It appears there’s been a significant shift in how federal agencies are operating, specifically concerning investigations into confrontations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The word on the street, or at least among federal agents, is that the FBI will no longer be investigating these ICE encounters. This is quite a development, and it’s causing a stir, sparking a wide range of reactions and interpretations.
One of the immediate implications many are drawing is a sense of delegation, a sort of official green light for states to step in. If the FBI, a primary federal investigative body, is stepping back, then the logical next step, from this perspective, is that state and local law enforcement will be expected to pick up the slack.… Continue reading
Following an audit prompted by allegations of policy violations, two police officers in Greer, South Carolina, were terminated for misusing the department’s automatic license plate recognition technology. The Greer Police Department’s policy mandates that Flock Safety cameras be used solely for public safety missions, with violations subject to disciplinary action. The city emphasized its commitment to protecting citizen privacy and safety while employing advanced technology for its duties.
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A murder charge against sheriff’s candidate Aaron Spencer was dismissed due to egregious conduct by law enforcement, specifically the loss of a crucial dash-cam memory card. Spencer had been accused of second-degree murder for shooting Michael Fosler, who was allegedly abducting Spencer’s teenaged daughter. Fosler, who faced numerous charges including sexual assault, was found to be driving Spencer’s daughter at the time of the incident. Despite not denying the shooting, Spencer maintained his actions were to protect his daughter, a stance that resonated with voters as he later won a Republican primary for sheriff.
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Larry Bushart has settled his federal lawsuit for $835,000 after being wrongfully jailed for 37 days over an anti-Trump meme posted on Facebook. The meme was misinterpreted by local law enforcement as a threat of mass violence, leading to Bushart’s arrest based on a flawed affidavit. This settlement serves as compensation for the injustice Bushart endured and aims to send a message to law enforcement nationwide about respecting First Amendment rights.
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Tennessee officials have agreed to a $835,000 settlement with Larry Bushart, a retired police officer who was incarcerated for 37 days after sharing a Facebook meme. The meme, which referenced an Iowa school shooting and included a quote attributed to Donald Trump, was deemed threatening by authorities despite Bushart’s insistence that it was protected speech. This case highlights a rare instance where online expression led to criminal prosecution, resulting in significant personal and professional repercussions for Bushart. The settlement underscores the importance of respecting First Amendment rights, particularly in times of heightened tension and civil discourse.
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Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz have been indicted on charges including abuse of a corpse, stemming from the mishandling of unidentified human remains. Undersheriff Cruz Soto and Sergeant Caleb Sanchez also face indictments for assault and failing to intervene in an unrelated case involving the use of force during a mental health crisis. These indictments represent a significant portion of the seven-person sheriff’s office staff.
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In a recent case, federal agents pursued DoorDash driver Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who then sought refuge at his home with his cousin, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. Sosa-Celis alleges he was shot in the leg by an ICE agent during the encounter, a claim that conflicted with an initial Department of Homeland Security account. After initially filing criminal charges based on the DHS narrative, the Justice Department reversed course, citing newly discovered evidence and admitting federal agents made “false statements” under oath, leading to the dismissal of charges.
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The Justice Department has moved to drop criminal charges against two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, after federal agents involved in their apprehension admitted to making “false statements” under oath. This reversal follows initial accounts from the Department of Homeland Security that directly contradicted the narratives of Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, as well as emerging video evidence. The two agents involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into their untruthful statements, which may lead to their termination and potential prosecution. This incident is part of a larger pattern of federal agencies releasing initial statements about law enforcement encounters that are later proven to be misleading or false.
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Two immigration agents have been placed on leave and may face criminal charges following an investigation into an encounter in Minneapolis. Federal prosecutors sought to dismiss charges against two Venezuelan men, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who were accused of assaulting an ICE officer. New evidence revealed inconsistencies with the agents’ initial statements, prompting the dismissal of charges and raising questions about the agents’ conduct. Sosa-Celis and Aljorna plan to cooperate with ongoing investigations into the agents’ actions.
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Three Idaho families who are U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are suing state and federal law enforcement agencies after being detained for hours during an immigration raid at a rural horse racing track. The lawsuit alleges unconstitutional tactics, including detaining individuals based on their appearance, restraining adults and children for extended periods without basic necessities, and conducting searches without reasonable suspicion. The families contend that the raid, which targeted an event popular within the local Latino community, was a coordinated scheme for racial profiling, with the real objective being the deportation of innocent people. They seek a class action ruling, declaration of violations of federal law and constitutional rights, and monetary damages.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agents Admit Lying Under Oath After Shooting Suspect
In a recent case, federal agents pursued DoorDash driver Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who then sought refuge at his home with his cousin, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. Sosa-Celis alleges he was shot in the leg by an ICE agent during the encounter, a claim that conflicted with an initial Department of Homeland Security account. After initially filing criminal charges based on the DHS narrative, the Justice Department reversed course, citing newly discovered evidence and admitting federal agents made “false statements” under oath, leading to the dismissal of charges.
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