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In a coordinated effort underscoring the United States government’s commitment to combating violent transnational gangs, federal and state law enforcement officials announced on Thursday the successful arrest of one of the three most senior leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) network on the East Coast. The 24‑year‑old suspect, whose identity has not been released pending formal charging, was taken into custody without incident in Woodbridge, Virginia—a suburb of Washington, D.C. Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Department of Justice official Emil Bove monitored the operation from an adjacent tactical command center, offering an extraordinary window into the high‑stakes coordination behind the scenes.

The arrest represents a major victory in the ongoing national initiative to dismantle MS‑13’s leadership structure and remove its most dangerous operatives from United States soil. With this single operation, law enforcement authorities delivered on directives from the highest levels of the Trump administration to “keep America safe,” while underscoring that prosecutorial reach now extends to violent gang figures who previously believed they could evade detection.

I. Background on MS‑13 and Its Threat to Public Safety
Formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants fleeing civil war, MS‑13—also known as “Mara Salvatrucha”—has evolved into one of the most notorious transnational criminal organizations. Despite repeated federal and local crackdowns, the gang maintains a presence across multiple U.S. states, particularly along the East Coast in Maryland, Virginia, and New York, where it is implicated in homicides, extortion, human trafficking, and illegal drug distribution.

Organizational Structure and Leadership
MS‑13’s hierarchy is loosely federated, with individual “cliques” operating semi‑independently under the broader Mara umbrella. Each clique typically reports to regional bosses who coordinate cross‑jurisdictional criminal activities, enforce discipline, and oversee recruitment. The recent arrest targeted the East Coast regional commander—one of only three individuals recognized by law enforcement as holding the gang’s highest echelon of power inside the United States.

Violence and Community Impact
Known for its brutality—ranging from machete attacks to ritualistic killings—MS‑13 has instilled fear in communities where it operates. Local, state, and federal agencies have repeatedly cited the gang’s involvement in unsolved homicides and violent street crime, prompting concerted interdiction efforts. In Prince William County alone, authorities report that MS‑13‑related arrests and investigations have surged in recent years, reflecting both the gang’s resilience and law enforcement’s intensified focus.

Prior Federal Actions
Over the last decade, the Department of Justice and the FBI have pursued dozens of MS‑13 prosecutions under Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statutes, resulting in lengthy prison sentences for key members. While these indictments disrupted individual cliques, gang leadership often adapted by promoting lower‑tier associates, necessitating ongoing operations to target supervisory figures.

II. Planning and Execution of the Woodbridge Operation
The operation in Woodbridge did not occur in isolation. Instead, it was the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering, interagency collaboration, and targeted surveillance—an effort emblematic of the broader “MS‑13 Targeted Enforcement Squad” initiative that the Trump administration has championed since 2017.

A. Intelligence and Surveillance
Multiagency Intelligence Fusion
Federal Bureau of Investigation analysts, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement partners, pieced together communications intercepts, financial transaction data, and human‑source reports. These efforts mapped out the suspect’s daily patterns, safe houses, and associate networks, enabling precise timing for the arrest.

Tactical Planning
On the day of the operation, SWAT teams from the FBI and the Virginia State Police coordinated with U.S. Marshals Service assets. A tactical command center was established near the suspect’s residence, allowing senior officials to monitor live video feeds and receive real‑time intelligence updates. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors stood ready to file emergency detention paperwork upon apprehension.

B. Execution and Arrest
Operation Execution
Agents and officers approached the Woodbridge location in unmarked vehicles during the early morning hours to minimize public disruption. After confirming the suspect’s presence through overheard radio communications and pre‑positioned surveillance cameras, a breach team quietly secured the perimeter. Using surprise and overwhelming force, they apprehended the individual without firing a shot.

Custody and Transfer
Within minutes of the arrest, the suspect was escorted to an FBI transport vehicle and taken to a secure facility for processing. Evidence including electronic devices, identification documents, and weapons—seized under warrant—will undergo forensic analysis to support federal charges.

III. Statements from Federal Leadership
At a press briefing convened at the adjacent tactical operations center, Attorney General Pam Bondi articulated the significance of the arrest and framed it within her broader mandate to ensure national security.

“Early this morning, one of the top leaders of MS‑13 on the East Coast was apprehended right here in Virginia. He is one of the three most important operatives in the entire United States. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador—and he will not be living in our country much longer,” Bondi declared, emphasizing the suspect’s status and the transnational nature of the threat.

Bondi went on to praise the operation’s meticulous planning and execution:

“We executed a clean, safe operation, and the bad guys are now in custody. Thanks to the FBI, we have removed one of the worst of the worst from our streets. Virginia and the entire nation are safer today.”

Echoing the administration’s political context, Bondi linked the operation to broader immigration and border policies:

“From the moment President Trump took office, he pledged to make America safe. He shut down our borders to secure our communities, and now it is our job to remove violent criminals. We will not have another tragedy like Laken Riley.” (Riley’s high‑profile murder by an alleged MS‑13 affiliate in Maryland had galvanized support for stricter enforcement.)

Bondi continued:

“Arrests have increased by 468% compared to the same period last year. We didn’t need new laws—President Trump always says we needed a new president to enforce existing statutes, and that is exactly what we’ve done.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and DOJ official Emil Bove were also present, underscoring the department’s unified front. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel underscored law enforcement’s ongoing mandate:

“This specialized task force will operate wherever necessary across the country to deliver justice and the security American citizens deserve… If you continue to commit violent crimes, you will meet the same fate as this individual did this morning.”

Patel added a poignant note on law enforcement morale and public safety:

“This is what happens when we let good cops do their jobs. We are returning safety to our communities, and America should take note of this achievement. We stand proud alongside these brave officers.”

IV. Virginia’s Role: Governor Youngkin’s Endorsement
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) was quick to commend the operation and highlight his administration’s collaboration with federal partners.

“Welcome to Virginia,” Youngkin began. “Over the past four weeks, this task force—combining federal, state, and local resources—has become a model for eradicating drug and terrorist networks, including MS‑13 and Tren de Aragua. These are not mere street gangs; they are international terrorist organizations with members residing in our communities.”

The governor detailed the scope of Virginia’s contribution:

287(g) Memorandum
On his first day in office, Youngkin signed a 287(g) agreement deputizing state troopers and corrections officers to perform immigration enforcement tasks under federal supervision—a move completed in just 20 hours.

Multiagency Coordination
Youngkin praised Colonel Gary T. Settle of the Virginia State Police and Judge Chad Dotson of the Department of Corrections for their leadership, along with Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole and Attorney General Jason Miyares for steering state resources into the task force.

Results to Date
Over the last month, Northern Virginia agencies have arrested 340 individuals in connection with violent crime and gang activity, Youngkin reported, framing Thursday’s arrest as a pivotal victory.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to frontline officers:

“These courageous men and women don bulletproof vests every day, risking their lives. They rarely hear ‘thank you,’ but today they deserve our deepest appreciation.”

V. Legal Framework and Next Steps
With the suspect now in federal custody, the Justice Department will proceed through the following steps:

Indictment and Charges
Federal prosecutors will file a criminal complaint—likely including charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, and immigration violations. Under RICO statutes, MS‑13 leaders face mandatory minimum sentences that can exceed 20 years per count.

Detention Hearing
Within 48 hours of arrest, a federal magistrate judge will conduct a detention hearing to determine whether the suspect poses a flight risk or danger to the community. Given the nature of the allegations and his leadership role, authorities will almost certainly seek to keep him detained pending trial.

Forensic Examination
Evidence seized during the operation—ranging from mobile phones to financial records—will undergo forensic analysis to identify further co‑conspirators and to corroborate witness statements.

Parallel State Prosecutions
In addition to federal charges, state authorities in Prince William County may pursue separate indictments for local crimes, such as homicide, extortion, and narcotics distribution, thereby reinforcing a multi‑jurisdictional approach.

VI. Implications for Policy and Public Safety
The arrest serves as a high‑profile demonstration of the Trump administration’s enforcement priorities, but it also carries broader policy implications:

Deterrence and Message
By targeting top hierarchs, law enforcement aims to degrade MS‑13’s operational capacity and signal to other transnational criminals that U.S. agencies can—and will—reach them anywhere on American soil.

Interagency Collaboration
The success of this operation highlights the effectiveness of information‑sharing protocols among federal bodies (FBI, DOJ, DHS), state agencies, and local law enforcement—a model that can be replicated in other regions plagued by organized crime.

Immigration Enforcement
The suspect’s status as an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policy enforcement. Proponents argue that immigration law must be rigorously applied to remove criminal elements; critics warn against conflating immigration status with criminality among broader immigrant communities.

Community Engagement
Local leaders and community organizations will need to work in tandem with law enforcement to address the root causes of gang recruitment—poverty, lack of educational opportunity, and social isolation—while ensuring public cooperation in investigations.

VII. Conclusion
The arrest of the East Coast MS‑13 leader in Woodbridge, Virginia, marks a significant milestone in the nationwide campaign to dismantle one of the world’s most violent transnational gangs. It exemplifies how federal directives—from the Oval Office to the Attorney General’s office—can translate into decisive, life‑saving action on the ground. Through painstaking intelligence work, seamless interagency coordination, and the bravery of tactical personnel, this operation not only removed a key orchestrator of gang violence but also reinforced the message that no criminal network is beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement.

As the suspect moves through the federal justice system, prosecutors and judges will determine his fate. Meanwhile, policymakers and community leaders must continue forging comprehensive strategies that blend enforcement with prevention—ensuring that the vacuum left by arrested gang leaders does not give rise to new threats. Ultimately, the safety and security of American neighborhoods depend on the sustained commitment of both government institutions and the communities they serve.

Summary
In a recent television segment, Tucker Carlson and comedian-commentator Jimmy Dore detail what they call “the untold story” of President Barack Obama’s administration. They highlight instances where Obama’s rhetoric diverged from reality—broken campaign promises, close ties to Wall Street, and lasting impacts of his policies on economic inequality and foreign affairs. This article unpacks their key claims, evaluates supporting evidence, and explores the broader context of those critiques.

1. Broken Promises and Unfulfilled Pledges
1.1 Guantánamo Bay and Deficit Reduction
During his 2008 campaign, Obama pledged to close the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay within one year and to slash the federal deficit through responsible budgeting. Yet, by the end of his second term, Guantánamo remained open, holding dozens of detainees POLITICO. Likewise, despite acknowledging a ballooning national debt, the deficit reduction fell short of his ambitious goals The Washington Post.

1.2 Wall Street Accountability
Obama famously criticized the “fat-cats” on Wall Street and promised to hold financial executives accountable after the 2008 crisis. However, the administration declined to pursue major criminal prosecutions against banks for misconduct, drawing rebuke from critics who labeled this a “profound failure of justice” The Guardian. Jimmy Dore and Tucker Carlson reprise those arguments, asserting Obama’s inaction betrayed his populist platform.

2. Influence of Wall Street on Policy
2.1 Dodd-Frank and Its Limits
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010) aimed to curb risky banking practices. While hailed as landmark regulation, critics argue its restrictions have been eroded over time and that it failed to prevent return to pre-crisis risk levels Anadolu Ajansı. Carlson and Dore emphasize that key positions on Obama’s economic team were held by former Wall Street insiders—suggesting the administration never fully challenged the financial sector’s influence Common Dreams.

2.2 Post-Presidential Paydays
Beyond the White House, Obama’s acceptance of a $400,000 speaking fee from a major investment bank and subsequent $65 million book deal have drawn accusations of hypocrisy. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren publicly called the Wall Street speech “distasteful,” arguing it undercut Obama’s earlier reforms Time.

3. Long-Term Economic and Social Impact
3.1 Economic Recovery vs. Inequality
Proponents credit Obama with guiding the U.S. out of the Great Recession—stabilizing markets, enacting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and passing health-care reform whitehouse.gov. Yet income inequality continued to worsen: median wages stagnated while corporate profits rebounded, fueling populist backlashes on both political extremes Reddit.

3.2 Foreign-Policy Critiques
On the international front, Obama’s “pivot to Asia,” drone-strike campaign, and unresolved conflicts in Syria and Libya have prompted charges of inconsistency. In Foreign Policy, Stephen Walt argues Obama promised a less interventionist posture but largely maintained—or expanded—U.S. military engagements abroad Foreign Policy.

4. The Ongoing Debate
4.1 Evaluating Nuance
While Carlson and Dore underscore Obama’s “dirty secrets,” other analysts note his administration achieved significant milestones: the Affordable Care Act, auto-industry rescues, and climate-change accords among them whitehouse.gov. The true legacy likely resides between unfulfilled populist promises and genuine policy accomplishments.

4.2 Lessons for Future Leaders
The conversation highlights a broader lesson: voters demand both vision and follow-through. As America grapples with growing economic disparities and political polarization, the gap between campaign rhetoric and governing reality remains a central concern.

Check the video below to see Tucker Carlson and Jimmy Dore’s full discussion:

Recent poll reveals that most voters in Maine believe Senator Susan Collins should retire at the end of her current term rather than seek reelection.

The survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, found that 71% of Maine voters think Collins should not run for another term, while 21% support her continuing in office. Senator Collins, who was first elected in 1996, has served Maine for nearly three decades and is known for her reputation as a moderate voice in the Senate.

Breaking down the numbers, the poll shows that 84% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and 57% of Republicans favor her retirement. Although there are no term limits for U.S. Senators, Collins’ current six-year term is set to expire in 2026.

Despite the polling numbers, Collins has expressed her intention to run for reelection. In a statement made last November, she indicated that her current focus is on legislative duties, particularly the appropriations process, but confirmed that she plans to campaign for another term.

Collins has historically found success appealing to a wide range of voters across party lines, which has helped her win reelection in a state that often leans Democratic. Her ability to secure support from independents and some Democratic voters has been a key factor in her political longevity.

Regardless of whether she decides to run, the upcoming 2026 Senate race in Maine is expected to be highly competitive. Maine has demonstrated a tendency to support candidates from both major parties depending on the political climate, and many observers predict that the seat will be closely watched nationally.

Senator Collins has played an influential role in several major Senate decisions during her time in office, and her potential retirement or reelection bid is likely to have a significant impact on the makeup of the Senate in the next term.

As Maine voters consider the future, political analysts suggest that the state’s independent streak will again play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2026 election.

Some have suggested that the public fallout between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk may be more calculated than expected.

According to Axios, House Democrats are questioning the Department of Justice and the FBI about whether President Trump is included in the Epstein files, as Elon Musk says.

The clearest illustration yet demonstrates how Trump’s political opponents are profiting from the president’s high-profile conflict with his former lieutenant.

Some conservatives online have suggested that maybe this was set up by Trump and Musk to put pressure on the full release of the Epstein list. And now that Democrats are calling for the release of the list, it could be a stunt to expose some high-profile Democrats. This is simply a theory being pushed by some conservatives on social media.

Trump “is in the Epstein files,” Musk wrote Thursday in a post on X, adding, “That is the real reason they have not been made public.”

The Tesla CEO also called for Trump’s impeachment, a position that many Democrats are hesitant to support.

In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, Reps. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) requested that they “immediately clarify whether this allegation is true.”

The congressmen requested a deadline for the Department of Justice’s declassification and publishing of the Epstein papers, as well as an explanation for why no fresh documents had been given over since February.

They also demanded a description of Trump’s participation in examining the files, a list of persons involved in their release, and an explanation for why previously given information to Congress had “significant redactions.”

Lynch serves as the acting ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, while Garcia is the leading Democrat on the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets.

“Oversight Democrats are engaged in another baseless stunt that bears no weight in fact or reality. These are the same left-wing lunatics who neglected their oversight duties regarding the Biden administration’s lawless actions and concocted hoax after hoax on President Trump during his first term. No one takes them or their petty letters seriously,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement to Axios.

Bondi disclosed more than 100 pages of Epstein-related records in February as part of the Trump administration’s quest for greater transparency in a variety of high-profile cases.

The papers, however, were heavily blacked, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), head of the declassification task committee, has accused Bondi of “stonewalling” her requests for further documents.

“We agree with their conclusion that the release of these documents is long overdue,” Lynch and Garcia wrote.

Musk’s allegation “implies that the President may be involved in determining which files should be released and whether files will be withheld from the public if he personally chooses,” the two Democrats wrote.

They noted that Trump and Epstein’s relationship has been well-documented.

“Any attempts to prevent the appropriate release of the Epstein files to shield the President from truth and accountability merits intense scrutiny by Congress and by the Department of Justice,” they added.

Last week, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino vowed to reveal additional footage from the cell housing sexual predator and human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein around the time of his suicide, proving “no one was there but him.”

Epstein’s 2019 death in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City was deemed a suicide, but there are widespread conspiracy theories that he was murdered because of his connections with high-profile celebrities and businesspeople.

Bongino’s remarks come after he and FBI Director Kash Patel faced criticism from the MAGA crowd for dismissing Epstein conspiracy claims during a joint interview on Fox News earlier this month.

In a rare display of unity, the House unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday to revive a crucial office that represents the families of American veterans.

The “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” also known as H.R. 1228, was passed by the House by a 424-0 vote, demonstrating a strong bipartisan effort to return the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its former position under the secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The action guarantees that the office will once again be the primary advisor on matters pertaining to military families and the surviving members of the armed forces. According to reports, the bill’s passage overturns a 2021 action that marginalized support for veterans’ survivors.

“To clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” the bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), amends Title 38, United States Code, according to GovTrack. The Senate is now going to consider the measure.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino gave a chilling warning to rioters in Los Angeles who were pelting federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with rocks as they drove past.

The deputy director asked for the public’s assistance in finding them and warned the perpetrators that it was “only a matter of time” until they were captured.

“We are currently seeking information regarding the identity of the person(s) throwing rocks at vehicles conducting critical law enforcement operations,” he said in a post on X.

“One of the perpetrators in this video is wearing a helmet, and we’re going to use our investigative tools to locate the individual. I strongly suggest you turn yourself in, it’s only a matter of time,” he said.

FBI Director Kash Patel also shared a direct message with the suspects.

“Hit a cop, you’re going to jail… doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here, or what movement speaks to you. If the local police force won’t back our men and women on the thin blue line, we @FBI will,” he said.

ICE agents moved in Friday, hitting several locations across Los Angeles — including a clothing warehouse in the city’s Fashion District — after a judge found probable cause the employer was using fake documents for some of its workers, according to Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” CBS News reported.

Things got heated fast.

A crowd formed outside one location and tried to block the agents from leaving, turning the scene tense and chaotic.

Meanwhile, protests erupted downtown at a federal building after rumors spread that detainees were being held in the basement.

On Saturday, protesters hit the streets in Paramount, a city in L.A. County, after it looked like federal agents were running another immigration raid.

After the arrests on Friday, protesters gathered outside a federal detention center that evening, chanting, “Set them free, let them stay!”

Some waved anti-ICE signs. Others took things further, tagging the building with graffiti.

Among those arrested during the protests was David Huerta, the regional president of the Service Employees International Union. Justice Department spokesman Ciaran McEvoy confirmed Huerta was being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles and is set to appear in court Monday.

Late Saturday night, President Trump signed a memo invoking Title 10 Authority, ordering at least 2,000 National Guard troops to deploy to L.A. County for “60 days or at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense.”

He didn’t hold back, either.

“If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

A Defense Department official told CBS News that most of the 2,000 troops are coming from the California National Guard.

“In addition, the Secretary of Defense may employ any other members of the regular Armed Forces as necessary to augment and support the protection of Federal functions and property in any number determined appropriate in his discretion,” the memo said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also weighed in, in a post on X.

“The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organizations) and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK,” he said.

“Under President Trump, violence & destruction against federal agents & federal facilities will NOT be tolerated. It’s COMMON SENSE. The @DeptofDefense is mobilizing the National Guard IMMEDIATELY to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. And, if violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert,” he said.

As Los Angeles continues to reel from violent anti-ICE protests that erupted over the weekend, new details are emerging about the groups behind the unrest, the funding behind their efforts, and the political figures stepping into the fray — sometimes quite literally.

Contents
Who’s Behind the Protests? All Eyes on CHIRLADeep Political Ties and Millions in State Funding Violence and Chaos in LA Streets Maxine Waters Confronts National Guard in Fiery Exchange Waters Tries to Access Federal Building, Demands to “Check On” Jailed Union LeaderA Deeper Crisis: Public Money, Political Power, and Civil Unrest California’s Immigration War Reaches a Boiling Point
Among the most alarming revelations: a nonprofit group with deep political ties and millions in taxpayer funding has been identified as a major player in the demonstrations that left ICE agents injured, federal property damaged, and downtown streets in chaos.

And as the violence escalated, Congresswoman Maxine Waters made a dramatic appearance on the scene, confronting National Guard troops deployed by President Trump and demanding to know why they were “armed in her city.”

Who’s Behind the Protests? All Eyes on CHIRLA
According to attorney and activist Laura Powell, one of the primary organizations fueling the recent unrest is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) — a Los Angeles-based nonprofit with a long history of progressive immigration advocacy and direct-action organizing.

In a post shared on the social platform X, Powell attached a screenshot showing CHIRLA’s role in organizing opposition to recent ICE enforcement actions. She didn’t mince words:

“If you are a Californian, the current LA riots are an example of your tax dollars hard at work,” she wrote.

“CHIRLA is one of the key players in fomenting the violent response to immigration enforcement actions.”

Powell, known for her watchdog work tracking public money and its ties to political activism, called attention to the group’s radical history — including a 2018 campaign to abolish ICE entirely.

“It currently leads the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, which gathers intel about enforcement actions and deploys activists to respond,” Powell continued.

If you are a Californian, the current LA riots are an example of your tax dollars hard at work.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Right—CHIRLA—is one of the key players in fomenting the violent response to immigration enforcement actions. It’s an LA-based nonprofit with a… pic.twitter.com/PSzSsdu0hg

— Laura Powell (@LauraPowellEsq) June 9, 2025

Deep Political Ties and Millions in State Funding
Perhaps the most striking detail in Powell’s exposé was the sheer amount of public funding CHIRLA has received.

“CHIRLA’s activities are primarily funded by California taxpayers,” Powell revealed. “For the fiscal year ending June 2023, it received $34 million from the state, mostly through the Department of Social Services.”

That figure represented 72% of the organization’s total revenue, and a nearly threefold increase over the previous year, she added.

CHIRLA has also been tied closely to Democratic power structures in California, particularly Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has openly supported the group’s mission and partnerships.

“The organization has a particularly close relationship with organized labor in the state, which in turn is a major financial supporter of Democrat politicians,” Powell wrote.

She also noted that CHIRLA had received a $450,000 federal contract in 2023, a grant that Mayor Bass publicly took credit for helping secure. However, the funding was later frozen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), leading CHIRLA to file — and eventually drop — a lawsuit.

“Eisenhower warned of the military-industrial complex — now we face a nonprofit-industrial complex,” Powell concluded.

Violence and Chaos in LA Streets
The protests, originally sparked by recent ICE workplace raids, quickly escalated into violent confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents. Federal vehicles were set on fire, ICE agents were injured, and downtown businesses were vandalized or looted.

As the situation grew increasingly dangerous, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth placed an additional 500 Marines on standby at Camp Pendleton.

The order was part of Trump’s broader executive directive titled “Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions,” which expands the military’s role in protecting ICE and federal immigration operations.

Maxine Waters Confronts National Guard in Fiery Exchange
Amid the escalating tensions, one figure made headlines not for calming the situation, but for confronting the federal response head-on.

California Rep. Maxine Waters, long known for her fiery rhetoric and progressive stance on immigration, appeared on the streets of Los Angeles alongside demonstrators.

In a moment captured on video, Waters yelled at National Guard troops standing near the Los Angeles Federal Building:

“Why do you have guns? What are you going to do — shoot some kid who’s afraid of you and runs?”

“You going to shoot an elected official? If you shoot me, you better shoot straight.”

Waters criticized the federal presence as an intimidation tactic orchestrated by Trump, claiming the state’s leadership had been bypassed.

“I don’t know why you’re in my city. The governor was not contacted. This is Trump — and his outrageous attempt to not only target our sanctuary city but to frighten us and intimidate us.”

She finished with a warning to troops:

“I hope that none of you will use those guns to shoot anybody. There’s no reason to shoot anybody.”

Waters Tries to Access Federal Building, Demands to “Check On” Jailed Union Leader
Following her exchange with the National Guard, Waters attempted to enter the Los Angeles Federal Building, reportedly to “check on” SEIU President David Huerta.

Huerta had been injured and detained during violent clashes between demonstrators and ICE agents the previous night. His arrest for obstruction during the protests triggered widespread anger among organized labor groups.

Waters, a longtime ally of California’s labor movement, demanded to see Huerta and reportedly called for his release — adding fuel to an already explosive situation.

A Deeper Crisis: Public Money, Political Power, and Civil Unrest
What’s unfolding in Los Angeles is about more than just a weekend of protests. It’s a window into a growing ecosystem of publicly funded activism, deeply connected to California’s political leadership — and increasingly willing to confront federal authority.

The revelations about CHIRLA raise uncomfortable questions:

Should California taxpayer dollars fund groups that actively oppose federal law enforcement?
Is it appropriate for elected officials like Mayor Bass to secure federal contracts for groups involved in politically charged street actions?
What role should elected officials play when activism turns to aggression?
For critics, the message is clear: the lines between political activism, taxpayer funding, and street-level unrest are blurring — and that could have long-term consequences for governance, law enforcement, and public trust.

California’s Immigration War Reaches a Boiling Point
Between ICE crackdowns, violent protests, military deployment, and elected officials taking to the streets, California has become the central front in America’s ongoing battle over immigration policy.

On one side are federal agencies trying to enforce national immigration laws. On the other are deeply entrenched activist networks, many of them supported by taxpayer money and connected to powerful political players.

When even members of Congress are openly confronting soldiers and demanding access to detainees, it’s clear that this conflict isn’t slowing down — it’s only accelerating.

And in the days ahead, with more protests planned, Los Angeles remains a city on edge — a place where the fight over immigration, law enforcement, and political power is being waged in real time.

A Mexican citizen is being charged by the federal government with trying to bribe a U.S. Border Patrol agent after being caught illegally entering the U.S. again.

Records from the court show that on February 8, 2025, 29-year-old Samuel Mendoza-Torres was arrested with another person near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station. Mendoza-Torres is said to have asked the agent, “Can we fix this?” and offered $400 to get him out of jail while he was being taken to the station.

Mendoza-Torres admitted to helping illegal immigrants come to the U.S. from Mexico during an interview after he was arrested. He also said that he knew it was against the law to give money to the Border Patrol agent.

Mendoza-Torres will stay in jail until his trial, which has not yet been scheduled. Mendoza-Torres could spend 20 years in prison if found guilty of the current charges, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release.

As of today, the news came from U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Raul Bujanda, who is Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and Chief Patrol Agent Walter “Neil” Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector.

This case is being looked into by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Trump administration has been busy lately with major arrests.

A man from Katy, Texas, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by a federal court in Del Rio for one count of assaulting, resisting, or getting in the way of police officers or employees.

“According to court documents, Kevin Dominguez, 26, drove a sedan to the U.S. Border Patrol immigration checkpoint, located on U.S. Highway 57, on Aug. 1, 2023. A USBP canine alerted the agents to the trunk, revealing an individual inside. Upon the USBP agent noticing the individual, Dominguez backed up and struck the agent with the vehicle before fleeing the checkpoint,” the FBI announced in a press release.

“A high-speed chase ensued and a USBP helicopter observed two occupants exit the vehicle into an open field. One of the individuals was located and confirmed to be an undocumented noncitizen from Honduras. Dominguez was indicted in a two-count indictment on Sept. 13, 2023, and was arrested on Sept. 14. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2024,” the press release added.

Separately, the FBI also announced that four people were arrested in El Paso, Texas, on criminal charges related to their alleged roles in a plot to smuggle people across the border.

Official court records say that agents from the Ysleta Border Patrol Station’s Disrupt Unit were watching a motel in El Paso when they saw a car with a temporary license plate. The vehicle had already been seen at several hotels that were known to house undocumented foreigners. According to court documents, the driver of the car briefly went into the motel lobby before getting back in and driving off.

Soon after, the agents supposedly saw three people carefully leaving one of the motel rooms and getting into a different car with a temporary license plate. Yair Alejandro Aguilar-Flores, the driver of the car, is said to have admitted that he is from Mexico and is living in the US illegally.

Angel Eduardo Carrillo-Carrillo and Jorge Alfredo Lopez-Acevedo, the two people who were with him, were also arrested because they were also caught illegally in the U.S. They also admitted that there were more undocumented foreigners in the motel room.

After looking into it, the agents found seven more undocumented foreigners. They all were arrested. As the police were wrapping up their investigation, they saw the driver of the first car going back to the motel. He walked up to the room where the migrants were being held and knocked on the door.

Jesus David Reyes-Villagran allegedly told the police that the motel room was his and that he was coming back from dropping off five other undocumented foreigners at another El Paso hotel.

It is the job of Aguilar-Flores, Carrillo-Carrillo, Lopez-Acevedo, and Reyes-Villagran to bring aliens in and move them around. They could each spend up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors will be used by a federal district court judge to decide on any sentence.

Federal officials also arrested a Honduran citizen who had been deported and convicted of crimes before being taken into federal custody in Austin on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry.

Court records show that Melvin Armando Funes-Canales was found in the Williamson County jail on or around July 16, 2024.

He had been there because he was suspected of having a controlled substance. After looking into it, Funes-Canales had been sent back to Honduras from the U.S. on or around October 9, 2020, and had also been sent back five other times.

Funes-Canales has also been found guilty of burglary, grand theft, and illegal re-entry in the past.

The charge against Funes-Canales is illegal re-entry. Funes-Canales could spend up to 10 years in prison if he is found guilty.

Abundance Is Coming: 3 Zodiac Signs Set to Prosper.

The universe is aligning in your favor, and financial breakthroughs are on the horizon. If you’ve been feeling stuck, trust that change is coming. For three zodiac signs, the cosmic winds are shifting to bring opportunity, abundance, and a much-needed financial boost.

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus, your steady efforts are about to pay off. With Venus in a favorable position, expect gains through investments, bonuses, or business success. Your instincts are strong—trust them. Be open to advice and take steps toward long-term growth.
Money tip: Focus on sustainable financial strategies like savings or long-term investments.

♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo, you’re shining bright! The universe is highlighting your natural charisma and leadership. Opportunities for promotion, career shifts, or creative income streams are on the rise.
Money tip: Collaborate. The right partner could multiply your success.

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarius, luck is on your side. Jupiter brings surprise financial blessings—perhaps from a debt repaid or a legal win. Stay bold and ready for the unexpected.
Money tip: Take calculated risks—this is your moment to grow.

The universe is aligning in your favor, and financial breakthroughs are on the horizon. If you’ve been feeling stuck, trust that change is coming. For three zodiac signs, the cosmic winds are shifting to bring opportunity, abundance, and a much-needed financial boost.

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus, your steady efforts are about to pay off. With Venus in a favorable position, expect gains through investments, bonuses, or business success. Your instincts are strong—trust them. Be open to advice and take steps toward long-term growth.
Money tip: Focus on sustainable financial strategies like savings or long-term investments.

♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo, you’re shining bright! The universe is highlighting your natural charisma and leadership. Opportunities for promotion, career shifts, or creative income streams are on the rise.
Money tip: Collaborate. The right partner could multiply your success.

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarius, luck is on your side. Jupiter brings surprise financial blessings—perhaps from a debt repaid or a legal win. Stay bold and ready for the unexpected.
Money tip: Take calculated risks—this is your moment to grow.

U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has taken over as interim head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, one of numerous law enforcement agencies overseen by the Justice Department, three U.S. officials confirmed to USA TODAY.

According to two Defense sources, Driscoll is now in charge of the ATF while continuing to serve as Army secretary. A Justice Department spokesman confirmed Driscoll’s replacement of Patel but declined to comment on the reasons for the personnel change, according to USA Today.

Patel, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, was sworn in as acting head of the ATF in late February, just days after being sworn in as director of the FBI. Reuters was the first to report the news.

It is unknown when Patel will be removed from his position. As of 4 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday afternoon, Patel’s photo and title of interim director remained on the ATF’s website.

The rapid change in leadership comes as senior Justice Department officials consider merging ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration to save money.

Driscoll, the 26th Army Secretary, was sworn in on February 25, following Trump’s nomination and Senate confirmation.

Driscoll was commissioned as an armor commander in 2007, and his Army biography states that he headed a cavalry unit in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division that deployed to Baghdad in 2009.

After leaving active military, Driscoll attended Yale Law School and worked at the Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Driscoll’s bio does not mention any federal law enforcement expertise, despite having held executive positions in investment banking, private equity, and corporate operations.

Driscoll will lead the ATF, which has vast authority to enforce laws and regulations governing firearms, explosives, and tobacco products.

The FBI has been marching ahead of Patel’s leadership.

In Patel’s first full month in charge, the bureau has received a record number of applications for new agents. The number of people looking for jobs in law enforcement has more than doubled the monthly average since 2016.

Fox News Digital reported that 5,577 new applications for FBI agents were sent in March. The last time that number was even close to that in a month was April 2016, when 5,283 applications came in.

According to FBI data looked at by Fox News Digital, the average number of applications per month in 2023 was 2,797, and the average number of applications per month in 2024 was 3,383.

“Director Patel and Deputy Director (Dan) Bongino have put a major emphasis on restoring confidence in federal law enforcement and boosting new agent recruiting. These record early returns certainly suggest the new FBI is heading in the right direction,” FBI spokesman Ben Williamson told Fox News Wednesday.

Records from the FBI show that since January, they have received more than 10,000 applications for new agents.

The FBI got 4,143 applications to join in January, the first month of the Trump administration and the month of Patel’s nomination and confirmation hearing. This was the first month since August 2020 that the FBI got that many applications for a new agent.

“The record number of FBI job applications in March shows that people are inspired by Kash Patel’s commitment to restoring integrity and effectiveness at the bureau,” Patel advisor Erica Knight told Fox News Digital Wednesday. “Americans are putting their trust in his leadership to rebuild the FBI and keep our communities safe.”

“Kash is dedicated to creating a stronger, more trusted FBI that serves the American people the way it was always meant to,” Knight said.

During his Senate confirmation hearing in late January, Patel illustrated the “erosion of trust” at the bureau, pointing to polling revealing that “only 40% of Americans hold a favorable view of the FBI.”

“This must change,” Patel testified. “Public cooperation is vital for the bureau to solve crimes, and its declining reputation is already affecting recruitment efforts.”

Patel and Bongino have put a lot of effort into hiring new agents and boosting morale among police officers by “letting good cops be cops.” This is why there are a record number of applications.

In March, Patel put out an FBI recruitment video that showed the director working with agents in the field and displaying footage from the hostage rescue team facility that asked people to join the team.

The video ends with a graphic showing the FBI seal and the words, “A renewed mission. A stronger future.”

“Apply today at FBIJobs.gov,” the video says.