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Thursday, February 5, 2026

Category: News
January 2, 2026
1A
Media

‘Hate Crime’ – Dem Mayor Tries to Criminalize Citizen Journalism.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Mayor Katie Wilson (D) condemned independent journalists investigating allegations of fraud in Somali-run daycares, labeling them as “extremist influencers” and accusing them of harassment.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, independent journalists, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, and Mike Davis.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The controversy centers on Somali daycare providers in Seattle, Washington, and allegations of fraud that have been exposed in recent investigations.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Asking questions/citizen journalism are NOT HATE CRIMES in America — they are protected speech, and if Seattle tries to chill that speech, [DOJ Civil Rights Division] will step in to protect it and set them straight!” – Harmeet Dhillon

🎯IMPACT: The situation has sparked national attention, with federal officials warning against threats to First Amendment rights and independent journalists continuing to uncover questionable practices.

IN FULL

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) has condemned independent journalists investigating allegations of fraud in Somali-run daycares, describing them as “extremist influencers” engaged in harassment. “I stand with the Somali childcare providers who have experienced targeted harassment, and condemn the surveillance campaign promoted by extremist influencers,” Wilson—a self-described socialist—wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Thursday.

The far-left socialist mayor encouraged individuals who believe they are victims of hate crimes to contact Washington’s Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Hotline. She further asserted, “In Seattle, we believe in solidarity, and our city will not tolerate anyone who is trying to intimidate, harass, or film Somali childcare providers. Such behavior is unacceptable and puts children and families at risk.”

Her comments follow investigations by independent journalists Nick Shirley, as well as Cam Higby and Jonathan Choe, the latter of whom reported on local Seattle Somali daycare facilities receiving government subsidies despite discrepancies suggesting potential fraudulent activity. One case involved a daycare listed as receiving over $210,000 in taxpayer funds, but when questioned, the occupant of what appears to actually be a residential property denied operating any childcare business.

Additional reports highlighted daycares with no children present and threats to journalists attempting to verify the legality of their operations.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who oversees the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, responded to Wilson’s accusations, warning, “Asking questions/citizen journalism are NOT HATE CRIMES in America — they are protected speech, and if Seattle tries to chill that speech, [DOJ Civil Rights Division] will step in to protect it and set them straight!” Dhillon also criticized Washington Attorney General Nick Brown (D) for similar comments, emphasizing that state officials cannot infringe on First Amendment rights.

Image by Jonathan Thorne. 

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January 2, 2026
Corruption
Crime
Immigration

Trump’s DHS Arrests 500 Illegals in Minnesota.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal agents have arrested 500 illegal immigrants and investigated 1,000 immigration-fraud cases in Minnesota over the past two months, according to Homeland Security.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Homeland Security, ICE, Somali nationals, and Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Investigations have escalated in Minnesota over the past two months, with updates provided on December 30, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “These suspected perpetrators are really trying to cover their tracks,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security assistant secretary.

🎯IMPACT: Federal funding to Minnesota’s childcare program has been cut off, and stricter documentation is now required for daycare providers nationwide.

IN FULL

Federal immigration enforcement agents have already arrested an estimated 500 illegal immigrants and investigated over 1,000 cases of immigration fraud in Minnesota over the past two months, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. According to DHS, nearly 100 individuals were also arrested and federally charged over defrauding the government, with most of them being Somali nationals.

McLaughlin revealed that “hundreds” of federal investigators were on the ground in Minnesota over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, investigating a number of daycare centers, assisted living facilities, and “other organizations that take taxpayer dollars.” She continued, “These suspected perpetrators are really trying to cover their tracks.” The fraudulent businesses, McLaughlin notes, have taken steps to disguise their criminal operations as legitimate enterprises.

The federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota predates the viral video posted by YouTuber Nick Shirley on December 26, claiming to have found over $110 million in alleged childcare fraud. Federal prosecutors earlier in December estimated the total cost of fraud in the state could easily top $9 billion. “The fraud is not small. It isn’t isolated. The magnitude cannot be overstated. What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It’s staggering industrial-scale fraud. It’s swamping Minnesota and calling into question everything we know about our state,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said at the time.

Despite federal efforts, however, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have faced resistance from Minnesota state officials, including Governor Tim Walz (D-MN). The state’s sanctuary laws place limitations on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and Minneapolis recently enacted provisions barring city employees from working with ICE officers. Late last month, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons slammed the Democrat-enacted sanctuary policies, stating: “If sanctuary cities would change their policies, and turn these violent criminal aliens over to us … instead of releasing them into the public, we would not have to go out to the communities and do this.”

The National Pulse previously reported that state government whistleblowers accuse Gov. Walz of having uncovered evidence of the Somali immigrant community-connected fraud involving the Feeding Our Future nonprofit in 2019. However, they contend the Walz administration backed down from investigating the group after intense pushback from Feeding Our Future’s leaders, who accused state officials of discrimination against Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.

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January 2, 2026
Media
News

Will Smith, ‘Grooming,’ and a Hotel Intrusion Feature in Bizarre New Lawsuit Against ‘Fresh Prince.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Will Smith has been sued by a former touring musician who accused him of “deliberately grooming” him and retaliating after an alleged “hotel intrusion” was reported.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Actor and musician Will Smith, violinist Brian King Joseph, and Smith’s management team.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The events reportedly occurred on or around March 20 in Las Vegas; the lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?” – Alleged statement from Smith’s representative, according to the lawsuit.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit accuses Smith of misconduct and retaliation, raising significant questions about his conduct and management practices.

IN FULL

Violinist Brian King Joseph has sued actor and musician Will Smith in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging inappropriate conduct and retaliation during Smith’s most recent album tour. Joseph, who first joined the tour in December 2024, claims he worked closely with the actor and musician and that Smith told him they shared a “special connection,” which the lawsuit characterizes as “deliberately grooming and priming” him for exploitation.

The complaint centers on an alleged incident that occurred on or around March 20, 2025, during a tour stop in Las Vegas. Joseph says that when he returned to his hotel room late at night, he noticed signs suggesting someone had entered without permission. According to the lawsuit, items found in the room included wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, HIV medication, and a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us [drawn heart], Stone F.”

Joseph reported the situation to hotel security, police, and representatives for Smith—describing it as a “hotel intrusion.” He alleges that after making the report, he was removed from the tour. The lawsuit quotes a representative of Smith as saying, “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?”

Although he was told the tour was “moving in a different direction,” Joseph says another violinist was hired soon after to replace him. The filing does not specify the amount of damages being sought.

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

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January 2, 2026
News
Politics

Soviet-Era Putin Ally Drops Simpsons Meme on ‘Comrade Mamdani’ After ‘Collectivism’ Flub.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political ally Kirill Dmitriev mocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s collectivist rhetoric using a Simpsons meme in a post on social media.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kirill Dmitriev, Zohran Mamdani, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Dmitriev’s response was posted on January 1, 2026, following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony in New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Dear Comrade Mamdani — just a friendly reminder that this has been tried before.” – Kirill Dmitriev

🎯IMPACT: Mamdani’s rhetoric drew criticism from a number of political commentators, who labeled it as “chilling” and “horrific.”

IN FULL

Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, mocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s embrace of collectivism on social media following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony. Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, declared during the event, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

Dmitriev responded directly to Mamdani on X (formerly Twitter), addressing him as “comrade” and posting a Simpsons meme depicting Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin as a zombie with the caption, “Must crush capitalism!” Alongside the image, Dmitriev wrote, “Dear Comrade Mamdani — just a friendly reminder that this has been tried before.” Dmitriev, who is a Harvard graduate, has frequently commented publicly on Western politics and economic policy.

Mamdani was publicly sworn into office on January 1, 2026, by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), whom the new mayor praised as “the man whose leadership I seek most to emulate.” His remarks on collectivism drew criticism from conservative and MAGA-aligned commentators in the United States, some of whom described the language as “horrific” and “chilling.”

The exchange comes amid a history of Russian officials weighing in on U.S. political affairs. In 2024, Putin publicly indicated a preference for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race, citing dissatisfaction with sanctions imposed on Russia by President Donald J. Trump during his first term in office. The comments attracted attention after coinciding with former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney’s (R-WY) endorsement of Harris.

Even before being sworn in to office, Mamdani’s administration has drawn controversy. One of his appointees resigned just one day after being named to a senior role, following backlash over resurfaced past antisemitic statements. Mamdani has additionally faced criticism for staffing decisions during his transition period, including tapping a lawyer known for representing terrorism suspects to his transition team—and later naming him as the city’s Chief Counsel—and defending the inclusion of a convicted armed robber in a public safety role.

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January 2, 2026
War
World

Maduro Now Says He’s Willing to Talk.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro expressed willingness to negotiate a drug-trafficking agreement with the United States following recent military actions targeting his government.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. military, and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The remarks were made in an interview given by Maduro, which aired on Venezuelan state television on New Year’s Eve, following U.S. military strikes that have been ongoing since September 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.” – Nicolás Maduro

🎯IMPACT: While Maduro’s remarks could signal a potential shift in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, his regime’s integration with the Cartel de los Soles and involvement in the illegal drug trade likely mean new negotiations remain remote.

IN FULL

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is signaling that he is now open to negotiations with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on tackling his country’s involvement in drug trafficking, as well as oil-related leases and agreements. In a pre-taped interview that aired on Venezuelan state television, he said, “The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.”

The interview and call for negotiations follow a month of U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan-origin cartel drug boats and the seizure of several large oil tankers subject to sanctions by U.S. forces operating in the Caribbean. Notably, the Trump administration contends the drug trafficking operations are linked to the Maduro regime, which is believed to also operate as the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns).

In addition, Maduro invited U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, emphasizing Chevron’s ongoing operations in the country. However, the communist strongman also accused President Trump and the U.S. government of pursuing regime change and seeking control over Venezuela’s oil reserves, citing a “pressure campaign” that included military deployments in the Caribbean. He claimed the U.S. aims to “impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force.”

Notably, Maduro’s interview coincided with the latest U.S. kinetic military strike against a cartel-operated drug boat, announced by the Pentagon. Additionally, just after the Christmas holiday, President Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had struck the Venezuelan mainland, targeting a port facility used by drug traffickers to launch illegal narcotic-laden vessels.

At least 114 individuals have reportedly been killed since the U.S. initiated strikes on drug boats in September.

Image by Eneas De Troya.

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January 2, 2026
Crime
News

Scott Bolger Faces 5-Years for Death Threat Text to Kennedy Center Chief Ric Grenell.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A McLean man is facing federal charges after allegedly sending a death threat to a federal official and attempting to deceive agents upon their arrival.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Scott Allen Bolger, federal law enforcement, and Richard Grenell.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The threat was sent on December 23, and the investigation took place in McLean, Virginia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Threats of violence are serious crimes with serious consequences,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

🎯IMPACT: Bolger faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

IN FULL

A 33-year-old Virginia man has been charged with transmitting threats in interstate commerce and making false statements after allegedly sending a graphic death threat to the Trump Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, a current federal official, and attempting to deceive investigators.

Scott Allen Bolger, who lives in a 740 sq ft apartment in McLean, faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. According to court records, the investigation began after a threatening text message was sent on December 23 using Google Voice, a service that masks the sender’s phone number.

According to prosecutors, the text read, “Step on U Street and get a bullet put between your eyes, loyalist pig skin pu**y.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially did not identify the recipient of the threat, but later reports stated that the message was sent to Grenell, who subsequently confirmed he was the target.

Grenell thanked law enforcement officials involved in the case, including Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, saying, “I am grateful… for finding this deranged individual and locking him up. His name is Scott Bolger.”

When federal agents arrived at Bolger’s residence in McLean to question him, prosecutors allege he attempted to mislead them by claiming his name was “Brian Black” and denying any knowledge of Scott Bolger. Investigators had already identified him as the suspect before the encounter.

Bolger attended Marshall University in West Virginia and lists his employer as I.T. consultancy “Iben,” run by Beneil (Ben) Khoshabeh, based in San Jose, California.

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January 2, 2026
News

Kentucky Woman Charged with Fetal Homicide After Taking Abortion Pills Has Long Drug Arrest Record.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Kentucky woman is facing charges of first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence after allegedly using medication to abort a “developed male infant” at her home.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Melinda Spencer, 35, and Kentucky law enforcement officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident came to light on Wednesday at the United Clinic outside Lexington, Kentucky.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A truly compassionate society does not ask women to solve crises by ending a human life – it surrounds them with care, truth, and real alternatives.” – Addia Wuchner, Executive Director of Kentucky Right to Life.

🎯IMPACT: Spencer faces potential life imprisonment or the death penalty under Kentucky law if convicted of first-degree fetal homicide.

IN FULL

Melinda Spencer, a 35-year-old Kentucky woman, is facing charges of first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. Police allege Spencer used abortion pills to terminate a “developed male infant” at her home outside Lexington.

The National Pulse has unearthed a lengthy, drug-riddled arrest record for Spencer, which dates back to 2011. Spencer appears to have been arrested on at least eleven occasions, with most arrests containing records of amphetamine or methamphetamine abuse. In 2016, Spencer was subject to a commitment order.

According to local reports, Spencer disclosed to staff at United Clinic that she aborted her pregnancy at her residence on Flat Mary Road in central, rural Kentucky. Clinic staff reported her to Kentucky State Police on Wednesday. Troopers and detectives interviewed Spencer, who admitted to purchasing abortion medication online and using it.

Law enforcement officials stated that Spencer then buried the fetus in a shallow grave at her residence. Investigators later uncovered the grave, though they did not specify how far along Spencer was in her pregnancy, only describing the fetus as “developed.”

First-degree fetal homicide is classified as a capital offense in Kentucky, carrying potential penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Addia Wuchner, Executive Director of Kentucky Right to Life, commented on the case, calling it “a profound tragedy.” She stated, “This case also highlights the dangers of abortion pills, which too often remove medical oversight, safeguards, and support. Kentucky’s responsibility is not to normalize abortion as healthcare, because healthcare is meant to heal and protect life.”

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
The reason we’re covering this is that there has been a plethora of local reporting on the subject, and I have no doubt the national media will try to turn this into some pro-abortion crusade
for exclusive members-only insights
The reason we’re covering this is that there has been a plethora of local reporting on the subject, and I have no doubt the national media will try to turn this into some pro-abortion crusade show more
for exclusive members-only insights
January 2, 2026
News
World

Iranian Regime Teeters as Trump Warns U.S. is ‘Locked and Loaded.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Protests erupted in Iran, with two demonstrators confirmed dead after security forces opened fire in Lordegan.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Demonstrators, Iranian security forces, and international human rights organizations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Protests began on Sunday in Tehran and spread to provinces such as Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, including Lordegan.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Islamic Republic is the enemy of us all.” – Iranian wrestler Ebrahim Eshaghi

🎯IMPACT: The unrest highlights growing economic discontent and calls for international attention to human rights abuses.

IN FULL

Iran is experiencing the most significant outbreak of political unrest in nearly three years, with protests driven by economic hardship spreading nationwide. State media confirmed two demonstrators were killed in the western city of Lordegan. The deaths followed reports that security forces opened fire on crowds in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, roughly 400 miles south of Tehran.

On Truth Social, U.S. President Donald J. Trump declared, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” emphasizing that the U.S. would intervene if more protesters were harmed. The protests, now in their sixth day, are the largest since 2022 and have already resulted in at least seven deaths as the Islamic regime seeks to maintain control.

Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, have accused the U.S. and Israel of encouraging the unrest. Larijani warned on X, “Trump should know that intervention by the U.S. in the domestic problem corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of the U.S. interests.” Alj Shamkhani, an adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Any interventionist hand that gets too close to the security of Iran will be cut.”

Shopkeepers, bazaar merchants, and university students have joined demonstrations, chanting slogans against the ruling system and calling for economic reforms.

Ebrahim Eshaghi, an Iranian wrestler living in Germany, appealed for international attention, saying: “Today, the people of my city came out into the streets to demand their rights. So far, two young people have been killed, and many more have been injured. We ask all the people of the world to be our voice. The Islamic Republic is the enemy of us all.”

Analysts say Iran’s worsening economic situation underlies the protests, with inflation, currency devaluation, and unemployment pushing large segments of the population below the poverty line.

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Under the Biden government, the Iranian Republic was enriched and emboldened (just like under Obama)
for exclusive members-only insights
Under the Biden government, the Iranian Republic was enriched and emboldened (just like under Obama) show more
for exclusive members-only insights
January 2, 2026
News

‘F*ck Trump’ Arson Attack Destroys D.C. Home of Military Servicemen & Infant.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Two active-duty U.S. Space Force officers returned home to find their residence vandalized, robbed, and intentionally set on fire.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jason and Kaylee Taylor, both active-duty U.S. Space Force officers, along with their infant daughter, Rae.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, at their residence in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “While they were out of town, their home was broken into, robbed, vandalized, and intentionally set on fire.” – GoFundMe page

🎯IMPACT: The family lost nearly all possessions, including clothing, furniture, and keepsakes, and their cat, Marlee, perished in the fire.

IN FULL

Jason and Kaylee Taylor, two members of the United States Space Force, were the victims of an allegedly politically motivated attack while they were away from their residence over the weekend before the New Year’s holiday.

The two active-duty Space Force officers returned to their Washington, D.C. home to find it had been broken into, vandalized, and intentionally set on fire, according to their account of the incident posted on a GoFundMe page raising money for the couple and their child.

The Taylors returned to find their residence destroyed by fire, including their pet cat being murdered in the process. Their vehicle was also vandalized with spray-painted messages reading “F*ck Trump” and “F*ck the Space Force.” The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, near the Congressional Cemetery in D.C.’s Southeast.

Image from GoFundMe

“While they were out of town, their home was broken into, robbed, vandalized, and intentionally set on fire,” the GoFundMe page states. The family lost clothing, furniture, baby items, keepsakes, and other essentials. Tragically, their family cat, Marlee, died in the fire. “Kaylee and Jason… and their beautiful baby girl, Rae, lost pretty much everything they owned,” the fundraiser adds.

The Taylors were not physically harmed. “We are incredibly grateful that Kaylee, Jason, and Rae were not home at the time and are physically safe,” the page says. However, they now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch. Donations are being sought to cover immediate needs and recovery costs, including “temporary housing and living expenses” and “replacing basic necessities.”

The GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $86,000 as of the time of publication, and the incident remains under investigation.

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
I donated to the GoFundMe and, given the family’s proximity to Capitol Hill, offered to buy them a meal (or more, frankly, if they want) at Butterworth’s
for exclusive members-only insights
I donated to the GoFundMe and, given the family’s proximity to Capitol Hill, offered to buy them a meal (or more, frankly, if they want) at Butterworth’s show more
for exclusive members-only insights
December 30, 2025
Education
Immigration

DOJ Sues to Block In-State Tuition Rates for Illegal Immigrants.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Virginia over a law allowing some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Justice Department, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and Virginia state officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in Richmond, Virginia, by the Trump administration.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is a simple matter of federal law: in Virginia and nationwide, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens.” – U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit challenges Virginia’s policy and seeks to halt in-state tuition rates and other benefits for illegal immigrants.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Virginia, challenging a state law that allows certain migrants living in the country illegally to qualify for in-state tuition and other education benefits at public colleges and universities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed the 13-page complaint in federal court in Richmond, arguing that Virginia’s policy violates federal law by granting postsecondary education benefits to illegal immigrants that are not equally available to U.S. citizens. Federal law prohibits states from providing such benefits unless the same terms are offered to all American citizens, regardless of where they live.

According to the lawsuit, Virginia permits students to receive in-state tuition if they establish residency in the state for at least one year, even if they lack lawful immigration status. The administration contends that this policy discriminates against U.S. citizens who cannot afford reduced tuition rates or qualify for the same financial assistance.

“This is not only wrong but illegal. The challenged act’s discriminatory treatment in favor of illegal aliens over citizens is squarely prohibited and preempted by federal law,” the complaint states. “There are no exceptions. Virginia violates it nonetheless.”

The Justice Department also argues that the law encourages illegal immigration by offering taxpayer-funded benefits tied to state residency. The lawsuit asks the court to block Virginia from providing in-state tuition, financial aid, or other state education benefits to illegals.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the issue is straightforward under federal law. “This is a simple matter of federal law: in Virginia and nationwide, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens,” Bondi said. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate American students being treated like second-class citizens in their own country.”

Virginia is one of several states facing legal action over tuition policies for illegal immigrants. The Trump administration has filed similar lawsuits against Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and California. In Texas, state officials moved earlier this year to end a long-standing policy that allowed illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition following federal pressure.

The legal challenges follow executive orders President Donald J. Trump signed after returning to office, directing federal agencies to ensure that illegal immigrants do not receive taxpayer-funded benefits or preferential treatment over U.S. citizens. The administration has said it will continue challenging state laws it believes conflict with federal immigration statutes.

Image by Steve Fernie.

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