Nine individuals face charges for looting in areas ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires, with one additionally charged with arson in Azusa. Authorities recovered some stolen property, including an Emmy award, and allege that one suspect caused a hit-and-run during an arrest. These incidents, alongside nearly 60 arrests for looting and curfew violations, highlight the exploitation of the disaster by criminals. Increased security measures, including curfews and National Guard deployment, are in place to deter further criminal activity.
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New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham vehemently opposes President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize the National Guard for mass deportations, citing devastating consequences for families and the state’s economy. She vows to utilize all legal means to fight these deportations and will collaborate with other states in this effort. While rejecting mass deportations, Lujan Grisham supports increased federal agents to address criminal activity related to immigration and calls for Congress to pass a stalled bipartisan border security bill. Instead of mass deportations, the Governor advocates for more respectful rhetoric concerning immigrants and a focus on comprehensive immigration reform.
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President-elect Trump intends to utilize the US military for mass deportations, despite legal limitations on military involvement in domestic law enforcement. This plan could involve using state National Guard troops or attempting to circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act via the Insurrection Act, a move likely to face significant legal and political opposition. While some non-enforcement roles, such as transportation and infrastructure development, might be legally permissible, the military’s participation in direct law enforcement actions is highly controversial and could face significant internal resistance. Potential legal challenges and the military’s reluctance to undertake such a role present significant obstacles to the plan’s implementation.
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On Veterans Day, Harriet Tubman was posthumously awarded the rank of Brigadier General in the Maryland National Guard, a fitting recognition for her service as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Governor Wes Moore hailed Tubman as a true veteran and a leading figure in American history, highlighting her bravery in leading 150 Black soldiers on a dangerous raid in South Carolina. This honor, along with the recent unveiling of a bronze statue in Philadelphia and a school renaming, solidifies Tubman’s legacy as a symbol of freedom and resilience, though efforts to feature her on the $20 bill have stalled.
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John Q. Hosedrinker