A recent ProPublica investigation has revealed over 40 instances of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents using banned chokeholds and other dangerous tactics that can restrict breathing. These actions include placing knees on individuals’ necks and backs, as well as chokeholds, despite agency policy prohibiting such practices. The investigation also found that ICE agents have arrested U.S. citizens, including a 16-year-old, and have yet to face disciplinary measures for these actions. These tactics are occurring across the country and are often recorded by the public.
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A recent poll from The Economist and YouGov reveals a shift in public opinion, with 46% of Americans now supporting the abolition of ICE. The survey also indicates that a majority of Americans believe ICE makes them less safe. This change in sentiment has arrived despite warnings from centrist groups cautioning against dismantling ICE, as the agency’s actions, and the concerns surrounding its accountability, have heightened public concern. The core argument for abolishing ICE centers on its threat to American democracy due to its lack of oversight and potential for political weaponization. Therefore, the dismantling of ICE is now viewed as a necessary step to protect democracy.
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During a press briefing, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may request proof of citizenship from individuals near targeted enforcement operations. This follows reports of ICE agents asking for identification from individuals, including U.S. citizens, during protests and legal observer activities. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches, yet Noem’s comments have raised concerns regarding potential implications for citizens’ rights. Legal experts are speaking out, with some arguing that the practice of requesting identification from U.S. citizens absent reasonable suspicion is unconstitutional and that Americans are not legally obligated to carry proof of citizenship.
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A new CNN/SSRS poll reveals a bleak outlook for President Trump, with 58% of respondents considering his performance in his second year as unsatisfactory. The poll indicates that a majority believe his policies have worsened the economy and that he has focused on the wrong priorities. Furthermore, the survey shows a decline in public perception of Trump’s personal qualities and an overall job approval rating of only 39%. These findings, coupled with waning support among key demographics, pose significant challenges for the President as he approaches the midterm elections.
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A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Copenhagen, Denmark on January 16th to express solidarity with Denmark and Greenland following President Trump’s suggestion of acquiring the Arctic island. The delegation, comprised of eleven members from both parties, engaged in discussions with Danish and Greenlandic leaders, as well as business representatives. This visit followed a prior meeting where Denmark and the US revealed their fundamental disagreement over Greenland’s future. The show of support comes as a response to the President’s statements, with Denmark and several European countries deploying troops to Greenland as well.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has drawn a stark comparison between the Trump administration’s actions and the early days of Nazi Germany, specifically criticizing the immigration crackdown. The governor highlighted the indiscriminate targeting of individuals based on race and citizenship, referencing the arrest of thousands in Chicago. A lawsuit filed by Illinois officials alleges federal agents engaged in unlawful tactics during these operations, which the White House has dismissed. In response to these claims, Pritzker emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy and its values.
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The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, generating $500 million, with the funds being held in multiple bank accounts, the largest of which is located in Qatar. This decision, aimed at ensuring the safe and neutral handling of the proceeds, has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about potential corruption. Treasury officials have stated that the department will oversee the accounts, with the disbursement of funds directed by the President and Secretary of State. While the administration is seeking to foster investments in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, some oil companies, such as ExxonMobil, have expressed hesitancy due to past experiences and existing legal frameworks.
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Corporate executives and business leaders, the second group, remain silent due to fear of retribution or the desire for tax cuts, as evidenced by their financial support for Trump. Right-wing media outlets, the third group, utilize a combination of cynicism and genuine ideological opposition to liberalism to promote Trump and profit from his presidency. Finally, the MAGA faithful, the last group, includes both soft supporters, with varied motivations, and the passionate “red-hots.” These diverse motivations highlight the complex dynamics of support for Trump.
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A Massachusetts bakery owner is facing death threats and online harassment after creating cookies expressing her frustration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The owner of The Sweet Boutique in East Longmeadow, received threats to her and her employees’ safety, and even threats against her children after posting pictures of the cookies on social media. Despite the backlash, the owner plans to continue producing the anti-ICE cookies, seeing them as a platform for her beliefs and a way to encourage others to speak out. The local community has rallied in support of the bakery, showing their solidarity with the owner’s freedom of speech.
Read More
Despite the challenges, the goal of achieving consensus on crucial issues like Supreme Court reform is not impossible. However, the article argues that the abolition of ICE must be included in the reconstruction agenda due to its concerning actions as a secret police force. ICE, with its expanded powers, poses a threat by potentially targeting and detaining individuals without proper oversight, representing a pre-made apparatus of control. The article also points out that Trump’s administration’s call for mass deportations aligns with the size of the country’s nonwhite population, raising concerns about the agency’s potential for abuse.
Read More
ICE Agents Arrest US Citizens, Use Banned Chokeholds: ProPublica Report
A recent ProPublica investigation has revealed over 40 instances of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents using banned chokeholds and other dangerous tactics that can restrict breathing. These actions include placing knees on individuals’ necks and backs, as well as chokeholds, despite agency policy prohibiting such practices. The investigation also found that ICE agents have arrested U.S. citizens, including a 16-year-old, and have yet to face disciplinary measures for these actions. These tactics are occurring across the country and are often recorded by the public.
Read More
Abolish ICE: Why It’s a Moderate Stance Against a Dangerous US Apparatus
A recent poll from The Economist and YouGov reveals a shift in public opinion, with 46% of Americans now supporting the abolition of ICE. The survey also indicates that a majority of Americans believe ICE makes them less safe. This change in sentiment has arrived despite warnings from centrist groups cautioning against dismantling ICE, as the agency’s actions, and the concerns surrounding its accountability, have heightened public concern. The core argument for abolishing ICE centers on its threat to American democracy due to its lack of oversight and potential for political weaponization. Therefore, the dismantling of ICE is now viewed as a necessary step to protect democracy.
Read More
Noem’s Citizenship Demand Sparks Outrage, Raises Rights Concerns
During a press briefing, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may request proof of citizenship from individuals near targeted enforcement operations. This follows reports of ICE agents asking for identification from individuals, including U.S. citizens, during protests and legal observer activities. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches, yet Noem’s comments have raised concerns regarding potential implications for citizens’ rights. Legal experts are speaking out, with some arguing that the practice of requesting identification from U.S. citizens absent reasonable suspicion is unconstitutional and that Americans are not legally obligated to carry proof of citizenship.
Read More
Most Americans Call Trump’s First Year a Failure, See Wrong Priorities
A new CNN/SSRS poll reveals a bleak outlook for President Trump, with 58% of respondents considering his performance in his second year as unsatisfactory. The poll indicates that a majority believe his policies have worsened the economy and that he has focused on the wrong priorities. Furthermore, the survey shows a decline in public perception of Trump’s personal qualities and an overall job approval rating of only 39%. These findings, coupled with waning support among key demographics, pose significant challenges for the President as he approaches the midterm elections.
Read More
US Congress’s Greenland Trip: Symbolic Support Amid Trump Threats, Little Action
A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Copenhagen, Denmark on January 16th to express solidarity with Denmark and Greenland following President Trump’s suggestion of acquiring the Arctic island. The delegation, comprised of eleven members from both parties, engaged in discussions with Danish and Greenlandic leaders, as well as business representatives. This visit followed a prior meeting where Denmark and the US revealed their fundamental disagreement over Greenland’s future. The show of support comes as a response to the President’s statements, with Denmark and several European countries deploying troops to Greenland as well.
Read More
Pritzker Draws Parallels Between Trump’s America and Early Nazi Germany
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has drawn a stark comparison between the Trump administration’s actions and the early days of Nazi Germany, specifically criticizing the immigration crackdown. The governor highlighted the indiscriminate targeting of individuals based on race and citizenship, referencing the arrest of thousands in Chicago. A lawsuit filed by Illinois officials alleges federal agents engaged in unlawful tactics during these operations, which the White House has dismissed. In response to these claims, Pritzker emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy and its values.
Read More
Trump Reportedly Diverts Venezuelan Oil Funds to Qatar Bank
The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, generating $500 million, with the funds being held in multiple bank accounts, the largest of which is located in Qatar. This decision, aimed at ensuring the safe and neutral handling of the proceeds, has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about potential corruption. Treasury officials have stated that the department will oversee the accounts, with the disbursement of funds directed by the President and Secretary of State. While the administration is seeking to foster investments in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, some oil companies, such as ExxonMobil, have expressed hesitancy due to past experiences and existing legal frameworks.
Read More
ICE Violence: Are We Nearing a Mass Casualty Event?
Corporate executives and business leaders, the second group, remain silent due to fear of retribution or the desire for tax cuts, as evidenced by their financial support for Trump. Right-wing media outlets, the third group, utilize a combination of cynicism and genuine ideological opposition to liberalism to promote Trump and profit from his presidency. Finally, the MAGA faithful, the last group, includes both soft supporters, with varied motivations, and the passionate “red-hots.” These diverse motivations highlight the complex dynamics of support for Trump.
Read More
Bakery Owner Faces Death Threats Over Anti-ICE Cookies, Refuses to Back Down
A Massachusetts bakery owner is facing death threats and online harassment after creating cookies expressing her frustration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The owner of The Sweet Boutique in East Longmeadow, received threats to her and her employees’ safety, and even threats against her children after posting pictures of the cookies on social media. Despite the backlash, the owner plans to continue producing the anti-ICE cookies, seeing them as a platform for her beliefs and a way to encourage others to speak out. The local community has rallied in support of the bakery, showing their solidarity with the owner’s freedom of speech.
Read More
Abolish ICE: Why It’s No Longer a Fringe Position for Democrats
Despite the challenges, the goal of achieving consensus on crucial issues like Supreme Court reform is not impossible. However, the article argues that the abolition of ICE must be included in the reconstruction agenda due to its concerning actions as a secret police force. ICE, with its expanded powers, poses a threat by potentially targeting and detaining individuals without proper oversight, representing a pre-made apparatus of control. The article also points out that Trump’s administration’s call for mass deportations aligns with the size of the country’s nonwhite population, raising concerns about the agency’s potential for abuse.
Read More