January 2026

Court Delays Decision on Minnesota Immigration Crackdown Halt

A judge has given the Trump administration time to respond to a request to suspend immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where law enforcement efforts have become increasingly chaotic. The Pentagon is preparing to send military lawyers to assist the ongoing operations, with the Department of Homeland Security reporting over 2,000 arrests since December. Minnesota leaders are challenging the government’s actions, citing constitutional violations and describing the situation as a campaign of brutality. Meanwhile, the ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good during an encounter suffered an injury, adding further complexity to the situation.

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Supreme Court Upholds Warrantless Entry in Suicide Threat Case, Citing Exigent Circumstances

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Montana county police who entered a man’s home without a warrant due to a perceived suicide risk. Justice Kagan affirmed that officers may enter a home without a warrant if they have an objectively reasonable belief that an occupant is seriously injured or imminently threatened. Police responded to a report of a threatened suicide, observed concerning signs, and entered the home, resulting in an officer shooting the resident after he emerged with what appeared to be a gun. The court ultimately found the officers’ actions justified under the “community caretaker” exception to the Fourth Amendment, upholding the trial court’s decision and the conviction of the resident.

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SCOTUS Allows Illinois Mail-In Ballot Challenge: Focus on Standing, Not Merits

The Supreme Court has revived a lawsuit brought by Illinois Republican Congressman Mike Bost challenging a state law allowing mail-in ballots received after Election Day to be counted. The 7-2 decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, determined that candidates have a concrete interest in the rules governing vote counting. Justices debated whether candidates have standing to challenge such laws, despite lower courts dismissing Bost’s suit. This case reflects broader Republican efforts to challenge mail-in voting practices, with sixteen states currently accepting mail-in ballots received after Election Day.

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China Orders Firms to Stop Using US, Israeli Cybersecurity Software

Beijing tells Chinese firms to stop using US and Israeli cybersecurity software, sources say. Well, this is a pretty significant move, isn’t it? It seems Beijing has instructed its domestic companies to immediately ditch cybersecurity software from about a dozen U.S. and Israeli firms. The rationale? National security. They’re worried about the potential for these tools to collect and transmit sensitive data back to those countries. Think of it as a preemptive strike against potential vulnerabilities, a move to safeguard their digital infrastructure.

This directive really underscores China’s commitment to technological self-reliance, and it’s happening at a rapid pace, especially with all the tech tensions brewing between the U.S.… Continue reading

Minneapolis Residents: ICE Treatment Feels Like “War Zone,” Violence Escalates

Following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, Minneapolis residents report an escalation of violence and intimidation tactics by ICE agents. Videos and accounts depict ICE officers threatening residents, employing aggressive methods such as ramming vehicles and using chemical irritants. Observers on the ground describe a “war zone” atmosphere, citing ICE’s expanded targeting to include those who oppose their agenda. Right-wing figures and organizations have rallied in support of the officer who shot Good, further increasing tensions and fear within the community.

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California to Investigate xAI’s Grok Amid Concerns of Child Pornography and Misinformation

California to investigate xAI over Grok chatbot images, officials say. It’s becoming increasingly clear that California officials are stepping in, and it’s not a moment too soon. The focus is squarely on the xAI company and its Grok chatbot, specifically regarding the images it generates. The investigation is likely driven by serious concerns about the potential for Grok to produce harmful content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Given the sheer scope of this issue, and the numerous countries beginning investigations, it’s not surprising to see California add its weight to the chorus of concern.

Not being aware is a flimsy defense, especially when the person at the helm of xAI is running the show.… Continue reading

UPenn Faculty Condemn Trump’s Demand for Jewish Student Data

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has demanded the University of Pennsylvania provide personal information about Jewish faculty, staff, and students, sparking strong criticism. Faculty groups, including the American Association of University Professors, have intervened in the lawsuit, denouncing the request as an egregious overreach with potentially dangerous historical implications. The university, which established a taskforce to combat antisemitism, initially refused to comply with the subpoena, citing concerns about privacy and safety for the Jewish community. The EEOC maintains its commitment to investigating workplace antisemitism and seeks to identify potential victims, but the faculty groups argue that the request to create a centralized registry of Jewish individuals infringes on fundamental rights and evokes disturbing historical parallels.

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ICE Agents Lack Absolute Immunity From State Prosecution

Vice President J.D. Vance claimed ICE agents possess “absolute immunity” from state prosecution, citing the 1890 case *In re Neagle* as precedent. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling in *Drury v. Lewis* contradicts this claim. In *Drury v. Lewis*, the court allowed a state court to consider murder charges against a U.S. soldier, even though he was acting in his official capacity, if the lawfulness of the force used was disputed. Therefore, Vance’s assertion of absolute immunity is an unsound interpretation of legal precedent.

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Denmark Will Fire Back: Greenland Attack by U.S. Would Be Met with Force

The Trump administration has reportedly considered military action to acquire Greenland, threatening Denmark despite the kingdom’s obligation to defend the territory from attack. A 1952 royal decree mandates Danish troops to defend Greenland, while a bipartisan group in Congress seeks to block funds for a potential invasion. Despite the U.S. already having a significant military presence on the island, including the strategic Pituffik Space Base, Trump has expressed interest in outright ownership, raising concerns about undermining NATO allies and international law. Meanwhile, Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose joining the U.S. and Danish officials have warned that a military takeover would end the NATO alliance.

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Jack Smith’s Case Against Trump: Evidence, Frustration, and Missed Opportunities

“The Illegal News” provides weekly analysis where law intersects with politics. Hosted by Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell, the show features legal experts who break down Trump-era court proceedings. The podcast aims to simplify complex legal matters, offering context for significant developments and highlighting less-publicized legal actions. While George Conway is pursuing other ventures, Longwell continues to provide coverage.

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