Recent government data reveals that immigrants with no criminal record now constitute the largest group in U.S. immigration detention, surpassing those with criminal histories or pending charges. This shift marks the first time under the Trump administration that the number of non-criminal immigrants in detention has exceeded those with criminal backgrounds. Furthermore, the surge in arrests has led to an increase in collateral arrests, contributing to the detention of individuals with no prior record and even some who are legally in the US. Despite DHS’s claims of targeting “the worst of the worst,” the data contradicts this narrative, raising concerns about inhumane treatment in detention facilities and a complete vilification of immigrants.
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Attorneys representing Payton Gendron, the perpetrator of the Buffalo supermarket shooting, have moved to dismiss the federal charges against him, citing a lack of minority representation on the grand jury. They claim that the grand jury that indicted Gendron did not accurately reflect the demographic makeup of the community. Judge Vilardo, while noting the irony of the claim in a hate crimes case, did not immediately rule on the motion. The prosecution maintains that any disparities were within acceptable guidelines and not a systematic exclusion, while the defense argues the opposite.
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Attorneys for Payton Gendron, the gunman in the Buffalo supermarket shooting, are seeking to have the federal charges against him dismissed, citing a lack of representation of Black and Hispanic individuals on the grand jury that indicted him. They claim the jury selection process was flawed, leading to underrepresentation of these groups. Prosecutors, however, argue these claims are unfounded, stating that any disparities were within acceptable guidelines. The court is set to hear arguments on the defense’s motion, which alleges a violation of Gendron’s rights.
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During an immigration raid in downtown Los Angeles, 32-year-old US citizen Andrea Velez was arrested, prompting her family to call it a “kidnapping.” According to witnesses, agents apprehended Velez without asking for identification, leading her mother to believe she was targeted due to her skin color. Despite family members, including attorneys, searching for hours, they were unable to locate Velez. While the exact charges are unknown, a Department of Homeland Security official stated Velez was arrested for assaulting an ICE officer.
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Nikki Saroukos, a former NSW police officer, was detained, jailed overnight, and deported from the United States despite holding a valid tourist visa to visit her US Army lieutenant husband in Hawaii. During her visit, she was subjected to invasive searches, interrogations about her past police work, and a night in federal prison, experiencing what she describes as humiliating and criminal treatment. This ordeal, which involved the confiscation of her phone and a forced DNA swab, left her and her mother deeply traumatized and demanding answers. The couple are now considering relocation to Australia to escape further potential issues.
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A Maryland audit of 87 in-custody deaths revealed at least 36 cases misclassified as anything other than homicide, exposing racial and pro-police bias within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner under Dr. David Fowler. These cases, largely involving sudden deaths following police restraint, were unanimously reclassified by review panels. Governor Moore issued an executive order to investigate the 41 cases flagged for potential reclassification and established a task force to address systemic issues. The audit also recommended improved law enforcement training and standardized procedures for investigating restraint-related deaths.
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Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging racial bias in pay and promotions. The settlement, preliminarily approved by a California court, covers at least 6,632 employees who worked at Google between February 15, 2018, and December 31, 2024. The lawsuit, initiated by a former Google employee, claimed that employees from underrepresented ethnic groups received lower starting salaries and job levels compared to their white and Asian counterparts. While Google denies the allegations of discrimination, the settlement reflects a resolution to the claims.
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John Q. Hosedrinker