Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Seeks Whistleblower Testimony in Contempt Case Against Trump Official Over Migrant Flights

Judge Seeks Whistleblower Testimony in Contempt Case Against Trump Official Over Migrant Flights

A federal judge is investigating whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should face contempt charges for allegedly ignoring a court order related to flights carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has ordered testimony from a whistleblower and a top Justice Department official to determine if the Trump administration willfully violated his order. The case stems from an incident in March when Boasberg ordered the return of two planes carrying migrants, which instead landed in El Salvador. The administration argues that the planes were already outside U.S. jurisdiction, thus not violating the order. The whistleblower, a former Justice Department attorney, claims that officials suggested ignoring court orders.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Orders Testimony from Justice Dept. Whistleblower in Migrant Planes Case, Examines Trump Administration Actions

Judge Orders Testimony from Justice Dept. Whistleblower in Migrant Planes Case, Examines Trump Administration Actions

Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg has ordered a former Justice Department attorney-turned-whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, to testify in a case concerning the Trump administration's handling of migrant flights. The inquiry focuses on whether officials defied a court order that temporarily barred the deportation of Venezuelan detainees to El Salvador. Reuveni has accused officials of planning to ignore the court's directive, a claim that has been denied by Emil Bove, a former top department official. The case is part of a civil suit brought by detainees and has reignited tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
DHS Proposes New Social Media Screening for Visa Waiver Travelers

DHS Proposes New Social Media Screening for Visa Waiver Travelers

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing new regulations that would require travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to submit extensive personal information, including social media accounts, email addresses, and family history, before being approved for travel to the United States. This proposal, published in the Federal Register, aims to enhance the screening process for travelers from over 40 countries, primarily in Europe and Asia, who currently do not need a visa to enter the U.S. The proposed changes are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to increase monitoring of international travelers and immigrants. The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed changes before they potentially take effect.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Attorney General Pam Bondi Revises Disparate Impact Regulations, Affecting Civil Rights Compliance

Attorney General Pam Bondi Revises Disparate Impact Regulations, Affecting Civil Rights Compliance

Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a significant revision to the regulatory guidance concerning the legal doctrine of 'disparate impact.' This doctrine, which has been a cornerstone of civil rights enforcement, allows for claims of discrimination based on outcomes rather than intent. Under the previous regulations, institutions receiving Justice Department grants were required to avoid actions that could unintentionally result in racial or ethnic disparities. Bondi's revisions aim to reduce the compliance burden on these institutions, such as police departments and universities, by eliminating the requirement to address unintentional disparate outcomes. The changes follow an executive order by President Trump targeting this practice, emphasizing that intentional discrimination remains illegal.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Justice Department Faces Scrutiny Over Legal Justification for Venezuelan Boat Strikes

Justice Department Faces Scrutiny Over Legal Justification for Venezuelan Boat Strikes

A bipartisan group of former federal ethics officials has requested an internal investigation by the Justice Department into the legal opinion that justified U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running boats in South American waters. The officials, including Norm Eisen, Richard Painter, and Virginia Canter, argue that the legal guidance may have violated professional responsibilities by allowing lethal force against civilian foreign nationals. The Trump administration has defended these strikes as part of a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels, which it has labeled as terrorist organizations. However, legal experts have questioned this classification, noting that drug cartels do not meet the criteria of organized armed groups under the law of armed conflict.
AP News AP News
Judge wants whistleblower to testify in contempt probe of Trump official over planes to El Salvador

Judge wants whistleblower to testify in contempt probe of Trump official over planes to El Salvador

A federal judge investigating whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador wants to hear from a whistleblower and a top Justice Department official
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Judge Seeks Testimony on Trump Administration's Deportation Actions Amid Contempt Probe

Federal Judge Seeks Testimony on Trump Administration's Deportation Actions Amid Contempt Probe

Chief U.S. District Judge James 'Jeb' Boasberg has ordered witness testimony to assess potential contempt charges against Trump administration officials. This follows allegations that officials violated a court order to halt deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. The judge's decision comes after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's declaration failed to clarify whether her actions were a willful violation of the court's order. Boasberg has requested the testimony of Drew Ensign, a Justice Department lawyer involved in the case, and Erez Reuveni, a former DOJ attorney who filed a whistleblower complaint. The case revolves around the transfer of migrants to El Salvador, which Noem claims was based on legal advice from the Department of Homeland Security's chief counsel.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Judge Seeks Whistleblower Testimony in Contempt Probe of Homeland Security Secretary

Federal Judge Seeks Whistleblower Testimony in Contempt Probe of Homeland Security Secretary

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg is investigating whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador. The judge has ordered the government to make Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign available for testimony on December 16, and wants to hear from fired Justice Department attorney Erez Reuveni a day earlier. The investigation stems from an incident in March when Boasberg ordered the Republican administration to turn around two planes carrying Venezuelan migrants. Instead, the planes landed in El Salvador, prompting the contempt probe. Reuveni has filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that a Justice Department official suggested the Trump administration might have to ignore court orders as it prepared to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of being gang members. The administration denies these allegations.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Seeks Testimony in Contempt Probe Over Trump Administration's Deportation Actions

Judge Seeks Testimony in Contempt Probe Over Trump Administration's Deportation Actions

Chief US District Judge James 'Jeb' Boasberg has ordered witness testimony in a contempt probe involving Trump administration officials. The case centers on the administration's decision to proceed with deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants despite a court order to halt them. Judge Boasberg is investigating whether the actions constituted a willful violation of his order. The probe includes testimony from Drew Ensign, a Justice Department lawyer, and Erez Reuveni, a former DOJ attorney who filed a whistleblower complaint. The case involves the application of the Alien Enemies Act and the legal advice provided to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Justice Department Faces Call for Internal Probe into Legal Opinion on Venezuelan Boat Strikes

Justice Department Faces Call for Internal Probe into Legal Opinion on Venezuelan Boat Strikes

A bipartisan group of former federal ethics officials has requested an internal investigation by the Justice Department into a legal opinion that justified U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running boats in South American waters. The request was sent to the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility, questioning whether the Office of Legal Counsel violated professional legal responsibilities. The officials, including Norm Eisen, Richard Painter, and Virginia Canter, cited a report indicating that the legal opinion protected personnel involved in the strikes from future prosecution. The Trump administration has defended these strikes as necessary, citing a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels. However, legal experts have challenged this justification, arguing that drug cartels do not qualify as organized armed groups under international law.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
White House Denies Report of President Trump Considering Replacement of Kristi Noem

White House Denies Report of President Trump Considering Replacement of Kristi Noem

The White House has dismissed a report suggesting that President Trump is contemplating replacing Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The report, published by The Bulwark, cited unnamed former DHS officials who claimed Trump was considering a change. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson refuted the claims, labeling them as 'total FAKE NEWS' and affirming Noem's effective implementation of the President's agenda. Noem has been central to the administration's immigration policies, which have faced increasing public scrutiny. The report comes amid speculation about potential cabinet changes as the year ends.
Reuters Reuters
Trump administration sued over removal of app for tracking immigration agents' whereabouts

Trump administration sued over removal of app for tracking immigration agents' whereabouts

By Brad Brooks Dec 8 (Reuters) - The developer of the most popular app used to share information about sightings of federal immigration agents sued the Trump administration on Monday, alleging free speech violations after Apple removed ICEBlock from its online store.