The Justice Department’s revised indictment of Nicolás Maduro, while still accusing him of “narco-terrorism” and drug trafficking, now describes the Cártel de los Soles as a “patronage system” rather than a literal organization. This shift contrasts with the original 2020 indictment and highlights inconsistencies within the government, as the Treasury and State Departments continue to designate Cártel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This designation is key for Trump, who has been using it rhetorically to justify policies, like the summary execution of suspected drug smugglers, blurring the lines between drug trafficking and violent aggression. Critics argue that the FTO label is being applied loosely, even when it lacks a strong legal or factual basis, particularly in cases like Cártel de los Soles.
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‘Epstein files’ deadline lapses for third week, lawmakers press DOJ over delay… well, here we are again. It’s the third week past the deadline for the release of the Epstein files, and the pressure from lawmakers on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to get things moving is supposedly mounting. It’s almost becoming a recurring theme, isn’t it? The deadline comes and goes, and yet the files remain largely unseen. It’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu with this situation.
The fact that the deadline has been missed repeatedly raises a lot of questions. One has to wonder what exactly is causing these delays.… Continue reading
In a recent development, Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie have requested a federal judge appoint a special master to compel the Justice Department to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein, citing the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The representatives expressed concerns over the DOJ’s failure to meet the December 19th deadline for full disclosure and questioned the accuracy of the department’s self-reported figures. They also noted the absence of required reports detailing redactions and withheld records, hindering effective oversight. Khanna and Massie are requesting the independent monitor to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the document production.
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A New York judge disqualified a Trump administration federal prosecutor, John Sarcone, from overseeing investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling he was not lawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney. The judge determined the Department of Justice did not follow the proper statutory procedure after judges declined to extend Sarcone’s tenure. This decision blocks subpoenas requested by Sarcone, who was challenged by James after issuing subpoenas related to her lawsuits against Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association. The ruling is part of a series of judicial actions across the country questioning the legality of Trump administration maneuvers to install top federal prosecutors without Senate confirmation.
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The Trump administration used the alleged existence of a “Cartel de los Soles” led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as justification for his removal. However, now that the Department of Justice must prove this in court, the claim is being walked back, effectively admitting the non-existence of the organization. This narrative, initially used to garner support for US aggression, described Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. But the new indictment omits the existence of a formal cartel, portraying it as a culture of corruption instead.
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Epstein files: 2 million records in various stages of review, DOJ says, and the situation feels like it’s spiraling, doesn’t it? The Department of Justice has stated they’re knee-deep in reviewing over two million documents related to the Epstein case. It’s a staggering number, especially when you consider the initial deadline for releasing these files was back in December. What’s even more concerning is the slow pace of the releases thus far, with less than one percent of the documents having been made public.
This whole process has brought a lot of things into sharper focus. It makes you wonder about the priorities, the speed at which things are supposedly being done, and whether there’s a genuine commitment to transparency.… Continue reading
The Department of Justice’s handling of the Epstein files release has been marred by issues of willfulness and incompetence, particularly in light of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The DOJ has opted for a rolling release, defying the Act’s mandate for minimal redactions and a specific timeline, and has ignored requirements for written justifications for redactions. Furthermore, the released documents contain extensive, often improper redactions, with information easily recovered and inconsistently applied, raising questions about the DOJ’s adherence to the law and their handling of the process. To ensure transparency and public trust, a new House committee should be formed to oversee the release of the unredacted pages.
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The Department of Justice missed its deadline to explain the redactions in the Epstein files, sparking criticism, particularly after the deletion of 16 files, including one featuring Donald Trump with Epstein. While the DOJ cited privacy concerns as justification, some argue this doesn’t explain the delayed release of millions of files. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie are now pushing for a special master to ensure the files’ complete release and seeking to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for non-compliance. The DOJ, using 400 lawyers, estimates the review and redaction process will continue until at least January 20th.
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A federal judge in Kentucky has dismissed Louisville’s proposed settlement with the Department of Justice regarding police reforms after the DOJ withdrew its support. The DOJ’s decision, influenced by new leadership, cited concerns over the legal theories used in evaluating police departments, leading to the cancellation of proposed consent decrees for Louisville and Minneapolis. The judge’s ruling does not prevent the city from pursuing its own reforms, and Louisville has since created its own reform plan and hired an independent consulting group. Mayor Craig Greenberg remains committed to continued reform, and has begun implementing changes, including addressing open records requests.
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U.S. immigration officials do not plan to detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia again as long as the court order banning it stands, according to a recent filing. The case of the Salvadoran citizen has become a focal point in the immigration debate following his mistaken deportation and subsequent return. A newly unsealed order revealed that Justice Department officials pushed for Abrego Garcia’s indictment on human smuggling charges, deeming it a “top priority.” Abrego Garcia, who has pleaded not guilty and is seeking to have the case dismissed, is arguing that the prosecution is vindictive, stemming from the embarrassment of his wrongful deportation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood