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US agency reports 956 arrests in immigration crackdown on Sunday

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials announced Sunday that 956 illegal immigrants were arrested in various cities nationwide, aligning with President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to pursue large-scale deportations after taking office. Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed border czar, said several detainees had been convicted of serious offenses, including murder and sex crimes. He added that collateral arrests were made during the detention of undocumented immigrants without criminal records who were present at the raid locations. Homan said Sunday’s operation in Chicago, Illinois, resulted in the arrests of six individuals convicted of serious sex offenses, several gang members, and two others previously convicted of murder and aggravated sexual battery. “We’ve got to put America’s safety first,” Homan, who oversaw the sting operations in Chicago, told NBC News. In a statement, ICE officials explained that the agency’s enhanced operations under the Trump administration aim to “enforce US immigration law and preserve public safety and national security by keeping potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities.” Since Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, ICE has made a total of 2,681 arrests, including 956 on Sunday. However, officials did not disclose how many detainees had criminal histories or convictions. According to sources quoted by The Washington Post, Trump officials directed ICE to target between 1,200 and 1,500 arrests daily. Homan said enforcement actions would also occur in previously designated safe zones, such as churches and schools, following Trump’s revocation of long-standing guidance protecting such locations. “Decisions to enter those spaces would be made on a ‘case-by-case basis,’” he said, adding that the objective was to “get as many criminals as possible.” “I don’t have a quota,” Homan said. “My instructions to them: Arrest as many as you can.” Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson said the city’s police department did not assist in the Chicago raid.  Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker expressed mixed feelings about the federal operation. Speaking to CNN, Pritzker said he supports deporting individuals convicted of violent crimes but opposes the detention of non-criminal immigrants. “Why are we going after them? These are not people who are causing problems in our country, and what we need is a path to citizenship for them,” said Pritzker. “We need to secure our border. We need to get rid of the violent criminals, but we also need to protect people—at least the residents of Illinois and all across the nation—who are just doing what we hope immigrants will do,” he added. Similar immigration raids were carried out in Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, and Washington.

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US Central Command commander visits Egypt to discuss security

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Egypt on Monday to discuss security issues. Kurilla met with Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, in the capital Cairo to discuss a range of issues, including efforts to address shared security challenges and combat violent extremist organizations. He reaffirmed the military-to-military relationship between the two nations and discussed efforts to advance the partnership to ensure a secure and stable future, CENTCOM said in a statement. On Jan. 11-12, Kurilla visited US servicemembers and conducted key leader engagements in Saudi Arabia. Kurilla met with Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, to discuss shared security concerns. While in Saudi Arabia, Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Saghir Hamood Bin Aziz, Chief of Staff of the Yemini Armed Forces, to exchange views on efforts to strengthen security cooperation and combat regional threats such as the Houthis and their attacks against military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb Strait. According to local media, Kurilla is also expected to visit Israel.

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Death toll from Los Angeles wildfires rises to 24

The death toll rose to 24 on Sunday in the wake of the devastating wildfires ravaging the US state of California. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said they are investigating at least two dozen deaths related to two massive wildfires that have been raging in Southern California since last Tuesday. Officials said 16 deaths were attributed to the Eaton fire and eight were linked to the Palisades fire. Those numbers are expected to rise, as the medical examiner said they cannot confirm human remains until they are processed at their facility. More than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, with another 87,000 in evacuation warning zones. More than 12,000 homes and businesses have been burned to the ground, with the wildfires so far scorching over 60 square miles (155 square kilometers). “Initial aerial assessments estimate 5,316 structures for the Palisades Fire and over 7,000 structures destroyed from the Eaton Fire,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said in a statement.  “These initial numbers make the Eaton and Palisades fires likely the second and fourth most destructive fires in California’s history respectively,” it added. Firefighters continue to battle the destructive blazes, which have been fueled by continued heavy winds in the region with wind gusts between 30 to 70 miles (48 to 112 kilometers) per hour. Because of those dangerous conditions, a fire warning remains in effect until Wednesday and evacuation orders have been extended until at least Thursday. Dusk to dawn curfews also remain in effect as police crack down on looting in the area. “We’re not out of the woods yet. We have some very significant fire weather ahead of us,” said Nancy Ward, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, at a news conference. “We need to provide the people and the first responders in Southern California the support that they need,” Ward continued.  “We’ve prepositioned additional engines, fire crews, helicopters, bulldozers, water tenders (tankers) across all of southern California, in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County, all poised to assist and support the additional fire threat.” The manpower being used to fight the fires is staggering: 14,000 emergency personnel, 1,300 fire engines and 84 aircraft have been deployed from nine states, including California, as well as crews from Canada and Mexico. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is deploying another 1,000 members of the California National Guard to help fight the wildfires. President Joe Biden has already approved a major disaster declaration for the state to provide financial assistance for cleanup and rebuilding, with early estimates putting the cost of damage from the wildfires to reach at least $10 billion. Humanitarian groups and nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have already begun assistance efforts for displaced residents, providing food, water, shelter and living supplies for those who have been affected by the deadly blazes.

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 Death toll rises to 15 in New Orleans pickup truck attack

The death toll in a pickup truck attack in New Orleans, Louisiana has risen to 15, New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna said Wednesday. “It will take several days to perform all autopsies. Once we complete the autopsies and talk with the next of kin, we will release the identifications of the victims,” McKenna said in a statement. Earlier, 35 other people were also reported injured when the truck plowed through the heart of the French Quarter around 3.15 a.m. (0915GMT) Wednesday. The area is popular with tourists and is a hotspot for celebrations around major holidays, especially New Year’s Eve. Police said the attacker drove the truck onto a sidewalk and around a police car that was parked to block traffic from entering the area to carry out the attack. About 400 officers were deployed to protect the area. The FBI has said it does not believe the man who rammed the pickup truck into the New Year’s partygoers, who has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen and Army veteran, acted alone. “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates,” Alethea Duncan, the FBI assistant special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office, told reporters at a press briefing. “We cannot go into details about the subject’s history. What I can tell you is the person was an Army veteran. We believe he was honorably discharged, but we’re working through this process, figuring out all this information,” Duncan added. Jabbar, from Texas, was previously identified by the bureau as a suspect in the terror attack. Asked how many accomplices authorities believe Jabbar had, Duncan said “it’s a range of suspects.” According to sources cited by ABC News, New Orleans police have reviewed surveillance footage that appears to show several individuals planting potential explosive devices prior to the vehicle attack. Authorities are working to identify the individuals seen on camera and bring them into custody. Meanwhile, steel barricades were not up on Bourbon Street at the time of the incident. – State of emergency Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency to facilitate cooperation between federal, state and local agencies “to bring all of the resources necessary to get this city safe.” He further mobilized a military police company to assist law enforcement. “It is important for our citizens and guests of the state to know that we’re doing everything we can to secure their safety in this city. We want to make it clear: the Superdome and the surrounding area are safe,” he said. The Sugar Bowl, an American college football championship game that was to be played at the Superdome on New Year’s Day, has been delayed until Thursday. Multiple weapons, a Daesh/ISIS terror group flag and a potential improvised explosive device were found inside the truck, according to the FBI. Two other potential improvised explosive devices were found in the French Quarter and were “rendered safe,” according to Duncan. – FBI launches investigation in Houston after New Orleans truck attack The FBI and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are carrying out a court-approved search at a property in north Houston, Texas connected to the fatal truck attack in New Orleans, FBI Houston said on X. The agencies have been stationed near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive for several hours and expect to remain there for several more hours, the statement noted. It said the FBI has established a perimeter and is urging the public to steer clear of the area, adding that no arrests have been made at this time.

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Jimmy Carter, the longest lived U.S. President, dies at 100

Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president in U.S. history, passed away Sunday at the age of 100. He died peacefully in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family, after receiving hospice care since February 18, 2023. Carter had faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including brain cancer and skin cancer. In a statement, his son, Chip Carter, described him as a hero who stood for peace, human rights, and unselfish love, adding that his father’s legacy was one of bringing people together through shared beliefs. Carter’s political rise was improbable—starting as a peanut farmer in Georgia, he became governor of the state before ascending to the presidency in 1976. His presidency, marked by challenges like the Iran hostage crisis, oil shortages, and inflation, was often seen as a tumultuous period. Despite these struggles, he achieved significant international successes, such as brokering the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978, negotiating the Panama Canal Treaty, and securing nuclear arms control with the Soviet Union through SALT II. After leaving office, Carter became known for his humanitarian work, founding the Carter Center and dedicating his life to advocating for peace, democracy, and human rights. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for those in need around the world. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts in conflict resolution and promoting global human rights. Even into his 90s, he remained active in humanitarian causes and community service.

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Trump alleges Chinese military presence at Panama Canal

 US President-elect Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that “wonderful soldiers of China” are operating the Panama Canal “lovingly but illegally.” In a post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day, Trump alleged that the Chinese presence is aimed at ensuring that the US invests billions of dollars in repairs without reaping any benefits. “The United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money and gets nothing in return,” he said. Trump also addressed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him “Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada” and suggesting that Canada could achieve significant tax cuts and “would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World” if it joined the US as its 51st state. Turning to domestic politics, he criticized “radical left lunatics” for allegedly obstructing the US court system and targeting political opponents, including himself.  “Their only chance of political survival is to get pardons from (incumbent President) Joe Biden,” he added.

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Passenger attempts to hijack Mexican flight, divert it to US

 A passenger on board a domestic flight in Mexico attempted to forcibly divert the plane to the US but was stopped by flight crew and passengers. After being detained, the man allegedly confessed that the failed bid was triggered after a close relative of his was kidnapped and his life was threatened by criminals. On Sunday morning, Volaris, one of the country’s main airlines, said that on flight 3401 from El Bajio in central Mexico to the border city of Tijuana in Baja California, the 31-year-old man attempted to divert the plane to the United States “through the use of force.” He attacked a flight attendant and attempted to break into the cockpit and take control of the plane before being restrained. The plane made an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport, around 1,380 miles (2,220 kilometers) from its destination, where members of the National Guard were already waiting for him. The man was traveling with his wife and two children and could face three to 20 years in prison as Volaris decided to press charges against him.

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Apple faces lawsuit for allegedly spying on workers

 US tech giant Apple is facing a lawsuit for allegedly spying on its employees using company-managed devices such as iPhones. Workers using personal Apple devices must link their iCloud accounts to the company, from which Apple allegedly collects various data from off-duty employees, such as location, claimed Amar Bhakta, who has been working in Apple’s digital advertising division since 2020, in a lawsuit filed on Sunday. In his lawsuit, Bhakta claimed that workers’ personal devices, including iPhones, were installed with proprietary internal software on company grounds, where the devices are “subject to search by Apple.” Apple allegedly violated California law by requiring its employees to agree to a policy allowing the company to “engage in physical, video, and electronic surveillance” of its employees,” he added. “For Apple employees, the Apple ecosystem is not a walled garden. It is a prison yard. A panopticon where employees, both on and off duty, are subject to Apple’s all-seeing eye,” US-based tech news website The Verge reported on Monday, citing court documents. He alleged that Apple restricts employees’ speech by prohibiting them from discussing their working conditions and wages, as well as their political activity. “We strongly disagree with these claims and believe they lack merit,” Apple spokesperson Josh Rosenstock said in a statement to The Verge.

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US approves potential $100M sale of military equipment to Ukraine

 The US State Department on Tuesday authorized a potential $100 million sale of military equipment and services to Ukraine. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The package includes vehicle refurbishment, technical assistance, training, publications and logistics and support, said the agency. The announcement came amid reports that the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to target deep within Russia. Administration officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports. The development follows reports of North Korea sending troops to support Moscow’s war effort. A senior US official said the move also aims to deter further North Korean involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine, which was launched in February 2022. On Tuesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it intercepted six US-supplied ATACMS missiles over the Bryansk region. If confirmed, it would mark Ukraine’s first use of the long-range missiles since the war began.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not confirm or deny Kyiv’s involvement in the missile strikes. Russian President Vladimir Putin updated Moscow’s nuclear doctrine Tuesday, allowing for potential nuclear weapon use in response to conventional missile attacks backed by a nuclear power. Reports have also indicated that the Biden administration is working to distribute a remaining $6 billion in security aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, anticipating that the flow of weapons will cease when Trump assumes office.

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