Explore

FBI Agents Directed to Defer ICE Assault Investigations; DOJ Denies Policy Shift

FBI Agents Directed to Defer ICE Assault Investigations; DOJ Denies Policy Shift

FBI agents have been instructed to defer investigations involving assaults on immigration agents to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), according to an internal email. This directive has raised concerns as HSI is part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have denied any policy change, stating that the FBI will continue to investigate such cases according to agency policy. The situation follows recent incidents involving ICE officers and has sparked debate over the appropriate handling of these investigations.

House Judiciary Committee Advances Bill to End DOJ's Surveillance of Congress

House Judiciary Committee Advances Bill to End DOJ's Surveillance of Congress

The House Judiciary Committee has passed the Congressional Records Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly. This legislation aims to protect the constitutional separation of powers by prohibiting the Department of Justice from conducting secret surveillance on Members of Congress. The bill requires notification to Members and staff when their records are sought, ensuring protection under the Speech or Debate Clause. The legislation responds to past DOJ actions during the Biden administration, which included secret subpoenas for phone records of Members like Rep. Kelly during investigations led by former Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Key Witness in ICE Shooting Case in Houston

Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Key Witness in ICE Shooting Case in Houston

A federal judge has issued an order preventing the deportation of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness in the fatal shooting of Mexican homebuilder Lorenzo Araujo Salgado by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The incident occurred during a traffic stop in Houston on July 7, when Araujo Salgado was shot while driving to a construction site. The shooting has led to public protests and demands for an independent investigation. Rojas Pliego, who has been in the U.S. for decades without legal status, is currently in ICE custody and claims his detention is unconstitutional. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has stated it will comply with the court order. The case has drawn attention to the actions of ICE officers, who reportedly targeted the van driven by Araujo Salgado due to its similarity to another vehicle involved in deportation proceedings.

Justice Department Investigates Harvard's China-Based Financial Aid Programs for Potential Discrimination

Justice Department Investigates Harvard's China-Based Financial Aid Programs for Potential Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Harvard University to assess whether its financial aid programs, funded by China-based sources, discriminate against American students. The Civil Rights Division is examining whether these programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin. The investigation follows an audit of Harvard's foreign funding disclosures, revealing that the university has received over $630 million from Chinese sources. These funds reportedly come with conditions that favor students from specific countries, potentially disadvantaging American students. The Justice Department has not yet reached any conclusions but has requested Harvard to provide documents related to these financial aid programs.

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Epstein Files Transparency Act II to Challenge DOJ Non-Compliance

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Epstein Files Transparency Act II to Challenge DOJ Non-Compliance

A group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Rep. Thomas Massie and including Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, have introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This legislation aims to address the Department of Justice's (DOJ) failure to comply with the disclosure requirements of the original Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in 2025. The new bill empowers state attorneys general, victims, and members of Congress to sue the DOJ for withholding or heavily redacting over 3 million Epstein-related files. The bill seeks to ensure transparency and justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein by enforcing compliance with existing laws and subjecting DOJ officials to penalties for non-compliance.

US appeals court raises prospect of re-arrest of pro-Palestinian advocate Mahdawi

US appeals court raises prospect of re-arrest of pro-Palestinian advocate Mahdawi

By Luc Cohen NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court ruled on Tuesday that a lower court lacked the jurisdiction to order the Trump administration to release pro-Palestinian advocate Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention, in a decision that could pave the way for his eventual re-

Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

A federal appeals panel has reversed a lower court decision ordering the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, opening the door to his re-arrest

Justice Department Declares ADA Guidance 'Not Enforceable'

Justice Department Declares ADA Guidance 'Not Enforceable'

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that its guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) integration mandate and the Olmstead v. L.C. decision is 'not enforceable.' This guidance, which has been used for over a decade to ensure community-based treatment for individuals with mental disabilities, is now under review following a 2024 Supreme Court decision. The Justice Department's notice clarifies that the guidance is not legally binding, despite being treated as authoritative by many courts. This move has raised concerns among disability rights advocates about the potential impact on the rights of people with disabilities.

Judge Halts Deportation of Witness in ICE Shooting Case in Houston

Judge Halts Deportation of Witness in ICE Shooting Case in Houston

A federal judge has issued an order preventing the deportation of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness in the fatal shooting of Mexican homebuilder Lorenzo Araujo Salgado by ICE officers in Houston. The incident occurred during a traffic stop, leading to protests and demands for an independent investigation. Rojas Pliego, who has been in the U.S. for decades without legal status, is contesting his detention as unconstitutional. The Department of Homeland Security has stated it will comply with the court order. The case has drawn attention to the actions of ICE and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

House Intelligence Committee Advances Bill to Enhance Cybersecurity and Election Security Measures

House Intelligence Committee Advances Bill to Enhance Cybersecurity and Election Security Measures

The House Intelligence Committee has approved the fiscal 2027 intelligence authorization legislation, which includes significant provisions aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and election security. The bill proposes a cyberthreat intelligence sharing pilot program for state and local governments, allowing them to receive monthly briefings on cyber threats from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Department of Homeland Security, and FBI. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve information sharing and address frustrations over previous federal cutbacks in cybersecurity support. Additionally, the bill mandates the ODNI to develop a strategy for information sharing with state and local entities and requires the Government Accountability Office to assess current information-sharing practices. The legislation also includes amendments focused on election security, such as requiring unclassified assessments of foreign intelligence threats to upcoming elections and protecting an...

DHS Fines Illegal Immigrants $84 Billion Under Trump Administration's New Policy

DHS Fines Illegal Immigrants $84 Billion Under Trump Administration's New Policy

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued over 100,000 civil fines totaling approximately $84 billion to illegal immigrants under the Trump administration. This initiative, which began shortly after President Trump's return to office, imposes a daily fine of $998 on illegal immigrants who fail to voluntarily leave the United States or comply with their removal orders. As of July, DHS has collected about $1.2 billion in payments. The administration argues that this approach is more cost-effective than traditional deportation proceedings and aims to encourage self-deportation. DHS has also released a flyer promoting the benefits of self-deportation, such as retaining earned money and eligibility for future legal immigration. The flyer warns that failure to self-deport will result in apprehension without the opportunity to settle affairs.

Trump Administration's New Limits on F-1 Student Visas Raise Concerns Among Immigration Lawyers

Trump Administration's New Limits on F-1 Student Visas Raise Concerns Among Immigration Lawyers

The Trump administration has proposed significant changes to the F-1 student visa program, which could impact international students studying in the U.S. The new rule would cap F-1 visas at four years and reduce the grace period after graduation from 60 days to 30 days. Students would need to apply to the Department of Homeland Security for extensions or leave the country and re-enter. The changes aim to address national security concerns and visa fraud. However, immigration lawyers warn that these changes could deter international students from studying in the U.S., affecting universities and the broader economy. The rule is set to take effect on September 15, pending congressional review.