Following the altercation with Senator Padilla, House Speaker Mike Johnson called for Padilla’s censure, suggesting expulsion as a potential further consequence, highlighting the escalating rhetoric characteristic of Trumpism. This incident, mirroring historical precedents such as the caning of Senator Sumner, exemplifies the right-wing’s pattern of amplifying false narratives and minimizing the severity of actions. Contrary to media portrayals, recent polling data indicates that Trump’s immigration stance lacks widespread support. The article concludes with a warning that this incident represents a new low, and further transgressions are likely to follow, normalizing even more extreme behavior.
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Following Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities and reportedly killing civilians, including women and children, Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi vowed a retaliatory response. Shekarchi declared that both Israel and the United States would “pay dearly” for the attacks, regardless of US denials of involvement. The strikes, described by Israel as preemptive, reportedly killed Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s armed forces are reportedly on high alert.
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In Westbury, NY, U.S. citizen Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old electrician, was handcuffed and detained by ICE agents for 25 minutes after being pulled over in his work van. The agents, who lacked a clear reason for the stop beyond Lemus’s appearance, demanded his ID and threatened further action if he refused. After verifying his citizenship, the agents released Lemus without apology or explanation, refusing to provide their names or badge numbers. This incident, recorded on Lemus’s phone, has prompted calls for a Department of Justice investigation and highlights concerns about racial profiling and potential constitutional violations.
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Operation Soteria Shield, a month-long investigation involving 70 Texas law enforcement agencies, resulted in the arrest of 244 individuals on charges related to child sex trafficking and pornography. The operation rescued 109 children, many of whom were previously unidentified victims. Authorities seized terabytes of child sexual abuse material and highlighted the increasing use of technology, including online gaming and social media, by offenders to exploit children. The operation’s success underscores the pervasive nature of this crime and the need for increased parental awareness and monitoring of children’s online activity.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Los Angeles press conference was disrupted when Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and briefly handcuffed after attempting to question Noem about recent ICE raids and the resulting protests. This incident, following other controversial arrests, sparked widespread outrage among Democrats, who called for Noem’s resignation, while Republicans defended Noem and criticized Padilla’s actions. The event, occurring amidst significant unrest and a heavy national guard presence, further fueled existing political divisions. The White House issued strong rebuttals to the Democratic criticism.
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Following Friday’s large-scale Israeli attack targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military personnel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the action a “declaration of war” in a letter to the UN Security Council. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least six nuclear scientists and several high-ranking military commanders, including the chief of Iran’s armed forces. Furthermore, Iran reported at least 95 injuries, including a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Araghchi urged the Security Council to immediately address the situation.
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Following the largely ignored April 5th “Hands Off” protests against Trump and Musk, a significantly larger “No Kings” demonstration is planned for this Saturday, encompassing 1,500 cities nationwide. This nationwide day of defiance aims to counter authoritarianism and is expected to be the largest anti-Trump protest since the start of his second term. While the April protests received minimal US media coverage, the upcoming event’s scale and the ongoing concern over the Trump administration’s actions may compel greater attention, particularly given research indicating the effectiveness of sustained, non-violent resistance movements. The success hinges on sufficient participation to reach the critical mass needed to effect meaningful change.
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Approximately 50 detainees at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, rioted due to prolonged delays and dissatisfaction with meal service. The inmates, housed in a third-floor dormitory, breached a wall and hung bedsheets, suggesting an attempted escape. Responding authorities, clad in tactical gear, arrived at the scene, and protestors outside the facility reported smelling gas. Mayor Baraka condemned the incident, citing inadequate oversight and demanding answers from the GEO Group and DHS.
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Judge Charles Breyer ruled President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles illegal, citing violations of the Tenth Amendment and exceeding presidential authority. The order returns control of the California National Guard to the state, effective immediately. Breyer’s decision also highlighted threats to protesters’ First Amendment rights and the state’s inability to utilize the Guard for essential services. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, while Governor Newsom warned of a broader threat to state sovereignty and democracy nationwide.
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A federal judge ruled President Trump’s federalization of the California National Guard illegal, ordering the immediate return of control to Governor Newsom. This action, unprecedented in U.S. history, involved approximately 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines deployed to quell anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. The judge found Trump’s actions exceeded his statutory authority and violated the Tenth Amendment, citing the absence of conditions justifying federal intervention. While a temporary stay allows the administration to appeal, a hearing is scheduled for June 20th to consider a more permanent injunction.
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John Q. Hosedrinker