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Category: Immigration
May 1, 2025
Immigration
Lawfare

Court Blocks Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act Against Venezuelan Migrants in Texas.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot use the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to detain or deport a group of Venezuelan illegal immigrants from a Texas facility.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez, the Trump administration, Venezuelan illegal immigrants alleged to be part of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang.

📍 Where & When: Southern Texas, with the ruling issued on Thursday, May 1.

💬 Key Quote: Judge Rodriguez claims the president’s invocation of the AEA through proclamation “exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute’s terms.”

⚠️ Impact: The administration is barred from using the AEA and Trump’s proclamation to detain or remove the migrants, but removal proceedings can still proceed under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

IN FULL:

A federal judge has ruled that President Donald J. Trump‘s March 15 proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to expedite the deportation of illegal immigrants residing in the United States exceeds the statutory authority laid out in the law. U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez—appointed to the bench in 2018 during Trump’s first term in office—issued the decision on Thursday, determining that the America First leader cannot use the AEA as a legal justification for holding or deporting illegal immigrants either residing or detained in the jurisdiction of the Southern District of Texas.

“The Proclamation makes no reference to and in no manner suggests that a threat exists of an organized, armed group of individuals entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation,” Rodriguez wrote in his ruling. He continued: “Thus, the Proclamation’s language cannot be read as describing conduct that falls within the meaning of ‘invasion’ for purposes of the AEA.”

“Neither the Court nor the parties question that the Executive Branch can direct the detention and removal of aliens who engage in criminal activity in the United States… The question that this lawsuit presents is whether the president can utilize a specific statute, the AEA, to detain and remove Venezuelan aliens who are members of TdA,” the judge continued, concluding: “As to that question, the historical record renders clear that the president’s invocation of the AEA through the proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute’s terms.”

Notably, Tren de Aragua has been officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization, and the FBI reportedly has evidence that the Venezuelan government is aiding its infiltration of the U.S.

The lawsuit, initially filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the subsequent ruling come as a blow to the Trump White House’s push to swiftly deport dangerous, criminal illegal immigrants. Should the administration appeal Judge Rodriguez’s decision, the conservative-dominated 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, would hear the case. However, the 5th Circuit has shown a penchant in the past to rule against actions it sees as constitutional overreach by the Executive Branch, especially on the issue of immigration. Previously, the appellate court ruled against measures enacted by former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama aimed at allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the country.

Notably, Judge Rodriguez took over the case from James Boasberg, who serves as the chief judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The change in venue and judge occurred after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that legal challenges to President Trump’s deportations can only be filed in the court district where the deported person resides or is detained. In addition, the Supreme Court determined that lower court rulings on the matter only apply to the judge’s respective judicial district.

While still presiding over the case earlier this year, Judge Boasberg issued a temporary halt to the deportation of illegal Venezuelan immigrants under the AEA in a bizarre order that demanded the Trump administration recall two planes that were over international waters carrying deportees to El Salvador.

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May 1, 2025
Immigration
Lawfare

Biden Judge Blocks State Law Criminalizing Illegal Immigration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A Joe Biden-appointed federal judge in Idaho has temporarily blocked a state immigration law that let local police arrest migrants suspected of unlawful entry if involved in other crimes.

👥 Who’s Involved: Federal Judge Amanda Brailsford, former President Joe Biden, Gov. Brad Little, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho.

📍 Where & When: Idaho, with the law signed in March, and the preliminary injunction issued recently.

💬 Key Quote: “We are pleased the court recognized that enforcement of this law is harmful and unconstitutional,” gloated Emily Croston, ACLU of Idaho Staff Attorney.

⚠️ Impact: The enforcement of the law is halted, pending a review, as state attorneys consider their next steps.

IN FULL:

A federal judge has put a temporary hold on a controversial Idaho immigration bill, pausing local law enforcement’s ability to arrest migrants suspected of illegal entry if involved in other offenses. Federal Judge Amanda Brailsford, appointed by former President Joe Biden, issued a preliminary injunction on parts of House Bill 83, known as the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act. The law, passed by Idaho’s legislature in March and immediately signed by Gov. Brad Little, criminalizes entry and reentry to the state.

The move follows a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho. The organization contends that the bill unlawfully attempts to override federal immigration enforcement, effectively turning local police into immigration agents. Judge Brailsford claimed the ACLU showcased a likelihood of success on several claims, including potential violations of the U.S. Constitution’s due process clause and federal immigration preemption.

The court’s decision halts the state’s ability to enforce misdemeanor penalties on individuals entering Idaho unlawfully, which could escalate to felony charges if associated with further criminal activities. Such offenses could lead to federal deportation processes. The ACLU of Idaho has praised the injunction, claiming, “the court recognized that enforcement of this law is harmful and unconstitutional.”

The blockage of the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act mirrors challenges faced by a similar Texas law, actively opposed by the federal government under Biden, highlighting ongoing guerrilla lawfare against border control policies by partisan organizations. Idaho’s Attorney General is currently evaluating the ruling to consider the state’s next steps.

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May 1, 2025
William Upton
Immigration
Lawfare

Biden Judge Blocking Illegal Immigrant Deportations Faces Conflict of Interest Allegations.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The husband of far-left U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Thurston—who issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday barring U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operating within her court jurisdiction from stopping and detaining suspected illegal immigrants without a warrant—has a history of promoting mass immigration and appears to draw significant business from real estate investors that cater to the illegal immigrant and migrant communities. The revelation raises significant concerns as to whether Judge Thurston is ignoring a conflict of interest by presiding over a case dealing with the Trump administration’s efforts to deport the millions of illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Thurston; her husband, Marc A Thurston, a real estate broker and investment advisor in California’s Central Valley; President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, and federal immigration officials with the CBP.

📍 Where & When: Judge Thurston issued the preliminary injunction on Tuesday, April 27, while investigative journalist Laura Loomer revealed her husband’s business and advocacy ties to illegal immigrants on Thursday, May 1.

💬 Key Quote: “You just can’t walk up to people with brown skin and say, ‘Give me your papers, ‘” Judge Thurston declared during a hearing prior to her ruling.

⚠️ Impact: The injunction temporarily prevents federal immigration officials from stopping and detaining suspected illegal immigrants in the U.S. District Court’s Eastern District of California. However, if a conflict of interest due to her husband’s business interests can be demonstrated, it could force the far-left judge off the case and render the injunction invalid.

IN FULL:

A far-left U.S. District Court judge, who is temporarily barring the Trump administration from stopping and detaining suspected illegal immigrants in the Eastern District of California, is facing allegations that she ignored a potential conflict of interest that could bias how she presides over the matter. Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, appointed to the bench by former President Joe Biden in 2021, likely enjoys financial benefits drawn from the revenue produced by her husband Marc A. Thurston’s real estate brokerage, which appears to cater to landlords and property investors renting to illegal immigrants and migrant workers in California’s Central Valley.

Investigative journalist Laura Loomer revealed Marc Thurston’s business entanglements with illegal immigrants and migrant workers early on Thursday, highlighting that the real estate broker has made numerous public posts critical of the Trump administration’s crackdown on migrants unlawfully residing in the U.S. Additionally, Loomer notes that Judge Thurston’s husband has made multiple social media posts arguing the deporation operations in California will cause significant disruptions in the Central Valley’s real estate market.

“Changes in immigration policies could disrupt the rental market in the Central Valley, California. With 50% of agricultural workers renting and up to 30% of construction labor undocumented, up to 9,500 people could be displaced from their homes,” Mr. Thurston wrote in a post on LinkedIn three months ago. He added, “Landlords, stay proactive—vacancies may spike, and it’s crucial to keep your tenants happy and ready to adapt. Prepare for potential shifts and secure your investments! Let’s plan ahead.”

Notably, Title 28 of the U.S. Code, which lays out the guidelines for the Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, stipulates in clear terms that spousal business interests can present a disqualifying conflict of interest for federal judges. 28 U.S. Code § 455 (b)(4) states that a federal judge “shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which… He knows that he, individually or as a fiduciary, or his spouse or minor child residing in his household, has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding.”

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April 30, 2025
Immigration

Kristi Noem Vows Immediate Deportation if Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to U.S.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran illegal immigrant, would be immediately deported again if returned to the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kristi Noem, President Donald J. Trump, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, and CBS News reporters Tony Dokoupil and Caitlin Yilek.

📍 Where & When: CBS News interview, broadcast on April 30, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Noem stated, “If [Abrego Garcia] were to be brought back to the United States of America, we would immediately deport him again,” emphasizing the administration’s hardline stance against illegal immigrants.

⚠️ Impact: Noem’s remarks underscore Trump’s commitment to targeting alleged gang members, potentially intensifying legal battles over “due process” while prioritizing national security over judicial pushback.

IN FULL:

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reaffirmed the Trump administration’s unwavering focus on deporting dangerous migrants, stating that Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Salvadoran illegal immigrant deported to a mega-prison in El Salvador—would face immediate deportation again if returned to the U.S. In a CBS News interview on April 30, 2025, Noem stated, “We’re focused on going after the worst of the worst and doing it the right way.”

Her comments come amid scrutiny over the vetting process for migrants deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the administration has used to send hundreds of alleged Venezuelan and Salvadoran gang members to the CECOT facility in El Salvador.

Abrego Garcia’s case has drawn significant attention due to a court order agreeing he was an illegal immigrant eligible for deportation, but putting a temporary hold on his removal to El Salvador, specifically, due to gang members there supposedly presenting a threat to his life.

Contrary to Democratic and media claims that Abrego Garcia is a simple “Maryland man” with no criminal history, judges have previously ruled that the authorities have presented “sufficient” evidence that he is a member of the terrorist-designated MS-13 gang, and he has previously been accused of domestic abuse by his wife and arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

“If [Abrego Garcia] were to be brought back to the United States of America, we would immediately deport him again,” Noem told CBS, saying of a court order to “facilitate” his return to the U.S., “He is not under our control. He is an El Salvador citizen. He is home there in his country.”

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who initially ordered the facilitation of Abrego Garcia’s return, accused the Trump administration of making “no meaningful effort to comply” with her demand. Noem defended the administration’s stance, asserting, “President Trump and his administration has adhered to the court and respects the court and its decisions,” while reiterating, “This individual is not under the United States of America’s jurisdiction and he is not one of our citizens. He is home in his home country. And that’s up to that country to decide what to do.”

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has previously stated he will not send Abrego Garcia to the U.S., arguing this would be tantamount to smuggling a terrorist into an allied country.

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Migrant Crime
April 30, 2025
Immigration

ICE Deports 65,000 Illegal Immigrants in Trump’s First 100 Days.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed over 65,000 illegal immigrants during President Trump’s initial 100 days in office.

👥 Who’s Involved: ICE, President Trump, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, and ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan.

📍 Where & When: United States, during the first 100 days of President Trump’s administration.

💬 Key Quote: “The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbors by removing public safety and national security threats from our communities,” stated ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons.

⚠️ Impact: Arrested individuals included members of gangs and those with serious criminal charges, impacting both public safety and employment practices.

IN FULL:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported on Tuesday that it has removed 65,682 illegal immigrants from the United States during the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s administration. The agency revealed that a significant number of those arrested—66,463 in total—included individuals with prior criminal convictions or charges.

Three-quarters of the arrests were of criminal illegal immigrants, a point highlighted by ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, who described the effort as a measure to ensure public safety and national security. “The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbors by removing threats to our communities,” Lyons stated.

Among those arrested, approximately 2,288 were identified as gang members from notorious groups such as MS-13, 18th Street, and Tren de Aragua. Additionally, the statistics revealed arrests of individuals convicted or accused of serious crimes, including 1,329 sex offenses and 498 murders. Furthermore, 9,639 faced charges or convictions for assaults, 6,398 for DWIs or DUIs, and 1,479 for weapon offenses.

ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan emphasized that efforts have also targeted workplaces employing illegal workers. Between January 20 and the time of reporting, over 1,000 illegal workers have been arrested, and fines exceeding $1 million have been proposed against non-compliant businesses. Sheahan also noted a recent operation that dismantled a human smuggling network, which allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of hundreds each year, bypassing governmental scrutiny.

Border Czar Tom Homan has previously said that the total number of deportations during President Trump’s first 100 days, including border removals, stood at around 139,000. However, border removals are trending downwards, as the administration’s strong border policies have slashed attempted border crossings.

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April 30, 2025
Crime
Immigration

New Bill Targets Fentanyl Dealers with Felony Murder Charges.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: New legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate to allow charging fentanyl dealers with felony murder if their distribution results in death.

👥 Who’s Involved: The bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX).

📍 Where & When: The bill was unveiled on Tuesday, marking National Fentanyl Awareness Day, and will proceed to committees for markup and consideration in both chambers.

💬 Key Quote: “If you sell the drug and take an innocent life, justice will be delivered,” said Representative Tony Gonzales.

⚠️ Impact: The legislation aims to increase penalties for fentanyl dealers, with the crisis having claimed approximately 280,000 American lives since 2021.

IN FULL:

New legislation seeks to hold fentanyl dealers accountable for the dangerous drug they peddle by allowing them to be charged with felony murder if their distribution results in death. Introduced simultaneously in the House and Senate, the proposed law aims to increase the severity of punishment for those involved in fentanyl trafficking. Under existing U.S. law, such offenses currently carry a minimum 20-year prison sentence but are not prosecuted as murder cases.

The bill, titled the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act, is being sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX). This legislative measure coincides with National Fentanyl Awareness Day and now heads to committees in both chambers for further consideration before moving to the House and Senate floors.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl has resulted in the deaths of about 280,000 Americans since 2021. The rising fentanyl crisis has been linked to increased illicit drug trafficking across U.S. borders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that around 64,000 pounds of fentanyl, which is enough to lethally dose billions of people, have been confiscated at the southern border.

“If you sell the drug and take an innocent life, justice will be delivered,” Rep. Gonzales said regarding the sentencing changes made by the legislation.

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trump border
April 29, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
News

Trump Has Slashed Illegal Alien Releases by 99.99% Compared to Biden Era: Homan.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Border Czar Tom Homan revealed that only nine illegal migrants were released into the U.S. during President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days, a sharp contrast to 184,000 under former President Joe Biden, as illegal border encounters dropped 95 percent.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Border Czar Tom Homan, the White House, and U.S. Border Patrol officials.

📍 Where & When: U.S.-Mexico border, with Homan’s announcement made on April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Homan declared, “What’s happening on the border, he did in seven weeks what Joe Biden couldn’t—or wouldn’t—do in four years.”

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s border policies have drastically reduced illegal crossings and gotaways, bolstering national security and showing his campaign promises on immigration enforcement are being fulfilled.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the U.S. border, with Border Czar Tom Homan revealing the relevant figures on April 29, 2025. In Trump’s first 100 days, only nine illegal migrants were released into the country, a stark contrast to the 184,000 released during the same period under then-President Joe Biden last year.

The White House reports a 99.99 percent decrease in “gotaways”—unlawful entrants not turned back, which the administration labeled “the top threat to public safety.” Homan praised Trump’s impact, declaring, “President Trump is a game changer,” and adding, “What’s happening on the border, he did in seven weeks what Joe Biden couldn’t—or wouldn’t—do in four years.”

Under Biden, Border Patrol saw up to 15,000 migrants crossing daily. “You know what the number was yesterday? 178 … 178 across 2,000 miles of border,” Homan remarked. The White House has reported a 95 percent drop in illegal border encounters, with only 11,000 crossings last month—the lowest on record, surpassing February’s previous low.

Homan clarified that the nine migrants released had valid reasons: four were material witnesses in criminal investigations, four were in “extreme medical distress,” and one was released on humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has deported approximately 139,000 people since Trump’s return. Homan estimates over 20 million illegal migrants remain in the U.S., but his agency is prioritizing the 700,000 accused or convicted of crimes, noting, “That’s who we’re looking for now, that’s [what we’re] prioritizing, them and national security threats.”

The White House hailed the results, stating, “President Trump has ushered in the most secure border in modern American history,” adding that the America First leader “has made good on the promises he made on the campaign trail to usher in an unprecedented era of homeland security.”

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April 29, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
Politics

Foreign-Born Dem Rep Files Impeachment Articles Against Trump for Deporting Foreign Criminals.

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❓What Happened: Foreign-born Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) filed seven articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, citing the deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a key grievance.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Shri Thanedar, President Donald J. Trump, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran illegal alien.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., with the filing announced on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Rep. Thanedar alleges President Trump has “ignored the Constitution.”

⚠️ Impact: Thanedar’s impeachment push is unlikely to advance in a GOP-controlled House, but highlights Democratic opposition to Trump’s immigration and trade policies and preference for migrants and foreign exporters.

IN FULL:

Foreign-born Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has filed articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, prompted by his deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member, accused domestic abuser, and suspected human trafficker Kilmar Abrego Garcia without “due process.”

Speaking in a thick Indian accent, Rep. Thanedar said Trump’s deportation of Salvadoran illegal alien Abrego Garcia under the Alien Enemies Act and not returning him “ignored the Constitution,” and forms part of a “dangerous, deliberate pattern.”

The 70-year-old has filed seven articles of impeachment in total, with the first being for supposed obstruction of justice and abuse of executive power, with respect to “unlawful deportations” and having “defied” court orders related to them.

Another article alleges “abuse of trade powers” by imposing “damaging tariffs” on foreign countries—including Thanedar’s native India.

Thanedar’s impeachment articles are highly unlikely to make any progress in the GOP-controlled House, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is downplaying their significance, saying, “I haven’t evaluated the articles. I haven’t even had an opportunity to talk with him about it.”

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April 28, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Trump Forces Media to Cover Deportation of Dangerous Illegals.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Images depicting the most serious criminal illegal immigrants arrested since the beginning of President Donald J. Trump’s second term are being displayed on the White House lawn.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Trump Administration organized the display, focusing on individuals arrested for serious criminal activities.

📍 Where & When: The event took place this morning, Monday, April 28, on the lawn of the White House.

💬 Key Quote: “Between President Trump’s inauguration and April 1 of this month, only nine illegal aliens were released into the United States. A staggering 99.99 percent decrease from the more than 184,000 illegal aliens who were released into the country under Biden during the same period last year,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced.

⚠️ Impact: This event is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to showcase its commitment to tightening immigration controls and removing dangerous individuals from the U.S.

IN FULL:

The Trump White House has lined the driveway on the north lawn where the corporate media hold live reports with images of the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants who have been apprehended during President Donald J. Trump‘s first 100 days in office. Prominently displayed, the photos posted on yard signs with the name and criminal charges for each illegal immigrant will be difficult for reporters to frame out of their live shots from the White House lawn.

Numbering 100 in total, the yard signs include an illegal Jamaican national arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Baltimore, who was convicted of first-degree murder. Another yard sign features an illegal immigrant from Burkina Faso who was arrested last week by ICE in Buffalo with a previous conviction for rape. A number of the criminals have prior convictions for violent sex crimes against minors, aggravated assault and battery, and crimes relating to their gang membership.


Early Monday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, addressed the media regarding the display on the White House lawn and the administration’s success in removing dangerous illegal immigrants and securing the border since January.

“Between President Trump’s inauguration and April 1 of this month, only nine illegal aliens were released into the United States. A staggering 99.99 percent decrease from the more than 184,000 illegal aliens who were released into the country under Biden during the same period last year,” Leavitt announced. She added: “Total attempted illegal crossings at the southwest border hit a record low in February, only to fall to another new record low again last month in March.”

Meanwhile, Homan took the corporate media to task over falsely alleging that the Trump administration deported a two-year-old American citizen. “What we did is remove children with their mothers who requested it—that’s a parental decision. Parenting 101,” Homan said, arguing: “I’ll tell you what, if we didn’t do it, the story today would be, ‘Trump administration’s separating families again!'”

“We’re keeping families together. When a parent says, I want my two-year-old to go with me, we made that happen. They weren’t deported; the parents made the decision,” Homan added.

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April 28, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Second Illegal in Noem Purse Theft Identified, Freed Into U.S. Despite Expedited Removal Order.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Two illegal immigrants from Chile have been arrested in connection with the theft of a purse belonging to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Easter Sunday.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, and Mario Bustamante-Leiva.

📍 Where & When: The theft occurred on Easter Sunday, with the suspects being arrested on Sunday, April 27, in Washington, D.C., and Miami, Florida.

💬 Key Quote: Montecino-Sanzana, who was detained and arrested in Miami on Sunday, had previously received an order for “expedited removal,” but was instead released into the United States in January of 2021.

⚠️ Impact: Montecino-Sanzana and Bustamante-Leiva are believed to be members of an organized East Coast criminal organization comprised of illegal immigrants who have executed a number of notable robberies and thefts.

IN FULL:

A second illegal alien arrested for the theft of a purse belonging to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has been identified as Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, a Chilean national. Montecino-Sanzana, who was detained and arrested in Miami on Sunday, had previously received an order for “expedited removal,” but was instead released into the United States in January of 2021.

Mario Bustamante-Leiva and Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana—both Chilean illegals—have been arrested in connection with the purse theft, which contained $3,000 in cash. Both men are suspected of being members of a large, organized criminal organization on the U.S. East Coast that has executed many thefts and robberies. Bustamante-Leiva was arrested earlier on Sunday by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Over a decade ago, in the United Kingdom, Bustamante-Leiva was charged with 22 separate acts of theft over a half-year period, totaling around $28,000. The extent of Montecino-Sanzana’s criminal record is not yet known.

Secretary Noem was dining at The Capital Burger—a restaurant in Washington, D.C.—on Easter Sunday when a masked man snatched her purse, which contained the former South Dakota governor’s driver’s license, $3,000 in cash, passport, DHS identification badge, and her house keys.

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