Despite growing concerns over the Trump administration’s immigration operations, seven House Democrats joined Republicans to pass a Department of Homeland Security funding bill. The bill allocates billions to ICE and CBP, prompting strong opposition from progressive members and advocacy groups. Critics argue the funding will enable continued abuses by ICE agents, citing instances of violence and a lack of accountability. The legislation now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.
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A large tent city detention camp, known as Camp East Montana, was opened in 2025 near El Paso by ICE to house those swept up in mass deportation raids. Reports from the camp quickly emerged detailing abuse, including physical assaults and threats, with many detainees claiming guards were attempting to force them to return to their home countries. Three deaths occurred in a short period, one of which was ruled a homicide due to compression, with the others attributed to suicide and alcohol-related illness. These deaths, and a rising number of others, have raised concerns about medical neglect and substandard conditions within the expanding network of detention facilities, as the government plans to house even more detainees.
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Despite criticisms, 149 Democratic House members joined Republicans in passing an $828.7 billion military spending bill, despite warnings of the president’s “lawless” actions. This vote, which included funding for the Department of Homeland Security, drew criticism from progressives who viewed it as an endorsement of controversial policies like unapproved military operations and the potential for international conflicts. Progressives like Rep. Delia C. Ramirez expressed opposition, citing concerns over unchecked military spending and the use of working families’ needs as a bargaining chip. The bill is now headed to the Senate for a final vote.
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Filmmaker James Cameron has revealed his decision to relocate from the US to New Zealand, citing the country’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and contrasting it with the US’s response. He highlighted New Zealand’s high vaccination rate and emphasis on science as key factors, contrasting them with the perceived disarray and political polarization within the US. Cameron, who already owned a farm in New Zealand, described the move as a matter of sanity, echoing the sentiments of other celebrities leaving the US, with Trump’s political decisions as a key factor.
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During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Special Counsel Jack Smith testified, predicting a likely criminal indictment from the Trump administration as part of a retaliatory campaign. Smith, overseeing investigations into Donald Trump, vowed not to be intimidated and acknowledged the challenges faced by his team. The hearing largely revisited the 2020 election, with Republicans criticizing Smith’s methods and Democrats defending his actions. Smith defended his impartiality, emphasizing his apolitical service and experience. The proceedings featured intense questioning on his appointment, investigation costs, and tactics, including payments to a confidential source and obtaining congressional call logs.
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The EU Parliament has adopted a report on technological sovereignty, aiming to reduce dependence on US technologies and expand European capabilities. This resolution calls for bold reforms, including a “Cloud and AI Development Act,” and allows member states to favor European tech providers in strategic sectors. The report emphasizes the use of open standards and interoperability, advocating for a “Public Money, Public Code” principle and public-private investments to build strategic infrastructure. Experts warn that the US views digital infrastructure as a national security asset, emphasizing the need for a “European Tech First” approach to counter “digital imperialism” and secure Europe’s ability to act independently.
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According to an immigration attorney, an Ecuadorian father and his five-year-old son detained in Columbia Heights were legal asylum-seekers who followed proper procedures. The pair entered the country through the Brownsville, Texas port of entry in 2024 and utilized the CBP One app to declare their intent to seek asylum. The attorney stated the father and son were detained by ICE and sent to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in San Antonio, Texas. Conflicting accounts exist, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming the father ran away and abandoned his child, while school officials dispute this. The school community expresses concerns about the impact of increased ICE activity on students’ safety and well-being.
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During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused forces within the EU of attempting to undermine the bloc, specifically criticizing leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Zelenskyy highlighted the need for stronger sanctions against Russia, pointing out that despite existing measures, Russian companies continue to operate and access critical components from various countries, including those within Europe and the US. He also stated Ukraine’s capability to target Russian naval vessels and announced an upcoming trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in the UAE.
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The White House account shared a digitally altered image of Nekima Levy Armstrong, who was arrested for disrupting a church service, depicting her as if she was crying, without disclosing the manipulation. This follows a pattern of the White House using AI-generated images to portray targets, including those arrested or critical of law enforcement actions, in a negative light. The altered image, part of the case against Levy Armstrong, raises ethical concerns and could potentially prejudice the case. This action also brings to light the administration’s willingness to publish deceptive information pertaining to criminal investigations and the administration’s disregard for truth.
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Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been arrested for allegedly leading a transnational drug trafficking organization. He was wanted by the FBI and had been compared to notorious drug lords. Wedding was charged with attempted murder and other counts related to his alleged drug enterprise, including the death of a federal witness. Authorities believed he was hiding in Mexico with protection from the Sinaloa cartel, and last month seized assets of his worth millions of dollars.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Lawyer: Detained Asylum Seekers Highlight Rule of Law Collapse
According to an immigration attorney, an Ecuadorian father and his five-year-old son detained in Columbia Heights were legal asylum-seekers who followed proper procedures. The pair entered the country through the Brownsville, Texas port of entry in 2024 and utilized the CBP One app to declare their intent to seek asylum. The attorney stated the father and son were detained by ICE and sent to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in San Antonio, Texas. Conflicting accounts exist, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming the father ran away and abandoned his child, while school officials dispute this. The school community expresses concerns about the impact of increased ICE activity on students’ safety and well-being.
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