ICE rounds up over 600 illegal aliens, most with criminal histories



Immigration and Customs Enforcement rounded up over 600 illegal aliens, most with a criminal history, as part of a multi-agency raid from February 23 to March 2.

ICE, in partnership with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, conducted a weeklong operation in the Houston, Texas, area.

'Many of these criminal aliens have gone on to commit violent crime and [rain] terror on law-abiding residents.'

According to an ICE press release, the agencies captured 646 illegal aliens, including 543 who had been previously "charged or convicted of a criminal offense while they were illegally present in the U.S." The raid also resulted in the arrest of seven illegal alien gang members.

The federal immigration agency noted that 140 of those arrested faced charges or convictions for violent offenses, including aggravated felony, homicide, aggravated assault, or domestic violence. Over 30 detained illegal aliens were accused or convicted of sexual crimes, such as aggravated sexual assault of a minor, possession of child pornography, or rape. Other offenses included illegal firearms, drug crimes, property violations, and drunk driving.

Bret Bradford, the director of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office, stated, "In recent years, some of the world's most dangerous fugitives, transnational gang members and criminal aliens have taken advantage of the crisis at our nation's southern border to illegally enter the U.S."

"After illegally entering the country, many of these criminal aliens have gone on to commit violent crime and [rain] terror on law-abiding residents," Bradford continued. "Fueled by our unwavering commitment to protect the public from harm, and united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation's system of laws, ICE and our law enforcement partners in Southeast Texas have banded together to remove these dangerous criminal aliens from our local communities and put an end to the lawlessness that they spread."

ICE Homeland Security Investigations Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz applauded the agencies' efforts to make the community safer.

"As a result, we've sent a resounding message to transnational criminal organizations everywhere that the law enforcement community in the Texas Gulf Coast is more united than ever and will not rest until we've eradicated these criminal elements from the country," Plantz said.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem named two new ICE leaders on Sunday. She tapped Todd Lyons, a former assistant director of field operations for ICE's ERO, as the acting director for the federal immigration agency. Madison Sheahan, Noem's former aide as South Dakota governor, was selected as ICE's deputy director.

"Todd Lyons and Madison Sheahan are workhorses, strong executors, and accountable leaders who will lead the men and women of ICE to achieve the American people's mandate to target, arrest, and deport illegal aliens," Noem stated.

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ICE nabs leader of pro-Hamas group tied to violent Columbia protests



The Department of Homeland Security confirmed over the weekend that Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born activist leader of a pro-Hamas group tied to disruptive and violent protests at Columbia University last year.

Fox News’ Alexis McAdams referred to Khalil as “a prominent Palestinian activist” who was apprehended at “his university-owned apartment on the city’s Upper West Side” on Saturday evening. She noted that, according to students, Khalil was “a leader of protests and encampments on the Columbia University campus for months.”

'The first arrest of many to come.'

Columbia University’s Office of Public Affairs issued a statement on Sunday acknowledging ICE’s presence on campus.

“There have been reports of ICE around campus. Columbia has and will continue to follow the law. Consistent with our long-standing practice and the practice of cities and institutions throughout the country, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public University areas, including University buildings. Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community,” the statement read.

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A group is now demanding Khalil’s release, circulating a post claiming that he was “abducted by DHS” and encouraging people to sign a petition. They contended that Khalil was targeted “for his Palestinian identity and outspoken activism.” As of Monday afternoon, the petition had more than 1.4 million signatures.

The New York Post reported that he is the head of the Columbia United Apartheid Divest, a group responsible for several disruptive and sometimes violent protests at the university and other campuses.

The Columbia Spectator identified Khalil as “a lead negotiator for the ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ in April 2024.”

Amy Greer, Khalil’s lawyer, told the news outlet that he was informed by ICE special agents that he was being detained because the State Department revoked his student visa. However, Greer alleged that Khalil is a green card holder and lawful permanent resident.

Court filings reviewed by the Post claimed that Khalil provided agents with documentation “demonstrating that he is a lawful permanent resident — not a student visa holder.” The court filings state that he was an “outspoken activist” and that there was “no basis” for his arrest.

The move to detain Khalil is a part of the Trump administration’s vow to revoke visas and deport foreign students participating in pro-Hamas protests.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the DHS, told the Associated Press that the arrest was “in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism.” She claimed that Khalil “led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.”

The White House responded to news of Khalil’s detainment, calling it "the first arrest of many to come.”

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Trump Admin Replaces Biden's Migrant Entry App With a Migrant Self-Deportation App

The Trump administration has transformed the Biden-era "CBP One" app, which allowed migrants to apply for asylum in the United States from their home countries, into "CBP Home," a platform aimed at streamlining the self-deportation of illegal immigrants.

The post Trump Admin Replaces Biden's Migrant Entry App With a Migrant Self-Deportation App appeared first on .

Trump admin cuts TSA union deal to remove 'bureaucratic hurdles'



President Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security announced Friday that it has terminated its collective bargaining agreement with the Transportation Security Administration's more than 50,000 security officers.

According to a DHS press release, the administration hopes the move will remove "bureaucratic hurdles that will strengthen workforce agility [and] enhance productivity and resiliency, while also jumpstarting innovation."

'Removing the constraints of collective bargaining.'

The department argued that "gaps in benefit programs" had been exploited by some, including one instance where a transportation security officer requested sick leave more than half a year in advance.

"TSA has more people doing full-time union work than we have performing screening functions at 86% of our airports. Of the 432 federalized airports, 374 airports have fewer than 200 TSA Officers to [perform] screening functions," the DHS contended.

It noted that nearly 200 employees receiving government pay work "full-time on union matters."

The Trump administration's DHS slammed the TSA's unionization for allowing "poor performers" to remain on the job and forcing "merit-based performance" to take a back seat.

"By eliminating the collective bargaining agreement, Transportation Security Officers will now have opportunities based on their performance, not longevity or union membership," the DHS declared.

A department spokesperson stated that the union has failed to represent its workers or their interests.

"The Trump Administration is committed [to] returning to merit-based hiring and firing policies," the spokesperson said. "This action will ensure Americans will have a more effective and modernized workforce[] across the nation's transportation networks. TSA is renewing its commitment to providing a quick and secure travel process for Americans."

TSA Administrator Adam Stahl applauded DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for "removing the constraints of collective bargaining."

The American Federation of Government Employees, a union representing more than 80,000 federal government workers, called the DHS' decision an "unprovoked attack" and a "clear retaliation."

AFGE National President Everett Kelley stated, "47,000 Transportation Security Officers show up at over 400 airports across the country every single day to make sure our skies are safe for air travel. Many of them are veterans who went from serving their country in the armed forces to wearing a second uniform protecting the homeland and ensuring another terrorist attack like Sept. 11 never happens again."

Kelley accused Trump's administration and Noem of violating the workers' "right to join a union."

"They gave as a justification a completely fabricated claim about union officials — making clear this action has nothing to do with efficiency, safety, or homeland security. This is merely a pretext for attacking the rights of regular working Americans across the country because they happen to belong to a union," Kelley continued. "Our union has been out in front challenging this administration's unlawful actions targeting federal workers, both in the legal courts and in the court of public opinion. Now our TSA officers are paying the price with this clearly retaliatory action."

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ICE raid leaks persist despite DHS identifying moles: Noem



Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Tuesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids continue to be sabotaged by leaks.

Last week, Noem declared that the DHS had identified some of the individuals who had reportedly spilled the planned operations to the public.

'We will not be deterred by leaks.'

So far, the leakers have undermined a raid in Aurora, Colorado, and an operation involving ICE in Los Angeles, California.

Noem previously stated that she had reason to believe the individuals responsible were with the FBI, calling the agency "corrupt."

She told Fox News' Sean Hannity last week, "I have found some leakers. We are continuing to get more. They will be fired. There will be consequences. And remember, when they leak information to the press in order to blow an op, they are putting law enforcement lives in jeopardy."

It was unclear whether the identified individuals were with the FBI.

Noem provided an update on Tuesday, applauding law enforcement officers for their work in a recent operation in Northern Virginia.

She wrote, "We will not be deterred by leaks. If you come to this country and break our laws, we will hunt you down."

"Successful enforcement operation this morning — getting MS-13 members, 18th Street gang members and perpetrators of sexual crimes off our streets," Noem added.

Over the weekend, the Migrant Insider published a report stating that ICE was planning raids on Monday and Tuesday in the area, noting that the agency had secured up to 100 warrants.

Pablo Manriquez, the news outlet's editor, wrote in a post on X, "Judicial warrants mean ICE can go into your homes, so plan accordingly."

Manriquez stated that the information was based on "multiple sources."

In a separate post, he wrote, "ICE has been spotted in Buchanan, Buckingham, Ft. Myers [sic], Ballston, Arlington, Rosslyn, Manases [sic], and on the Little River Turnpike — all in Northern Virginia."

Manriquez told Fox News Digital that he was "just breaking news" when asked whether he had hoped to prevent the raids.

"If people wanna send me a scoop, I'm here for it," he stated.

Manriquez rejected concerns about the leaked information leading to the harm of law enforcement agents.

He told Fox News Digital, "We break immigration news all the time. We follow this topic very closely and haven't seen any reports of ICE being harmed."

Despite the outlet sharing information with the public about the planned raids, Noem stated that the operation was successful.

"Northern Virginia is safer this morning after a successful operation getting criminal aliens and gang members off our streets. Thank you to our brave enforcement officers," Noem said.

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FBI in New York buried 'thousands of pages' of Epstein secrets: AG Bondi



Blaze Media obtained exclusive access to a binder containing files on Jeffrey Epstein that have been long hidden from the public.

The contents revealed that the FBI apparently buried thousands of files, refusing to turn them over to the Trump administration, which had promised to release the information to the American people.

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'The FBI never disclosed the existence of these files.'

Within the binder Blaze Media obtained was a Thursday letter written by Attorney General Pam Bondi to FBI Director Kash Patel, detailing her discovery that many documents had been withheld from her office.

"Before you came into office, I requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein," she stated.

Bondi explained that she received roughly 200 pages of documents in return, noting that they "consisted primarily of flight logs, Epstein's list of contacts, and a list of victims' names and phone numbers."

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She said the FBI repeatedly assured her that she had received the full set of documents.

However, a source later revealed to Bondi that many more documents had been withheld.

"Late yesterday, I learned from a source that the FBI Field Office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein," she continued. "Despite my repeated requests, the FBI never disclosed the existence of these files."

"When you and I spoke yesterday, you were just as surprised as I was to learn this new information," Bondi wrote, referring to Patel.

She noted that the FBI has agreed to hand over the remainder of the documents by 8:00 a.m. on Friday.

Bondi vowed to protect Epstein's victims in her office's release of the information. Further, she directed Patel to investigate why the information had been withheld.

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"The Epstein Files: Phase 1" binder obtained by Blaze Media contained a contact list belonging to the late financier.

President Donald Trump was one of the names listed in Epstein's contact list. However, the discovery of Trump's name in Epstein's address book was not surprising, as he, along with a number of other celebrities, had previously been listed in court documents.

A 1997 address book belonging to Epstein listed the contact information of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; news anchor Chris Cuomo's wife, Cristina Greeven; actress Morgan Fairchild; and investor Carl Icahn, the New York Post reported.

Liz Wheeler of BlazeTV's "The Liz Wheeler Show" speculated that the real information, including Epstein's client list, could potentially be found in the hidden documents that the FBI plans to turn over to Bondi in the morning.

On Thursday, Bondi announced the Department of Justice's plan to release the Epstein files soon, warning the public that their contents were "pretty sick."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) expressed her disappointment with the initial drop, stating that it was not the "information" the public requested.

"I nor the task force were given or reviewed the Epstein documents being released today… A NY Post story just revealed that the documents will simply be Epstein's phonebook," she wrote in a post on X. "THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment.

"GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!" Luna demanded.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

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Propaganda Press Upset Trump Could Shut Down CISA’s Election Censorship

The Trump administration has launched a review of every Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) role related to election security and so-called mis- and disinformation after CISA began censoring speech. CISA, originally established in 2018 to address cybersecurity threats, quickly transformed into a government-run censorship operation, particularly during the 2020 election. In response, the propaganda press […]

Anti-ICE activists dox agents, sabotaging operations — Homan seeks retribution



Activists in the Los Angeles area doxxed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducting operations nearby, and border czar Tom Homan is pursuing criminal prosecution.

Fox News' Bill Melugin shared a photo earlier this week of a poster featuring several photographs of ICE and Homeland Security Investigations officers, as well as their names and phone numbers.

'This shouldn't be controversial.'

He explained that the bulletins, posted around Southern California, roughly translated from Spanish to read, "Careful with these faces."

"These armed agents work in Southern California. ICE and HSI racially terrorize and criminalize entire communities with their policies. They kidnap people from their homes and from the streets, separating families and fracturing communities. Many people have died while locked up in jails, prisons, and detention centers," it continued.

The poster warned that the law enforcement agents were expected to conduct some type of operation last Sunday.

"Per multiple federal law enforcement sources, anti ICE activists, which have been disrupting & live streaming ICE operations in the LA area in recent days, have now put up posters doxing SoCal ICE & HSI agents, revealing their faces, names, & phone numbers. I'm told ICE is aware and investigating," Melugin explained. "It is unclear which activist group is posting these."

On Wednesday, Homan addressed the doxxing plot on "Fox & Friends," stating that the posters "crossed the line."

Homan noted that, due to ongoing death threats, he has 24/7 security around his home.

"I know what it's like to be doxxed," he told Fox News. "These agents don't deserve that. These agents put a gun on their hip and wear a Kevlar vest every day, trying to make their communities safer."

He reiterated that the current deportation efforts are "focusing on the worst of the worst," including criminal and national security threats.

Homan stated that he had scheduled a meeting with Department of Justice officials to determine what can be done about the doxxing activists who are thwarting ICE's operations.

"I think it crossed the line of impeding a federal law enforcement officer in the performance of their duties. So I'm hoping we find out who these people are and we can criminally prosecute them," he added.

A Los Angeles FBI spokesperson told Fox News, "The FBI safeguards Constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice."

Earlier this week, a DHS spokesperson told Fox News that the activists' attempts were "putting targets on the backs of our law enforcement as they shield MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other vicious gangs that traffic women and children, kidnap for ransom, and poison Americans with lethal drugs."

"These individuals will be held accountable for obstructing the law and justice. This shouldn't be controversial," the spokesperson added.

The news outlet reported that anti-ICE activists sabotaged a federal law enforcement operation on Sunday involving ICE, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. ICE stated that the operation was not a raid.

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Trump admin creates registry for illegal aliens — holdouts could face jail time



The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it would create a registry for illegal aliens, citing the Immigration and Nationality Act.

As part of his day-one action, Trump issued an executive order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, directing the Department of Homeland Security to create a registry for illegal immigrants.

'President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: Leave now.'

On Tuesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem declared that the agency would "fully enforce" the INA, which states that all foreign immigrants 14 years or older must register with the federal government. That registration requirement includes fingerprinting and home addresses.

The DHS noted that the act "created multiple tools to track illegal aliens and compel them to leave the country voluntarily."

Those who refuse to leave the U.S. willfully, fail to register, or fail to keep their address records up to date could face criminal penalties.

"An alien's failure to depart the U.S. is a crime that could result in significant financial penalty. An alien's failure to register is a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. For decades, this law has been ignored — not anymore," the DHS stated.

"Compelling mass self-deportation is a safer path for aliens and law enforcement, and saves U.S. taxpayer dollars, in addition to conserving valuable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources needed to keep Americans safe," the DHS added.

The U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services website notes that "most aliens" have "already registered."

"However, a significant number of aliens present in the United States have had no direct way in which to register and meet their obligation under INA 262," it read. "In order that unregistered aliens may comply with their duty under INA 262, USCIS is establishing a new form and process by which they may register. No alien will have an excuse for failure to comply with this law."

USCIS indicated that the online registry will be available "in the coming days."

A draft regulation viewed by the Wall Street Journal stated that illegal aliens who defy the mandate could be fined up to $5,000 and sentenced to up to six months in prison.

The document reportedly showed that illegal immigrants who had not previously applied for asylum or a work permit were provided 30 days to submit a registration form.

Noem wrote in a memo regarding the registry, "Aliens in this country illegally face a choice."

"They can return home and follow the legal process to come to the United States or they can deal with the consequences of continuing to violate our laws," she declared.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated, "President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: Leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream."

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ACLU misleads on illegal aliens at GITMO, ignoring ‘high-threat’ status



The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit this week against the Trump administration, misleading and downplaying the "high-threat" status of illegal aliens detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On Wednesday, the ACLU issued a press release announcing that it filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of several immigrant advocacy groups. Eucaris Carolina Gomez Lugo, the sister of one detainee, also joined in the lawsuit. Her brother is accused of being a member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Other family members of the detainees are also part of the legal action.

'They should change their name.'

The ACLU stated that the lawsuit aimed to allow the immigrant advocacy groups "to meet with the people being detained in order to provide them with legal assistance." It claimed that the Trump administration had "hurr[ied] immigrants off to a remote island cut off from lawyers, family, and the rest of the world."

The lawsuit estimated that the administration has detained more than 50 illegal aliens at GITMO since February 4. It accused the administration of attempting to "thwart access to counsel for immigrant detainees."

"For the first time in U.S. history, the federal government has moved noncitizens apprehended and detained in the United States on civil immigration charges to the Naval Station at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba," it read. "And it is holding them incommunicado, without access to attorneys, family, or the outside world."

However, according to a press release from the Department of Defense, those recently detained at GITMO are “high-priority criminal aliens.” The DOD referred to the individuals as “high-threat,” noting that they are “currently being housed in vacant detention facilities.”

Further, the lawsuit’s use of the phrase "for the first time in U.S. history" is similarly misleading. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also authorized detaining illegal aliens at GITMO.

In response to the lawsuit, Trump's Department of Homeland Security not only denied the ACLU's claims but also sharply criticized the organization.

A DHS official told the New York Post, "There is a system for phone utilization to reach lawyers."

According to the DHS, detainees do have the ability to contact legal representation.

"If the AMERICAN Civil Liberties Union cares more about highly dangerous criminal aliens including murderers & vicious gang members than they do about American citizens — they should change their name," the DHS official remarked.

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