According to internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents, the Biden-Harris government is expediting the processing of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Canada border. This follows a surge in northern migrant crossings.
The should involve changes to the operation of the “Safe Third Country” asylum agreement between the U.S. and Canada. Migrants subject to the agreement are supposed to be barred from seeking asylum in the U.S. and can be sent back to Canada, which provides ample safe refuge opportunities. Likewise, Canada can also return asylum seekers crossing into its territory from the U.S.
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DHS aims to streamline the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement, as migrants often delay returns by consulting with lawyers at length and spending time trying to build a case that they are exempt from the agreement’s terms. However, the agency insists the changes will not compromise migrants’ right to a full asylum review.
In fiscal year 2024, 16,500 migrants were apprehended after crossing the U.S.-Canada border illegally, an increase from 10,000 in 2023 and 2,200 in 2022. This is the highest recorded number for the northern frontier.
The resources allocated to the 5,500-mile northern border are much smaller than those allocated to the southern border, which has seen millions of illegal crossings under the Biden-Harris government.
Nevertheless, the Canadian frontier is still a point of vulnerability, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS) recording that almost 86 percent of suspected terrorists entering the U.S. in fiscal year 2023 did so via the northern border.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald Trump declared that Cuba is “failing” following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which has impacted Cuba’s oil supply.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. President Donald Trump, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments were made by Trump in January 2026, during a visit to Urbandale, Iowa.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Cuba will be failing pretty soon. Cuba is really a nation that’s very close to failing.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: The remarks follow a U.S. blockade on oil shipments to Cuba, which could accelerate economic challenges on the island and potentially drive leadership change.
IN FULL
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Cuba is on the verge of collapse, linking it to the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, which has cut off vital support from Caracas to Havana. Speaking to reporters ahead of an event in Urbandale, Iowa, Trump stated: “Cuba will be failing pretty soon. Cuba is really a nation that’s very close to failing.”
He explained that Cuba previously received its oil and financial assistance from Venezuela, but that flow has stopped. The Trump administration has applied strong pressure to Cuba, including enforcing a long-standing economic embargo against the communist-led nation.
After Maduro’s capture earlier this month, Trump declared that no Venezuelan oil or funds would reach Cuba anymore—a significant blow, as Venezuela had been providing about one-third of the island’s oil needs in recent times. Mexico provided an even larger 44 percent, and it, too, has paused shipments to the island amid U.S. pressure.
The interruption in oil deliveries has intensified fuel shortages across Cuba, exacerbating existing economic difficulties and power outages. Some reports suggest efforts are underway to prompt internal figures to challenge the communist regime.
Cuban-heritage U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called Cuba’s government a “huge problem,” while Trump has encouraged Havana to negotiate a deal “before it is too late.”
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ohio Democrat Attorney General candidate Elliot Forhan stated in a campaign video that he would “kill Donald Trump” by securing a capital punishment conviction against him in court.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Elliot Forhan, President Donald J. Trump, Ohio GOP Attorney General Dave Yost, Ohio GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Auditor Keith Faber.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The video was posted on Forhan’s campaign Instagram account on Tuesday, with reactions following shortly after and into Wednesday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m going to obtain a conviction, rendered by a jury of his peers, at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, based on evidence, presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence, duly executed, of capital punishment. That is what I mean when I say that I am going to kill Donald Trump.” – Elliot Forhan
🎯IMPACT: The statement has drawn backlash from political figures and social media users, with calls for accountability and condemnation of violent rhetoric.
IN FULL
A Democrat candidate for state attorney general in Ohio is facing intense pushback and possible legal repercussions after posting a campaign video where he stated that he would “kill Donald Trump.” In the video, Elliot Forhan—a former member of the Ohio legislature—states he would successfully prosecute President Donald J. Trump for unspecified crimes and secure a death sentence.
“I want to tell you what I mean when I say that I am going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan bluntly states in the video, continuing, “I mean I’m going to obtain a conviction, rendered by a jury of his peers, at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, based on evidence, presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence, duly executed, of capital punishment. That is what I mean when I say that I am going to kill Donald Trump.”
A number of social media accounts quickly tagged the United States Secret Service (USSS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), demanding that federal law enforcement treat the post as a threat. Notably, Forhan drew controversy last year following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. “F-ck Charlie Kirk,” Forhan wrote in a post on social media at the time.
BREAKING: Elliot Forhan, Democrat Candidate for Ohio Attorney General, says he’s going to kiII President Trump through capital punishment
Forhan, who briefly represented Cuyahoga County in the 135th Ohio General Assembly from 2023 to 2024, developed a reputation for being radical and outlandish. Ohio’s current Republican Attorney General Dave Yost previously slammed Forhan’s comments about Kirk, saying, “No public servant should say that about any human being, much less somebody who was just assassinated. He just proved himself to be a petulant and undisciplined child, ill-suited to public office.” Ohio GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose also condemned the remarks, calling them “probably demented publicity designed to get attention” and “score cheap political points.”
Forhan responded to the backlash, claiming his “thoughts and prayers” were with Kirk’s family and loved ones but accusing Yost and LaRose of “glorifying the racism and bigotry” of the Turning Point USA founder and called for their resignations.
Current Ohio Auditor Keith Faber is the favorite to secure the Republican nomination for Ohio Attorney General and to win the general election.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has warned Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) that he is “playing with fire” by vowing not to uphold federal immigrationlaw.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Mayor Frey, and federal immigration authorities.
📍WHEN & WHERE: President Trump reacted to Frey’s comments on Truth Social on January 28.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!” – Donald Trump.
🎯IMPACT: The exchange re-escalates tensions between Minnesota Democrats and the federal government, after Trump sent Border Czar Tom Homan to the state in an effort to improve relations following the shooting of an anti-ICE activist.
IN FULL
President Donald J. Trump has sharply criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after the Democrat vowed that the city will not uphold federal immigration law. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said, “Surprisingly, Mayor Jacob Frey just stated that, ‘Minneapolis does not, and will not, enforce Federal Immigration Laws.’ This is after having had a very good conversation with him. Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!”
Trump had spoken to Frey and state governor Tim Walz (D), who have both used inflammatory rhetoric against federal law enforcement, after anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti’s fatal shooting, in an effort to ease tensions. The President also dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to the state, with Frey saying he had had a “very good conversation” with the former ICE chief.
Frey and Walz moving back towards an aggressive posture may be driven by far-left activists in their supporter base, who besieged Walz’s office in the state capitol to protest his dialogue with Homan.
While Walz, Frey, and other state Democrats insist ICE is not making residents any safer, federal authorities have detained many highly dangerous criminals, including migrants convicted of triple homicide and strongarm rapes against children.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) compared immigrants hiding from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Anne Frank hiding from the Nazis during World War II, sparking backlash from the U.S. Holocaust Museum and members of the Jewish community.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Walz, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, and Jewish-American activist Shabbos Kestenbaum.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The comments were made during a Sunday press conference in Minnesota, ahead of International Holocaust Memorial Day. The U.S. Holocaust Museum and Jewish leaders responded to Walz’s comments this week.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Anne Frank was targeted and murdered solely because she was Jewish. Leaders making false equivalencies to her experience for political purposes is never acceptable.” – U.S. Holocaust Museum.
🎯IMPACT: The remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with some accusing Walz of exploiting Holocaust history and undermining law enforcement.
IN FULL
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) is facing intense backlash for comparing immigrants hiding from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Anne Frank hiding from the Nazis during the Holocaust. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Walz stated, “We have got children hiding in their houses, afraid to go outside. Many of us grew up reading that story of Anne Frank. Somebody’s gonna write that children’s story about Minnesota.”
The remarks, made just two days before International Holocaust Memorial Day, have drawn sharp rebukes from the U.S. Holocaust Museum and Jewish leaders. The museum, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), responded to Walz’s remarks, writing, “Anne Frank was targeted and murdered solely because she was Jewish. Leaders making false equivalencies to her experience for political purposes is never acceptable.”
“Despite tensions in Minneapolis, exploiting the Holocaust is deeply offensive, especially as antisemitism surges,” the institution concluded.
Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, President Donald J. Trump’s antisemitism envoy, also weighed in, stating, “Ignorance like this cheapens the horror of the Holocaust. Anne Frank was in Amsterdam legally and abided by Dutch law. She was hauled off to a death camp because of her race and religion. Her story has nothing to do with the illegal immigration, fraud, and lawlessness plaguing Minnesota today.”
Jewish-American activist Shabbos Kestenbaum labeled Walz “evil” for his comments, adding, “One million Jewish children were killed during the Holocaust. Illegal immigrants are offered thousands of dollars to take a free flight home.”
This is not the first time Walz has compared ICE agents to Nazi forces. Last year, he referred to them as a “modern-day Gestapo,” claiming they operated in “unmarked vans” and “disappeared” individuals. The comments from the Democrat governor have, critics contend, played an outsized role in motivating political violence against federal law enforcement in his state.
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Police in France arrested two British anti-mass migration activists for allegedly “inciting hatred.”
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Two British men, aged 35 and 53, and Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor Cécile Gressier.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The arrests occurred over the weekend in Calais, France.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We can only take in so many, too many is too many, and this is too much, isn’t it?” said one of the arrested activists.
🎯IMPACT: The arrests show that the French authorities have the capacity to act against people protesting illegalmigrants gathering on the coast opposite England, even as they decline to act against the migrants themselves.
IN FULL
Two British activists were detained by French authorities in Calais over the weekend on suspicion of “inciting hatred” and planning actions aimed at stopping illegal boat migrant crossings to Britain. Cécile Gressier, the public prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer, confirmed that the two men, aged 35 and 53, were arrested following online activity in which they discussed preventing migrants from reaching England via small boats operated by criminal people-smuggling networks. French police, who largely allow the migrants to operate on the coast without interference, said the comments went beyond political expression and raised concerns about potential public disorder and violence.
One of the men had used his YouTube channel to call on others to join him in guarding beaches along the northern French coast, while pledging to act “without violence.” In the video, he expressed anger over migration levels, saying, “We can only take in so many, too many is too many, and this is too much, isn’t it? That’s why we’re doing this.”
The arrests were linked to an initiative known as “Operation Overlord,” organized by British activist Danny Tommo and named after the Allied landings in Normandy during the Second World War. The campaign aims to target people-smuggling operations by monitoring beaches used for small-boat departures. Tommo has said the group’s presence temporarily disrupted crossings and argued that stronger enforcement could have a deterrent effect. “When pressure is applied by ordinary people, the authorities act immediately. And when they act at scale, the boats stop,” he said.
French authorities have adopted a firm stance against British activists involved in anti-migration actions along the Channel coast, contrasting with their lax attitude towards the migrants. In recent months, France has banned several British anti-illegal immigration figures from entering the country, accusing them of engaging in propaganda, reconnaissance, and attempts to interfere with migrant boats.
Britain’s Labour Party government has rejected calls from Reform Party leader Nigel Farage to turn boats back at sea or withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to ease deportations, arguing such measures would be unlawful and dangerous. The debate is taking place against a backdrop of wider integration challenges, including data showing that in parts of Britain with high asylum intake, a significant proportion of schoolchildren do not speak English.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Navy sailors have been charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud in a scheme involving sham marriages with Chinese nationals, raising concerns over national security risks.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Navy sailors Jacinth Bailey and Morgan Chambers, along with unnamed conspirators and Chinese nationals.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The scheme dates back to September 2024 and centers around the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.
💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s a huge issue for the Navy. It involves the screening of personnel. It involves the training of personnel, it involves discipline, and you’ve seen recruitment, training, and discipline deteriorate in the Navy over recent years.” – J. Michael Waller, former CIA operative.
🎯IMPACT: The case highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. national security, especially concerning so-called green card marriages.
IN FULL
A federal case involving two U.S. Navy sailors accused of entering sham marriages with Chinese nationals has intensified concerns about national security vulnerabilities and foreign intelligence activity targeting the American military. Jacinth Bailey and Morgan Chambers, both stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, were charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud after allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars to marry Chinese nationals so they could obtain permanent residency in the United States.
According to court documents, Bailey, who was assigned to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, was offered $45,000 to participate in the scheme, while Chambers was allegedly offered $35,000. Prosecutors say the plan involved marrying the foreign national, helping them secure a green card, and later divorcing them.
Investigators allege the operation deliberately sought out U.S. service members because of their access to sensitive military facilities. Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operative J. Michael Waller described the scheme as a “targeted intelligence recruitment and collection operation” designed to gain access to Naval Air Station Jacksonville through marriage-based base credentials. He warned that such access could pose serious risks to U.S. national security.
Waller also said the case reflects deeper structural issues within the Navy, stating, “It’s a huge issue for the Navy. It involves the screening of personnel. It involves the training of personnel, it involves discipline, and you’ve seen recruitment, training, and discipline deteriorate in the Navy over recent years. It’s only starting to come back.”
If convicted, Bailey and Chambers each face up to five years in federal prison. Their case comes amid a series of recent prosecutions highlighting Chinese espionage efforts against the United States. In 2025, for instance, a former Navy sailor was found guilty of spying for China after passing sensitive military information to Chinese intelligence handlers while holding a security clearance. That same year, a former State Department official was sentenced to four years in prison for providing classified national defense information to individuals linked to the Chinese government.
In another notable case, a former CIA officer was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after admitting he supplied classified intelligence to China over an extended period.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Far-left activists gathered outside the office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) in the state capitol, protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tim Walz, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, President Donald J. Trump, and protesters.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday afternoon, Minnesota State Capitol building.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The Governor and Homan agreed on the need for an ongoing dialogue and will continue working toward those goals, which the President also agreed to yesterday.” – Governor Walz’s office
🎯IMPACT: Tensions remain high in Minnesota as Democrats and anti-ICE activists attempt to effectively veto federal immigrationlaw.
IN FULL
Far-left protesters gathered outside Democrat Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office in the state Capitol on the afternoon of January 27, chanting “justice delayed, justice denied,” while holding signs reading “Justice for Alex Pretti” and “F*ck ICE.” The demonstration came hours after Walz met with White House Border Czar Tom Homan amid ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis.
Walz’s office released a statement following the meeting, saying the governor “met with Tom Homan this morning and reiterated Minnesota’s priorities: impartial investigations into the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, a swift, significant reduction in the number of federal forces in Minnesota, and an end to the campaign of retribution against Minnesota.” The statement added, “The Governor and Homan agreed on the need for an ongoing dialogue and will continue working toward those goals, which the President also agreed to yesterday. The Governor tasked the Minnesota Department of Public Safety as the primary liaison to Homan to ensure these goals are met.”
The protests follow two fatal incidents in Minneapolis earlier this month involving anti-ICE activists. Renee Good was killed after ramming a federal officer with her vehicle, while Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol during a scuffle.
Walz also spoke with President Donald J. Trump on Monday regarding the shootings and the federal presence in Minnesota. After the call, Walz wrote, “I had a productive call with President Trump earlier today. I told him we need impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, and that we need to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota.”
He added that “The President agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and to talk to DHS about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case.”
The Minnesota governor has drawn national attention in recent weeks over his involvement in a widespread Somali fraud scandal, his handling of the immigration protests, and his rhetoric against federal authorities. Walz has publicly acknowledged cooperating with Homan while simultaneously calling for limits on federal enforcement activity in the state. His administration has also faced scrutiny after Minnesota National Guard members were observed distributing coffee and donuts to anti-ICE activists.
Separately, Walz has asked supporters for financial contributions to help cover legal costs related to a Department of Justice (DOJ) subpoena over the fraud scandal, framing the request as necessary to challenge what he has described as federal overreach.
Protesters have gathered outside Governor Walz’s office in the Minnesota Capitol building. pic.twitter.com/rwlTsOiifI
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) declared that his city will maintain its stance of not upholding federal immigrationlaw following a meeting with White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jacob Frey, Tom Homan, and President Donald J. Trump.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement came on Tuesday, following a meeting in Minneapolis.
💬KEY QUOTE: “I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws, and that we will remain focused on keeping our neighbors and streets safe.” – Jacob Frey
🎯IMPACT: The decision has renewed the debate over state Democrats’ ongoing efforts to effectively nullify federal law as it pertains to immigration.
IN FULL
On Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) declared that his city would not uphold federal immigration laws, despite a meeting with White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
Frey described the discussion with Homan and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara as productive. He explained that he pressed for Operation Metro Surge—the federal immigration enforcement effort in the area—to conclude as soon as possible. Frey argued: “Public safety works best when it’s built on community trust, not tactics that create fear or division.” Notably, ICE has, in fact, detained a large number of highly dangerous criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota so far, including killers, rapists, and violent pedophiles.
Frey also stated: “I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws, and that we will remain focused on keeping our neighbors and streets safe. City leaders will continue to stay in conversation with Mr. Homan and his team.”
Homan was dispatched to Minnesota by President Donald J. Trump amid tensions over the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti by Border Patrol. Trump made the announcement on Monday, writing, “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me.”
In the same message, Trump referenced ongoing fraud probes in the state, linked to the large Somali community, noting: “Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets. Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at ‘Congresswoman’ Ilhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all.”
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) ordered a freeze on all new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and universities amid a federal investigation into abuse.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Gov. Abbott, the Texas Workforce Commission, and state universities.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The directive was issued on January 27, 2026, affecting the state of Texas.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Texans come first. I’m directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions.” – Greg Abbott
🎯IMPACT: Texas is the first state to implement a statewide freeze on H-1B visa petitions, impacting thousands of potential migrants and employers.
IN FULL
In a memo issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) instructed state agencies and publicly funded universities to immediately halt all H-1B visa petitions amid a federal investigation into abuse. Abbott stated that the Texas economy should be refocused to “the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers.” Abbott’s directive makes Texas the first state to implement such a statewide freeze.
“No state agency controlled by a gubernatorially appointed head or public institution of higher education shall, without the written permission of the Texas Workforce Commission, initiate or file any new petition to sponsor a nonimmigrant worker under the federal H-1B visa program until the end of the Texas Legislature’s 90th Regular Session on May 31, 2027,” Gov. Abbott’s memo declares. He goes on to cite “recent reports of abuse” and the federal government’s “ongoing review” of the H-1B visa program as reasons for the decision.
The Texas governor further instructed all state agencies to submit a report to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026, detailing the number of H-1B visa holders currently employed, their countries of origin, and documentation showing efforts to provide qualified Texans with opportunities to fill those positions. “Rather than serving its intended purpose of attracting the best and brightest individuals from around the world to our nation to fill truly specialized and unmet labor needs, the program has too often been used to fill jobs that otherwise could—and should—have been filled by Texans,” he admitted.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gov. Abbott wrote, “Texans come first. I’m directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions. Texas taxpayers invest billions to train our workforce. Those jobs should go to Texans. Texas is the strongest economic engine in America. We’re going to keep it that way.”
Texas approved over 40,000 H-1B visa petitions in fiscal year 2025, ranking second in the nation behind only California.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Virginia state appeals court has issued an injunction blocking the implementation of legislation adopted by Democrats in the state general assembly that would put a partisan gerrymandered congressional map on the state ballot as a referendum in late April.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court, Virginia Democrat lawmakers, voters, and Virginia Republicans.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The appellate ruling and injunction were handed down on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Therefore, any attempt to repeal Section 30-13 which does not comply with this Constitutional mandate, is NULL and VOID.” — Virginia Court of Appeals
🎯IMPACT: The ruling, while still subject to reversal by the state’s Supreme Court, is a significant blow to Virginia Democrats who have sought to implement a very Democrat-friendly congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
IN FULL
A Virginia state appeals court has issued an injunction blocking the implementation of legislation adopted by Democrats in the state general assembly that would put a partisan gerrymandered congressional map on the state ballot as a referendum in late April. The ruling will likely be appealed by Democrat lawmakers and set a final decision before Virginia’s Supreme Court.
The appellate court found that by adopting the legislation just four days before the state’s general election last November, lawmakers violated notice requirements under the state’s constitution. “The General Assembly has attempted or is attempting to repeal Section 30-13, which is fully within their power to do. However, under Article IV, Section 13 of the Constitution of Virginia, ‘All laws enacted at a regular session… shall take effect on the first day of July following the adjournment of the session of the General Assembly at which it has been enacted … unless in the case of an emergency (which emergency shall be expressed in the body of the bill) the General Assembly shall specify an earlier date by a vote of four-fifths of the members voting in each house…'” the judges stated.
They continued, “Therefore, any attempt to repeal Section 30-13 which does not comply with this Constitutional mandate, is NULL and VOID.” The ruling, while still subject to reversal by the state’s Supreme Court, is a significant blow to Virginia Democrats who have sought to implement a very Democrat-friendly congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A number of legal observers have noted it is unlikely that the Virginia Supreme Court will reverse the appellate decision.
The National Pulse reported in December last year that Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (D) was considering a plan to redraw the state’s Congressional maps in a way that could give Democrats a significant advantage, potentially shifting the current 6-5 delegation in favor of Republicans to a 10-1 Democratic majority. However, the latest ruling would prevent the implementation of any new maps until 2027, after the 2026 midterms.
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