors de Gaza.

    Et il faut cesser de bafouer le droit international.

    J’engage tous les États Membres à user de leur influence pour que le droit international soit respecté et que l’impunité ne l’emporte pas.

    Je veux parler notamment de la frappe du 19 mars contre une résidence des Nations Unies, qui a fait un mort et six blessés parmi nos collègues et pour laquelle Israël a désormais reconnu sa responsabilité … de l’attaque du 23 mars, dans laquelle du personnel paramédical et d’autres secouristes ont trouvé la mort à Rafah … et de bien d’autres encore.

    Aucun acte ne saurait rester impuni.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Une procédure consultative a été engagée à la Cour internationale de Justice sur les obligations d’Israël, Puissance occupante et membre de l’ONU, en ce qui concerne la présence et les activités des entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé et en lien avec celui-ci.

    En février, la Conseillère juridique de l’ONU a soumis en mon nom une déclaration écrite à la Cour, et hier, elle a fait une déclaration orale devant la Cour, également en mon nom.

    Cette déclaration reprend des points que j’ai soulevés à plusieurs reprises.

    En particulier, le fait que toutes les parties au conflit sont tenues de s’acquitter des obligations que leur impose le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit international des droits humains.

    Qu’Israël, Puissance occupante, est tenu d’assurer l’approvisionnement de la population en produits alimentaires et fournitures médicales.

    Qu’il est tenu d’accepter les programmes d’aide et d’en faciliter l’exécution dans le Territoire palestinien occupé.

    Que le personnel humanitaire et médical, ainsi que le personnel des Nations Unies, doit être respecté et protégé.

    Je tiens à insister sur l’obligation faite en droit international de respecter les privilèges et immunités des Nations Unies et de leur personnel, y compris l’inviolabilité absolue des locaux, des biens et des avoirs des Nations Unies, ainsi que l’immunité de juridiction des Nations Unies.

    Cette immunité s’applique à toutes les entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, y compris l’UNRWA, organe subsidiaire de l’Assemblée générale.

    J’engage les États Membres à soutenir tous ces efforts.

    Monsieur le Président,

    En cette période de tourmente et de transition pour la région, les États Membres doivent énoncer clairement comment ils concrétiseront l’engagement qu’ils ont pris et la promesse qu’ils ont faite quant à la solution des deux États.

    Ce n’est pas le moment d’exprimer rituellement son soutien, de cocher une case et de passer à autre chose.

    Nous avons dépassé le stade des cases à cocher : le temps presse.

    Pour la solution des deux États, le glas a presque sonné.

    La communauté internationale a la responsabilité d’empêcher l’occupation et la violence perpétuelles.

    L’appel que je leur lance est urgent et sans équivoque :

    Prenez des mesures irréversibles pour concrétiser la solution des deux États.

    Ne laissez pas les extrémistes de tout bord saper ce qu’il reste du processus de paix.

    La Conférence de haut niveau qui se tiendra en juin, co-présidée par la France et le Royaume d’Arabie saoudite, est une véritable occasion de revitaliser le soutien international.

    J’encourage les États membres à aller au-delà des affirmations et à réfléchir de manière créative aux mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable à deux États avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

    J’encourage les États Membres à traduire les paroles en actes et à réfléchir de manière créative pour déterminer les mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable de deux États – avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

    Parallèlement, l’Autorité palestinienne a besoin d’un soutien accru et durable, tant sur le plan politique que financièrement parlant. C’est une condition essentielle pour garantir la viabilité des institutions palestiniennes, asseoir les réformes engagées et permettre à l’Autorité palestinienne d’exercer de nouveau toutes ses responsabilités dans la bande de Gaza.

    Monsieur le Président,

    À ce moment charnière de l’histoire pour les peuples du Moyen-Orient – et vis-à-vis de cette question dont dépendent tant de choses – les dirigeants doivent concrétiser leur promesse.

    Faites preuve de courage et de volonté politiques, tenez vos engagements vis-à-vis de cette question centrale pour la paix : pour les Palestiniens, les Israéliens, la région et l’humanité tout entière.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We welcome progress in Syria’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    We welcome progress in Syria’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

    Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN General Assembly debate on the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism in Syria.

    Thank you Assistant Secretary-General Robert Petit for the briefing and the debate today.

    Let me also welcome Foreign Minister Al Shaibani to the Assembly. Your presence here today is a powerful signal of the opportunities that lie ahead for Syria to carve out a more secure, peaceful and prosperous future.

    I will make three points today.

    First, we welcome progress in Syria’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime. 

    This includes the formation of a new Syrian Government and their commitment to hold free and fair elections in Syria.

    We also welcome the important steps taken since December towards social cohesion amongst the Syrian people.

    This includes the first-ever consensus on the Human Rights Council resolution supported by the Syrian Government, and commitments by the Syrian Government to establish national committees to address transitional justice, missing persons and chemical weapons.

    However, as the horrific events in the coastal areas in March remind us, significant challenges remain to address the legacy of 14 years of war and brutality, and to begin the process to provide closure to all those affected.

    Second, we commend the IIIM for the valuable progress it has made since December on the international pursuit for accountability. 

    The volume of documentation and witness interviews that the IIIM team have collated is a testament to your tireless dedication to provide a credible evidence base for future prosecutions. 

    The appointment of an IIIM Liaison Officer in Damascus is also a promising example of UN-Syria cooperation, and we urge all parties to work collaboratively to ensure that survivors receive the justice that they demand, and that they deserve.

    Third, the UK had a leading role in supporting international and civil society accountability efforts during the Assad regime. 

    And we remain committed to pursuing accountability for victims, survivors and families in Syria, and for that reason, we continue to see the IIIM as a crucial component for the future Syrian-led Transitional Justice processes.

    We were proud to have co-sponsored the UNGA resolution which established this mechanism in 2016 and remain committed to ensuring that it has the political backing and operational remit it requires to succeed.

    And this year, the United Kingdom has allocated a further $940,000 in funding to our partners in support of this effective evidence collection and preservation.

    We thank IIIM for your contribution to the fight against impunity and for amplifying the voices of survivors throughout your work. 

    The UK will continue to support the Syrian Government and its people in their efforts on reconciliation and accountability to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the people of Syria.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sounds the Alarm, Releases Fourth Immigration Detention Facilities Report

    Source: US State of California

    SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) fourth report on immigration detention facilities operating in California where noncitizens are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In an effort to increase transparency in these facilities, DOJ staff and a team of experts reviewed each of the six locked immigration detention facilities in operation in the state.   

    “California has a responsibility to understand the conditions in which all our residents live, including people who are detained at immigration detention facilities. My office’s review of facilities in California shows that issues previously identified have persisted, while new findings make clear that these facilities need significant improvements to fall in compliance with ICE’s own detention standards,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California’s facility reviews remain especially critical in light of efforts by the Trump Administration to both eliminate oversight of conditions at immigration detention facilities and increase its inhumane campaign of mass immigration enforcement, potentially exacerbating critical issues already present in these facilities by packing them with more people.”

    BACKGROUND

    The report is intended to provide members of the public and policymakers with critical information about the conditions that people in civil immigration detention in California are subjected to. In response to growing concerns for the health and safety of people in civil immigration detention, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 103 in 2017 to require DOJ to review and report on conditions of confinement at immigration detention facilities through July 1, 2027. These concerns remain with respect to the immigration detention facilities still in operation in the state. During the review process for this report, DOJ staff — with support from a team of correctional and health care experts — reviewed each of the six locked immigration detention facilities in operation in the state, all of which are privately operated. As part of the review of each facility, the DOJ team toured each facility, reviewed and analyzed logs, policies, detainee records, and other documentation, and interviewed detention staff and 154 detained individuals across the six detention facilities. 

    THE 2025 REPORT

    The 2025 report provides a comprehensive review of immigration detention facilities in California and closely examines applicable standards in areas including conditions of confinement, security classification and housing, use of force, discipline, restrictive housing, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance, access to health care, and due process, with a particular focus on mental health. 

    The 2019 and 2021 reports offered a comprehensive review of conditions of confinement, the standard of care, and due process protections at facilities operating in California, some of which have since closed, and the 2022 report provided a focused review of how the seven immigration detention facilities operating in California at that time responded to the pandemic in the latter half of 2021, with focus on conditions of confinement and the facilities’ level of compliance with public health and safety measures.

    DOJ’s prior reports identified inadequate mental health care services at detention facilities in California. This finding is consistent with research and other reviews of facilities nationwide and concerning given the negative impacts of detention on mental health. Detained people experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and increased likelihood of self-harm behavior. All these conditions can worsen with increased lengths of time spent in detention facilities. As such, the 2025 report includes a particular focus on the mental health needs of detained individuals, including the availability and quality of mental health services, the prevalence of mental health conditions in the detained population, and the ways conditions of confinement in these facilities impact both mental health conditions and the due process rights of detained individuals.

    Immigration enforcement and detention appears likely to continue to increase across the country under the Trump Administration, as evidenced by the significant increase of individuals held in ICE custody in California: as of April 2025, 3,104 people were held in detention. Future increases in population levels at detention facilities will have implications for the facilities’ ability to provide for health care and other detainee needs. At present, California has an approximate 7,000 detention bed capacity across all facilities which is poised to grow. This year, private detention center owners moved to expand new detention space to two facilities in Kern County.

    Some of the latest report’s key observations include: 

    Pat Downs: DOJ was particularly concerned with Mesa Verde’s pat down search policy, in which detained persons were subjected to pat down searches anytime they left their housing unit. Detained individuals described the searches as invasive and inappropriate and reported a chilling effect on detained people’s decisions about whether to obtain medical and mental health services and meals. The policy resulted in allegations of sexual assault and numerous complaints from detained people against facility staff. 

    Medical Health Records: Recordkeeping, maintenance, and review of health care files at all six facilities were deficient. Without appropriate and comprehensive records, providers were often unable to create and implement adequate treatment plans. 

    Suicide Prevention and Intervention: DOJ identified a deficiency in suicide prevention and intervention strategies in every facility. This finding is particularly concerning because of the high suicide risk in detained populations.  

    Use of Force Practices: At different facilities, staff appeared to be overutilizing discipline and use of force and did not consider mental health conditions prior to engaging in calculated use of force incidents — as is required by ICE’s standards of care. DOJ identified disproportionate use of force against individuals with mental health diagnoses.

    Discipline: At Golden State, detainees were over-disciplined, including for making complaints.

    Solitary Confinement: Solitary confinement is associated with negative mental health outcomes and exacerbation of existing mental health conditions. Facilities generally not did not conduct mental health reviews required by ICE’s detention standards before placing detained people in segregation (also commonly known as solitary confinement) to avoid worsening existing mental health conditions. Some detained people spent periods of several months to over a year in conditions of isolation, which is harmful for any detained person but presents particular risk to those with underlying mental health conditions.

    Medical Care: Across most facilities, detained persons faced delays in securing adequate medical care. At Mesa Verde, detainees face prolonged wait times for critical offsite care.  At Desert View, there were some lapses with respect to the management of infectious diseases which are of particular concern in a facility seeing a high volume and high turnover of detainees who need appropriate treatment. At Otay Mesa, the DOJ team identified some lapses in the quality and timeliness of diagnostic care.  

    Due Process: Detention facilities did not consistently satisfy their obligations to support detained people to ensure that mental health conditions did not negatively impact their immigration outcomes. For example, DOJ received reports that detained people appeared for court without having received prescribed medication or other needed treatment, which meant they could not meaningfully participate in their hearings.  

    DOJ’s Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement will host a Community Briefing on Thursday, May 22 at 10am to share the findings of this report. People interested can register here: https://doj-ca.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8P7Xa1_3QoSdCJts3EnfbA

    A copy of the report is available in English here and in Spanish here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Cockfighting Charges

    Source: US State of California

    Onill Vazquez Lozada of Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today to two counts of possessing, sponsoring, and exhibiting birds in an animal fighting venture in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

    As part of his plea, Lozada admitted that on April 27, 2021, he possessed roosters for the purpose of having them fight. Lozada also admitted that on March 6, 2022, he sponsored and exhibited, and aided and abetted sponsoring and exhibiting, at least one rooster in a fight against another rooster.

    Cockfighting is a contest in which a person attaches a knife, gaff or other sharp instrument to the leg of a “gamecock” or rooster and then places the bird a few inches away from a similarly armed rooster. This results in a fight during which the roosters flap their wings and jump while stabbing each other with the weapons that are fastened to their legs. A cockfight ends when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue to fight. Commonly, one or both roosters die after a fight.

    Lozada faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge to which he pleaded guilty. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Acting U.S. Attorney Sara M. Bloom for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

    Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Rivera, 37, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to 70 months for his role in a drug trafficking organization in Berkeley County.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Rivera was one of the conspirators of the drug trafficking operation selling large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Rivera supplied nearly three kilograms of cocaine to another defendant, who then drove it to West Virginia to sell.

    Rivera will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The FBI; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the  U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland;  and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania investigated.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Monmouth County Resident Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Role in Fraudulently Obtaining Over $3.7 Million in Cares Act Loans

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A former resident of Monmouth County was sentenced to prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Kevin Aguilar, age 54, previously of Farmingdale, New Jersey, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court following Aguilar’s guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud; seven counts of bank fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; three counts of wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; one count of money laundering; and one count of aggravated identity theft. Aguilar was sentenced to 192 months in prison.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From April 2020 to April 2021, Aguilar conspired with others to submit seven fraudulent PPP loan applications and three fraudulent EIDL applications on behalf of four businesses. Based on the fraudulent applications, Aguilar received a total of approximately $3.3 million in PPP loan funds and approximately $450,000 in EIDL funds. After receiving the PPP and EIDL funds, Aguilar caused those funds to be transferred to other businesses that he created to give the false appearance that the PPP and EIDL funds were being used for legitimate purposes. Aguilar then used the PPP and EIDL funds to purchase residential properties in Sherman, Texas, a new truck for approximately $100,000, and to pay for other personal expenses.

    In addition to the 192-month prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Aguilar to 5 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $3,772,567 in restitution, as well as a forfeiture money judgment of $3,772,567.  Judge Shipp also ordered the forfeiture of approximately $1,511,221.62 that law enforcement seized from twelve bank accounts, as well as the three real properties in Sherman, Texas. 

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York; IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen; special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak; and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David V. Simunovich of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Kozar, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Economic Crimes United in Newark, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Laserna of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit.

    The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of the five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel:         Alyssa Cimino, Esq., Fairfield, New Jersey; Robert Brady, Esq., Newton, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Willimantic Man Who Stole 38 Guns from Newington Store Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KWITZPATRICK DUFFANY, 37, formerly of Willimantic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for offenses related to his theft of 38 firearms from a Newington gun store in 2023.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2023, during non-business hours, Duffany entered Hoffman’s Gun Store in Newington by climbing onto the balcony over the main entrance, cutting into the siding with a knife, and dropping down from the ceiling.  Surveillance footage showed Duffany walking through the store and filling duffel bags with 38 guns.  He then exited the store through the same hole.  After stealing the guns, Duffany and two other individuals traveled to Hartford where Duffany traded several of the stolen guns for cash and drugs.  In the following days, Duffany sold most of the remaining guns in exchange for cash and narcotics, or he provided guns to other individuals to sell.

    Duffany was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Ashford in the early morning of June 1, 2023.  Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed Duffany hiding a satchel in a soda display case shortly before his arrest.  Investigators recovered the satchel and found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun and drugs inside the bag.  The gun had been stolen from Hoffman’s Gun Store.

    To date, law enforcement has recovered only six of the stolen guns, including one that was recovered by Hartford Police during an investigation of a homicide that occurred on July 5, 2024.

    Duffany has been detained since his arrest.  On February 3, 2025, he pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensee, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.       

    This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Willimantic Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Britain for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Claremore Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – A Claremore man was sentenced today for involuntary manslaughter and assault that resulted in serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

    U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Jerry Dean Luton, III, 35, for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Judge Russell ordered Luton to serve 84 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

    Court records show that in August 2023, Timothy Austin was driving with his wife when Luton crossed the center line, hitting the Austins’ vehicle head-on, killing Timothy and injuring his wife of more than 51 years. The investigation revealed that Luton was driving without a license and impaired by alcohol, methamphetamine, and marijuana in his system.

    Luton is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The FBI and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Cyran prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Take Back America Leads To Criminal Charges Against Multiple Defendants For Firearms Offenses And Immigration-Related Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that in April the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 11 defendants with criminal charges related to firearms offenses and immigration-related violations as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime.

    The defendants facing federal firearms charges are:

    Steven Tyler Philbeck, 33, of Lincolnton, N.C., is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Philbeck distributed methamphetamine in Catawba County in February 2025, and illegally possessed a Glock 19 Gen4, 9mm handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities.

    Naquan Damerius Blakeney, 24, of Charlotte, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment alleges that Blakeney illegally possessed a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, and did so knowing he was prohibited from possessing a firearm following a prior criminal conviction.

    Justin Lloyd Coleman, 33, of Huntersville, N.C., is charged with two counts of possession of a machinegun and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment alleges that Coleman illegally possessed one more machineguns, a pistol, and a rifle. Coleman has prior felony convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Kiren Nashawn Heath, 21, of Monroe, N.C., is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Pressley possessed a Walther, model P99, 9mm pistol frame with a Smith & Wesson, model SW99, 9mm pistol slide, and did so knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Daquan Devonte Jeter, 33, of Charlotte, was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. Jeter is alleged to have unlawfully possessed what is commonly known as a “sawed-off” shotgun, knowing he had prior felony convictions.

    Norris Lashane Myers, 47, of Lenoir, N.C., is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Myers possessed a Taurus PT92AF, 9mm handgun, knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Nathaniel Desean Nicholes, 25, of Charlotte, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment alleges that Nicholes, knowing that he had previously been convicted of multiple state felony charges for Breaking and Entering, unlawfully possessed a Glock, model 19, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol.

    The defendants charged with immigration-related violations are:

    Jose Guadalupe Cervantes Nava, 52, of Mexico, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Nava was previously deported from the United States four times in two months: on April 13, 2018, on April 20, 2018, on May 3, 2018, and again on May 20, 2018.

    Remedios Arroyo Beltran, 51, of Mexico, is charged with illegally reentering into the United States. Beltran was previously deported from the United States three times: on April 22, 2019, on July 7, 2019, and again on July 12, 2019.

    Erik Antonio Lopez-Hernandez, 21, of Honduras, is charged with illegally reentering into the United States. Lopez-Hernandez was previously deported from the United States in July 2023. He was arrested on February 22, 2025, by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, after the defendant allegedly attempted to flee and evade arrest for a traffic violation.

    Darwin Gonzalez Navarijo, 40, of Guatemala, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Navarijo was previously deported from the United States three times: in June 2009, in November 2010, and again in June 2017.

    The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Emergency Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their investigations that led to the charges. U.S. Attorney Ferguson also commended the local law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation and apprehension of the defendants, to include the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the Hickory Police Department, and the Huntersville Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the cases. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: University of San Diego Women’s Volleyball Team Joins U.S. Attorney’s Office and City Attorney’s Office to Launch Fentanyl Awareness Campaign

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s Office and Olé Foundation for the University of San Diego today launched a social media campaign featuring members of USD’s women’s volleyball team to promote fentanyl awareness and overdose prevention. The campaign coincides with the fourth annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29.

    The goal of this joint effort is to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, to reduce accidental use or overdose, and in the event of an overdose, to educate students on how to save lives in an emergency.

    “These student athletes are terrific ambassadors for the messages of fentanyl awareness and prevention,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “We are making progress every day in preventing accidental fentanyl poisonings, and we are grateful for such committed partners like the City Attorney’s Office and the University of San Diego knowing that their actions will help save lives.”

    “Fentanyl continues to claim lives across our communities, and awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight back,” said City Attorney Heather Ferbert. “We’re proud to partner with the Department of Justice and the University of San Diego’s student athletes to share life-saving information. By working together, we can help prevent tragedy and protect our community”.

    The student athletes are showcased in a video filmed at various locations on USD’s campus, each reciting a line about the dangers of fentanyl, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and the importance of naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan).

    Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication, available either as a nasal spray or an injector. Many pharmacies carry naloxone. In California, you can get naloxone from a pharmacist without a prescription. It is also possible to get naloxone from community-based distribution programs, local public health groups, or local health departments, free of charge. For more information about naloxone and how to get training on using it, visit: Naloxone Information.

    In the public service announcements, the student athletes state the following:

    Winning at the Division One level takes a lot of skill, a team committed to excellence, and maybe a little luck.

    Because I know some of us have our superstitions

    I must have this meal before every game

    I always put my left shoe on before my right shoe

    But the one thing I will not do is try my luck with a pill that I didn’t get at a pharmacy

    That’s because what you might think are common medicines like Adderall, Xanax, or Percocet

    Could contain a deadly amount of fentanyl

    Taking drugs is a risk that we just won’t take.

    Fentanyl doesn’t care about the win or the loss. It doesn’t care about your age. It doesn’t care about your family, teammates, or friends. It doesn’t care if you get lucky the first time.

    As a student athlete, I know I set an example to those around me, on our team and in our community.

    Know what Narcan is, and how to use it – or know who to call to get help.

    And know what those overdose signs are, like someone you can’t arouse, snoring sounds, shortness of breath, vomiting or turning blue. You have the power to keep our community safe.

    We here at USD are all members of the same team.

    And safety isn’t about luck, it’s about knowledge and prevention.

    Just remember, if you are ever in doubt, call 911.

    Let’s take luck out of it

    We are teaming up to save lives from fentanyl

    Because as a USD Torero, we know it takes a team.

    This campaign uses the hashtags #TakesMoreThanLuck #ItTakesATeam. The social media public service announcement can be found here.

    The campaign is being deployed over social media platforms, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, LinkedIn, and YouTube, by the individual student-athletes, the Department of Justice, the University of San Diego Athletic Department, and other coalition members.

    This is the third time that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office have teamed up to feature student athletes in partnership with an NIL collective. For this social media campaign, the offices partnered with the Olé Foundation at USD, which is dedicated to empowering student-athletes by providing education, resources, and guidance to navigate the evolving landscape of NIL opportunities. The department helps scholar-athletes maximize their personal brand, ensuring they make informed decisions while maintaining integrity and balancing their academic and athletic commitments. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and compliance support, the department prepares student-athletes for success in the NIL space and beyond.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office have previously partnered with the SDSU women’s soccer team, Aztec Link, the SDSU men’s basketball team and their NIL collective, the MESA Foundation, to create similar public service announcements and media campaigns that at the time were the first such collaborations of their kind. The campaigns have since received over a million impressions.

    Additional fentanyl prevention resources can be found at San Diego County’s Community & Parent Toolkits, which are available in both English and Spanish.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s participation in the social media campaign with USD’s NIL Department is not an endorsement of any product, service, or enterprise associated with the department.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Tribar Technologies, Inc. Sentenced For Violation Of The Clean Water Act

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Tribar Technologies, Inc., a Southeast Michigan manufacturer, was sentenced today to pay a $200,000 criminal fine, pay $20,000 in restitution, serve five years of probation, and implement an environmental management system and compliance plan within the first six months of probation. Tribar pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act when it discharged insufficiently treated wastewater, a misdemeanor, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.

    According to court documents, Tribar is a manufacturer of decorative trim assemblies and components serving the automotive and commercial vehicle markets in Southeast Michigan. The Tribar facility where the events in this case occurred – Plant 5 – is a chrome plating facility in Wixom, Michigan, that uses an electroplating process to apply chrome finishing to plastic automotive parts. The summer of 2022, Tribar held an Industrial Pretreatment Program Permit, authorizing discharges of treated wastewater from Plant 5 into the Wixom sanitary sewer system. Tribar’s permit included a notification requirement for batch discharges and prohibited Tribar from bypassing its own treatment system.

    On July 23, 2022, Tribar Plant 5 accumulated approximately 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater with high concentrations of hexavalent chromium. Tribar employees attempted to treat this wastewater, but by July 29, 2022, it still contained high levels of hexavalent chromium that required treatment before it could be released into Tribar’s wastewater treatment system. On the evening of July 29, 2022, a Tribar employee discharged a batch of approximately 10,000 gallons of insufficiently treated wastewater from a holding tank into Plant 5’s wastewater treatment system. The discharge activated approximately 460 alarm bells all of which were disabled, allowing the wastewater to be discharged into the Wixom sanitary sewer system. Tribar did not report this illegal discharge until August 1, 2022. 

    “Tribar’s failure to adequately train and supervise its employees jeopardized the safety and quality of local water resources. This sentence recognizes the importance of strict adherence to regulatory standards and best practices intended to protect human health and the environment. Together with our partners we will continue to protect environmental resources in the Eastern District of Michigan,” said Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.

    “Tribar illegally discharged industrial wastewater, posing a risk to downstream waterways,” said Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. “The successful and cooperative effort by EPA, federal and state partners resulted in today’s sentencing, holding Tribar responsible for violating federal environmental law.”

    The investigation of this case was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Cleveland Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio D. Moncrief, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for selling fentanyl in Ohio County.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Moncrief, also known as “Tone,” was selling fentanyl on Wheeling Island. Investigators seized methamphetamine, cocaine, and 107 fentanyl pills at an apartment on North Front Street associated with Moncrief.

    Moncrief will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

    U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Source of Supply for Merced County Methamphetamine Distribution Sentenced to 22.5 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Raul Zamudio Hurtado, 42, of Oakdale, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 22 and a half years in prison and for two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine arising from two separate cases, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in May 2017, a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies investigated a group of Sureño gang members and associates in the Merced area for crimes of violence, drug sales, and illegal firearms possession. More than 50 individuals were arrested and 14 defendants were charged federally. Hurtado was the source of supply of methamphetamine to the suspected Sureño members and was indicted. On July 24, 2019, Hurtado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and remained in custody pending sentencing in the first case. In April 2020, he was released with conditions.

    Between December 2021 and November 2022, Hurtado obtained and distributed methamphetamine in large quantities and received tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds. On Nov. 16, 2022, a search warrant was executed, more than 73 pounds of methamphetamine was seized, and Hurtado was charged again. On June 3, 2024, Hurtado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in this second case.

    These cases were the product of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), the California Department of Justice/California Highway Patrol, Special Operations Unit, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Modesto Police Department Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Pearson and Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the cases.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Morgan McGarvey, Colleagues Introduce Equality Act to Strengthen Federal LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Protections

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    April 29, 2025

    Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey – a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus – joined colleagues in introducing the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people. This landmark legislation would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding housing, and public accommodations. According to Navigator Research, 63% of Americans support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to federal non-discrimination laws.

    “Our kids deserve to grow up in a world where everyone is able to live and love openly without fear of discrimination. As a member of the Equality Caucus, I am proud to help introduce this landmark legislation to protect the rights of every American, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Congressman McGarvey. “As the Trump administration and House Republicans continue to target LGBTQ+ kids, it’s never been more important that we stand up and fight for all those on the margins.”

    The Equality Act is supported by leading LGBTQ+ rights organizations, including Advocates for Transgender Equality, ACLU, Equality Federation, Family Equality, GLAD, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, NBJC, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, National Women’s Law Center, and PFLAG.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025
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