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Category: News
April 25, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
War
World

Kiev Mayor Says Ukraine Could ‘Temporarily’ Surrender Land to Russia for Peace.

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❓What Happened: Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko admitted Ukraine might have to concede land to Russia for a peace deal temporarily.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Vitali Klitschko, President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine, Russia.

📍 Where & When: Kiev, Ukraine, April 25.

💬 Key Quote: “One of the scenarios is… to give up territory. It’s not fair.” — Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

⚠️ Impact: The statements could reflect broader support within Ukraine for a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration.

IN FULL:

The Mayor of Kiev, former champion boxer Vitali Klitschko, has admitted that Ukraine may have to surrender land currently occupied by Russia to secure a peace deal. His comments contrast with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated that Ukraine would not accept any land being given to Russia, including Crimea.

“One of the scenarios is… to give up territory. It’s not fair,” Klitschko said. “But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution, temporary,” he added. The Kiev mayor admitted that he has no say in any potential peace process and that President Zelensky had not even spoken to him on the matter.

Klitschko is seen as a political opponent of Zelensky and has previously criticized the Ukrainian president. He has previously accused Zelensky of trying to usurp the power of elected officials and stated in 2023 that Ukraine was becoming an authoritarian state.

President Donald J. Trump has been attempting to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, but has been met with resistance from Zelensky, in particular. Earlier this week, President Trump accused Zelensky of trying to sabotage the peace process by making constant inflammatory remarks. These have included refusing to recognize even Crimea, a Russian-majority region that has been part of Russia for over a decade, as Russian territory.

Donald Trump Jr. also criticised Zelensky this week over his refusal to budge on Crimea, saying, “For those who haven’t been paying attention. Zelensky doesn’t want peace.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated last week that talks may fail if there is no progress in the coming days. Despite this, White House envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 25, and President Trump is also expected to meet with the Russian leader. However, no date for the meeting has been revealed so far.

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April 25, 2025
Economy
News

China Lifts Tariffs on Select US-Made Semiconductors.

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❓What Happened: China has removed tariffs on certain types of semiconductors from the United States, reducing them from the initially suggested 125 percent to zero.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Chinese government, U.S. semiconductor manufacturers, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: The tariff exemptions were reported by a Chinese financial media outlet on a recent Friday, amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

💬 Key Quote: “He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf,” President Trump on speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade.

⚠️ Impact: The exemptions may signal China is cracking in its ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., although broader tariffs on goods continue, affecting various industries.

IN FULL:

China has quietly reduced tariffs on some American-made semiconductors amidst the trade conflict with the United States. This move lowers tariffs on at least eight categories of U.S. microchips to zero, a significant change from the 125 percent levy previously imposed by Beijing for various U.S. products.

These tariff exemptions on semiconductor imports reflect a selective easing in the economic tensions between the two nations.

President Donald J. Trump recently remarked that negotiations related to tariffs with China are ongoing, yet Chinese officials have denied such discussions. When asked about any conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said, “He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf.”

Earlier this month, Trump declared tariffs against several countries. A 90-day pause on higher rates was offered for nations open to negotiation, though Chinese imports remain heavily tariffed. Some goods, including many Chinese-made electronics like laptops and smartphones, have been temporarily exempted.

The Chinese exemptions could offer some respite to U.S. semiconductor manufacturers trading with China. Nonetheless, other American goods and sectors continue to face Chinese tariffs and trade barriers, though even before the trade conflict began, China imported far fewer American goods than goods it exported to America. Trade restrictions have been an escalating point of contention between the world’s largest economies, with varying impacts on global markets and industries.

The move shows that China may be willing to begin trade negotiations with the United States. All other countries that had tariffs placed on them have requested talks with President Trump and his administration.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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April 25, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Crime
Immigration

WATCH: AG Bondi Describes How Arrested Judge Snuck Illegal Out of Court to Evade ICE.

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❓ What Happened: Attorney General Pam Bondi has described the circumstances that led to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents arresting Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on April 25, 2025, for allegedly obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement (ICE) by helping a previously deported illegal alien, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, escape arrest at her courthouse.

👥 Who’s Involved: Judge Hannah Dugan, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, ICE agents, and Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a Mexican illegal with a domestic abuse charge.

📍 Where & When: Milwaukee County Courthouse, Wisconsin, with the incident occurring on April 18, 2025, and the arrest on April 25, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The Judge learns that ICE was outside to get the guy… She comes back into the courtroom… Takes the defendant and the defense attorney back in her chambers… and tells them to leave.”

⚠️ Impact: Dugan’s arrest underscores the Trump administration’s strong stance on immigration enforcement, potentially deterring judicial interference while intensifying federal-local tensions over sanctuary policies.

IN FULL:

The FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on April 25, 2025, charging her with obstructing an ICE operation after she allegedly helped an illegal alien evade arrest. The incident, which unfolded on April 18 at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, has intensified the debate over the role of judges in hindering immigration enforcement, with the Trump administration signaling a no-tolerance approach.

Speaking on Fox News, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Judge Dugan intervened when ICE agents arrived to detain Eduardo Flores Ruiz, a Mexican migrant previously deported in 2013 and facing misdemeanor battery charges related to domestic abuse. Bondi detailed the events: “The Judge learns that ICE was outside to get the guy, because he had been deported in 2013, came back into our country, charged with committing these crimes, victim is in court. Judge finds out. She goes out into the hallway. Screams at the immigration officer. She’s furious. Visibly shaken. Upset. Sends them off to talk to the chief judge. She comes back into the courtroom. You’re not going to believe this. Takes the defendant and the defense attorney back in her chambers. Takes them out a private exit and tells them to leave. While the state prosecutor and victims of domestic violence are sitting in the courtroom.”

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest, stating that Dugan “intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse,” allowing Flores Ruiz to initially evade capture. ICE agents later apprehended him after a foot chase, but Patel noted the judge’s actions “created increased danger to the public.” Dugan now faces felony charges of obstruction and concealing a person from arrest, which could lead to up to six years in prison if convicted.

Dugan, elected as a judge in 2016 and endorsed by Milwaukee’s Democratic mayor, previously served as head of Catholic Charities, where she supported refugee resettlement—a background some argue may have influenced her decision to shield Flores Ruiz. The case echoes a 2018 incident in Massachusetts, where a judge faced charges for helping an illegal immigrant escape ICE, though those charges were later dropped.

Democrats have suggested the arrest of a judge by federal authorities signals an authoritarian turn by the Trump administration, but administration officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have turned a line previously used against President Trump back against them, stating that “No one is above the law.”

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April 25, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Crime
Media

Gabbard Announces Prosecution Referrals for Intel Leakers Undermining Trump.

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❓What Happened: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that several intelligence leakers have been referred for criminal prosecution.

👥 Who’s Involved: Tulsi Gabbard, unnamed intelligence officials, Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., April 25.

💬 Key Quote: “We have referred them now to the Department of Justice and the FBI for an official criminal investigation, because these are crimes and people need to be held accountable to put a stop to this.” — Tulsi Gabbard.

⚠️ Impact: The potential prosecutions could discourage further leakers seeking to undermine President Trump’s agenda.

IN FULL:

Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has announced that several members of the intelligence community suspected of leaking information to the mainstream media have been referred for prosecution. According to Gabbard, the officials purposely attempted to undermine President Donald J. Trump.

“We conducted our own internal investigation. We have referred them now to the Department of Justice and the FBI for an official criminal investigation, because these are crimes and people need to be held accountable to put a stop to this,” Gabbard said on April 25.

She went on to add that the American people voted for President Trump to put an end to the weaponization of intelligence that has undermined trust in intelligence agencies among the American public. Gabbard said the leaks were selective and were sent to “friends in the propaganda media that twisted, manipulated intelligence directly to undermine the president’s policies and his aggressive work to keep the American people safe.”

The DNI did not reveal any names of suspects being referred to prosecutors, but added that additional intelligence community members were also being investigated. She did, however, name the New York Times, Washington Post, and Huffington Post as outlets that received information from the leakers.

Since becoming DNI, Gabbard has cracked down on misbehaviour among intelligence officials, including sacking over 100 members of the NSA over their involvement in sexually explicit chat rooms in February.

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April 25, 2025
Immigration

Some Foreign Students See Legal Status Restored as ICE Plans New Visa Termination Policies.

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❓What Happened: The Trump administration has decided to reinstate the legal status of foreign students whose student visas were recently terminated. This comes as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to develop a new policy for handling visa termination.

👥 Who’s Involved: The decision involves the Trump administration, ICE, foreign students, the Justice Department (DOJ), and a number of American universities across the country.

📍 Where & When: Affected students across the U.S. began seeing their statuses restored as of Thursday afternoon. The announcement was made during a hearing in the Northern District of California.

💬 Key Quote: DOJ attorney Elizabeth D. Kurlan stated, “ICE still maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record for other reasons.”

⚠️ Impact: The reinstatement affects many foreign students, allowing some to regain their status, though their visas remain revoked, causing uncertainty. The termination still appears on records, potentially affecting future visas or green card applications.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration announced on Friday that it would restore the legal status of a number of foreign students whose records were previously terminated. Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney Elizabeth D. Kurlan announced the move during a federal court hearing in the Northern District of California. The DOJ attorney elaborated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now plans to introduce a new policy to govern the termination of status records.

This development follows the Trump administration’s previous action of revoking visas and legal statuses of many foreign students, particularly those who participated in pro-Hamas demonstrations or had prior charges such as DUIs. While affected students may see their records reactivated, their visa revocation still appears on their record, and ICE notes it still retains the authority to terminate Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records.

“ICE still maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record for other reasons,” Kurlan said, adding that the reasons include situations “…such as if a student fails to maintain his or her nonimmigrant status after the record is reactivated, or engages in other unlawful activity that would render him or her removable from the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.”

A number of foreign students impacted by the revocations saw their statuses updated on Thursday afternoon, almost 24 hours before the DOJ announcement in federal court. However, not all foreign students were reinstated. The University of California, Berkeley, says about half of its affected students have regained their status. Other academic institutions have seen similar mixed updates.

Additionally, the prior terminations still appear on student records, which could negatively impact future immigration processes such as green card applications or requests for other visa statuses.

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April 25, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Obama-Backed U.S. Factory Caught Using Illegal Chinese Labor.

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❓What Happened: A Chinese-owned factory complex in Ohio is under investigation for illegally importing workers from China. Federal authorities have seized $126 million in assets related to this case, which involves allegations of illegal staffing and money laundering.

👥 Who’s Involved: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio is leading the investigation. Fuyao Glass America, a company featured in a documentary, is among the entities involved. Approximately 40 entities allegedly facilitated the illegal employment.

📍 Where & When: The factories are located in the Dayton area of Ohio. The investigation began in December 2019 after law enforcement learned about the alleged activities. The asset seizures related to the money laundering investigation were announced in April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said Jared Murphey, ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge.

⚠️ Impact: The investigation has uncovered a network of entities allegedly employing individuals who entered the U.S. illegally. The focus is on accountability for employers and the workforce, and comes amidst heightened economic tensions between the United States and China over the latter’s unfair trade practices aimed at harming American domestic industries.

IN FULL:

Federal authorities have seized $126 million in assets amid an investigation into a Chinese-owned factory complex in Ohio accused of importing workers from China illegally. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio is scrutinizing allegations that workers were smuggled into the country through Mexico to work at factories in the Dayton area.

The investigation indicates that the affected workers, primarily of Chinese and Hispanic origin, were housed in accommodation owned by their employers and transported to work by them. According to authorities, roughly 40 entities were established to facilitate the employment of these individuals who entered and stayed in the United States unlawfully or worked without necessary permits.

Fuyao Glass America—a prominent Chinese manufacturer named in the case—emerged in the spotlight due to its feature in the 2019 Netflix documentary American Factory, acquired by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions. The company, owned by Chinese industrialist Cao Dewang, employs a significant workforce on American soil, including a portion comprising Chinese immigrants.

The probe initially began in December 2019 upon the discovery of a collaboration among multiple business owners from China who moved to Ohio. They formed numerous entities to support the employment network suspected of harboring illegal workers and engaging in money laundering. The asset seizures were announced this month in relation to the money laundering investigation.

Despite being raided, Fuyao Glass America has maintained its stance as a victim, claiming cooperation with the investigation as it unfolds. In response to the allegations, Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge for ICE HSI Detroit, emphasized ongoing efforts to prevent illegal employment and workforce manipulation. “We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said Murphey.

Notably, former President Joe Biden’s nomination of Nelson Cunningham as a deputy in the Office of the United States Trade Representative was derailed by a bipartisan group of senators over his lobbying work for Fuyao Glass America. Subsequently, Biden appointed Cunningham to an advisory role with the U.S. State Department.

Image by Peter Souza.

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April 25, 2025
William Upton
Breaking
Crime

BREAKING: Kash Patel Says FBI Has Arrested Judge Who Attempted to Conceal Illegal Immigrant in Her Courthouse.

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❓What Happened: A Milwaukee County circuit judge has been arrested on charges of obstruction after she allegedly attempted to conceal an illegal immigrant in her courthouse

👥 Who’s Involved: Judge Hannah Dugan, illegal immigrant Eduardo Flores Ruiz, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel.

📍 Where & When: The arrest was announced on Friday, April 25.

💬 Key Quote: “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject—an illegal alien—to evade arrest,” Patel said.

⚠️ Impact: The judge is the second state or local official to be arrested over the last 24 hours over allegations of aiding and abetting an illegal immigrant. A former New Mexico judge and his wife were arrested Thursday evening on allegations of tampering stemming from their harboring of a Venezuelan illegal immigrant member of the dangerous Tren de Aragua gang.

IN FULL:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have arrested a Milwaukee County circuit judge on charges of obstruction after she allegedly attempted to conceal an illegal immigrant in her courthouse, going so far as to misdirect agents as to the individual’s location. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested in Milwaukee, with the illegal immigrant, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, also successfully being taken into custody.

“The FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on charges of obstruction—after evidence of Judge Dugan obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week,” Patel announced on Friday. “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject—an illegal alien—to evade arrest.”

Patel added: “Thankfully, our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public.”

Judge Dugan’s arrest is the second instance of a state or local judge being arrested for aiding and abetting an illegal immigrant in the past 24 hours. The National Pulse previously reported that former Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his spouse, Nancy Cano, were taken into custody late Thursday in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and face charges related to allegations that the couple harbored illegal immigrant members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang.

Notably, a number of federal judges have used temporary restraining orders (TROs) and other legal tools to block the Trump administration’s efforts to deport violent illegal immigrant criminals to El Salvador, where they are being held in the country’s CECOT prison facility.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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April 25, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Illegal Immigrant Released by Biden Charged with Rape of Boy.

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❓What Happened: A Mexican migrant is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy during a game of hide-and-seek.

👥 Who’s Involved: Samuel Cobos-Carmona, the alleged perpetrator; a 13-year-old Florida boy and his eight-year-old brother; Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

📍 Where & When: Alleged incident occurred in Florida behind the victim’s home on April 13, reported one week later.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re going to work very hard with the State Attorney’s Office and our federal partners to make sure this individual does not see the light of day again.” — Sheriff Bill Prummell.

⚠️ Impact: Cobos-Carmona faces charges of lewd and lascivious battery; broader conversations about immigration policy and law enforcement partnerships are likely.

IN FULL:

Charlotte County, Florida, faces a grave criminal case involving an alleged sexual assault on a minor. Samuel Cobos-Carmona, a 20-year-old Mexican migrant, is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy during a game of hide-and-seek behind the victim’s home. The attack reportedly occurred on April 13 but was not immediately disclosed due to the victim’s fear.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Cobos-Carmona confessed to the assault after he formed a short-lived friendship with the victim and his younger sibling, aged eight. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cobos-Carmona on Monday, charging him with lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.

Sheriff Bill Prummell pledged cooperation with federal and state authorities to ensure the accused remains incarcerated. Prummell remarked, “We’re going to work very hard with the State Attorney’s Office and our federal partners to make sure this individual does not see the light of day again.” The sheriff further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with federal agencies to deport individuals like Cobos-Carmona.

Cobos-Carmona’s history in the United States is marked by a previous illegal entry in 2021, leading to deportation back to Mexico. However, he re-entered the U.S. the following year and avoided capture by Texas authorities before relocating to Florida. He was eventually detected, but Sheriff Prummell noted that he was released in 2024 thanks to the Biden-Harris government’s catch-and-release policies.

The case underscores issues surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety, prompting debates about federal policies and the responsibilities of agencies working at the state and local levels. Sheriff Prummell said officials helping to shelter migrants like Cobos-Carmona by implementing sanctuary policies should be “ashamed of themselves.”

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April 25, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Touts 200 Upcoming Trade Deals, Says Xi Has Called.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump said in an interview that he is finalizing 200 tariff-related deals, projecting completion of negotiations in three to four weeks, and that Chinese dictator Xi Jinping has called.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, President Xi Jinping, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

📍 Where & When: The information was shared in a TIME magazine interview on April 24, 2025, during a meeting at the White House.

💬 Key Quote: “Over the next three to four weeks, and we’re finished,” Trump said of the expected trade deals. “We’ll be finished.”

⚠️ Impact: The deals could substantially reduce foreign and domestic tariffs on terms more favorable to the U.S.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has told TIME magazine that he is completing 200 trade deals regarding tariffs, and foresees concluding negotiations within the next three to four weeks. During the interview, he was asked about Peter Navarro’s prediction of 90 tariff agreements in 90 days. Trump indicated that he has surpassed expectations, stating emphatically that 200 deals have been made.

Trump did not provide details regarding the specific countries involved or the terms of these agreements. He explained that he has engaged with various foreign representatives over recent weeks on tariffs and economic issues. “I would say, over the next three to four weeks, and we’re finished,” he said of the deals.

Regarding China, which currently faces the highest tariff rates imposed by the administration, Trump disclosed that President Xi Jinping has contacted him directly. He said he would not reach out to the Chinese dictator first, but said it was not “a sign of weakness” that Xi had called him. Instead, Trump insisted it was a sign of magnanimity.

Nevertheless, these remarks face dissent from Chinese officials. Before the publication of the TIME interview, Guo Jiakun from the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed the U.S. depiction of active talks is “fake news.” On Friday, Jiakun again claimed that no tariff negotiations had occurred between China and the United States.

President Trump believes that the U.S. holds a decisive upper hand over China, a surplus economy, in any trade war, with the American market being much more important to Chinese exporters than the Chinese market is to American exporters.

“I am this giant store. It’s a giant, beautiful store, and everybody wants to go shopping there. And on behalf of the American people, I own the store, and I set prices, and I’ll say, if you want to shop here, this is what you have to pay,” he explained to TIME.

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April 25, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Judge and Wife Arrested for Allegedly Sheltering Violent Illegal Immigrant Gang Members.

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❓What Happened: A former New Mexico magistrate judge and his wife were arrested after allegedly harboring members of Venezuela’s violent Tren de Aragua criminal organization.

👥 Who’s Involved: Former Magistrate Judge Joel Cano, his wife Nancy Cano, and Venezuelan illegal immigrant and Tren de Aragua member Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.

📍 Where & When: Las Cruces, New Mexico; arrests occurred late on Thursday, April 24.

💬 Key Quote: “Under President Trump, we have arrested over 150,000 aliens—including more than 600 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang,” Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) following the arrests, adding: “If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you and lock you up. That’s a promise.”

⚠️ Impact: Both Canos are held without bond; Joel Cano has been barred from judicial office, and hearings are ongoing for the gang suspect.

IN FULL:

Former Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his spouse, Nancy Cano, were taken into custody late Thursday in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and face charges related to allegations that the couple harbored illegal immigrant members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang. Joel Cano is being charged with evidence tampering, while his wife, Nancy, is being charged with conspiracy to tamper stemming from their relationship with a Venezuelan illegal immigrant and accused member of Tren de Aragua, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.

Ortega-Lopez, detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week, is accused of possessing firearms illegally and having links to the dangerous Venezuelan criminal gang. Tren de Aragua, designated as a terrorist organization by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, is known for violent activities in Venezuela. He was found living on the Canos’ property, which triggered the law enforcement actions against the couple, including an extensive ICE raid and search on their home on Thursday.

“Under President Trump, we have arrested over 150,000 aliens—including more than 600 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang,” Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a post late Thursday on X (formerly Twitter) following the arrests, adding: “If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you and lock you up. That’s a promise.”

Before his judgeship commenced in 2010, Joel Cano served for over two decades in the police force. However, Cano was forced to resign from the bench following ICE’s arrest of Ortega-Lopez during a search on February 28. Notably, Ortega-Lopez entered the U.S. at the infamous Eagle Pass, Texas border crossing in December of 2023 during the illegal immigration crisis under former President Joe Biden. The Biden government subsequently released the Venezuelan illegal immigrant and alleged Tren de Aragua member due to overcrowding at a detention center.

Ortega-Lopez’s online presence showed him and others with firearms in a shooting range. It is illegal in the United States for illegal immigrants to own or possess a firearm or ammunition unless the weapon is for immediate export. The Venezuelan illegal immigrant is slated for a court appearance on April 30, with federal prosecutors deeming him a flight risk.

The New Mexico Supreme Court has also permanently banned Joel Cano from holding judicial office. It remains uncertain if the Canos will face further charges related to harboring illegal immigrants or supporting a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).

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