The Trump administration has announced the creation of a militarized zone along the California-Mexico border. This initiative involves transferring approximately 760 acres of public land to the Department of the Navy for enhanced border security operations, a move that has sparked controversy. While border crossings have decreased, local officials and civil rights groups have expressed concerns regarding potential threats to civil liberties and the blurring of lines between military and immigration enforcement. This move aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to tighten border security, including similar actions in other border states and the deployment of troops and military gear.
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The proposed “Keeping Our Agents On the Line Act” aims to limit Border Patrol operations to within 25 miles of the border. This legislation, introduced by Senator Adam Schiff, includes exceptions for immediate or imminent life-threatening emergencies, such as the Uvalde school shooting. The bill also mandates public reports on training and interactions with citizens, while also seeking to clarify the primary mission of Border Patrol. This proposed legislation is a response to the current deployment of Border Patrol agents in U.S. cities, areas far from international borders.
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Starting Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement a new regulation requiring all individuals entering or leaving the United States to be photographed. This new regulation also allows U.S. customs officials to capture fingerprints in some cases. These measures are intended to address national security concerns, such as fraudulent use of travel documents. While concerns have been raised, DHS has assured that the data will not be used for “blanket surveillance” and will retain the personal data for up to 75 years. The program is expected to roll out gradually over the next three to five years.
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Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated in an interview that any “little green men” attempting to cross the Estonian border would be met with deadly force. This follows recent border incidents involving unmarked individuals, similar to those seen during Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Tsahkna cited reports of such incidents near Narva, a border town, and emphasized that Estonia is closely monitoring the situation. Estonia’s stance comes as a response to multiple violations, including brief incursions by Russian border guards and the presence of a Wagner-affiliated vessel, particularly along the Narva River which forms the border.
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Germany is sending soldiers to Poland to assist with border fortification efforts due to growing concerns about the threat from Russia. These German troops will be involved in engineering activities such as constructing fortifications and laying barriers. The deployment, expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and last until the end of 2027, does not require parliamentary approval as there is no immediate military conflict danger. This support aligns with Poland’s strong backing of Ukraine and its efforts to modernize its own military.
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Under consideration by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are new plans that would require all tourists, including those from Britain, to undergo social media screening before entering the United States. This proposed mandate would apply to both visa and non-visa travelers and would necessitate providing social media information from the past five years, along with other personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and family information. Currently, the ESTA application requires only an email address, home address, and emergency contact details. These proposed changes are open for public consultation for 60 days, while there have been reports of travelers being denied entry over social media posts and messages.
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Canadians have faced increased scrutiny at the U.S. border, with several individuals denied entry for various reasons, including past charges. In a recent incident, a Canadian man with no criminal record was detained for four hours due to a dropped charge from six years prior, highlighting the importance of documentation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection emphasizes that all travelers must prove their eligibility for entry and advises having documentation related to past legal issues. Global Affairs Canada confirms that it cannot intervene when entry requirements are not met, advising Canadians to be prepared for thorough inspections and potential denial of entry.
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Despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Canada’s tourism sector experienced a remarkable boom, largely at the expense of its neighbor. The article suggests that due to the political climate and increased border security, U.S. tourism has declined, leading to fewer Canadian visitors. Simultaneously, Canada has seen a surge in domestic and international tourism, with many choosing Canada over the U.S. due to perceptions of safety and friendliness. While the U.S. Travel Association forecasts a decline in international tourism spending, Canada’s tourism revenue has surged.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning ground operations on Mexican soil against drug cartels, with personnel from the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command and the CIA already in training. These covert missions, if authorized, would involve drone strikes and represent a significant escalation in the ongoing “armed conflict” with cartels, which the President has deemed “unlawful combatants”. This development follows the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the declaration of an “armed conflict,” potentially further complicating relations with the Mexican government, who has stated they will not permit unilateral action by American military personnel. While discussions continue on the scope of the missions, the operations, if approved, would be conducted under Title 50, providing a legal framework for covert intelligence activities.
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In a recent announcement, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) revealed the seizure of thousands of liters of chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs. On May 13th and 24th, officers discovered 4,300 liters of these substances within two marine containers originating from China, destined for Calgary. The seizure included 3,600 liters of 1,4 Butanediol, 500 liters of propionyl chloride, and 200 liters of Gamma butyrolactone. Furthermore, the CBSA reported making a total of 12,193 seizures overall in the three months ending in August, encompassing a wide range of contraband.
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John Q. Hosedrinker