U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant increase in electronic device searches at border crossings, with an overall rise of nearly 17% from the previous record. From April to June alone, searches were up over 21% from the previous quarter, and 12.6% over the past year. While the agency claims these searches are lawful and necessary for security, immigration lawyers and travelers report heightened scrutiny, including questioning about political views. These stricter practices, along with documented instances of detainment and confiscation of personal belongings, have led some to reconsider travel to the U.S.
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Canadian visitation to Montana is declining, with a 33% decrease in June following a 38% drop in May, according to Forbes. Montana officials, like Glacier Country CEO Racene Friede, confirm the decline, noting decreases at all ports of entry, such as a 24.76% drop at the Del Bonita port. Credit card spending data also reflects this trend, with a 37% monthly decrease in Kalispell and a 25% drop in Whitefish, prompting a marketing campaign to attract Canadian visitors.
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The Pentagon is reallocating $200 million from various military projects, including those for Marine Corps barracks and military schools, to construct a 20-mile-long, 30-foot-tall permanent protective barrier at the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Arizona. This action, justified under a presidential executive order and U.S. code regarding emergency construction, will replace the existing 12-foot-tall mesh barrier along the border. The repurposed funds come from programs dating back to fiscal year 2021, affecting projects in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Department of Defense. The Pentagon’s decision to use military funds for border security has drawn criticism, although officials cited the need to obtain operational control of the border.
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The Associated Press, established in 1846, stands as a leading global news organization committed to unbiased and factual reporting. AP is the most trusted source for fast and accurate news across all formats, serving as a vital provider of technology and services for the news industry. The organization’s journalism reaches over half of the world’s population daily.
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French police were filmed slashing a migrant “taxi-boat” on a beach south of Boulogne, leading to the collapse of the vessel and the safe evacuation of those onboard. This unusual intervention sparked speculation about a change in tactics, especially given the pressure to halt migrant crossings to the UK. However, authorities clarified that existing rules forbidding water interventions remain, with officers prioritizing safety. Instead, procedural changes are likely to focus on intercepting boats at sea.
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The recently passed budget bill significantly increases spending on immigration and border enforcement through 2029, allocating approximately $150 billion for these purposes. Notably, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will receive a staggering $45 billion, surpassing the budgets of all other federal law enforcement agencies combined, making it the largest in the nation’s history. Furthermore, this substantial investment in immigration enforcement will rival the military spending of many countries, ranking it among the top global military budgets.
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Construction of Estonia’s Baltic Defense Line, a project costing €4.4 million, is underway along its southeastern border with Russia. The initiative includes the excavation of a significant anti-tank ditch and the planned construction of 28 bunkers and 10 storage sites by year’s end. This defensive infrastructure, situated partially on Ministry of Internal Affairs land, aims to deter potential aggression and enhance border security. The project is part of a broader regional effort by the Baltic states to strengthen defenses against potential threats from Russia and Belarus.
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Texas has quietly halted funding for its state-funded border wall project after only completing 8% of the planned 805 miles, despite already spending over $3 billion. This leaves the future of the wall uncertain, with the state budget instead allocating funds to the Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard for border security efforts. The decision comes despite Governor Abbott’s previous emphasis on the wall as a key policy achievement. While the state suggests the federal government could take over, the project’s high cost and effectiveness have been questioned by some Republican lawmakers.
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The Blast provides comprehensive post-session coverage. It details the outcomes of legislative actions, highlighting both successes and failures. Crucially, the coverage emphasizes the continuing relevance of key issues. This ensures readers remain informed on matters of ongoing importance. Readers can stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
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John Q. Hosedrinker