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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Category: Crime
February 19, 2025
William Upton
Crime
NatSec

Trump Designates Tren de Aragua and Sinaloa Cartel as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

For the first time in United States history, a number of international drug cartels have been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), akin to groups like al-Qaeda, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and the Islamic State. The move, announced by the Trump administration on Wednesday, is a significant escalation against the drug cartels—predominantly located in Mexico and South America. Additionally, the designation expands the type of actions the U.S. government has at its disposal to combat them.

Two of the most prominent cartel groups named in the designation are the violent Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel—one of the largest drug trafficking operations in the world. The National Pulse has previously reported that President Donald J. Trump and his administration have made the arrest and deportation of TdA members a priority as part of his mass deportation program. Several hundred TdA members have already been apprehended and either sent to the migrant facility located on the U.S. military installation at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or returned to Venezuela.

Other gangs and cartels listed in the FTO designation include Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, United Cartels—also known as the La Resistencia gang, Cartel of the Northeast—a splinter group of the Zetas, the Gulf Cartel, and The New Michoacan Family.

The designations, issued by the State Department, come just after it was revealed the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has begun using MQ-9 Reaper drones over Mexico to monitor drug cartels and their activities. The presence of drones could portend U.S.-authorized strikes and other military actions against these criminal organizations.

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For the first time in United States history, a number of international drug cartels have been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), akin to groups like al-Qaeda, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and the Islamic State. The move, announced by the Trump administration on Wednesday, is a significant escalation against the drug cartels—predominantly located in Mexico and South America. Additionally, the designation expands the type of actions the U.S. government has at its disposal to combat them. show more
February 18, 2025
Crime

Judge Postpones Tupac Murder Trial to Next Year.

The scheduled murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the suspect charged in the 1996 death of Tupac Shakur, in Nevada has been postponed. The decision was announced on Tuesday by Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny, who cited recent defense developments and the necessity of ensuring a fair trial. Initially slated for next month, the prosecution is now rescheduled for February 9, 2026.

“It looks like there are quite a few things that are left to be done to get this case prepared so that Mr. Davis can have effective assistance of counsel,” Judge Kierny explained. The court has also mandated a status hearing to take place over the coming summer, requiring both prosecution and defense teams to attend.

This marks a significant extension in the long-running case concerning the 1992 murder of Tupac Shakur, whose death has been a subject of intrigue and speculation for decades. Davis, a former gang leader, remains the only individual to face charges in connection to the deadly drive-by shooting of the rapper, which also injured Marion “Suge” Knight.

Shakur and Davis’s nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, had been involved in a melee in a Las Vegas casino before the shooting.

Image by Scarlet Sappho.

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The scheduled murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the suspect charged in the 1996 death of Tupac Shakur, in Nevada has been postponed. The decision was announced on Tuesday by Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny, who cited recent defense developments and the necessity of ensuring a fair trial. Initially slated for next month, the prosecution is now rescheduled for February 9, 2026. show more
February 18, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Crime
Culture

Alleged Leader of Cult of Transgender Killers Found in Backcountry.

Maryland State Police arrested Jack LaSota, a 34-year-old man who identifies as a transgender woman under the alias Andrea Phelps, on Sunday in the state’s western backcountry. The suspected ringleader of the so-called “Zizians,” a transgender terror cult tied to at least five murders nationwide, including the killing of Border Patrol agent David Maland last month, is charged with trespassing, obstructing justice, and illegal weapons possession.

LaSota had been on the run since he skipped a December trial. Previously, he faked his death to duck prosecution and was even declared deceased in San Mateo County, California.

Alongside LaSota, police hauled in Michelle Zajko, another transgender, on similar charges. Both face a bail hearing Tuesday morning in Allegany District Court.

LaSota, who posts deranged ramblings on a blog under the name “Ziz,” styles himself as the cult’s messiah but has dodged direct charges for his followers’ alleged attacks since 2022. Federal authorities accuse alleged cult member Teresa “Milo” Consuelo Youngblut of gunning down Agent Maland in a January shootout near Vermont’s Canadian border. Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt—also transgender—was slain in the firefight. Youngblut has pleaded not guilty.

Zajko is accused of peddling the guns used to kill Maland and is a prime suspect in the 2022 execution-style murders of parents Richard and Rita Zajko.

In November 2022, LaSota lurked at the scene of a savage stabbing in Vallejo, California, where 80-year-old landlord Curtis Lind fought off a mob of squatters—alleged cult affiliates living in vans and box trucks on his property. Lind took a sword to the chest but managed to shoot dead one attacker, Emma Borhanian. He survived the encounter but was killed last month in a second stabbing prosecutors say was a hit to silence his upcoming testimony.

The suspect in Lind’s killing is Maximillian Bentley Snyder, who applied for a marriage license with Youngblut.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents who raided Youngblut’s Toyota Prius found guns, ammunition, a ballistic helmet, night-vision gear, and respirators.

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Maryland State Police arrested Jack LaSota, a 34-year-old man who identifies as a transgender woman under the alias Andrea Phelps, on Sunday in the state’s western backcountry. The suspected ringleader of the so-called “Zizians,” a transgender terror cult tied to at least five murders nationwide, including the killing of Border Patrol agent David Maland last month, is charged with trespassing, obstructing justice, and illegal weapons possession. show more
February 14, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Crime

Transgender Teen Charged with Plotting Valentine’s Day School Massacre.

Authorities in Indiana have charged 18-year-old transgender Trinity Shockley, a female who goes by the name “Jamie,” with conspiracy to commit murder and two terrorism-related charges for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at Mooresville High School on Valentine’s Day. Shockley, a senior at the school, is accused of planning to emulate the 2017 Parkland shooting, which killed 17 people. The teen is currently held without bond in Morgan County Jail.

Police reports reveal Shockley’s fixation on Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz, including a disturbing romantic obsession. Shockley confessed to a school counselor about being sexually attracted to Cruz, expressing desires to have children with him and even naming them. The teen wore a heart locket necklace containing Cruz’s photo and had a bedroom wall covered with images of mass shooters, including Cruz, Dylann Roof, and Randy Stair. Notebooks found in Shockley’s backpack contained violent phrases like “kill” and “I hate you all DIE DIE DIE.”

The plot came to light after an anonymous tipster reported that Shockley had access to an AR-15 rifle, had ordered a bulletproof vest, and admired Cruz. Discord messages allegedly sent by Shockley detailed plans for the shooting, including targeting their best friend, with one message stating, “Parkland part two. I’ve been planning this for a YEAR.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) traced the messages to Shockley and alerted local authorities.

Police Chief Kerry Buckner expressed shock, noting, “Nothing ever happens in Mooresville. It’s a small town. To think somebody was plotting to hurt a lot of individuals, kids, future leaders of this country, is pretty disturbing.”

A search of Shockley’s home uncovered AR-15 magazines, .40 caliber bullets, and a soft armor vest in their father’s room, though it’s unclear if Shockley had access to a firearm.

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Authorities in Indiana have charged 18-year-old transgender Trinity Shockley, a female who goes by the name "Jamie," with conspiracy to commit murder and two terrorism-related charges for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at Mooresville High School on Valentine's Day. Shockley, a senior at the school, is accused of planning to emulate the 2017 Parkland shooting, which killed 17 people. The teen is currently held without bond in Morgan County Jail. show more
February 14, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Hearing for Illegals Suing to Prevent Being Sent to Gitmo Canceled After They’re Deported to Venezuela Instead.

A status conference scheduled for March 3 regarding the fate of three Venezuelan illegal immigrants who successfully attained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from a U.S. District Court preventing them from being sent to a migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay has been canceled. The U.S. District Court in New Mexico—which granted the restraining order—vacated next month’s status conference after President Donald J. Trump’s administration deported the three men to their home country of Venezuela instead.

“This matter is before the Court on Respondents’ Notice of Removal, filed February 11, 2025. Having considered the information provided in the Notice of Removal, the Court hereby vacates the status conference set for March 3, 2025,” an order signed by the Chief Judge on Friday reads. The judicial order goes on to note that while the Court had issued a TRO preventing the three plaintiffs from being removed from the United States to the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Trump administration opted instead to return them to their home country of Venezuela. The Chief Judge rightfully notes this negates the need for further proceedings.

In early February, President Trump announced that illegal immigrants considered too dangerous to hold in standard U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities—or, in some instances, too dangerous to deport to their country of origin—would instead be sent to a 30,000-bed migrant holding facility at Guantanamo Bay. The individuals now being detained at the U.S. military base in Cuba include numerous members of the extremely violent Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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A status conference scheduled for March 3 regarding the fate of three Venezuelan illegal immigrants who successfully attained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from a U.S. District Court preventing them from being sent to a migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay has been canceled. The U.S. District Court in New Mexico—which granted the restraining order—vacated next month's status conference after President Donald J. Trump's administration deported the three men to their home country of Venezuela instead. show more
Migrant Crime
February 13, 2025
Crime
Immigration

ICE Apprehends Illegal Immigrant Accused of Child Rape After Sanctuary State Ignored Detainer.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Jose Fernando-Perez, 49, in Framingham, Massachusetts, after local law enforcement did not honor an immigration detainer issued over two years ago. Fernando-Perez is accused of six child rape offenses.

The detainer had initially been lodged by ICE in May 2022 after he was charged in Essex County, but the suspect was released on pre-trial conditions in October 2022. State and local sanctuary laws in Massachusetts have resulted in a number of high-profile instances where illegal alien criminals were released by local authorities before an ICE detainer could be executed, resulting in the illegals proceeding to commit new violent acts.

The stringent sanctuary laws within the state mean local law enforcement and courts are not compelled to cooperate with ICE directives. A 2017 state Supreme Court ruling emphasized preventing what had been called “anti-immigrant policies.”

Acting Field Office Director of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Boston, Patricia H. Hyde, stated in a press release that Fernando-Perez represents the type of individual ICE is focusing on under its “worst first” policy, emphasizing the threat he posed to children in the community.

Democratic Governor Maura Healey previously stated that while Massachusetts is not officially a sanctuary state, officials must adhere to the law in immigration enforcement, especially regarding known criminals. The Democratic Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell, has stressed that the state will not condone any enforcement actions seen as illegal.

Fernando-Perez faces an upcoming Department of Justice immigration hearing and remains in ICE custody. Additionally, a jury trial for the charges, which include three counts of aggravated rape of a child and three counts of rape of a child by force, is scheduled for June 2, 2025.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Jose Fernando-Perez, 49, in Framingham, Massachusetts, after local law enforcement did not honor an immigration detainer issued over two years ago. Fernando-Perez is accused of six child rape offenses. show more
February 12, 2025
Corruption
Crime
Politics

Veteran Democrat Leader Convicted in Corruption Trial.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) faced a mixed verdict in his high-profile corruption trial this week. Madigan, a Democrat who previously led the Illinois House for over three decades, was convicted on 10 counts, acquitted of seven, and jurors could not reach a decision on six other charges. The trial, centered on bribery and racketeering accusations, came after more than ten days of jury deliberation.

The case against Madigan, dubbed the “Velvet Hammer” for his influential yet low-key leadership style, relied heavily on secret recordings by a former Chicago alderman turned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) informant. In a surprising move, Madigan took the stand, denying all allegations.

Madigan’s charges were rooted in a 23-count indictment accusing him of using his political influence to pass legislation benefiting utility companies in exchange for kickbacks and favors. Federal prosecutors presented various forms of evidence, including recordings and transcripts, to illustrate Madigan’s activities, which reportedly involved blurred lines between his political and legal endeavors as an attorney.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz described Madigan’s actions during the trial’s closing arguments as an abuse of his substantial power. The trial featured testimony from over 60 witnesses, showcasing Madigan’s operations, which often occurred in meetings held at his downtown law office.

Madigan, who retired from politics in 2021 ahead of his indictment, is said to have manipulated legislative maps and directed campaign funds throughout his tenure. Significantly, the trial also involved Michael McClain, Madigan’s close confidant and former state legislator. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the charges against McClain.

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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) faced a mixed verdict in his high-profile corruption trial this week. Madigan, a Democrat who previously led the Illinois House for over three decades, was convicted on 10 counts, acquitted of seven, and jurors could not reach a decision on six other charges. The trial, centered on bribery and racketeering accusations, came after more than ten days of jury deliberation. show more
February 12, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Trump Has Deported Nearly 200 Dangerous Illegals to Venezuela This Week.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced during Wednesday’s press briefing that President Donald J. Trump‘s policy of mass deportating illegal immigrants is continuing apace. This week already, according to Leavitt, 190 illegal immigrants from Venezuela have been returned directly to their home country on two deportation flights.

“On another important matter this week, illegal alien criminals continue to be arrested and sent home as part of the ongoing mass deportation effort of the Trump administration,” Leavitt stated during the White House press briefing. She continued: “Just this week, two planes—with 190 Venezuelan illegal aliens—arrived in the Venezuelan capital from Fort Bliss, Texas.”

She then provided examples of “some of the criminal illegal aliens who were arrested in the country this past week,” including “a citizen of Nigeria who had been convicted of money laundering,” a “citizen of Mexico who had been convicted of assault, and two more citizens convicted of aggravated assault.

The Trump administration is arranging for migrants who cannot be deported directly to their home countries to instead by removed to Guatemala or, in the case of criminals, El Salvador, or detained in Guantanamo Bay.


President Trump authorized the beginning of the mass deportation program—spearheaded by border czar Tom Homan—almost immediately after taking the Oath of Office on January 20 of this year. However, while raids led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue, interference by open borders advocates, George Soros-controlled media companies, and even employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has resulted in illegal immigrants being tipped off to pending raids in several instances.

Subsequently, The National Pulse reported on Tuesday that Homan confirmed an individual connected to the FBI was the source of a leak that tipped off media and illegal immigrant gang members to an ICE raid in Los Angeles.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced during Wednesday's press briefing that President Donald J. Trump's policy of mass deportating illegal immigrants is continuing apace. This week already, according to Leavitt, 190 illegal immigrants from Venezuela have been returned directly to their home country on two deportation flights. show more
February 11, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Politics

President Trump Expected to Sign EO to Clean Up D.C., Crack Down on Gun Crime in Capital.

President Donald J. Trump is expected to soon sign an executive order directing prosecutors in Washington, D.C. to seek federal charges against individuals arrested on gun offenses and ordering the removal of the city’s numerous homeless encampments. The order follows a pledge by Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign to restore the U.S. capital as a first-class American city after it desceneded into a “nightmare of murder and crime” under former President Joe Biden.

In addition to addressing gun crime and the city’s rampant homeless crisis, Trump’s executive order is expected to direct more stringent enforcement against so-called  quality of life crimes, which include criminal acts such as public intoxication, open-air illegal drug sales, vandalism, grafitti, and public urination. While the exact language of the executive order is not yet finalized, it is expected that Trump will issue the directive later this week.

Under Trump’s order, felons caught in possession of a gun—or guns—in Washington, D.C. can be held without bail. Additionally, the order clears the way for prosecutors to seek federal penalities for these individuals if convicted.

Over the last four years, under former President Biden, Washington, D.C. has seen an explosion in gun related crime. Last February, former Trump administration staffer Mike Gill was shot during a carjacking spree in the capital city. Gill later died of his wounds.

The explosion in Washington, D.C.’s homeless population will also be addressed in President Trump’s executive order. Over the past two years, the capital has seen an increasing number of homeless encampments across the city—with most being established in green areas near major roadways, public parks, and around Union Station. It expected the directive’s language will help clear restrictions on the city’s ability to clear and remove the encampments.

Image by Ted Eytan.

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President Donald J. Trump is expected to soon sign an executive order directing prosecutors in Washington, D.C. to seek federal charges against individuals arrested on gun offenses and ordering the removal of the city's numerous homeless encampments. The order follows a pledge by Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign to restore the U.S. capital as a first-class American city after it desceneded into a "nightmare of murder and crime" under former President Joe Biden. show more
February 11, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Crime
War
World

Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for Enslaving Children with ISIS.

A woman has sentenced a woman to 12 years in prison for taking part in the enslavement of children and women in Syria when she was a member of the Islamic State terrorist group. Lina Ishaq, 52, was found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by a Stockholm court and was sentenced on Tuesday, February 11.

Ishaq was a member of the Islamic State terrorist group and lived in Raqqa, Syria, in 2015, when the group controlled that area of the country. During that time, she enslaved at least three women and six children belonging to the Yazidi minority.

The victims, who all appeared as plaintiffs in the case, stated they were all held for at least five months by the terrorist group after Islamic State fighters had initially captured them during a series of attacks on their villages in Iraq in August of 2014.

Ishaq is said to have forcibly converted the victims to Islam and made them recite the Quran and pray five times a day. The victims were also forced to do household chores, and some were held for years by human traffickers.

While the Islamic State no longer holds vast swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, and several of its leaders have been killed, the group remains a threat. Several recent terror attacks have seen perpetrators pledge allegiance to the group, including the New Orleans New Year’s Day terrorist.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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A woman has sentenced a woman to 12 years in prison for taking part in the enslavement of children and women in Syria when she was a member of the Islamic State terrorist group. Lina Ishaq, 52, was found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by a Stockholm court and was sentenced on Tuesday, February 11. show more