Prepared for the Office of Public Affairs (OPA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Editorial Note: The DHS Daily Briefing is a collection of news articles related to Department’s mission. The inclusion of particular stories is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse the political viewpoints or affiliations included in news coverage.

The Washington Post [3/9/2025 3:23 PM, Mariana Alfaro, 31735K] reports Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem on Sunday named new leadership for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, more than two weeks after she demoted its acting director amid demands from President Donald Trump to ramp up arrests and deportations. Todd Lyons, ICE’s acting director for enforcement and removal operations, will now serve as the agency’s acting director, succeeding Caleb Vitello, who Noem demoted in February. Madison Sheahan, who serves as secretary of Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, will become ICE’s acting deputy director. Vitello, a veteran ICE official, was removed as acting director one month into his tenure following complaints from White House officials over lagging immigrant arrest numbers. He was reassigned to a senior role overseeing daily enforcement operations, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in February. Despite his demotion, Vitello remained listed at the top of ICE’s leadership chart as of Sunday afternoon and continued to appear at immigration raids wearing a ballistic vest. In a statement Sunday, Noem described Lyons and Sheahan as “work horses” and “strong executors.” She did not specify when the two would take over the agency. Reuters [3/9/2025 12:16 PM, Raphael Satter, 41523K] reports Trump’s administration deported 37,660 people during his first month in office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security data first reported by Reuters last month show, far less than the monthly average of 57,000 removals and returns in the last full year of Joe Biden’s administration. Trump made the promise of deporting millions of people from the United States a centerpiece of his campaign. "I am appointing new ICE leadership to deliver results that President Trump and the American people rightfully demand," Noem said in a statement, adding that Lyons and Sheahan would "lead the men and women of ICE to achieve the American people’s mandate to target, arrest and deport illegal aliens.".

CBS Miami [3/9/2025 12:48 PM, Kaia Hubbard, 51661K] reports Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday that she plans to use the "broad and extensive" authorities of her role to follow through on President Trump’s promises. "I plan to use every single one of them to make sure that we’re following the law, that we are following the procedures in place to keep people safe, and that we’re making sure we’re following through on what President Trump has promised — that he’s going to make America safe again," Noem said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.". The comments came as DHS has been administering polygraph tests to its personnel to determine who may be leaking information to the media about its ongoing immigration raids, an agency spokesperson confirmed to CBS News Saturday. Noem said on Sunday that the tests will continue, while pledging that the leakers will be prosecuted — and could face up to 10 years in federal prison. "Anyone who is leaking information outside of how something is planned for the safety of those law enforcement officers needs to be held accountable for that," Noem said. Noem, who was confirmed and sworn in as DHS secretary in late January, touted the administration’s work on the border so far, saying "we’ve seen incredible progress" since Mr. Trump took office. She noted that the progress can be built upon, including by working with the Mexican government to "make sure we not only have the enforcement mission at the border, but south of the border, and make sure we’re going after these cartels.". The DHS secretary argued that due to the Trump administration’s tariffs, imposed last week and later delayed on Canada and Mexico, "we’re seeing them wanting to be better partners with us to keep our people safe.". Noem stressed that the tariffs are about stopping fentanyl from entering the country, saying Mr. Trump is committed to making the country safer. The AP [3/9/2025 4:09 PM, Christine Fernando, 24727K] reports "The authorities that I have under the Department of Homeland Security are broad and extensive and I plan to use every single one of them to make sure that we’re following the law, that we are following the procedures in place to keep people safe and that we’re making sure we’re following through on what President Trump has promised," Noem told CBS’ "Face the Nation.” While these polygraph exams are typically not admissible in court proceedings, they are frequently used by federal law enforcement agencies and for national security clearances. "The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "We can, should, and will polygraph personnel.” White House officials have previously expressed frustration with the pace of deportations, blaming it in part on recent leaks revealing cities where authorities planned to conduct operations. Noem announcement of two new leadership appointments within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes less than two months into the Trump administration and demonstrates the importance that the administration places on carrying out the president’s deportation agenda. Todd Lyons, the former assistant director of field operations for the agency’s enforcement arm, will serve as acting ICE director. Madison Sheahan, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Noem’s former aide when she was governor of South Dakota, has been tapped to be the agency’s deputy director. The leadership changes come after ICE’s acting director was reassigned on Feb. 21. Two other top immigration enforcement officials were reassigned Feb. 11. Those staffing changes came amid frustrations in the Trump administration about the pace of immigration arrests.

Washington Examiner [3/9/2025 1:09 PM, Asher Notheis, 2296K] reports Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured that the strategy behind the Trump administration’s tariffs includes protecting the country’s residents from illegal fentanyl, specifically regarding how it is targeting the United States’s "next generation.". The Trump administration threatened to implement tariffs against both Canada and Mexico on April 2, and has already implemented tariffs against China. Noem explained that while the U.S. wants both better trade deals and a stronger economy, the focus of these tariffs "really" is on stopping fentanyl from China from getting into the U.S. "I think a lot of people don’t understand the strategy of these enemies of the United States and what they’re utilizing. They are bringing this in, not just to make money, they’re bringing it in here to kill Americans," Noem stated on CBS’s Face the Nation. "And it’s time that we stand up for the people that live here and make sure that we’re stopping this war against our children.". Noem also reiterated that illegal immigrants can self-register and alert authorities that they are within the country, allowing them to self-deport. By doing this, the immigrants can remain together as a family and eventually return to the U.S. legally, should they choose to do so. The secretary also pointed to how U.S. citizens are separated from their families if they break the law, and did not see why illegal immigrants ought to be treated differently than legal citizens.

The Hill [3/9/2025 12:33 PM, Tara Suter, 12829K] reports Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Sunday that she knows Mexican and Canadian leaders have their own "political environments" but that President Trump "means business" on tariffs. "We all recognize that each one of these leaders has political environments in their home countries as well, but President Trump means business, and he meant it when he ran to be president of the United States again, and since he’s taken office, that he will put America first," Noem told CBS News’s Margaret Brennan on "Face the Nation.". Last week, the president imposed 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico alongside an extra 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Trump cited irritation over the stream of fentanyl into his country, but experts have noted not much of the drug comes into the U.S. via its border with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau went after the Trump tariffs aimed at Canada on Tuesday, noting a Wall Street Journal editorial calling them "dumb.". "Now, I want to speak directly to one specific American," Trudeau said at the time. "Donald, in the over eight years you and I have worked together, we’ve done big things. We signed a historic deal that has created record jobs and growth in both of our countries.". "We’ve done big things together on the world stage, as Canada and the U.S. have done together for decades, for generations. And now, we should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world.".

VOA News [3/9/2025 1:02 PM, Ken Bredemeier, 2913K] reports U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping new tariffs in place on Mexico, Canada and China to pressure them to block the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the United States, top White House economic officials said Sunday. "If fentanyl ends, I think these [tariffs] will come off," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told NBC’s "Meet the Press" show. "But if fentanyl does not end, or he’s uncertain about it, he will stay this way until he is comfortable," he said. "This is black and white. You got to save American lives.". Trump last week issued a string of whip-sawing tariff decisions that plunged the three major U.S. stock market indexes and roiled relations with Canada and Mexico, which are long-time U.S. allies and its closest neighbors, as well as its two biggest trading partners. Trump at first imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S., then exempted the duties on Mexican- and Canadian-made vehicles being transported into the U.S. and later by week’s end delayed the tariffs on almost all items for four weeks until April 2. But Lutnick said 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports will take effect Wednesday as scheduled. Canada and Mexico are both top exporters of the metals to U.S. markets, with Canada accounting for most aluminum imports. The Commerce chief also rebuffed fears that Trump’s global tariffs would cause a recession in the United States. "Absolutely not," he said. "There’s going to be no recession in America.". But Lutnick acknowledged that the tariffs would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers on foreign-made goods. "Some products that are made foreign might be more expensive, but American products will get cheaper, and that’s the point," Lutnick said. It was not clear how U.S.-produced goods would become cheaper, except in comparison to foreign-manufactured products.

Wall Street Journal [3/9/2025 8:49 PM, Katy Stech Ferek, 52868K] reports Republicans are charging ahead with a proposal endorsed by President Trump that would keep the government funded into the fall while reducing spending, setting up a clash with Democrats already steaming over sharp cuts to federal jobs and programs. The proposal, if it clears a vote in the House as soon as Tuesday and then the Senate, would avoid a government shutdown next weekend and keep federal agencies funded through Sept. 30. The House measure lowers the amount of nondefense discretionary spending by $13 billion from the 2024 funding level, while increasing the amount of money for defense spending by about $6 billion. It also boosts funding for border enforcement. The military funding is meant to win over defense hawks who have rejected past short-term measures that they said have underfunded the U.S. military. Party leaders have expressed confidence that they will be able to pass the measure in the House, despite intraparty fighting that has forced them to rely heavily on Democrats on past funding votes, a regular embarrassment for party chiefs. With House Democrats appearing largely united in opposition, saying the measure cedes too much power over spending to the White House, Republicans will need almost every GOP lawmaker to stay in line, due to their narrow 218-214 majority. Representatives for House Republican leaders said that they worked closely with Trump in crafting the bill, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) said that he has enough votes to pass the measure. Trump urged Republicans to back the proposal, termed a continuing resolution or CR. He said on Truth Social that the GOP has “put together, under the circumstances, a very good funding bill.” He added: “NO DISSENT.” Speaking to reporters Sunday evening, Trump said he thinks the measure “is going to get passed. We’ll see.” Funding for federal agencies runs out on Friday night. With no new legislation, many federal employees would be furloughed, while others would continue to report to work with no pay. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.), who opposes the GOP bill, has said he didn’t think that Republicans would be able to come up with enough votes for it to pass. In a statement Saturday with other House Democratic leaders, he said the measure “does nothing to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, while exposing the American people to further pain throughout this fiscal year.”

Washington Examiner [3/9/2025 4:50 PM, Jenny Goldsberry, 2296K] reports Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called the spending bill unveiled by Congress on Saturday "terrible" on its defense and border allocations, but expressed confidence that the government would not shut down come Friday. Congress is facing a March 14 deadline to pass the bill or a government shutdown would take effect. The House releasing the bill text this weekend gives them less than a week to negotiate the details to secure the votes needed to pass it. "I believe we won’t shut the government down come Friday, but the CR is terrible on defense and the border," Graham said on Fox News Sunday. "I want to commit — we’re gonna have more money for border and defense before I vote for the CR but I think we’ll keep the government funded. The only thing we need to be shutting down is Iran’s nuclear program and not our government.". The bill calls for $892.5 billion in defense spending, which is an $8 billion increase from 2024. Additionally, another $9.9 billion in funding is allotted for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This will be key to enforcing President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan. This resolution will keep the government open through Sept. 30.

The New York Times [3/10/2025 3:23 AM, Eliza Shapiro, 330K] reports federal immigration authorities on Saturday detained a well-known activist who played a major role in Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian student movement last year, his lawyer said on Sunday. The arrest of the activist, a legal permanent resident of the United States, was a significant escalation of President Trump’s crackdown on what he has called antisemitic campus activity. The activist, Mahmoud Khalil, is of Palestinian heritage and graduated in December with a master’s degree from the university’s school of international affairs, according to his LinkedIn. His lawyer, Amy Greer, confirmed that he was a green card holder and said the arrest would face a vigorous legal challenge. “We will vigorously be pursuing Mahmoud’s rights in court, and will continue our efforts to right this terrible and inexcusable — and calculated — wrong committed against him,” Ms. Greer said in a statement. The arrest, she said, “follows the U.S. government’s open repression of student activism and political speech.” Ms. Greer said she was not sure of Mr. Khalil’s “precise whereabouts,” and that he may have been transferred as far away as Louisiana. Mr. Khalil’s wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, tried to visit him at a detention center in New Jersey but was told he was not being held there, Ms. Greer said. A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, said in a statement on Sunday night that Mr. Khalil had been arrested “in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting antisemitism.” “Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization,” she said. “ICE and the Department of State are committed to enforcing President Trump’s executive orders and to protecting U.S. national security.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a link on X to a news article about Mr. Khalil’s arrest and issued a broad promise: “We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.” The immigration agents who detained Mr. Khalil told him his student visa had been revoked, Ms. Greer said, even though he does not currently hold such a visa. Revoking a green card is quite rare, said Elora Mukherjee, the director of the immigrants’ rights clinic at Columbia Law School, and in a vast majority of cases where it does happen, the holder has been accused and convicted of criminal offenses, she said. The Washington Post [3/9/2025 9:37 PM, Susan Svrluga, 31735K] reports that the arrest came just one day after the Trump administration said it was canceling $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia because university officials had not done enough to prevent antisemitism on campus. Mahmoud Khalil, who as a Palestinian graduate student was a leader in negotiations between protesters and Columbia officials last spring, was stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who told him his student visa had been revoked, his attorney Amy E. Greer said in a written statement. When Khalil told agents that he was a lawful permanent resident, holding a green card, agents detained him anyway, she said. Greer said she filed a habeas corpus petition on Khalil’s behalf challenging the validity of his arrest and detention. An ICE detainee locator website says Khalil is being held in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The AP [3/9/2025 6:32 PM, Jake Offenhartz, 34586K] reports that when ICE agents arrived at the campus building Saturday, they also threatened to arrest Khalil’s wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, Greer said. The authorities declined to say why Khalil was being arrested, according to the attorney. “We have not been able to get any more details about why he is being detained,” Greer told the AP. “This is a clear escalation. The administration is following through on its threats.” A Columbia spokesperson said law enforcement agents must produce a warrant before entering university property, but declined to say if the school had received one ahead of Khalil’s arrest. The spokesperson also declined to comment on Khalil’s detention. CBS News [3/9/2025 7:31 PM, Staff, 51661K] Video: HERE reports that a statement on Columbia’s website read, "There have been reports of ICE around campus. Columbia has and will continue to follow the law. Consistent with our longstanding practice and the practice of cities and institutions throughout the country, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public University areas, including University buildings. Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community."

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Bloomberg [3/9/2025 7:27 PM, María Paula Mijares Torres, 16228K]
Reuters [3/9/2025 7:52 PM, Jonathan Allen, 41523K]
FOX News [3/9/2025 6:43 PM, Stepheny Price and Alexis McAdams, 46189K]
Newsweek [3/9/2025 5:39 PM, Mandy Taheri, 52220K]

USA Today [3/9/2025 11:35 PM, Kristina Webb, 75858K] reports that, for the second time in as many days, North American Aerospace Defense Command fighter jets intercepted a pilot who entered the restricted airspace over President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club on Sunday. A civilian pilot violated the temporary flight restrictions issued for the airspace around Trump’s Palm Beach home at about 1:15 p.m. Sunday, NORAD officials said in a news release. NORAD’s F-16s escorted the aircraft safely out of the area, the agency said. The jets used flares that may have been visible from the ground during the intercept to get the pilot’s attention, NORAD said. The agency noted that the flares are "employed with the highest regard for safety," and do not pose any danger to people on the ground. Adhering to posted flight restrictions is essential to flight safety and presidential and national security, Gen. Gregory Guillot, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command commander, said in the news release. "The procedures are not optional, and the excessive number of recent TFR violations indicates many civil aviators are not reading Notice to Airmen, or NOTAMs, before each flight as required by the Federal Aviation Administration, and has resulted in multiple responses by NORAD fighter aircraft to guide offending aircraft out of the TFR," Guillot said. NORAD, which is tasked with monitoring and defending North American airspace, has intercepted more than 20 violations of the flight restrictions over Mar-a-Lago since Trump took office — including one that happened about 8:50 a.m. Saturday, according to a NORAD news release. The week before, NORAD jets escorted three pilots out of the restricted airspace within about two hours, NORAD said. Trump’s visits to Mar-a-Lago trigger the temporary flight restrictions, which apply to all aircraft — including commercial jetliners arriving and departing from Palm Beach International Airport. Trump’s most recent stay at Mar-a-Lago — his fifth since taking office on Jan. 20 — began Friday evening. The FAA issued a notice of temporary flight restrictions for the airspace over Mar-a-Lago beginning at 6:45 p.m. Friday and scheduled to end at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Reported similarly:
AP [3/9/2025 3:39 PM, Zeke Miller, 34586K]

Bloomberg [3/9/2025 6:11 PM, Matthew Malinowski, 16228K] reports Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she is confident her U.S. counterpart Donald Trump won’t impose reciprocal tariffs on her nation’s exports next month as tensions between the top trading partners simmer. While Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on nations that have levies on U.S. goods starting April 2, Mexico doesn’t maintain any such trade barriers, Sheinbaum said at a massive rally in Mexico City’s central square on Sunday. "Mexico is not within that scope because, for 30 years, we have had two trade agreements establishing that we don’t have any tariffs on them, and they don’t have any tariffs on us," Sheinbaum said. "In other words, they wouldn’t have to apply reciprocal tariffs because there are practically no levies from Mexico on the U.S.". Sheinbaum mobilized thousands of supporters after Trump said on Thursday he would pause 25% tariffs on Mexican goods and services that fall under the North American trade agreement known as USMCA until April 2. Those trade barriers, which are separate from any reciprocal levies, would be imposed on Mexico and Canada if they don’t stop clandestine migration and drug flows to the U.S. While the Sunday event was initially planned to announce her response to any U.S. tariffs, it was instead turned into a massive celebration. Trump’s delay marked a victory for Sheinbaum who, months into a trade dispute, is winning praise for her calm and perseverance in the face of tension. She has sought to strike a balance by placating the U.S. head of state while also convincing the Mexican people that she’s defending their interests in a fight with a much more powerful neighbor. "We cannot give up our sovereignty and our people can’t be affected by decisions taken by foreign governments," Sheinbaum said. The Mexican president currently enjoys an 85% approval rating, according to local newspaper El Financiero.

AP [3/9/2025 5:52 PM, Fabiola Sánchez, 34586K] report tens of thousands of people packed into Mexico’s City main plaza on Sunday to celebrate with President Claudia Sheinbaum a decision by the U.S. to postpone tariffs on many of the country’s goods. The crowd clutched large Mexican flags and yelled, "Mexico is to be respected!" as they cheered on Sheinbaum. "Fortunately, dialogue and respect have prevailed," she told the crowd. The celebration comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico for a month, saying Sheinbaum had made progress on drug smuggling and illegal immigration. Sheinbaum had planned to announce any retaliatory measures on Sunday, but instead held a mass celebration. While threats persist, the president said she was optimistic tariffs would not be applied to Mexico and that she would continue to act with a "cool head" in the face of Trump. Among Sheinbaum’s supporters was Roberto González, a 68-year-old computer scientist who raised a sign that read "we are united Mexicans.". The unity of the country is very important," said González, adding that is the only way Mexico would be able to "face one of the largest powers in the world.". Also cheering on the president was Mariana Rivera, a 40-year-old social activist who held up a massive Mexican flag as high as her arms allowed. Despite the dark clouds hanging over the country, the activist said she was convinced that "the president will overcome everything.". Analysts say they don’t expect the jubilant ceremony to alleviate the climate of uncertainty that threatens new investments and the Mexican economy, but that it would help Sheinbaum consolidate internal support against Trump, who is setting the pace of bilateral relations with his powerful rhetoric.

CBS Austin [3/10/2025 12:17 AM, Staff, 602K] reports Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) joined a bipartisan congressional delegation in touring Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The group, composed of members from the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, marked the first congressional delegation to visit the facility since former President Trump directed Homeland Security to potentially detain up to 30,000 migrants there in January. Congressman Davis described the visit as an eye-opening experience that offered tremendous insights into the complexities of immigration policy.

AP [3/9/2025 11:53 PM, Megan Janetsky, Alma Solís, Matías Delacroix, 34586K] reports after weeks of lawsuits and human rights criticism, Panama on Saturday released dozens of migrants who were held for weeks in a remote camp after being deported from the United States, telling them they have 30 days to leave the Central American nation. It thrust many like Hayatullah Omagh, a 29-year-old who fled Afghanistan in 2022 after the Taliban took control, into a legal limbo, scrambling to find a path forward. “We are refugees. We do not have money. We cannot pay for a hotel in Panama City, we do not have relatives,” Omagh told the Associated Press in an interview. “I can’t go back to Afghanistan under any circumstances ... It is under the control of the Taliban, and they want to kill me. How can I go back?” Authorities have said deportees will have the option of extending their stay by 60 days if they need it, but after that many like Omagh don’t know what they will do. Omagh climbed off a bus in Panama City alongside 65 migrants from China, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal and other nations after spending weeks detained in poor conditions by the Panamanian government, which has said it wants to work with the Trump administration “to send a signal of deterrence” to people hoping to migrate. Human rights groups and lawyers advocating for the migrants were waiting at the bus terminal, and scrambled to find the released migrants shelter and other resources. Dozens of other people remained in the camp. Among those getting off buses were migrants fleeing violence and repression in Pakistan and Iran, and 27-year-old Nikita Gaponov, who fled Russia due to repression for being part of the LGBTQ+ community and who said he was detained at the U.S. border, but not allowed to make an asylum claim. The deportees, largely from Asian countries, were part of a deal stuck between the Trump administration and Panama and Costa Rica as the U.S. government attempts to speed up deportations. The administration sent hundreds of people, many families with children, to the two Central American countries as a stopover while authorities organize a way to send them back to their countries of origin. The agreement fueled human rights concerns when hundreds of deportees detained in a hotel in Panama City held up notes to their windows pleading for help and saying they were scared to return to their own countries. Under international refugee law, people have the right to apply for asylum when they are fleeing conflict or persecution. Those that refused to return home were later sent to a remote camp near Panama’s border with Colombia, where they spent weeks in poor conditions, were stripped of their phones, unable to access legal council and were not told where they were going next. Upon being released Saturday night, human rights lawyers identified at least three people who required medical attention. One has been vomiting for over a week, another deportee had diabetes and hadn’t had access to insulin in the camp and another person had HIV and also didn’t have access to medicine in detention.

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CBS News [3/9/2025 8:44 AM, Staff, 51661K]

Washington Examiner [3/10/2025 12:01 AM, Staff, 2296K] reports the State Department announced an initiative to cancel the visas of foreign nationals who appear to support Hamas or other organizations designated as terrorist groups, a welcome addition to President Donald Trump’s "revolution of common sense.” The effort will include an AI-fueled review of tens of thousands of social media accounts belonging to individuals ​in the Student Exchange Visitor System. Known as "Catch and Revoke," the program will search for evidence of activism in support of Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel that killed 1,200 innocent Israelis. "Yesterday evening, we revoked the first visa of an alien who was previously cited for criminal behavior in connection with Hamas-supporting disruptions," State Department officials said Thursday. "This individual was a university student. ICE will proceed with removing this person from the country.” Despite the outcry from the Left, this shift is long overdue. The United States owes no one the privilege of residing within its borders for an extended period of time to study at one of its many prestigious universities. Millions each year from around the globe claw for this golden ticket, which is, at least theoretically, awarded following a vigorous vetting process. This includes security and background checks for criminal records, past overstays in the U.S., and ties to terrorist groups. This is not meant to be a forgiving process, and officers are supposed to have wide discretion regarding possible "red flags" that emerge from this process. It is the height of common sense that "red flags" in relation to terrorism and sympathies for terrorist organizations should be taken seriously. And what could be a clearer "red flag" than public expressions of support for Hamas, particularly in the immediate aftermath of a mass terrorism incident? Hamas, after all, was designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department in 1997. The U.S. is not alone in this regard: Canada, New Zealand, and other Western nations have designated it as a terrorist organization as well.

CBS’ Face The Nation [3/9/2025 11:48 AM, Staff, 4201K] reports the justification President Trump invoked these tariffs under had to do with fentanyl. Mexico’s president said Thursday that Customs and Border Protection figures show seizures of fentanyl on the southern border have dropped over the past year. She claimed they plummeted 75 percent in the past six months. Doesn’t that show the existing system is working? "We’ve seen incredible progress as far as what we’ve been able to stop at the southern border since President Trump has taken office. And I think that progress can be built on. These partnerships that we have in going after traffickers, cartels, the drug trade, and also human trafficking can be even stronger and built on in the future. That’s one of the things we’ve been asking for, in specific to the Mexican government, is, how can we work better together to make sure we not only have the enforcement mission at the border, but south of the border and make sure we’re going after these cartels? You’ve seen the president name them as terrorist organizations. And Canada just recently is starting to allow us to access some of their criminal background histories that we need in order to know who’s coming across our border and what they’re bringing. So, because of his strong stance on tariffs, we’re seeing them wanting to be better partners with us to keep our people safe," Secretary Kristi Noem state.

CBS’ Face The Nation [3/9/2025 11:48 AM, Staff, 4201K] reports the administration has revived this policy of detaining migrant families, parents with children, in ICE detention centers. Bush did it. Obama did it. Biden did not. Secretary Kristi Noem is asked how her comfort concerning these facilities. "We’ve got detention facilities across the country, and there’s specific ones that are built specifically for families if they are detained. But, remember, everybody has an option. They have an option to be here legally or illegally, and they can self-deport as well. We’ve set up a system and a Web site where people who are here illegally right now can register, and they can choose to go home on their own and keep their families united," Noem comments. Hostess Brennan gave some push back by commenting children don’t have a choice. Secretary Noem had this to say, "The kids do have a choice. If they have parents, they make a choice to keep their families together, if they want to or not. They – if parents make a decision to leave their children behind, then that’s a choice that they made as a family. And we need to remember that when Americans break the law, and they have consequences or face a situation, they’re separated from their families too. I don’t believe we should prioritize people from other countries above Americans."

CBS’ Face The Nation [3/9/2025 11:48 AM, Staff, 4201K] reports Homeland Security Secretary say there are conversations going on with Canada. She seemed optimistic that there would be follow-through on fentanyl. Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman is asked if the tariffs on April 2nd is something that can be, managed and avoided. "Well, I hope so. I mean, it – I think that we are in a very good place in our discussions with the U.S. administration on fentanyl. We have invested a lot of new resources. We have given our law enforcement new powers. And we have responded to the requests of the Trump administration with respect to cooperative effects in getting at the sources, so the organized crime, the precursors coming from China. We’ve had some really, really good discussions. So we’re optimistic. And, you know, I just would say, and I think it’s important for your viewers to know, fentanyl is a very serious problem in Canada too. On some days, we have more deaths per capita than you have here in the United States. So we take this very seriously. It is not a big issue between our two countries. Less than 1 percent of the fentanyl that is seized in the United States is coming from Canada, but every ounce can kill families and people. So we’re taking it very seriously," Ambassador Hillman comments.

FOX News Sunday [3/9/2025 11:48 AM, Staff] reports Trump hostage envoy Adam Boehler joins ‘Fox News Sunday’ to discuss the Trump administration’s efforts to free American hostages in Gaza.

FOX News [3/10/2025 4:00 AM, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, 46189K] reports that, although Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has highlighted a rise in illegal immigrant arrests under President Donald Trump, the agency is now grappling with space limitations for detained criminal migrants. "It’s got these lofty goals, with big numbers, and definitely not a lack of trying and a lack of effort in trying to make that a reality, but is facing practical issues," Héctor Quirog, a specialist immigration attorney with the Quiroga Law Office in Spokane, Washington, told Fox News Digital. "Number one, we have got problems with how many detention centers and how many beds are available," he said. "Because, like it or not, some individuals should have a hearing, and they have to wait somewhere. So we have capacity issues." Since President Trump resumed office on Jan. 20, ICE has significantly intensified enforcement operations. On Jan. 23, ICE conducted coordinated raids across major U.S. cities, resulting in the detention of 538 individuals. Subsequent operations have continued at a high pace; for instance, on Jan. 29, ICE arrested 956 individuals, marking the highest daily arrest count under the Trump administration. During the first month of President Trump’s second term, approximately 8,276 individuals were arrested by immigration officers. Congress, in FY 2024, funded ICE to have 41,500 beds, costing around $3.4 billion annually. In its December 2024 annual report, ICE stated it had "relatively static bedspace," which "forces the agency to carefully prioritize whom it detains." "You do then have to have some priorities," Quirog said. "Who do I hold and who do I release? Well, I want to hold people who have criminal records and the others will be released on ankle bracelets or be required to check in." "Detention and beds and who we are going to hold are practical issues the administration is going to have to face pretty quickly if you want to get to the numbers that they were promising in the campaign," he said. A Gallup poll released at the beginning of the Trump administration found that 68% of Americans predict that Trump will control illegal immigration. Just 28% of those polled said he would not. Despite optimism, the administration has faced space constraints. An NBC News report noted that some have been let go under supervision orders, such as the use of GPS tags. The ongoing space constraints have led officials to set up tents at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantánamo Bay. However, two U.S. defense officials told Fox News that none of the 195 beds prepared have been used to house migrants, because they do not meet ICE standards. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]

Miami Herald [3/9/2025 7:36 PM, Michael Butler, 3973K] reports the Department of Homeland Security arrested 14 undocumented immigrants in South Florida over a three-day span as part of an operation that stems from the Laken Riley Act — a law requiring the detention of non-U.S. nationals accused of theft and violent crimes, officials say. In a Friday post on X, Homeland Security Investigations Miami indicated that among the people detained were those accused of sexually assaulting a minor and suspected members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang. It’s not yet clear when the arrests began. In January, President Donald Trump signed the bill, which was notably the first that he signed in his second tenure. The act is seen as another effort for the federal government to detain non-U.S. nationals. It was named for Laken Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University College of Nursing when she was killed in February 2024 by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant.

FOX News [3/10/2025 4:00 AM, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, 46189K] reports local jurisdictions are responding to the Trump administration’s call to apprehend illegal immigrants by collaborating closely with federal immigration authorities to carry out arrests. Fox News Digital observed the collaboration firsthand by accompanying the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) in Florida during its operations. The county’s task force collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal immigrants and dismantle human smuggling and sex-trafficking operations. The SJSO task force is headed up by Sgt. Bobby Kukar and consists of approximately 20 to 25 local, state and federal law enforcement officers who conduct weekly operations along the Interstate 95 corridor. Fox News Digital previously reported on the SJSO’s task force. In one instance, the task force happened upon a broken-down Dodge Ram truck at a stoplight in St. Augustine. The pair, a 19-year-old and 24-year-old, were identified as migrants illegally present from Guatamala. Alexander Aguilar Velasquez, 24, from Guatemala was arrested by Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Zetts and taken to the ICE field office in Jacksonville. The 19-year-old was released by immigration authorities and was given a court date. The immigration official said that Velasquez had two previous contacts with ICE and had ignored his court date after crossing over. He was issued a final order for removal. The situation in St. Johns County offers a glimpse into how local authorities are partnering with federal officials, as the White House has pledged to curb illegal immigration. Hardwick previously shared with Fox News Digital how, under his leadership, the county is prioritizing public safety by initiating the task force and closely collaborating with immigration authorities. The sheriff’s office has been operating a task force for over a year but has amplified operations following President Trump’s election.

AP [3/9/2025 5:46 PM, Staff, 48304K] reports the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the opening of the initial registration period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap. "This highly anticipated window will begin at noon Eastern on March 7, 2025, and will close at noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.". Key Details of the FY 2026 H-1B Registration Process. Registration Window - Opens March 7, 2025, at noon ET and closes March 24, 2025, at noon ET. Lottery System - If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap, USCIS will conduct a randomized electronic lottery to select applicants eligible to proceed with petition filing. Annual Cap - 85,000 visas total, including: 20,000 reserved for applicants with a U.S. advanced degree (master’s or higher). Employer-Driven Registration - Employers must register each candidate in the USCIS online system before the deadline to qualify for the lottery. Fraud Prevention Measures - USCIS has introduced enhanced fraud detection mechanisms to prevent duplicate registrations and ensure fair selection. Still, given the high demand and the historically low selection rate, U.S. employers and prospective H-1B applicants must prepare strong, well-documented petitions to maximize their chances of selection and approval. One of the most crucial supporting documents in an H-1B petition is a Specialty Occupation letter.

NPR [3/9/2025 8:03 AM, Joel Rose, 29983K] reports the U.S.-Mexico border is quieter than it’s been in years. Vice President Vance says the Trump administration deserves the credit, but migrant apprehensions have been falling for months. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]

Miami Herald [3/9/2025 12:12 PM, Jennifer Rodriguez, 3973K] reports a now former United States Border Patrol agent is accused of making women expose their breasts to get into the country. Shane Millan, 53, pleaded guilty on March 7 to two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, according to court records. His attorney did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on March 9. In August 2023, while stationed at Wellesley Island in Jefferson County, New York, Millan was tasked with processing immigrants who crossed into the country at the southern border, court records said. He was responsible for processing paperwork that would allow the immigrants to stay in the country until court hearings. On Aug. 10, 2023, Millan was processing paperwork for a woman via webcam. The woman was in Eagle Pass, Texas, in a room with her 1-year-old daughter, court records said. During the processing, Millan falsely told the woman that her file said she had a tattoo on her chest, according to court records. The woman responded by saying that she did not have a tattoo on her chest, but Millan ordered her to show him, the plea agreement said. The woman stood up, lifted her clothing and exposed her breasts, the court records said. Toward the end of the webcam call, Millan told the woman she had to show her breasts again to confirm there was no tattoo, officials said. When the woman resisted, he told her he would not sign the paperwork unless she did it, records said. The woman put her baby on the ground and exposed her breasts again, according to court records. Then Millan told the woman, "OK… Welcome to the U.S.A," documents said. Millan is accused of ordering other women to expose their breasts during their virtual processing, court records said.

San Diego Union Tribune [3/10/2025 1:44 AM, Paul Sisson, 1682K] reports that, after a short pursuit in Alpine, Border Patrol agents arrested eight occupants of a vehicle that the agency said Sunday evening was suspected of involvement in human smuggling. The incident, which occurred at about 3 p.m. triggered a helicopter bulletin posted on social media from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office about an hour later. The bulletins asked the public to be on the lookout for an armed man described as tall, with a thin build and a beard who was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and black shoes. He was last seen running on Willows Road near Viejas Casino and Resort. It was not clear Sunday evening whether the suspect being sought by the helicopter was among the eight arrested. All those arrested were transported to a nearby station. The investigation is ongoing, a Border Patrol spokesperson said.

Washington Post [3/9/2025 4:24 PM, Brianna Sacks and Annabelle Timsit, 31735K] reports the Federal Emergency Management Agency canceled most courses for a federally run school for firefighters as it evaluates its “programs and spending to ensure alignment” with the Trump administration’s priorities, according to an email obtained by The Washington Post and a current FEMA official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid professional retaliation. FEMA’s Friday email to instructors and students said that all in-person National Fire Academy courses were canceled effective immediately but that some virtual courses would continue. It was not immediately clear when the NFA would be able to resume classes, the official said. FEMA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. The move comes as the Trump administration vows to make substantial cuts to the federal workforce, prompting widespread uncertainty and chaos among government employees and disrupting work at their agencies. After FEMA issued its notice about NFA courses, it sent a follow-up message to instructors that said only virtual courses “that do not have an instructor and no funds are involved will be held,” and asked instructors to cancel all future travel for the academy “until further notice.” Marc Bashoor, a former Maryland fire chief and West Virginia emergency services director, told the Associated Press that a new set of trainings were set to begin soon at the National Fire Academy. “People had made their plane and travel reservations. And all of a sudden, they get an email that ‘Sorry, it’s been canceled,’” he said. The Maine Fire Service Institute, a department of Southern Maine Community College that trains firefighting professionals in the state, said an instructor for an NFA course had already arrived in Maine “when communication from NFA canceling funding to in-person trainings was sent out.” “We’re doing everything we can to get NFA back up and running,” the FEMA official told The Post, adding: “Internally, no one wants this.”

CBS New York [3/10/2025 5:03 AM, Carolyn Gusoff, Naveen Dhaliwal, 51661K] reports the massive brush fire that impacted the East End of Long Island is no longer burning in Westhampton, but Forest Rangers worked all day on Sunday to contain the perimeter and check for hot spots. Smoke billowed high in the sky on Saturday, visible as far away as Connecticut, as nearly 100 fire departments and the National Guard battled the blaze, which police said impacts 400 acres, an area two miles long by a mile wide. Worried about gusty winds and dry conditions continuing Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a burn ban for Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley, adding the National Guard has eight helicopters on standby to assist in firefighting missions. Officials pronounced the Westhampton pine barrens fire 100% knocked down, but do have concerns about flare-ups. Rangers worked Sunday to create a containment perimeter. "The weather is still a very significant concern and a threat to us. We were hoping for some moisture to come in to help us. It’s not looking like that in the very near future," said Lewis Scott, an assistant chief with the Westhampton Fire Department. The fire began Saturday in Center Moriches and then suddenly in four other locations. The Suffolk County Police Department has teams combing through surveillance cameras to determine if it was arson. "Not necessarily, because of the winds yesterday and the fact that it’s so dry," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said. "It’s possible an initial fire jumped from spot to spot to spot. We are going to get to the bottom of it. If there is something nefarious, we are going to find that out.". Two firefighters were injured battling the fires, including one with burns to his face. The other had a head injury, officials said. Both were released from the hospital. "The fire burned all around us," one business owner says. "This was a very big fire that could have created big problems if not for all of us coming together to solve it and address, and it’s still a concern," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. "Thank goodness we had a tremendous response". To many who live in the area, it was a frightening flashback to a 1995 fire that jumped Sunrise Highway. A cause was never found. "Big threat to the community, very unnerving. Thank goodness we had a tremendous response," Westhampton Beach Village Mayor Ralph Urban said. The pine barrens is considered a fire-dependent ecosystem, which means the dead section of the forest will regrow quickly, but the immediate concern is the possibility of embers reigniting. That’s why fire crews are still assembled.

The New York Times [3/9/2025 5:08 PM, Luke Broadwater and Adam Goldman, 145325K] reports the Secret Service shot a 27-year-old man near the White House early Sunday after an “armed confrontation” with federal officers, the agency said in a statement. President Trump was spending the weekend in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago Club and was not at the White House at the time. On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington shared information with the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies about a man named Andrew Dawson who may have been traveling to Washington from Indiana. The law enforcement bulletin said that Mr. Dawson wanted to die by “suicide by cop” and was armed with a BB gun. His last known address was in North Manchester, Ind. The bulletin had a picture of a car that Mr. Dawson was driving. Around midnight, members of the Secret Service encountered the person’s parked vehicle near 17th and F Streets, about a block from the White House. A man was outside of the vehicle, the agency said. As officers approached, they saw that the man had a gun and then a confrontation ensued, during which the Secret Service shot the man, the agency said it was not clear whether the man was armed with the BB gun. He was transported to a hospital, and his condition was unknown, the Secret Service said. There were no reported injuries to anyone with the Secret Service. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the shooting. The Washington Post [3/9/2025 8:27 AM, Peter Hermann, 31735K] reports that the incident occurred shortly after midnight near 17th and G streets NW, less than one block from Pennsylvania Avenue and near the Executive Office Building. The injured man’s identity and age were not immediately made public. Authorities said Sunday morning that he underwent surgery at a hospital and was in critical condition. The spokesman said the man brandished a firearm and was shot. No injuries to Secret Service personnel were reported. D.C. police, who investigate all deaths in the city, will lead the probe into the shooting. Authorities said they do not believe there was a threat to the White House or to the president. The AP [3/9/2025 10:43 PM, Staff, 34586K] reports that “As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel,” the Secret Service said in a statement.

Reported similarly:
The Hill [3/9/2025 1:02 PM, Sarah Fortinsky, 12829K]
Reuters [3/9/2025 1:09 PM, Staff, 41523K]
Washington Examiner [3/9/2025 10:41 AM, Brady Knox, 2296K]

Yahoo! News [3/9/2025 8:09 PM, Staff, 52868K] reports a fishing vessel off the coast of Massachusetts made a shocking discovery while out in the water last week .. . pulling up a dead body in their net -- and, TMZ has obtained a photo of the grisly scene. A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ .. . the fishermen pulled the body out of the water early Wednesday morning about forty miles from Boston. We’re told the crew wasn’t pulling up much in the way of fish that morning .. . and, they were surprised when this particular net was so heavy -- with tons of fish covering the body. Our source says the people onboard the vessel didn’t know there was a body in their catch until they started picking through the pile of fish -- but, once they did, they reported it to the Coast Guard. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office confirmed all the information from our source and tells TMZ .. . they are aware of the body -- though as of right now they can’t confirm the name, age or even gender. As to whether they’re treating this as a potential homicide .. . the D.A. says, "No conclusions at this point. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy. That may help provide some answers.” We also reached out to the Coast Guard who confirmed they are currently investigating.

Yahoo! News [3/9/2025 7:35 PM, Kristina Webb, 52868K] reports the road next to President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club is now open for through traffic. South Ocean Boulevard between South County Road and the Southern Boulevard traffic circle reopened Sunday evening, Palm Beach said in an alert sent at about 7 p.m. Trump departed Palm Beach for Washington, D.C., about an hour earlier. The road closed Friday morning ahead of Trump’s arrival that night for his fifth stay at the property he calls his Winter White House since his Jan. 20 inauguration. Aboard Air Force One with Trump were aide Walt Nauta, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, billionaire Elon Musk and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, The Palm Beach Post reported. The president’s departure means opening times for the three drawbridges to the island will return to their usual schedules, which change when Trump is home as part of temporary security zones implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard. The removal of the Coast Guard security zones also will allow marine traffic to flow unimpeded through the Intracoastal Waterway past Mar-a-Lago. When Trump is home, law enforcement vessels prevent boaters from pausing near the historic estate.

Chicago Tribune [3/9/2025 7:33 PM, Adriana Pérez, 5269K] reports information from hundreds of thousands of current and former Chicago Public School students has been exposed following a data breach, according to district officials. In a letter to parents Friday, they said there was no evidence suggesting any information had been misused. According to the school district, the breach did not include Social Security numbers, financial information or health data. The FBI and the Illinois attorney general are investigating the incident. Late last year, an unauthorized third party carried out a cyberattack that accessed CPS data on a server owned by one of the school district’s technology vendors, Cleo, which is a file transfer software. On Feb. 8, CPS learned that student data had been accessed during the attack. Per the Student Online Personal Protection Act, the district had to notify affected parties within 30 days. The information accessed included students’ names, dates of birth, gender, student identification numbers and even Medicaid identification numbers and dates of eligibility for those enrolled in the federal program. These Medicaid Recipient Identification Numbers cannot be used to obtain Social Security, open bank accounts, credit lines or credit cards. While the investigation is ongoing, the school district believes all current students and former students dating back to the 2017-18 school year were affected. Staff data was not breached. "CPS is deeply committed to the security of student information, and we expect the same level of care and commitment from our vendors," said Norman Fleming, CPS chief information officer, in the letter to parents. "Please know that the protection of your child’s personal information is a top priority, and we sincerely regret any concern or inconvenience that this matter may cause you.”

CNN [3/10/2025 1:52 AM, Susannah Cullinane, 52868K] reports Florida police have arrested a high school student after video emerged of a potential gunman threatening to open fire at a school. The Sanford Police Department said it received an anonymous tip on Saturday "regarding a video of an unknown male threatening to shoot up Seminole High School.” "The video pictured the subject with multiple guns, vests, and other items of concern," police said in a statement Sunday. Sanford police and other law enforcement worked to identify the person featured in the video. Their investigations led them to arrest a 17-year-old a day later. Police said the 17-year-old is enrolled at Elevation High School, which is also in the city of Sanford. He was taken into custody at his home without incident. He is charged with Intimidation Written/Electronic Threat of Mass Shooting/Terrorism Act. It is unknown if he has an attorney. Crediting the "swift identification and arrest" of the teen to "the immediate collaboration and dedication of multiple local and federal agencies and organizations," Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said, "this fast action and team work most likely prevented a tragedy and saved multiple lives.” Police shared a photo of items taken from the teenager’s home, classifying them as, "extremely realistic Airsoft replicas." It is not clear if they are the same weapons from the video. Police identified "extremely realistic Airsoft replicas" during an arrest of a Florida high school student following threats to open fire at a school. - Sanford Police Department. Superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools Serita Beamon expressed her gratitude that the potential threat was taken seriously and acted upon. "I am so thankful for the collaborative work and relentless dedication of all the agencies involved in bringing this incident to a conclusion. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to take any potential threat seriously, and act quickly," the police statement quoted her as saying.

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Yahoo! News [3/9/2025 8:59 PM, Natalia Jaramillo, 52868K]
Yahoo! News [3/9/2025 7:50 PM, Staff, 52868K]

Bloomberg [3/9/2025 3:24 PM, Charlie Buckley, 1492K] reports a new bill introduced to the United States House of Representatives would withhold federal funding for any American “operations to invade or seize territory from” Canada, Panama or Greenland -- unless Congress agrees to it first, that is. Introduced Thursday by Rhode Island Rep. Seth Magaziner, the No Invading Allies Act would require U.S. President Donald Trump to seek a formal declaration of war, congressional approval or proof of a “national emergency created by attack or imminent threat of attack” to authorize offensive military action against the places mentioned above. “Congress has allowed Presidents to engage in temporary hostilities for up to 60 days without Congressional approval,” reads a Thursday release from Magaziner’s office. “However, President Trump’s reckless rhetoric on territorial expansion makes clear that he cannot be trusted with unchecked war powers.” Talk of annexation has been one of the hallmarks of Trump’s second term. The president has prodded Canada to become the 51st U.S. state for months, to widespread revulsion on this side of the border. Purchasing the self-governing territory of Greenland from Denmark has been a common refrain as far back as his first term in office, and allusions to seizing the Panama Canal have prompted Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino to reject the idea as an an affront to his nation’s dignity. Earlier this year, Trump refused to rule out military force as a means of seizing Greenland and the canal, while his vision for a Canadian annexation has been limited to what he has called “economic force.” The United States has since launched a trade war with Canada, an attack Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cast as serving Trump’s goal to “see a total collapse of the Canadian economy, because that’ll make it easier to annex us.” Magaziner’s bill is designed to prevent presidents of any party from unilaterally dragging the country into conflicts, the Democratic representative’s release reads. “President Trump should not be allowed to put American servicemembers into harm’s way by starting unnecessary wars with our allies,” he said.

CNN [3/10/2025 2:50 AM, Nectar Gan, 52868K] reports warships from Iran, China and Russia kicked off their annual joint exercises in the Gulf of Oman on Monday, showing off their military ties as US President Donald Trump upends longstanding Western alliances. The "Security Belt-2025" drills, taking place near the Iranian port of Chabahar, is the fifth joint naval exercise Iran, China and Russia have held since 2019, according to Chinese state media. Analysts have long seen the drills as a demonstration of the growing partnership among the three authoritarian powers as they seek to counterbalance US influence and challenge the Western-led global order. But this year, the optics are even more pronounced as Trump disrupts the transatlantic alliance – a cornerstone of Western security for decades – by embracing Russia at the expense of Ukraine, and pushes Asian allies to pay more for US protection. Asked about the drills on Sunday, Trump said he is "not at all" concerned about the show of force by the three US adversaries. "We’re stronger than all of them. We have more power than all of them," he told Fox News aboard Air Force One. Concerns have been mounting in Washington about the emerging strategic partnership among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, which US lawmakers have described as an "axis of authoritarianism," "axis of autocrats" and "axis of dictators.” US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington, DC, on March 9, 2025. - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters. The fear is that a shared animosity toward the US is increasingly driving these countries to work together – amplifying the threat that any one of them alone poses to Washington or its allies, not just in one region but perhaps in multiple parts of the world at the same time. At the same time, Trump has openly embraced Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the war in Ukraine by talking directly to Moscow while leaving Kyiv and European allies on the sidelines. Russia and North Korea’s military relationship has strengthened considerably over the last year, with the two signing a mutual defense agreement and Pyongyang sending its troops to fight for Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine.

AP [3/10/2025 3:19 AM, Staff, 48304K] reports U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed optimism about upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump commented while flying from Florida to Washington, DC. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]

Newsweek [3/9/2025 2:16 PM, Natalie Venegas, 3973K] reports Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, on Sunday issued a warning about abandoning Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, stating that it would be "worse than Afghanistan.” Newsweek has reached out to Graham’s office via email for comment on Sunday. Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine just over three years ago, and the United States has, until now, strongly supported the Eastern European nation with billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid. However, President Donald Trump has long signaled that he may shift U.S. policy, criticizing Ukraine and speaking favorably of Russian President Vladimir Putin, upending U.S. foreign policy and raising alarms within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Graham, a longtime staunch supporter of Ukraine, has occasionally criticized some of Trump’s decisions but remains a close ally of the president. Following last month’s Oval Office spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance chastised him for allegedly not thanking the United States for aid, the U.S. has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine, temporarily cutting off a critical flow of battlefield data that has helped Kyiv target Russian forces. A senior administration official described the pause as part of a broader review of U.S.-Ukraine relations, with national security adviser Mike Waltz stating that the White House is reassessing "all aspects of this relationship.” The halt in intelligence sharing follows Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine, which has sparked concerns among Kyiv’s Western allies. Intelligence from the U.S. and NATO has been instrumental in Ukraine’s defense efforts, providing real-time information on Russian troop movements, missile launches, and battlefield tactics. In an interview onFox News Sunday with Shannon Bream, Graham spoke about the pause on intelligence. "The goal is to end the war honorably and justly. You know Zelensky blew it in the White House. We’ve been working on this minerals deal for a very long time, but we are where we are. Yeah, I am worried about cutting off intelligence and weapons to Ukraine as long as the fighting is going on. If we pull the plug on Ukraine it would be worse than Afghanistan. I don’t think President Trump has any desire to do that but until we have a ceasefire, I would give Ukraine what they need in terms of intelligence and weapons to defend themselves," the senator said.

Yahoo! News [3/10/2025 2:50 AM, Tim Zadorozhnyy, 52868K] reports Ukrainian officials will push for the resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing at upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, the Financial Times reported on March 9, citing its undisclosed sources. Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are set to meet in Jeddah on March 11 to discuss a potential peace agreement with Russia and negotiations on a critical minerals deal. As part of its strategy, Kyiv is reportedly prepared to propose a partial ceasefire covering long-range drone and missile strikes, as well as hostilities in the Black Sea, in hopes that progress in talks will prompt Washington to lift its freeze on military and intelligence support. Following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s heated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, Washington suspended all military aid to Ukraine, worth billions. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on March 5 that the U.S. had also halted intelligence sharing, potentially limiting Ukraine’s ability to detect Russian missile strikes and carry out long-range attacks. Two European officials told the FT that Ukraine views making progress in ceasefire talks as a necessary step to regaining U.S. support. A U.S. official told Reuters that the Jeddah meeting will serve as a test of Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia in pursuit of a peace deal. Trump told reporters on March 9 that he expects Ukraine to sign the critical minerals deal with the U.S. but also wants to see signals that Kyiv is prepared for peace. Zelensky and European leaders have repeatedly emphasized that security guarantees, including long-term U.S. support, must accompany any ceasefire agreement. Washington has not offered such assurances. Following his Oval Office meeting with Trump, Zelensky struck a conciliatory tone, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to working with the U.S. toward a peace agreement.

New York Times [3/9/2025 8:22 AM, Paul Sonne and Michael Crowley, 145325K] reports the Trump administration is talking with Moscow about readmitting potentially scores of Russian diplomats into the United States after years of expulsions. But the good-will gesture, which would be reciprocated by Moscow, could be a kind of Trojan horse, experts and diplomats warn, as the Kremlin is likely to dispatch spies posing as diplomats to restore its diminished espionage capabilities within the United States. U.S. and Russian officials met in Istanbul last month to discuss returning more diplomats to each other’s countries after years of tit-for-tat expulsions and the shuttering of diplomatic facilities. The midlevel talks, part of a rapid rapprochement between the Kremlin and the White House under President Trump, took place at the U.S. consul’s residence. Days earlier in Riyadh, a U.S. delegation headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top Russian officials agreed “to ensure that our diplomatic missions can function,” as Mr. Rubio told reporters. Both sides say the move could pave the way for a broader peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. An agreement to normalize diplomatic operations might also enable the United States to conduct espionage activities of its own: Washington has long placed spies in U.S. embassies and consulates in Russia. But experts say that even if a deal expands both diplomatic contingents in comparable numbers, any Russian spies would enjoy an advantage, working in a more open society in the United States. The renewed access, combined with Mr. Trump’s courtship of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, could spell opportunity for the Kremlin’s espionage apparatus at a time when Moscow’s operations against the West have grown more brazen, according to intelligence experts and former officials. The Trump administration has installed several officials sympathetic to Moscow’s worldview, raising questions about whether it will continue to prioritize counterintelligence operations against Russia. And the appointment of the political operative Kash Patel and the conservative media personality Dan Bongino atop the F.B.I. promises upheaval in the force whose counterintelligence division tracks Russian spies. “If I were sitting in Yasenevo or Lubyanka and targeting Americans, I would be rubbing my hands with glee,” said Paul Kolbe, a senior fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, referring to the headquarters of Russia’s foreign and domestic intelligence services.

Yahoo! News [3/9/2025 9:11 PM, Joe Tidy, 52868K] reports hackers thought to be working for the North Korean regime have successfully cashed out at least $300m (£232m) of their record-breaking $1.5bn crypto heist. The criminals, known as Lazarus Group, swiped the huge haul of digital tokens in a hack on crypto exchange ByBit two weeks ago. Since then, it’s been a cat-and-mouse game to track and block the hackers from successfully converting the crypto into usable cash. Experts say the infamous hacking team is working nearly 24 hours a day - potentially funnelling the money into the regime’s military development. "Every minute matters for the hackers who are trying to confuse the money trail and they are extremely sophisticated in what they’re doing," says Dr Tom Robinson, co-founder of crypto investigators Elliptic. Out of all the criminal actors involved in crypto currency, North Korea is the best at laundering crypto, Dr Robinson says. "I imagine they have an entire room of people doing this using automated tools and years of experience. We can also see from their activity that they only take a few hours break each day, possibly working in shifts to get the crypto turned into cash.” Elliptic’s analysis tallies with ByBit, which says that 20% of the funds have now "gone dark", meaning it is unlikely to ever be recovered. The US and allies accuse the North Koreans of carrying out dozens of hacks in recent years to fund the regime’s military and nuclear development. On 21 February the criminals hacked one of ByBit’s suppliers to secretly alter the digital wallet address that 401,000 Ethereum crypto coins were being sent to. ByBit thought it was transferring the funds to its own digital wallet, but instead sent it all to the hackers. ByBit CEO Ben Zhou is hoping to reclaim some of the stolen funds through a bounty project [Getty Images]. Ben Zhou, the CEO of ByBit, assured customers that none of their funds had been taken. The firm has since replenished the stolen coins with loans from investors, but is, in Zhou’s words, "waging war on Lazarus". ByBit’s Lazarus Bounty programme is encouraging members of the public to trace the stolen funds and get them frozen where possible. All crypto transactions are displayed on a public blockchain, so it’s possible to track the money as it’s moved around by the Lazarus Group. If the hackers try to use a mainstream crypto service to attempt to turn the coins into normal money like dollars, the crypto coins can be frozen by the company if they think they are linked to crime. So far 20 people have shared more than $4m in rewards for successfully identifying $40m of the stolen money and alerting crypto firms to block transfers. But experts are downbeat about the chances of the rest of the funds being recoverable, given the North Korean expertise in hacking and laundering the money. "North Korea is a very closed system and closed economy so they created a successful industry for hacking and laundering and they don’t care about the negative impression of cyber crime," Dr Dorit Dor from cyber security company Check Point said.

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