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Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada Over “FAKE” Reagan Ad

President Donald Trump announced Thursday night that he was terminating all trade negotiations with Canada after criticizing an anti-tariff advertisement produced by Ontario that used archival audio of Ronald Reagan and calling the ad “FAKE.”

“The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

“They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts. TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”

The 60-second spot was part of a $53.5 million campaign launched by Ontario Premier Doug Ford aimed at informing American voters about the effects tariffs can have on everyday life.

Ford said at the time of the campaign’s launch, “Let’s take Ronald Reagan’s words and let’s blast it to the American people. We’re going to repeat that message to every Republican district there is right across the entire country.”

The ad pulls from a 1987 radio address in which Reagan explained why he was placing tariffs on Japanese electronics.

In the advertisement, Reagan warns that while tariffs may appear to protect American jobs in the short term, “over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American, worker and consumer.”

The ad continues with Reagan’s explanation of retaliation and trade wars:

“High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars. Then the worst happens. Markets shrink and collapse, businesses and industries shut down, and millions of people lose their jobs.”

Ford described the creative as “not nasty” and “very factual,” calling Reagan “the best president [America] has ever seen, in my opinion,” and said the ad would run on major television networks across the United States.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute issued a rebuttal Thursday, saying the ad “misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address, and the Government of Ontario did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks.”

The institute added that it was “reviewing its legal options in this matter” and linked to the full text of Reagan’s original address.

Trump tied the ad to broader legal and trade disputes in his Truth Social post and framed tariffs as critical to national security and the U.S. economy.

The president has imposed tariffs on a number of Canadian products in recent months, including lumber, aluminum, steel and automobiles, and announced a 25 percent tariff on heavy trucks effective Nov. 1.

Despite the measures, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continues to govern much of the trade relationship between the two countries.

The ad and Trump’s response come amid sensitive diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Ottawa. The Canadian leader referenced in several reports is described as having sought to improve ties with the White House.

According to the provided account, the Canadian official framed his visit as an effort to restore bilateral relations and discuss shared economic and security priorities.

The text also recounts an exchange in the Oval Office in which the Canadian official reportedly said, “You are a transformative president,” and Trump quipped about a hypothetical “merger of Canada and the United States.”

The report asserts that the United States imported $412 billion worth of goods from Canada in 2024, and that Canada’s GDP fell 1.5 percent in the second quarter, adding to pressure on Ottawa to secure favorable terms.

It also quotes critics at home urging Canada to extract substantive concessions, with one political scientist saying, “Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress.”

The Ontario campaign’s use of Reagan audio and the Reagan Foundation’s objection appear to have escalated already tense trade discussions. The institute said Ontario did not seek permission to edit the remarks, and the foundation linked audiences to the full address as it considers legal action.

Ford initially threatened retaliatory tariffs in response to earlier U.S. measures, though he ultimately stepped back from those threats.

The advertisement, Ford said, was intended to present a cautionary message to American voters about tariffs’ long-term consequences and to use Reagan’s own words to illustrate that point.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was quoted as saying that Canada’s current leadership was “much more centrist, much more interested in exploiting their energy resources” than the previous government, and that Washington was developing a “great relationship” with Canada dependent on cooperation over mutual interests, even as tariff disputes continue.

The White House has argued that tariffs protect domestic industries and that the United States subsidizes Canadian economic and security benefits in ways that justify tougher trade stances.

Trump reiterated those themes in his Truth Social post, asserting that the U.S. protects Canada and criticizing Ottawa’s economic policies.

The termination of trade negotiations marks a sharp diplomatic turn, with both economic and political ramifications.

The Ontario ad that prompted the response framed tariffs as harmful to American workers and consumers over time; the Reagan Foundation’s assertion that the ad misused archival remarks sparked Trump’s declaration to halt trade talks.

The legal and diplomatic fallout from this episode is ongoing.

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Latest US Strike on Drug-Running Boat Kills 6, Hegseth Says

In a decisive display of American strength and commitment to homeland security, the U.S. military has launched its tenth strike on a suspected drug-running vessel in the Caribbean.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a leader who has never shied away from tough calls, confirmed the operation, which resulted in the deaths of six alleged cartel operatives.

Hegseth did not mince words in attributing the activity to the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious criminal group that first emerged within Venezuela’s troubled prison system.

This latest action highlights the Trump administration’s firm stance against international drug traffickers, sending a clear signal to criminal organizations that the United States will not tolerate the smuggling of deadly narcotics into its hemisphere.

In a social media post, Secretary Hegseth shared a dramatic 20-second black-and-white video of the strike, which shows a small boat sitting motionless on open water.

https://x.com/SecWar/status/1981706596972372446

Suddenly, a long, thin projectile arcs down from the night sky, igniting the vessel in a bright explosion. The video, as powerful as it is brief, underscores the military’s newfound speed and precision.

Notably, Hegseth celebrated that this was the first such strike conducted at night, demonstrating the military’s growing operational confidence.

“If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda,” he warned. “Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.”

This unapologetic approach serves as a direct warning to those who profit from America’s pain, making clear that time and darkness will not provide any cover from justice.

Because these strikes are no longer an occasional event, but rather part of a sustained campaign, they show a notable escalation.

What began in September with sporadic actions has accelerated to three strikes in just one week, including operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean—an area through which massive amounts of cocaine flow from the world’s largest producers.

Therefore, the scope and frequency of these missions reveal a comprehensive plan to choke off the trafficking routes at their source.

At the same time, the U.S. military’s presence in the Caribbean has grown visibly. Only hours before the latest strike, two supersonic heavy bombers were flown up to Venezuela’s coastline.

This demonstration of American air power, while raising eyebrows among international observers, shows that the United States is willing to use every tool at its disposal to secure its interests and protect its people.

Such actions have led some to speculate that President Trump could move to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is currently facing narcoterrorism charges in the United States. While this remains speculation, the message is clear: the United States will not stand by idly while criminal regimes export chaos and drugs.

Predictably, these bold actions have drawn criticism from Venezuela’s leaders. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino insisted that the U.S. government’s true aim is “force a regime change” and not to stop drug trafficking.

However, such claims ring hollow given Venezuela’s own history with narcotics gangs and its reluctance to cooperate with international law enforcement.

Secretary Hegseth has not shied away from making comparisons between today’s anti-cartel campaign and the war on terror launched after September 11.

For many Americans, this is a welcome recognition of the threat posed by modern drug cartels, which operate with the resources and brutality of terrorist organizations.

The Trump administration has backed up this rhetoric with action, declaring drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and officially recognizing an “armed conflict” with these groups.

When reporters questioned President Trump about whether he would seek a formal declaration of war against the cartels, his answer was characteristically direct.

“I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, OK? We’re going to kill them, you know? They’re going to be like, dead,” Trump stated during a roundtable at the White House.

His remarks cut through political doublespeak and made the administration’s position clear.

Of course, not everyone in Washington agrees. Some lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the scope and legality of these military actions. Democrats, in particular, have called the strikes a violation of international law.

Senator Richard Blumenthal went so far as to call them “lawless” and “reckless,” especially as the geographic area of operations expands.

Despite these objections, the Republican-led Senate has rejected efforts to require the president to seek further congressional authorization for such strikes, confirming that national security remains a top priority.

These recent events mark a new era in the U.S. fight against drug traffickers.

The administration’s willingness to act swiftly and decisively—guided by leaders like President Trump and Secretary Hegseth—signals to America’s adversaries that there will be no safe haven for those who bring death and destruction to our shores.

Americans can take heart knowing that the full might of the U.S. military stands ready to defend their safety, both at home and abroad.

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Bernie Sanders Admits Trump Did ‘Better Job’ Securing Border, Criticizes Biden

Sen. Bernie Sanders broke sharply with his party this week, praising President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement while criticizing former President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border, as reported by Fox News.

During an appearance on The Tim Dillon Show, Sanders said Trump “did a better job” securing the border and urged Democrats to return to an enforcement-based immigration approach.

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to the crowd duirng his “Fighting Oligarchy” speaking event Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at The Englert Theatre in Iowa City, Iowa.

“So long as we have nation-states, you’ve got to have borders,” Sanders said. “If you don’t have any borders, then you don’t have a nation.”

The Vermont independent continued:

“Trump did a better job. I don’t like Trump, you know, but we should have a secure border, and it ain’t that hard to do.”

The comments, aired in the Wednesday podcast episode and widely shared on X and YouTube, drew immediate attention from both sides of the political spectrum. The Republican National Committee’s research division posted the clip within hours of the broadcast.

“Biden didn’t do it,” Sanders added, referring to border enforcement. “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that overall [Biden] did a good job — it was not.”

Sanders’ remarks came as he promoted his new book, Fight Oligarchy, and fielded questions from host Tim Dillon about the direction of the Democratic Party. The episode marked one of the senator’s most explicit critiques of his own party’s immigration policies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show that migrant encounters reached a record 2.47 million in fiscal year 2023 — a sharp increase from roughly 458,000 in President Trump’s final year in office.

Sanders cited the ongoing crisis as evidence of failed leadership on both sides of the aisle, saying the U.S. has the “technology and manpower” to secure the border but lacks the political will to act.

Sanders’ tone reflects a major departure from his previous stance. During his 2020 presidential campaign, he dismissed the notion of a border crisis and accused Trump of “demonizing immigrants.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at Erie High School in support of the Harris/Walz presidential campaign in Erie on Oct. 26, 2024.

In a Fox News town hall in March 2020, Sanders said he “would not close the borders” during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling such policies “xenophobic.”

In January 2019, as President Trump made a televised address calling for urgent border action, Sanders responded by saying “we don’t need to create artificial crises.”

The senator’s latest comments suggest a shift toward acknowledging the scale of the border problem. His statement that it “ain’t that hard” to secure the border echoed arguments long made by conservatives who have pushed for stronger enforcement and physical barriers.

Sanders’ office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for further comment.

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FBI Dismantles Violent Philly Drug Ring After Nearly a Decade of Chaos

The FBI and federal prosecutors announced Friday the indictment of 33 alleged members of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization, accused of running one of Philadelphia’s most active drug markets for nearly a decade.

Federal officials said 24 defendants were arrested during coordinated operations Friday, eight were already in custody, and one remains at large.

Agents executed 11 federal search warrants, with additional results expected in court filings.

At a press conference in Philadelphia, FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as a model for reclaiming violent neighborhoods through sustained law enforcement cooperation.

Patel credited years of collaboration between the FBI, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“Today, even more criminals are off the streets because of the diligent work of the FBI and our partners,” Patel told Fox News Digital.

“Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses. These individuals were charged with distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on one of the most prolific drug blocks in Philadelphia. They were members of a violent drug trafficking organization and used violence to enforce their territory and sell drugs that poison our city streets and community. The FBI will continue our work to put an end to drug trafficking and violence in our cities.”

“This takedown is how you safeguard American cities from coast to coast,” Patel said.

“We have permanently removed a drug trafficking organization off the streets of Philadelphia.”

U.S. Attorney David Metcalf said the case focuses on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street in Kensington, a central hub of the city’s open-air drug market.

The indictment charges a conspiracy spanning January 2016 through October 2025, involving the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine.

“It’s a massive drug-trafficking conspiracy spanning nearly a decade, the largest federal indictment this century brought by our district,” Metcalf said.

“We targeted it like a precision missile at Kensington’s epicenter.”

Metcalf confirmed that 22 defendants were arrested in Friday’s sweep, while eight others already in local custody will be transferred to federal court next week.

Agents recovered dozens of firearms and significant quantities of narcotics from multiple alleged stash sites, with detailed totals to be presented in upcoming filings.

Prosecutors identified the organization’s alleged leaders as Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, known as “Flaco,” who “essentially owned” the block and charged rent to other dealers; Ramon Roman-Montanez, 40, of Philadelphia, known as “Viejo,” who directed daily operations and managed shifts; and Nancy Rios-Valentin, 33, of Philadelphia, who oversaw finances and scheduling.

Authorities said the crew allegedly used violence, including shootings, assaults, and intimidation tactics, to maintain control of their territory and retaliate against witnesses.

Officials noted that no formal murder or shooting charges have yet been filed, though the investigation remains ongoing.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs said the operation involved nine tactical teams and hundreds of officers across multiple states.

Most arrests took place in Kensington, with others in Puerto Rico, Delaware, and New Jersey.

“For too long the Weymouth Street drug organization flooded Kensington with drugs and terrorized residents with horrific acts of violence and intimidation,” Jacobs said. “That ended today.”

Jacobs added that the FBI will launch new public-safety initiatives encouraging residents to report criminal activity securely.

“Our job doesn’t end with these arrests,” he said.

“We will remain here, standing with the people of Kensington.”

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the takedown reflects the department’s ongoing strategy to dismantle organized crime in open-air drug markets.

“We’re not going to apologize for removing people who terrorize our community,” Bethel said.

“This is the model we can keep running.”

Officials said the case was developed under PSN Recon, a branch of Project Safe Neighborhoods that merges federal, state, and local intelligence to target violent offenders at the organizational level rather than through isolated arrests.

Metcalf explained that the working group meets monthly to identify high-level suspects for joint prosecution.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department remains committed to dismantling violent criminal networks.

“Drug traffickers who poison our communities and enforce their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law,” Blanche said.

“Working alongside our state and local partners, the Department of Justice will continue to dismantle these criminal networks and restore safety to neighborhoods that have suffered for far too long.”

Patel concluded by thanking investigators and prosecutors for their years of work.

“You need courageous prosecutors to bring these cases,” he said.

“This is exactly how you safeguard American lives. The blocks belong to the residents, not the drug dealers.”

“For the criminals that remain out there,” Metcalf warned, “the next indictment has a space with your name on it.”

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Stephen Miller: Gavin Newsom’s CDL Policy Gave Illegal Alien Keys to Kill

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Joe Biden during a Fox News interview Friday, citing their policies as contributing factors in a fatal multi-vehicle crash that left three people dead.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed that Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Indian national living illegally in the United States, retained and even upgraded his commercial driver’s license (CDL) days before the deadly collision.

Singh is accused of causing the crash while allegedly under the influence of drugs.

In an appearance on “The Will Cain Show,” Miller pointed to California’s decision to grant commercial driving privileges to noncitizens as a key policy failure.

“Gavin Newsom in his state has a policy to give commercial driver’s licenses to individuals who do not know how to speak English and do not know how to drive,” Miller said.

“Those are policy choices that Gov. Newsom and his state have made. So it’s one Democrat policy choice after another.”

Miller also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s border and immigration decisions, arguing they directly enabled Singh to remain in the country.

“This is a Democrat-caused calamity, heartbreaking calamity,” Miller told host Will Cain.

“The first crime against Americans was the Biden administration’s decision to voluntarily free and release from custody an illegal alien within hours of crossing the southern border.”

He described the period under the previous administration as one where strict enforcement helped prevent such incidents.

“Let’s go back to the unending nightmare that we lived through for four years under Biden, where single adult men in groups, in caravans, or traveling alone would show up at the border, present themselves, announce, ‘I’m here illegally. I’ve invaded your country. I demand entry,’” Miller said.

Miller said Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was released shortly after by the Biden-Harris administration.

He added that the reversal of Trump-era immigration policies contributed to the tragedy.

“And Biden would order the border patrol at taxpayer expense to ferry them on to the destination of their choice, in this case, California − that happened in 2022. The Biden administration did one other thing. Donald Trump issued a regulation barring work permits for illegal aliens. Biden reversed that regulation, mandated work permits for illegal aliens, issued him [Singh] a work permit,” Miller said.

Police in Ontario, California, arrested Singh following the crash, which authorities said involved multiple vehicles and resulted in three fatalities.

The California Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation into the collision.

Homeland Security officials confirmed Singh’s illegal entry into the United States in 2022 and his subsequent release under Biden-era border guidelines.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the state of California allowed Singh to obtain his commercial driving license under existing state law.

A Department of Transportation report released on September 26 found that more than 25 percent of commercial licenses issued to non-domiciled drivers in California were processed improperly.

Federal officials said the California Department of Motor Vehicles ignored federal directives to revoke licenses held by individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the incident could have been prevented had the state complied with the administration’s updated safety measures.

“The deadly crash in Ontario should never have happened,” Duffy said in a statement.

“California defied direct orders to revoke commercial licenses from undocumented drivers, and now three innocent lives have been lost.”

Authorities said Singh remains in custody at the San Bernardino County Jail on multiple felony counts, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing injury.

His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month.

Miller concluded that the tragedy reflects broader failures in border and state policy enforcement.

“This is what happens when leaders put politics above the rule of law,” he said.

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Federal Prosecutor Fired After Sending Files Related to Letitia James Probe

A federal prosecutor in Virginia who reportedly opposed bringing bank fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James has been dismissed after allegedly mishandling sensitive materials related to the case, according to an internal report.

Beth Yusi, a career attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, was terminated earlier this month.

Yusi, who joined the Department of Justice in 2010, had been based in the Norfolk office before her firing.

According to CNN, an internal email indicated Yusi allegedly forwarded investigative files containing James’ personally identifying information to her private email account.

The report stated that federal officials viewed the alleged action as a security breach involving protected case information.

Several media outlets reported that Yusi’s termination also followed internal disagreement over how to handle the bank fraud investigation involving James.

Yusi reportedly pushed back against pressure from within the Justice Department to move forward with criminal charges.

The former assistant U.S. attorney had authored an internal memorandum stating that there was insufficient evidence to establish probable cause for a bank fraud prosecution against James.

The case involves allegations that James made false statements to a financial institution in connection with her 2020 purchase of a property in Norfolk, Virginia.

Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that Yusi’s firing was based, at least in part, on her alleged mishandling of sensitive investigative materials.

They said the Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing her conduct.

Lindsey Halligan, interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was reportedly concerned about possible leaks of confidential case details to the press.

Halligan has overseen the prosecution of James since the investigation began.

“Ms. Yusi is a well-respected prosecutor, a leader among her peers, and a consummate professional with nearly two decades of experience,” Yusi’s attorney, Margaret Donovan, told CNN.

Donovan denied any wrongdoing by her client and disputed the claim that Yusi ever transferred protected materials outside government channels.

“She has no record of any such email and has never used her personal email account for any portion of any investigation,” Donovan said.

Letitia James appeared in federal court in Norfolk on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to both charges against her.

The indictment, filed by Halligan’s office, accuses James of committing bank fraud and making false statements to obtain a mortgage loan for a Norfolk property.

Prosecutors allege James purchased the home in 2020 using a $109,600 loan and signed mortgage documents declaring she would be the “sole borrower to occupy and use the property.”

However, investigators say James used the residence as a rental investment instead of occupying it as required under the loan terms.

According to the indictment, James also signed a “second home rider” to qualify for more favorable mortgage conditions, saving approximately $19,000 in costs and interest.

If convicted on both counts, James faces a potential sentence of up to 60 years in prison and fines totaling as much as $2 million.

The case remains ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, with pretrial motions expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Neither the Justice Department nor James’ legal team has commented further on the firing of Yusi or the allegations surrounding the handling of case files.

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Trump Secures Major Legal Win Over Gavin Newsom in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

President Donald Trump secured another legal victory against California Governor Gavin Newsom after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit declined to rehear a case challenging Trump’s authority to federalize National Guard troops during unrest in Los Angeles earlier this year.

In a brief order issued October 22, the Ninth Circuit denied California’s petition for an en banc rehearing in Newsom v. Trump, effectively upholding an earlier decision that affirmed the president’s authority to take command of state National Guard forces during domestic disturbances.

The ruling allows President Trump to retain command of approximately 4,000 California National Guard troops who were federalized under his order during protests that erupted in Los Angeles following federal immigration enforcement operations in June.

The legal dispute began after violent demonstrations broke out on June 6, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out raids near the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.

The operation resulted in 44 arrests and as many as 80 detentions.

The protests that followed escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, with demonstrators throwing objects at officers and damaging federal property.

The next day, President Trump invoked his authority under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, a statute permitting the president to call National Guard units into federal service “to protect federal personnel performing federal functions, and to protect federal property.”

The order activated 4,000 California National Guard members for a 60-day period to assist federal officers and maintain order around key federal facilities.

Governor Newsom immediately challenged the decision in court, arguing that the president had violated the law by failing to issue the order through the state governor, as required by statute.

Newsom claimed the move was unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power, asserting that the president had effectively seized state assets without proper consultation.

In August, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit rejected Newsom’s argument, holding that the president acted within his statutory and constitutional authority.

The panel found that the federal government has broad discretion to assume command of state National Guard forces during periods of domestic unrest when federal property or personnel are threatened.

The governor sought a rehearing before the full Ninth Circuit, known for its historically liberal leanings.

On October 22, the court denied that request, stating that not enough judges supported further review.

The denial leaves intact the earlier ruling, which now stands as binding precedent within the circuit.

Legal analysts say the decision could have long-term implications for the relationship between the federal government and state governors during emergencies.

The ruling reinforces the president’s authority to act unilaterally when federal operations face security threats and local leaders refuse cooperation.

By declining to revisit the case, the Ninth Circuit effectively reaffirmed the limits of state resistance during federal operations and confirmed the president’s power to mobilize state troops when national interests are at stake.

The Department of Justice hailed the outcome as a critical affirmation of executive authority, emphasizing that the president’s power to ensure the protection of federal assets remains “clear and nonnegotiable under the Constitution.”

Governor Newsom’s office has not indicated whether he plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Legal experts note that while an appeal remains possible, the Supreme Court has historically deferred to executive authority in matters involving the use of military or law enforcement power during civil unrest.

For the Trump administration, the decision marks another success in its ongoing disputes with California’s Democratic leadership, solidifying the president’s ability to act decisively in situations where state cooperation is withheld.

The ruling is expected to influence future federal responses to protests or riots that threaten federal property or personnel across the country.

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Scott Jennings Drops the Mic on Geraldo Rivera’s Attack on ICE Agents Wearing Masks

CNN political commentator Scott Jennings pushed back against Geraldo Rivera during a network panel discussion Thursday night, defending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following remarks that criticized their use of masks during operations.

The exchange began when Rivera questioned why ICE officers continue to wear masks during enforcement activity.

“Nobody wears masks. Only ICE. Only ICE,” Rivera said.

“And why is it? It’s because they are embarrassed by the job they have been tasked to do. It’s absolutely horrifying. Masks should be banned in law enforcement.”

Jennings responded by explaining that the practice is a safety measure rather than a political statement.

He pointed to recent threats and harassment directed toward ICE agents and their families, much of which he said has been fueled by online doxxing campaigns and political activism.

“Counterpoint: The reason they’re wearing masks, which, by the way, their director, Todd Lyons, is against the masks,” Jennings said.

“The reason they’re wearing them is because you have a dedicated group of people out there, and some of them, unfortunately, are Democrat political officials, who are doxxing them and their families and putting them in harm’s way. They face a thousand percent increase in violent attacks this year. These people are in harm’s way every day and they’re protecting themselves and their families.”

Jennings’ comments referenced a series of incidents across the country involving threats, physical violence, and exposure of ICE personnel identities.

Federal officials have confirmed a significant increase in assaults on agents in recent years, including multiple cases where personal addresses and family information were posted online.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in Dallas, where authorities said a man identified as Joshua Jahn opened fire on ICE agents.

Jahn reportedly struck and killed two migrant detainees before being apprehended.

The shooting, according to investigators, underscored the rising danger federal officers face as anti-ICE sentiment grows.

Jennings also noted that some elected officials and advocacy groups have publicly shared tools designed to track or report ICE activity.

Democratic Party platforms have hosted online features allowing users to submit details of immigration enforcement operations.

New York Attorney General Letitia James also introduced a reporting system encouraging residents to submit information about ICE encounters, citing “accountability” concerns.

Federal law enforcement officials have warned that such reporting mechanisms can lead to operational risks if they expose agents’ identities or ongoing investigations.

Jennings’ defense of ICE agents comes amid broader national debate over federal immigration enforcement and local resistance policies.

In many major cities, including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, Democratic leaders have promoted so-called “sanctuary” policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Townhall recently reported that a city alderman in Waukesha, Wisconsin, lost his job after he allegedly doxxed several men he believed to be ICE agents.

The men turned out to be local businessmen meeting for lunch. Officials said the misidentification could have led to serious consequences if private citizens had attempted to confront them.

Jennings’ comments follow months of heightened rhetoric surrounding immigration enforcement and federal authority.

ICE officials have repeatedly emphasized that anonymity measures, including the use of masks and unmarked vehicles, are intended to protect officers from retaliation, harassment, and potential violence.

Neither Rivera nor CNN management have commented further on the exchange. ICE’s leadership has not announced any changes to its current operational guidelines regarding officer identification or protective gear.

The Department of Homeland Security has not released updated statistics on recent threats to ICE agents but has acknowledged that hostility toward federal enforcement personnel has significantly increased since 2021.

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Chicago Democrat Under Fire for Putting a ‘Target on ICE Agents’ Backs

Illinois State Representative Margaret Croke is facing criticism after sending an email that listed detailed information about vehicles believed to belong to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in Chicago.

The email, distributed Friday under the subject line “Updated List of ICE Vehicles Seen Today,” included the make, model, color, and partial license plate numbers of several vehicles allegedly linked to ICE personnel in the area.

In the message, Croke urged recipients to report what she described as “suspicious activity” to local hotlines.

She wrote that ICE operations are “unlawful and undemocratic” and provided resources for individuals in the country illegally to contact attorneys and social service organizations.

The email also encouraged residents to “record and share” information about potential ICE vehicles in order to “protect someone from either being picked up off the street or unnecessarily and forcibly handled.”

Critics quickly denounced the move, arguing it endangered federal agents and obstructed lawful immigration enforcement.

The popular X account Libs of TikTok posted screenshots of the email, accusing Croke of “putting a target on agents’ backs” and assisting illegal aliens in avoiding arrest.

“She’s putting a target on agents’ backs and helping illegals evade arrest. This is absolutely disgraceful. CHARGE HER,” the account wrote in a post tagging the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.

Federal law prohibits disclosing personally identifying information of law enforcement officers engaged in undercover or sensitive operations.

Several former federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials have expressed concern that Croke’s email could violate those statutes.

While Croke’s office has not issued a formal statement, legal experts said such disclosures could interfere with federal operations and expose agents to potential harm.

The Department of Homeland Security has not commented publicly on whether it plans to investigate the incident.

This controversy follows similar actions in Chicago led by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who recently announced the creation of a nonprofit called “The ICE Accountability Project.”

The organization, according to Lightfoot, is intended to document and publicize the actions of federal immigration agents in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions.

Lightfoot, a former federal prosecutor, has defended her initiative as a transparency effort.

She said it was designed to ensure public oversight of federal immigration enforcement, which she has criticized as overly aggressive.

However, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Fox News that Lightfoot’s actions could violate federal law protecting the identities of agents.

“She will be getting a letter from us tomorrow to preserve anything she has done as well, to make sure that she’s not violating the law. It appears she is,” Bondi said.

“You cannot disclose the identity of a federal agent — where they live, anything that could harm them.”

Bondi’s office has not yet commented on whether similar legal concerns apply to Croke’s email, but she confirmed that such disclosures are being closely reviewed by federal authorities.

According to law enforcement data, incidents of threats and assaults on federal officers have sharply increased in recent years.

Officials say these attacks have grown particularly frequent in areas with “sanctuary city” policies, which limit cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.

Federal sources have not confirmed whether any of the vehicles listed in Croke’s email were actually connected to ICE agents.

An internal Department of Homeland Security review is expected to determine if operational security was compromised.

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Hakeem Jeffries Ends Silence, Endorses Zohran Mamdani for New York City Mayor

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., formally endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor on Friday, ending months of speculation over whether the top House Democrat would back the Democratic Socialist candidate, as reported by The New York Post.

In a statement to The New York Times, Jeffries confirmed his support for Mamdani less than two weeks before the November 4 election, noting that the two share some disagreements but stressing the need for party unity.

“Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries said.

He added that Democrats must unite in the face of what he called an “existential” threat from President Donald Trump.

Jeffries’ endorsement follows months of hesitation from Democratic leaders to embrace Mamdani, a 34-year-old New York assemblyman and member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

His unexpected primary victory in June exposed divisions within the party between the establishment and its progressive wing.

The Brooklyn congressman signaled Thursday that an endorsement was imminent. During an appearance on Rev. Al Sharpton’s radio program Keepin’ It Real, Jeffries said, “I do hope to talk to the Democratic nominee either late today or tomorrow, in advance of early voting.”

Jeffries highlighted Mamdani’s decision to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, calling it “a positive step in the right direction” and “a strong step toward community trust and public safety.”

He told Bloomberg Television that Mamdani’s position showed “a willingness to work with all New Yorkers to make the city more affordable and inclusive.”

Governor Kathy Hochul followed a similar timeline before endorsing Mamdani in September.

Initially withholding her support after his primary win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Hochul cited shared priorities such as affordability and safety in a New York Times op-ed announcing her endorsement.

Other key Democrats have remained silent. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not endorsed Mamdani, and Mayor Eric Adams threw his support behind Cuomo on Thursday. Sharpton, while appearing alongside Mamdani at a June rally in Harlem, has not made an official endorsement.

Republicans have seized on the endorsement to criticize Jeffries and his party’s ties to the far-left candidate. “Are there any moderate Democrats left?” New York GOP Chair Ed Cox said in a statement.

“Every elected Democrat — in New York and nationally — must answer this question: do you stand with Zohran Mamdani or do you stand with the principles upon which our republic was founded?”

Jeffries’ endorsement solidifies Mamdani’s growing backing among state and national Democratic figures as early voting begins Saturday.


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