The Department of Homeland Security launched a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area, deploying approximately 2,000 federal agents and officers. This operation, described as the largest ever by DHS, is partly tied to alleged fraud involving Somali residents and includes agents from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations. Immigration rights groups and elected officials reported an increase in federal agent sightings, and the state’s governor criticized the operation, citing lack of coordination. The operation also involved the arrest of 150 people Monday, with authorities focusing on fraud investigations, as the Trump administration intensifies immigration crackdowns in the region.
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Hilton Hotels announced it would sever ties with a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, following a video that showed a desk clerk refusing to book rooms for a person claiming to be a Department of Homeland Security agent. The decision came after the hotel’s owner, Everpeak Hospitality, had previously apologized for canceling reservations for DHS agents, claiming it was not consistent with their policy. Despite Everpeak’s initial assurance that the issue was resolved, the new video demonstrated a continued refusal to accommodate DHS employees, leading Hilton to take immediate action. Hilton reiterated its commitment to being a welcoming place for all and stated it would reinforce its standards with all franchisees to prevent similar incidents.
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After a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, denied rooms to Department of Homeland Security staff, Hilton issued an apology and assured the public the issue was being resolved. However, a video surfaced showing the hotel continuing to refuse rooms to DHS agents. As a result, Hilton announced it was removing the franchise from its system due to the hotel’s failure to meet its standards. The DHS had accused Hilton of a “coordinated campaign” to deny service to its employees.
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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing criticism for unauthorized use of artwork, specifically from Japanese artist Hiroshi Nagai, whose work was used in a post promoting deportations. This marks another instance of the department utilizing artists’ work, including a Thomas Kinkade painting, without permission to promote its immigration agenda. Previously, DHS faced backlash from pop stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter for using their music in videos that encouraged deportation efforts. The agency has defended its actions, stating their commitment to keeping Americans informed and safe, despite the growing condemnation from artists and the public.
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The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005, aimed to establish uniform standards for state IDs for security purposes, yet the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now considers it unreliable for confirming U.S. citizenship. This is despite REAL IDs requiring proof of citizenship for issuance. In a court filing, DHS admitted REAL IDs’ unreliability, and that agents may disregard the ID as proof of citizenship. This stance, revealed in response to a lawsuit regarding an instance of racial profiling, raises questions about the REAL ID’s effectiveness and its adherence to the Fourth Amendment.
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Secretary Kristi Noem is facing accusations of fabricating an emergency to justify demolishing 17 historic buildings on the St. Elizabeths Campus West, a designated National Historic Landmark being transformed into DHS headquarters. DHS claims the vacant buildings pose a security risk, potentially offering “tactical advantage” to a “malicious insider.” Preservationists, however, strongly object, arguing that the alleged security concerns stem from failures to secure the site and not the buildings themselves. They assert the emergency declaration bypasses proper procedures, with many buildings still lacking the necessary reviews.
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Representative Delia Ramirez has called for the resignation or impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, citing concerns over alleged misleading statements, misuse of resources, and disregard for court orders. Ramirez requested investigations from House Judiciary chairman Jim Jordan and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. Noem has defended her department’s actions and enforcement strategy, however, Democrats have criticized her leadership and immigration policies. Despite Ramirez’s demands, impeachment is unlikely due to Republican control of the House and President Trump’s support of Noem.
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During a December 11th hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced questioning regarding the deportation of U.S. military veterans. Representative Seth Magaziner specifically challenged Noem on the deportation of Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient, who was deported to Korea despite having served in the U.S. Army and struggling with PTSD. Magaziner accused Noem of lacking the ability to distinguish between deserving veterans and those who pose a threat. Noem stated she would review Park’s case but maintained that all laws must be enforced.
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The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) civil rights oversight, particularly within its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), has been significantly dismantled, shrinking from 150 staff members to just nine. This drastic reduction, coupled with an aggressive immigration enforcement agenda, has raised serious concerns from former federal oversight officials and human rights organizations. Cases of alleged abuse, like those within immigration detention centers, which were previously under investigation by the CRCL, may now go unaddressed. Critics fear this gutting of oversight creates a system where human rights violations can occur with impunity.
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A Republican consulting firm, the Strategy Group, with close ties to Kristi Noem and her aides at the Department of Homeland Security, received money from a $220 million DHS ad campaign, with the company’s role kept secret. The Strategy Group’s CEO is married to Noem’s chief spokesperson, creating potential conflicts of interest. The company was involved in filming an ad at Mount Rushmore. Government contracting experts suggest potential ethics violations, and the ad campaign has previously involved the Strategy Group in other controversial contracts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker