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Portland Police Arrest Conservative Journalist, ‘But None of the Domestic Terrorists’
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Portland Police Arrest Conservative Journalist, ‘But None of the Domestic Terrorists’

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Portland Police arrested conservative journalist Nick Sortor on Thursday evening while he was reporting outside the Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

Video shared on social media showed officers detaining Sortor, though the reason for his arrest has not yet been released.

Eyewitnesses at the scene posted accounts on X. User C.K. Bouferrache, known online as Honeybadgermom, wrote, “Looked like @nicksortor got jumped. We are on the lower roof at ICE but difficult to tell exactly what happened at this distance. Portland liaison officers stand nearby and watch.”

In a follow-up post, she added, “I cannot believe they arrested this guy for defending himself. The woman that went after him has taken part in a few assaults this last week.”

X user Mark Wilson also posted video clips of the incident.

“Portland PD arrested @nicksortor tonight. Unclear why, as he wasn’t doing anything criminal. This comes after Portland police refused to arrest the lady who assaulted @KatieDaviscourt,” Wilson wrote.

In another post, he added, “Portland PD arrested a journalist, but none of the domestic terrorists,” as he shared footage of Sortor being taken away in handcuffs.

Prior to the incident, Sortor had been posting updates from outside the ICE facility, where a group of demonstrators had gathered to show support for federal officers.

One of his posts read: “PATRIOTS have shown up outside the Portland ICE facility, holding up a sign saying ‘Thank you for your dedication & hard work!’ ‘We appreciate you!’ And of course, Antifa clowns are MELTING DOWN over it, yelling at them.”

In another update, Sortor described a confrontation involving a protester who entered federal property: “FAFO ALERT: A degenerate leftist just jumped onto federal property at the Portland ICE facility and CHALLENGED agents to ‘do something about it.’ And they DID — QUICKLY. Dude ended up on the pavement, arrested, and dragged into the facility. Beautiful.”

The arrest comes just days after another journalist, Katie Daviscourt of The Post Millennial and Human Events, was assaulted during demonstrations in Portland.

On Tuesday, Daviscourt was struck in the face with a flag pole by a female Antifa protester, resulting in a black eye.

Daviscourt later stated that police declined to pursue the suspect.

According to her account, officers told her it was too dangerous to attempt an arrest while Antifa protesters were in control of the area.

She appeared on Fox News the following evening and told host Jesse Watters that Portland Police Chief Bob Day should resign.

“Portland Police Chief Bob Day should resign in disgrace,” she said, criticizing the department’s handling of violent demonstrators.

The incidents involving both Daviscourt and Sortor have renewed concerns about how Portland authorities are managing ongoing confrontations between left-wing activists, conservative journalists, and law enforcement near federal property.

Shocking New Move in Caribbean Sends a Message the World Cannot Ignore
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Shocking New Move in Caribbean Sends a Message the World Cannot Ignore

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President Donald Trump has once again shown that he is not afraid to make bold decisions in defense of the American people.

In a decisive move, Trump has declared that drug cartels operating in the Caribbean are unlawful combatants.

According to a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press, the United States is now engaged in what the president described as a “non-international armed conflict” following a series of recent strikes against smuggling boats.

This marks a powerful escalation in the fight against the cartels and signals that the administration will stop at nothing to secure America’s borders and communities.

A source familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to comment publicly, explained that Congress was formally notified of the designation by Pentagon officials on Wednesday.

This development comes directly after the U.S. military successfully carried out three strikes last month on vessels alleged to be drug smuggling operations.

At least two of those boats had originated from Venezuela, a country that has long been tied to organized crime and narcotics flowing into the United States.

While Pentagon officials did not release a complete list of the terrorist organizations at the heart of this conflict, the administration’s actions have already frustrated some lawmakers.

According to individuals briefed on the matter, certain members of Congress expressed concern that the administration was pursuing a legal framework they believe should require more direct legislative involvement.

Nevertheless, the White House has made clear that these steps are necessary to address a threat that cannot be tolerated. Drug cartels are not simply organized crime rings.

They are heavily armed, violent, and transnational actors who destabilize entire regions. Because of this reality, treating them as unlawful combatants is not only justified but absolutely critical to stopping their deadly operations.

Democrats in particular have been pushing for Trump to seek formal war powers authorization from Congress for such operations. Yet, as has often been the case, their objections appear to place partisan politics above national security.

The classified briefing that outlined the administration’s strategy was met with stark objections from both Democrats and a handful of Republicans, but their resistance underscores how disconnected Washington insiders often are from the real danger posed by narcotics flowing across America’s borders.

Lawmakers who oppose Trump’s actions argue that the use of the military in this way raises questions about executive authority. However, the president has made it clear that extraordinary threats require extraordinary measures.

The administration’s actions are not simply about law enforcement but about protecting the lives of American citizens who are directly endangered by cartel operations.

The first of these operations took place on September 2, when U.S. forces struck what was identified as a drug-carrying speedboat. That strike killed 11 people and was tied to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang.

This gang, which the U.S. designated earlier this year as a foreign terrorist organization, represents exactly the kind of violent and destructive threat that the administration has vowed to eradicate.

By holding groups like this accountable, Trump is drawing a firm line that many previous administrations failed to enforce.

Critics, including human rights groups, argue that Trump’s actions represent an overreach of executive authority and accuse him of using the military for law enforcement purposes.

Yet these criticisms fail to acknowledge the magnitude of the crisis. Every cartel shipment that reaches America contributes to the opioid epidemic, violent crime, and the destruction of families.

Therefore, it is not only a matter of policy but a matter of national survival to confront these organizations with the full power of the U.S. military.

By framing the battle against drug cartels as part of an armed conflict, Trump is claiming the kind of wartime powers that allow the United States to move swiftly and decisively.

For the first time in decades, Washington is treating cartel violence not as a policing issue but as the full-scale threat that it is.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has played a key role in ensuring that the Pentagon supports this strategy. His leadership has demonstrated a willingness to cut through bureaucratic hesitation and align the military with the president’s bold vision.

Because of this decisive action, the United States is no longer playing defense. It is taking the fight to the cartels before they can poison more communities and destabilize more regions.

At the same time, this campaign sends a clear message to hostile regimes that may think of aligning with these criminal organizations: the United States will treat such actions as acts of war.

The critics may continue to question legality or political process, but the American people understand the bigger picture. This is about defending the nation from a clear and present danger.

Trump and Hegseth have shown that they will not back down from that responsibility, no matter how loudly the opposition shouts.

History will likely remember this moment as the time when America finally chose to confront the drug cartels with the seriousness they deserve.

Because of strong leadership, the United States is no longer waiting for the next wave of drugs to spill across its borders. Instead, it is striking first, striking hard, and striking in the name of freedom, safety, and sovereignty.

White House Memo Reveals Democrats’ Plan to Spend 0 Billion on Illegals
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White House Memo Reveals Democrats’ Plan to Spend $200 Billion on Illegals

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A newly released White House memorandum has outlined the financial impact of provisions contained in the Democrats’ proposed continuing resolution (CR), revealing that the plan would repeal major healthcare reforms signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The memo concludes that if enacted, the proposal would direct nearly $200 billion over the next decade toward healthcare for illegal immigrants and other non-citizens, while eliminating multiple safeguards designed to prioritize American citizens.

The reforms at issue were enacted under the Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTCA), which was signed into law by President Trump.

The law redirected taxpayer resources by closing loopholes and strengthening eligibility requirements to ensure healthcare benefits were reserved for American citizens. Among its key provisions, the law:

  • Ended Medicaid and Medicare funding for most non-citizens.
  • Blocked the use of emergency Medicaid expansions that reimbursed hospitals at higher rates for treating illegal immigrants than for caring for American seniors and children.
  • Repealed an Affordable Care Act subsidy rule that provided benefits to immigrants earning below the poverty line, while poor American citizens were ineligible.
  • Shut down a California program that used federal funds to provide Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants.
  • Expanded Health Savings Accounts to approximately 10 million Americans.

According to the White House memo, the Democrats’ proposal would reverse those reforms.

The projected costs include:

  • $91.4 billion to restore Affordable Care Act subsidies for non-citizens.
  • $34.6 billion to reopen California’s Medicaid program for illegal immigrants.
  • $28.2 billion in emergency care reimbursements for non-citizens.
  • $27.3 billion in subsidies under the repealed Affordable Care Act “special rule.”
  • $6.2 billion in new Medicaid expenditures for non-citizens.
  • $5.1 billion in Medicare costs for non-citizens.

In total, the plan would spend $192.8 billion over the next 10 years on healthcare for illegal immigrants and other non-citizens, nearly equal to the funding required for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the same time period.

The memo also states that the Democrat plan would repeal anti-fraud measures and remove work requirements for able-bodied adults, while canceling a $50 billion Trump-era investment in rural healthcare infrastructure.

White House officials have pointed to the proposal as the central reason for the current government shutdown.

Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized that the issue is not a matter of political spin but of legislative text.

“It’s not something that we made up. It’s not a talking point. It is in the text of the bill that they initially gave to us to reopen the government,” Vance said.

The memo further details the effects of the Democrats’ proposal, stating:

  • Non-citizens granted asylum or parole under Biden administration policies would again become eligible for Medicaid.
  • Medicaid reimbursements for emergency care to illegal immigrants would be greater than for American citizens who are elderly, disabled, or children.
  • California’s loophole allowing federal funds to cover Medicaid benefits for illegal immigrants would be reinstated.
  • A special Affordable Care Act subsidy program for non-citizens, previously repealed, would be restored.
  • Ten million American citizens would lose expanded Health Savings Accounts created under the WFTCA.

The White House framed the memo as a direct rebuttal to claims from Democratic leaders that Republicans were spreading misinformation about the contents of the CR.

Officials noted that the financial impact and eligibility expansions are clearly written in the legislation.

The continuing standoff in Congress has kept the government closed as negotiations continue.

The White House says it will continue to push for the preservation of Trump-era reforms, citing both the cost to taxpayers and the potential impact on American citizens if the safeguards are repealed.

Hakeem Jeffries Gets Cornered on CNN Over Healthcare Funding for Non-Citizens
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Hakeem Jeffries Gets Cornered on CNN Over Healthcare Funding for Non-Citizens

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) struggled to respond Wednesday when CNN’s Jake Tapper pressed him on provisions in Democrats’ shutdown demands that could extend healthcare benefits to certain non-citizens.

The exchange came as the federal government remained closed after funding negotiations broke down earlier in the week.

Democratic leaders, including Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have insisted that their healthcare-related provisions are focused on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and expanding benefits for American citizens.

Schumer strongly rejected Republican claims during an MSNBC appearance Wednesday morning, calling the argument “a total, absolute [expletive] lie.”

Jeffries has echoed that position in multiple interviews, accusing Republicans of spreading misinformation.

“Federal law prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to provide medical coverage to undocumented individuals. That’s the law. And there is nothing in anything that we have proposed that is trying to change that law,” Jeffries said during a September 30 interview with CNBC.

Republican leaders have countered that Democrats’ proposals would, in effect, provide healthcare for certain categories of non-citizens.

Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have pointed to Biden-era programs that expanded access for asylum seekers and individuals with temporary protected status.

“Yes, it is illegal for illegal aliens to receive health care paid for by hardworking American taxpayers. But [Democrats are] making the demand to change that. … That’s one of Chuck Schumer’s primary demands to keep the government open,” Johnson told CNN on September 28.

On Wednesday, Jeffries returned to CNN as the shutdown passed the 24-hour mark. Tapper directly questioned him about the details of the Democrats’ proposal.

“So let me ask you about a provision that the Republicans are talking about quite a bit. I know you want to talk about and Democrats want to talk about extending the Obamacare subsidies which expire at the end of 2025. But they talk about the provisions and it’s right here,” Tapper said, holding up a copy of the text.

“Subtitle E, and this has to do with the repeal of health care subtitle changes and specifically what it is they’re—how they characterize it, is you want to give health insurance uh to undocumented immigrants,” Tapper continued. Jeffries interrupted, responding, “That’s a lie.”

Tapper agreed that the provision was not directly about undocumented immigrants but clarified that some funding would impact non-citizens.

He noted that the plan would restore funding for emergency Medicaid to hospitals, which could cover undocumented immigrants and uninsured individuals in urgent care situations.

Tapper added, “And also there is this provision, and it’s not about undocumented immigrants, it’s about people with asylum seekers and people with temporary protected status, et cetera, et cetera, but about their ability to get Medicaid. So they’re non-citizens, they’re not undocumented, they’re not illegal. Why even include that in a bill knowing that they’re going to seize right upon that and use that to message?”

The exchange highlighted the sharp partisan divide over shutdown negotiations, with Republicans accusing Democrats of prioritizing benefits for non-citizens and Democrats maintaining that their proposals are focused on protecting American families.

The stalemate in Congress has left the government shuttered, with no clear resolution in sight.

Memphis Resident Photo Bombs CNN Live Shot as Trump Admin Cleans Up the Blue City
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Memphis Resident Photo Bombs CNN Live Shot as Trump Admin Cleans Up the Blue City

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A CNN live report from Memphis this week was interrupted when a resident carrying a sign critical of Democrats and supportive of President Donald Trump repeatedly entered the camera shot.

The moment occurred during coverage of Trump’s deployment of National Guard units to assist local law enforcement in the city.

The sign carried by the individual read “Democrats Destroyed Memphis” on one side and “Thank you, President Trump” on the other.

As the CNN correspondent delivered his report, the individual moved behind him multiple times to ensure the message was visible on camera.

During the broadcast, the reporter detailed the federal law enforcement efforts underway.

“More than 50 arrests were made just last night,” he said, adding, “Twenty guns have been taken off the street in the last 24 hours.”

Eventually, the reporter acknowledged the presence of the sign carrier.

“You see people like this guy, behind me with the sign,” he said.

“He has it on both sides… He’s hoping that this action by Trump will help make the city safer.”

The network then aired a clip of a local resident voicing support for the federal action, saying that increased law enforcement was welcome in the neighborhood.

Earlier in the day, Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the progress made by the Memphis Safe Task Force, a joint effort involving multiple federal agencies.

“In just 48 hours, our Memphis Safe Task Force has made 53 arrests and seized 20 illegal firearms,” Bondi said in a post on X.

“Yesterday, a missing juvenile was located and three firearms were recovered at the home of a murder suspect. At @POTUS direction, we are making America safe again!”

Later Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited Memphis to meet with law enforcement and National Guard personnel involved in the operation.

In his remarks, Hegseth emphasized federal support for local officers. “I just cannot thank you enough for what you do, what you do in difficult places, in dark places, in dangerous places where politicians spend a lot of time second-guessing you,” he said.

“Second-guessing the impossible decisions you have to make that they will never understand,” he continued.

“We’re not here to second-guess you; we’re here to have your back. To unleash you to do your job so you come home safely.”

Hegseth also said that federal authorities would continue to provide direct support.

“Our department is here to enable you, law enforcement, to do your job,” he said.

“To help protect your facilities, help protect your people, so… that your hands can be untied to secure your city. The Tennessee National Guard is going to be right here having your back.”

The action in Memphis follows a broader federal strategy initiated by President Trump, who recently directed the federalization of law enforcement in Washington, D.C.

That operation was credited with significantly reducing violent crime in the capital.

The deployment of federal resources in Memphis reflects the administration’s continued effort to assist cities grappling with high levels of violence.

With hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops now coordinating with local law enforcement, officials say they are focused on reducing crime and restoring security across the city.

Hakeem Jeffries Ducks Salary Question as 750,000 Workers Go Unpaid for Schumer’s Shutdown
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Hakeem Jeffries Ducks Salary Question as 750,000 Workers Go Unpaid for Schumer’s Shutdown

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided directly answering Thursday when asked whether he would withhold his congressional paycheck during the ongoing government shutdown.

Instead, he argued that the shutdown would not last long enough for him to have to make a decision.

Speaking at a press conference, Jeffries said members of Congress have the option to accept or forgo their salaries during a shutdown, while federal employees face missed paychecks without a choice.

When pressed about whether he personally would decline his pay, Jeffries dismissed the question.

“First of all, that question is not even a right one because we’re anticipating that this shutdown issue will be resolved well in advance of our next paycheck, which as you all know, members of Congress are paid on a monthly basis,” Jeffries said.

Members of the House of Representatives earn a base salary of $174,000 annually. Leaders in the chamber, including Jeffries, receive $193,400, while the Speaker of the House is paid $223,500.

As Jeffries deflected the question, several lawmakers across party lines announced their own decisions regarding pay during the shutdown.

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona told reporters Wednesday that he would keep receiving his salary, citing family obligations.

“I’m not wealthy, and I have three kids. I would basically be missing, you know, mortgage payments, rent payments, child support,” Gallego said.

“So it’s not feasible, not gonna happen.”

Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who is running for governor, publicly stated she would decline her paycheck.

“Leader’s don’t ask their employees to do something they themselves would NOT do,” Mace said in her announcement Wednesday.

Other House Republicans, including Representatives Chip Roy and Keith Self of Texas and Representative Kat Cammack of Florida, have formally requested that their pay be withheld until the shutdown concludes.

Democratic Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey also issued a statement confirming he had filed a request to pause his paychecks during the shutdown.

The shutdown began Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. after Congress failed to pass a funding agreement.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, approximately 750,000 federal workers — including congressional staff — are expected to be furloughed until lawmakers reach a deal.

The standoff over government funding continues as both chambers remain at odds over the terms of a stopgap spending measure.

Until an agreement is reached, federal employees across the country face uncertainty about their next paycheck while members of Congress continue to draw salaries unless they voluntarily choose to decline them.

Immigration Judge Rejects Asylum Request From MS-13 Gang Member Kilmar Abrego Garcia
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Immigration Judge Rejects Asylum Request From MS-13 Gang Member Kilmar Abrego Garcia

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An immigration judge on Wednesday denied an asylum request from Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an MS-13 gang member and illegal alien whose case has drawn national attention after years of deportations, indictments, and legal challenges, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Abrego Garcia, who had been living illegally in Maryland, was deported earlier this year to El Salvador and placed in the country’s CECOT prison.

Despite his criminal background, left-leaning judges later ordered him returned to the United States after federal prosecutors in Tennessee indicted him on child sex-trafficking charges.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, left, meets with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., in March in El Salvador. The senator flew there to try to secure Abrego Garcia’s release after he was mistakenly deported to a prison for terrorists. The president of El Salvador will not free him.

Following the indictment, the Trump administration informed Abrego Garcia that he might be deported to a third country, including Uganda or Eswatini, depending on international agreements.

In response, Abrego Garcia filed an emergency motion to reopen his asylum case, claiming he feared persecution and torture if deported.

“I fear persecution in Uganda on account of my race, nationality, political opinion, and membership in a particular social group. I also fear torture by or at the acquiescence of a public official in that country,” Abrego Garcia said in August, according to court filings.

On Wednesday, Regional Deputy Chief Immigration Judge Philip Taylor rejected the motion. He noted that Abrego Garcia’s asylum application was filed nearly six years after his immigration proceedings ended, far beyond the 90-day filing window required by law.

Judge Taylor also ruled that Abrego Garcia’s claims of imminent deportation to Uganda or Eswatini were speculative.

“The word ‘may’ is permissive and indicates to the Court that in sending this notification to Respondent’s counsel, the Department sought to convey that it reserved the right to remove him to Uganda, not necessarily that it intended to do so, that it had decided to do so, or that it would do so imminently,” Taylor wrote, according to ABC News.

Attorneys for Abrego Garcia argued that because he was deported to El Salvador and later returned to the United States under federal custody, he should be eligible to apply for asylum within one year of his most recent entry.

The court disagreed, stating that the motion was both untimely and unsupported by evidence.

The Department of Homeland Security has not indicated whether Abrego Garcia will be removed to El Salvador, Uganda, Eswatini, or another third country. For now, he remains in federal custody facing child sex-trafficking charges in Tennessee.

The case underscores the administration’s broader crackdown on transnational gangs and its ongoing use of third-country removals to deal with violent criminal aliens.

Bondi: Memphis Task Force Nets 93 arrests, 28 Illegal Guns Seized in Initial Sweep
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Bondi: Memphis Task Force Nets 93 arrests, 28 Illegal Guns Seized in Initial Sweep

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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday that 93 people have been arrested in the opening days of the Memphis Safe Task Force operation, a new federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime in the city, as reported by The Center Square.

The task force, which includes support from 13 federal agencies such as the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has also seized 28 illegal firearms since operations began.

“Yesterday 40 arrests were made including a Tren de Aragua terrorist, a felon in possession of a firearm, a man wanted for rape of a child, and an arrest for assault on a federal officer,” Bondi said in a post on social media.

“To date, there have been 93 arrests and 28 illegal guns seized. Our work is saving lives.”

Bondi and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth traveled to Memphis on Wednesday to highlight the effort, which comes during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“Even though the Democrats shut down the government and stopped their pay – the Tennessee National Guard will never quit,” Hegseth said in a social media statement, praising the work of Guard members supporting the operation.

The task force has faced criticism from some state leaders. Tennessee state Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) questioned whether the National Guard should be deployed in Memphis, citing past legal opinions.

“In short, only circumstances amounting to a rebellion or invasion permit the governor to call out the militia, and even then, the Legislature must declare, by law, that the public safety requires it,” Yarbro said, referring to opinions issued in 2021 and 2024.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti dismissed those objections, noting that such opinions are not legally binding. He also pushed back against suggestions that his office withdrew them for political purposes.

Arrested teenager with handcuffs on his hands

“If the folks at the press conference are insinuating my office withdrew these opinions six months before the election to pave the way for Trump policies a year and a half later, they have bigger problems than this legal question,” Skrmetti said in an email to The Center Square.

“If I could see the future like that, I’d be neck deep in Bitcoin and Pokémon cards.”

The Memphis Safe Task Force continues its operations in coordination with local law enforcement and federal agencies. Officials have said the initiative is designed to address violent crime, gang activity, and the flow of illegal weapons in the city.

Trump Administration Declares Armed Conflict With Cartels After Boat Strikes: ‘We Will Blow You Out of the Water’
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Trump Administration Declares Armed Conflict With Cartels After Boat Strikes: ‘We Will Blow You Out of the Water’

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The Trump administration has formally notified Congress that the United States is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels following a series of military strikes on smuggling operations in the Caribbean, as reported by the New York Post.

According to a Pentagon notice sent Wednesday to congressional committees, the determination comes after “hostile acts” directed at American citizens and U.S. allies.

The notice, reported by The New York Times and the Associated Press, characterized the groups as “nonstate armed groups” and “unlawful combatants” engaged in attacks against the United States.

President Trump highlighted the operations during a speech Monday at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, where he referenced the destruction of four Venezuelan boats allegedly used for drug smuggling.

“If you try to poison our people, we will blow you out of existence,” Trump said. “That’s the only language they really understand. That’s why you don’t see any more boats on the ocean.”

The strikes, conducted earlier this month, targeted vessels linked to cocaine and fentanyl trafficking. The first attack on September 2 focused on a Venezuelan prison gang accused of drug smuggling. Officials confirmed that at least 17 people were killed in the initial three strikes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly 100,000 Americans die annually from drug overdoses. In 2024 alone, at least 70,000 fatalities were attributed to cocaine or synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) voiced support for the military action during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. “We’re blowing boats out of the water in the Caribbean because they’re connected to international narco-terrorist groups,” Graham said.

He also suggested Venezuela could qualify as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law.

FBI Director Kash Patel, questioned during the hearing on the administration’s legal authority to strike the boats, deferred to the Pentagon. “We will provide the intelligence necessary for anyone who meets the threshold to be a state sponsor of terror,” Patel said.

National Harbor, MD US – Mar 3, 2023: Kash Patel, former Pentagon Chief of Staff at the 2023 Conservative Action Conference (CPAC). Credit: Ron Sachs – CNP

The State Department has already labeled several organizations, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua prison gang, as foreign terrorist organizations.

The Pentagon notice to lawmakers cited intelligence assessments that one of the targeted vessels was “affiliated with a designated terrorist organization” and was actively trafficking drugs “which could ultimately be used to kill Americans.”

The notice stated that the strike destroyed the vessel, its illicit cargo, and killed approximately three individuals classified as unlawful combatants.

It added: “Based upon the cumulative effects of these hostile acts against the citizens and interests of the United States and friendly foreign nations, the president determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations.”

While Congress has not formally declared war since World War II, the U.S. has engaged in numerous conflicts abroad without a formal declaration. Lawmakers have not yet taken legislative action in response to the administration’s notice.

Kamala Harris Sought Clinton Guidance Before Naming Tim Walz Running Mate
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Kamala Harris Sought Clinton Guidance Before Naming Tim Walz Running Mate

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris disclosed in her new memoir that she sought guidance from Bill and Hillary Clinton on choosing a running mate during her short-lived 2024 presidential campaign, as reported by Fox News.

Harris’ book, 107 Days, released on September 23, recounts her experiences leading up to the 2024 election after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. With just over three months until Election Day, Harris wrote that she turned to the Clintons for advice on the critical choice.

“Very few people have ever made this decision. I called Hillary and Bill Clinton, because they knew what it was like and would give me candid and confidential advice,” Harris wrote.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks in support of the Democratic Harris/Walz presdiential campaign during a noon rally at Lavery Brewing Co. in Erie on Nov. 2, 2024.

According to her account, the Clintons warned her against what they described as a “political marriage of convenience.” Harris said they encouraged her to pick a running mate whose presence would complement her style.

“One of your strengths, they said, is that you bring a joyful energy to the campaign. You have to choose someone who won’t work against that,” she recalled.

Bill Clinton, reflecting on his partnership with former Vice President Al Gore, advised her to find someone with strengths that balanced her own. “‘You have to level with them and watch how they answer,’” Harris quoted him as saying, describing his approach to vetting candidates.

Harris wrote that both Clintons emphasized that the vice-presidential candidate should understand the weight of the opportunity.

“If they were someone dying for immediate public recognition, it might not be the job for them. They might have to swallow a lot of crap,” she noted from their conversation.

Harris ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, describing him as her “happy warrior” on the campaign trail. “I needed to know that my running mate was a person who valued the dignity of everyone and would take a moment to show it,” she wrote.

The decision to choose Walz over other potential running mates, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, was later criticized as a campaign misstep.

Walz faced controversy over allegations of “stolen valor,” his handling of pandemic restrictions in Minnesota, and a debate performance against then-Sen. JD Vance that analysts described as faltering.

Harris’ memoir mentions the Clintons more than a dozen times, highlighting what she called her close relationship with the couple. On September 24, during a book tour stop at The Town Hall in New York City, Harris praised Hillary Clinton for mentoring her.

“Hillary Clinton is one of those people that believes in lifting people up and supporting people,” Harris said.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY

Harris also described reaching out to the Clintons on the day Biden ended his campaign in July 2024. She said the couple offered to campaign for her, with Hillary Clinton even suggesting she would travel by Amtrak to join the trail.

The book also includes Harris’ critiques of Biden’s failed campaign, including his debate against Donald Trump, which she described as damaging to his reelection bid.


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