Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, purportedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airlines jets for deportation flights, but it was later discovered the airline didn’t own the planes nor did they have engines. This plan was reportedly paused due to the revelation and objections from ICE officials, who warned of the high cost. The DHS also acquired two Gulfstream jets during the government shutdown, drawing criticism from House Democrats, despite a previous bill allocating substantial funds for immigration operations. These purchases highlight ongoing issues surrounding the handling of immigrant deportation, including the use of planes for transportation.
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A promotional video from the Department of Homeland Security featuring Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino drew criticism and comparisons to Nazi imagery due to its styling. The video, which showed Bovino in a black coat and with a close-cropped haircut, included the text “WE WILL NOT BE STOPPED” and was accompanied by a caption emphasizing the department’s mission. The imagery quickly sparked outrage online, with California Governor Gavin Newsom condemning the video as evidence of the department’s intent, and online users also noting the visual similarities. The video’s release coincided with a legal order requiring Bovino to report to a Chicago courtroom daily regarding immigration sweeps, though the order has since been paused.
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A Department of Homeland Security promotional video featuring Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino in a black trench coat has drawn comparisons to Nazi imagery due to the styling of the video. The video, released the same day Bovino was ordered to appear in court, features the commander in a stylized black-and-white portrayal and has led to accusations of fascism and authoritarianism, including from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The video’s release occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of DHS tactics, including those around protests and aggressive deportation goals. The DHS has not responded to questions regarding the video’s production or its potential connection to Nazi symbolism.
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The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, purchased two luxury Gulfstream G700 jets for $172 million, citing safety concerns and the aging of existing aircraft. Despite the Coast Guard’s request for a single, less expensive jet, this purchase is raising questions about the source of funding and the necessity of two jets, particularly amidst a government shutdown. Democrats are criticizing the expenditure as lavish, with concerns voiced by Representatives DeLauro and Underwood, who have requested clarification on the funding source. This spending follows scrutiny of Noem’s previous use of taxpayer funds, including renovations to the governor’s mansion and personal travel costs while she was governor of South Dakota.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement following the shooting that contained several inaccuracies, which has prompted concern. Specifically, the initial statement falsely claimed the victim had threatened officers with a weapon and rammed their vehicle. These claims are contradicted by the criminal complaint and body-cam footage. Representative Jamie Murphy has requested Governor Noem provide an accounting for these official deceptions and investigate whether government information was improperly leaked to an influencer.
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The Com, a hacking collective linked to major data breaches, has released the names and personal information of numerous government officials, including those from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This leak was accompanied by a Telegram post referencing an unsubstantiated claim from the DHS that Mexican cartels are offering payments for the doxing of agents. The Com’s actions demonstrate a concerning escalation of cyberattacks targeting government personnel.
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George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, has publicly contested the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) account of his arrest during a federal enforcement operation. DHS claims Retes became violent and obstructed officers, leading to his arrest for assault. However, Retes alleges wrongful detention for three days without charges, an attorney, or contact with his family, stating he complied with officers’ instructions and was subjected to excessive force. He has filed claims against federal agencies, arguing DHS is attempting to demonize him for challenging government actions.
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The video in question, initially believed to depict the arrest of a 15-year-old charged with robbery, actually showed the arrest of 18-year-old Evelyn in Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago, not the city itself. Evelyn, who is a U.S. citizen, was arrested on Friday, and sources indicate she and her friends were monitoring ICE presence in the area. Following the arrest, Evelyn and her friends were taken to the Hoffman Estates Police Department parking lot and released without charges, however, the arresting agency remains unidentified.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a video on X that included a brief image of “Mac Tonight,” a character associated with online white supremacist and neo-Nazi content. The character’s inclusion sparked controversy due to its history of association with racist and hateful imagery. This incident follows a period where DHS’s social media has exhibited nationalist content, and the government has severed ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) which has documented the racist use of the “Mac Tonight” character. While a DHS spokesperson stated the character’s presence was unrelated to any racist undertones, the incident has raised concerns about the potential use of white supremacist memes and imagery within the Trump administration.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a promotional video showcasing an ICE raid, highlighting over 900 arrests during “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago. Eyewitness accounts described the raid as violent and traumatic, with reports of residents, including children, being manhandled and dragged from their homes. Despite the agency’s claims, the video omitted accusations of mistreatment, including the detention of U.S. citizens and the forceful removal of children. This promotional video is another example of the DHS’s controversial use of PR stunts, following a pattern of using emotionally charged footage of raids.
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John Q. Hosedrinker