Dr. Alireza Golchini, a surgeon, was arrested by Iranian government forces and faces “Moharebeh” charges, a capital offense, for providing medical care to injured protesters. He was reportedly beaten during the arrest and is now detained without access to legal counsel, with his family kept uninformed about his case. Authorities have indicated a harsher stance on protesters, as several detainees have been charged with Moharebeh, heightening concerns of swift death sentences. Hengaw has warned that the accelerated and opaque handling of detainees’ cases by the Islamic Republic of Iran increases the risk of swift executions.
Read More
Germany has issued a travel advisory for its citizens traveling to the United States, citing potential risks related to demonstrations and clashes with migration and security authorities. This advisory, which is not a political statement, aims to provide impartial information to German citizens, particularly in light of increased tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, as protests against the actions of ICE and Border Patrol officers have been occurring in cities like Minneapolis. The advisory urges citizens to exercise caution, avoid crowds where violence might occur, and to stay informed through local media. The travel advisory underscores the importance of staying calm, following authorities’ instructions, and recognizing existing ID requirements in certain states.
Read More
Ecuador’s Foreign Minister lodged a formal protest with the U.S. Embassy in response to an attempted unauthorized entry by ICE agents into the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis. Video footage captured the incident, showing consulate staff barring the agents’ entry while citing international law protecting consulates from such intrusions. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly activated emergency protocols and issued a “note of protest” to prevent similar occurrences at other consulates. U.S. authorities, including the State Department and ICE, have yet to respond to the incident, but a city council member has reassured the Ecuadorian community of their safety.
Read More
The handling of evidence in the Pretti case, including potential destruction by the federal government, has raised concerns about the investigation’s impartiality. State authorities report a lack of shared evidence, and former law enforcement officials suggest violations of DOJ policy. The fact that the Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol are leading the investigation, rather than an independent agency, further fuels suspicion of a cover-up, potentially leading to the exoneration of the agents involved.
Read More
A list compiled by the Ohio Immigrant Alliance and the Pacific Antifascist Collective reveals that 29 out of 30 ICE and CBP agents have faced sexual offense charges, with two-thirds of those involving crimes against children. The article highlights specific examples, including an ICE agent with a history of violence and racism who fatally shot a man but has not been charged, and other agents charged with crimes such as sexual assault, child sex trafficking, and rape. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance expresses concern over the agency’s lack of seriousness in addressing the issue of gender-based violence. The article also points out the rise of ICE impersonators and ICE’s substantial recruitment efforts, using aggressive and militaristic advertising strategies.
Read More
In Bonham, Texas, three young brothers, ages 6, 8, and 9, tragically died after falling into an icy pond during a severe winter storm. Their mother recounted how she jumped in to try and save them but was unable to, witnessing them struggle in the freezing water. First responders and a neighbor attempted to rescue the children, but ultimately, all three succumbed to the frigid temperatures. The local school district, which the boys attended, was closed due to the extreme weather conditions, and the community is mourning the unimaginable loss.
Read More
During a town hall in Minneapolis, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar was assaulted when a man sprayed an unknown substance at her and was subsequently apprehended. The incident occurred shortly after Omar advocated for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorities arrested the man, who was found holding a syringe, and forensic scientists were called to the scene. Omar confirmed she was unharmed and would undergo medical screening, vowing not to be intimidated.
Read More
According to activists, Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests has resulted in at least 6,221 deaths, as a U.S. aircraft carrier group arrives in the Middle East. The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln provides the U.S. with the ability to strike Iran, with Iranian-backed militias signaling their willingness to retaliate. The protests were initially triggered by the falling value of the Iranian rial. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll given authorities cutting off the internet and disrupting calls into the Islamic Republic.
Read More
During a Wednesday morning speech, President Trump announced the deployment of an additional US military “armada” towards Iran, following the recent obliteration of Iran’s nuclear capabilities in “Operation Midnight Hammer.” This announcement coincided with US Central Command (CENTCOM) preparing for multi-day readiness exercises designed to enhance asset dispersal, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for flexible responses. The exercises aim to deter aggression and assure partners, following a meeting between CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has also arrived in CENTCOM waters, further bolstering the US presence.
Read More
C-SPAN.org provides links to books discussed on its networks, streamlining the purchasing process for viewers. These links are connected to agreements with retailers, allowing C-SPAN to earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases, such as through the Amazon Associate program. All revenue generated through this program is utilized to support C-SPAN’s operational costs. Viewers are advised to direct any order-related inquiries to the specific retailer’s website, as C-SPAN is not responsible for fulfillment or customer service.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agents Denied Entry to Ecuadorian Consulate in Minneapolis
Ecuador’s Foreign Minister lodged a formal protest with the U.S. Embassy in response to an attempted unauthorized entry by ICE agents into the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis. Video footage captured the incident, showing consulate staff barring the agents’ entry while citing international law protecting consulates from such intrusions. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly activated emergency protocols and issued a “note of protest” to prevent similar occurrences at other consulates. U.S. authorities, including the State Department and ICE, have yet to respond to the incident, but a city council member has reassured the Ecuadorian community of their safety.
Read More