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Trump Seeks Supreme Court Approval to Resume Deporting Venezuelan Migrants Under Wartime Law

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Trump Seeks Supreme Court Approval to Resume Deporting Venezuelan Migrants Under Wartime Law

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The Trump administration on Friday petitioned the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime law, as legal battles continue. 

The emergency appeal comes after a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., rejected the administration’s request to lift an order temporarily blocking the deportations. The appellate court’s 2-1 decision allowed the order to remain in place, halting the removals of Venezuelan migrants under the rarely invoked Alien Enemies Act. 

The Justice Department argued in court filings that federal courts should not interfere with sensitive diplomatic negotiations. It also stated that detained migrants should seek legal recourse in Texas, where they are currently held. 

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, the chief judge at the federal courthouse in Washington, issued the order preventing deportations. President Donald Trump’s administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the first time since World War II, citing a presidential proclamation labeling the Tren de Aragua gang an invading force. 

“Here, the district court’s orders have rebuffed the President’s judgments as to how to protect the Nation against foreign terrorist organizations and risk debilitating effects for delicate foreign negotiations,” acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris wrote in the court filing. 

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelan noncitizens detained in Texas shortly after the presidential proclamation was announced. The court set a Tuesday deadline for a response from the ACLU. 

Lee Gelernt, lead attorney for the ACLU, said, “We will urge the Supreme Court to preserve the status quo to give the courts time to hear this case, so that more individuals are not sent off to a notorious foreign prison without any process, based on an unprecedented and unlawful use of a wartime authority.” 

The legal battle has intensified tensions between the White House and federal courts. Boasberg previously ordered a temporary halt on deportations and instructed planeloads of Venezuelan migrants to return to the U.S., a directive that was not followed. The administration has cited “state secrets privilege” and declined to provide additional details on the deportations. 

Calls for Boasberg’s impeachment from Trump and his allies were met with a rare statement from Chief Justice John Roberts, who asserted, “Impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.” 

The Alien Enemies Act permits deportations without hearings before immigration or federal court judges. However, Boasberg ruled that immigrants facing deportation must have the opportunity to challenge their designation as alleged gang members. 

“There is a strong public interest in preventing the mistaken deportation of people based on categories they have no right to challenge,” Boasberg wrote. 

The temporary ban on deportations is set to expire on Saturday, but the ACLU has requested an extension until April 12 and intends to seek a preliminary injunction to prevent further deportations under the Alien Enemies Act while the lawsuit continues. 

5 Injured in Amsterdam Stabbing; Suspect in Custody

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5 Injured in Amsterdam Stabbing; Suspect in Custody

AMSTERDAM  — Five people were injured in a stabbing incident near Amsterdam’s central Dam Square on Thursday, according to police. The victims include two Americans, a Polish man, a Belgian woman, and a Dutch woman, ranging in age from 19 to 73. 

The male suspect, who was subdued with the help of bystanders, was taken to the hospital with a leg injury after his arrest. Authorities said the motive for the attack remains “under investigation,” but they are exploring the possibility that the suspect acted randomly. 

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed that a police investigation is “in full swing” and expressed sympathy for the victims and their families. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones,” she said. 

Emergency services responded to multiple reports of a stabbing incident at around 3:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. GMT). Officers quickly arrived at the scene and discovered five injured individuals at various locations in and around Sint Nicolaasstraat in the city center. 

Authorities secured a large area around the Royal Palace on Dam Square, where an emergency helicopter landed. The square, a popular spot for tourists, lies in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic district. 

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic. A witness told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that they heard an “icy scream” before panic broke out. Another witness, quoted by Amsterdam outlet Het Parool, described seeing a knife protruding from a young woman’s back. 

Police initially reported four victims but later confirmed five people were wounded, along with the suspect. Authorities are urging anyone with images or video footage of the incident to upload them as evidence. 

King Charles Briefly Hospitalized After Cancer Treatment Side Effects

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King Charles Briefly Hospitalized After Cancer Treatment Side Effects

LONDON  — Britain’s King Charles was briefly hospitalized on Thursday after experiencing side effects from ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Royal sources described the incident as a “minor bump in the road,” emphasizing the king’s recovery remains on track. 

The 76-year-old monarch has been undergoing treatment since being diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February last year. The diagnosis followed tests conducted after a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. 

Buckingham Palace stated that King Charles has since returned to his residence at Clarence House, and, as a precaution, his engagements scheduled for Friday will be rescheduled. Queen Camilla did not accompany him to the hospital. 

“His Majesty was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations this afternoon. Tomorrow, he was set to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion,” a palace spokesperson said. “He very much hopes these engagements can be rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible.” 

While the palace declined to specify the nature of the side effects, a royal source described the situation as a “minor setback” that was not uncommon with medical treatments. The king remains in good spirits, continuing to work from his study and making calls, the source added. 

His upcoming state visit to Italy next month, accompanied by Queen Camilla, is expected to proceed as planned, and no further health updates are anticipated. 

King Charles’ initial cancer diagnosis, made less than 18 months into his reign, came as a shock. However, royal aides have remained optimistic about his health. Although his schedule is managed carefully, he has maintained a busy agenda. 

Known for his dedication to work, King Charles is often described as a workaholic who tirelessly attends to official papers late into the night. Family members, including Queen Camilla, have frequently urged him to pace himself. 

The king’s medical team is reportedly closely involved in managing his schedule, acknowledging that treatment reactions can be unpredictable. 

The monarch’s health issues coincide with those of his daughter-in-law, Kate, 43, wife of Prince William, who also underwent cancer treatment. In January, Kate announced she is in remission and has gradually resumed royal duties. 

Trump’s Health and Human Services to Lay Off 10,000 Workers, Close Agencies in Major Restructuring

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Trump’s Health and Human Services to Lay Off 10,000 Workers, Close Agencies in Major Restructuring

WASHINGTON — In a sweeping overhaul, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will lay off 10,000 workers and shut down several agencies, including those overseeing billions in funds for addiction services and community health centers nationwide. The restructuring, announced Thursday by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., targets inefficiencies in what he described as a “sprawling bureaucracy” responsible for a decline in Americans’ health.

“I want to promise you now that we’re going to do more with less,” Kennedy said in a video posted on social media.

The restructuring caps weeks of turmoil at HHS, following rumors of mass firings, the revocation of $11 billion in public health funding for cities and counties, a tepid response to a measles outbreak, and controversial remarks about vaccines from Kennedy. The department’s workforce will shrink from 82,000 to 62,000 positions, eliminating 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 through early retirement and voluntary separation offers encouraged by the Trump administration.

Kennedy acknowledged a “painful period” ahead for HHS, which is tasked with monitoring infectious diseases, inspecting food and hospitals, and overseeing health insurance programs for nearly half the country. The restructuring will centralize procurement, IT, and communications under HHS, reducing autonomy for the NIH, FDA, and CDC.

Federal health workers at NIH and FDA, both in Maryland, expressed shock, fear, and uncertainty, describing anxiety over potential job losses. HHS provided details on 7,400 cuts: 3,500 jobs at the FDA, 2,400 at the CDC, 1,200 at the NIH, and 300 at CMS.

Kennedy said the plan would save $1.8 billion annually but did not provide a breakdown.

The restructuring also includes plans to shutter some agencies created by Congress. The Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be merged into a new Administration for a Healthy America. Critics argue closing SAMHSA could undermine addiction and mental health efforts.

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response will be eliminated and folded into the CDC, a move critics say risks national health security.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) criticized the cuts, warning of reduced health services and longer waits for treatments. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) urged patience, saying lawmakers would “fix what’s broken.”

Putin Proposes Temporary Administration for Ukraine, Citing Path to Peace 

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Putin Proposes Temporary Administration for Ukraine, Citing Path to Peace 

MURMANSK, RUSSIA – Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed establishing a temporary administration in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations, the United States, European countries, and other partners. This arrangement, he stated, would facilitate new elections and the signing of key agreements to resolve the ongoing conflict. 

FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, on Friday, June 14, 2024. Putin says that Moscow isn’t seeking quick gains in Ukraine and will stick to the current strategy of slow advances as it presses a grinding summer offensive. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Speaking in Murmansk, Putin remarked that Russia was steadily progressing toward its objectives in the conflict, emphasizing his belief that newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump genuinely seeks to end the war. He contrasted Trump’s willingness for direct talks with Russia to the stance of former President Joe Biden, who he claimed avoided such contacts. 

Putin’s comments reflect a long-standing grievance over the legitimacy of Ukrainian authorities, particularly President Volodymyr Zelensky, who remains in office despite his mandate expiring in May 2024. 

“In principle, of course, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the U.N., the United States, European countries, and our partners,” Putin was quoted as saying. “This would enable democratic elections, empower a capable government trusted by the people, and initiate peace talks.” 

Putin underscored Russia’s commitment to “peaceful solutions to any conflict, including this one, through peaceful means, but not at our expense.” He asserted that Russian forces maintain strategic initiative along the entire military contact line. 

Putin also expressed Russia’s readiness to cooperate with multiple nations, including North Korea, in efforts to resolve the conflict. Western and Ukrainian sources allege that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces in Moscow’s western Kursk region, although Moscow has not confirmed this claim. 

Putin stated, “The newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons.” 

As the situation remains tense, the proposed plan would aim to establish a legitimate Ukrainian government and pursue a peace treaty. However, questions persist about the feasibility and acceptance of such an arrangement.

6 Russians Dead, 39 Tourists Rescued After Submarine Sinks in Egypt’s Red Sea

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6 Russians Dead, 39 Tourists Rescued After Submarine Sinks in Egypt’s Red Sea

HURGHADA, EGYPT – Six Russians tragically lost their lives, and 39 foreign tourists were rescued after a viewing submarine named “Sindbad” sank off the coast of the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada, local authorities confirmed. 

According to the Red Sea Governorate, the submarine had 50 people on board, including 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members. 

The Russian consulate in Hurghada reported, “Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada.” 

The Sindbad submarine, designed for underwater tours, was equipped with large portholes for viewing the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life. It was capable of descending to a depth of 25 meters, according to the company’s website. 

Egyptian authorities are currently investigating the incident, focusing on the crew members to determine the cause of the sinking. Red Sea Province Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed the submarine was licensed, and the crew captain held valid certifications. 

The Red Sea region is a key destination for Egypt’s tourism industry, attracting travelers from around the world, including a growing number of Russian tourists. Egypt’s tourism sector, vital to the country’s economy, has faced challenges in the past, including militant attacks on tourists. 

Recent incidents have raised concerns about marine safety in the region. Last June, a tourist boat capsized due to high waves, though no casualties were reported. In November, a diving boat carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew capsized, leaving 11 dead. Local media attributed the accident to rough seas. 

The Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have not yet commented on the incident. 

A recent United Nations report ranked Egypt as Africa’s top tourism earner in 2024, generating $14.1 billion in revenue—more than twice the income from Suez Canal tolls. The incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures to protect Egypt’s vital tourism industry. 

Egyptian authorities are expected to release further details following the investigation’s conclusion.

Reuters

Turkish Tufts University Student Detained by DHS, Video Shows Masked Agents Handcuffing Her 

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Turkish Tufts University Student Detained by DHS, Video Shows Masked Agents Handcuffing Her 

BOSTON, MA – A Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University has been detained by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, with video footage showing masked individuals handcuffing her as she shouted in protest. 

Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was taken into custody Tuesday evening outside her home in Somerville. Her lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, said authorities provided no explanation for her arrest and that Ozturk has not been charged with any crime. 

Surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows six masked individuals surrounding Ozturk, seizing her phone, and placing her in handcuffs. 

“We are unaware of her whereabouts and have not been able to contact her,” Khanbabai said, adding that Ozturk was legally residing in the U.S. on a valid student visa. The arrest occurred as she was leaving to meet friends for iftar, the meal breaking the daily Ramadan fast. 

Tufts University President Sunil Kumar confirmed that an international graduate student had been detained but stated that the school had no prior knowledge of the situation and did not provide information to federal authorities. 

Neighbors who witnessed the incident expressed alarm, describing the arrest as resembling a “kidnapping.” Michael Mathis, a Somerville resident, said his surveillance camera recorded the scene, showing unmarked vehicles and individuals covering their faces. 

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has ordered federal authorities to explain the grounds for Ozturk’s detention and instructed that she not be moved outside Massachusetts without prior notice. However, ICE records list her as being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana. 

A DHS spokesperson later confirmed that Ozturk’s visa had been revoked, alleging she engaged in activities supporting Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist organization. The spokesperson stated, “A visa is a privilege, not a right. Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa termination.” 

Ozturk co-authored a March 2023 opinion piece in The Tufts Daily criticizing the university’s stance on Palestinian issues. She was later featured on Canary Mission, a website that claims to track individuals it accuses of anti-Israel activism. Friends say she was not deeply involved in campus protests beyond the published article. 

Similar visa revocations have occurred recently, with international students blocked from entering the U.S. or having their visas canceled due to participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. 

Hundreds gathered in Somerville’s public park Wednesday evening, chanting “Free Rumeysa Ozturk” and waving Palestinian flags. Speakers condemned her detention and broader immigration policies affecting activists and students. 

The Turkish Embassy in Washington stated it is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with the State Department and ICE to provide legal support for Ozturk. 

The case has intensified debate over U.S. immigration enforcement, free speech, and international student rights as authorities prepare to respond to the court’s demands for further clarification.

Kenyan Police Officer Missing in Haiti After Gang Ambush

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Kenyan Police Officer Missing in Haiti After Gang Ambush

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI – A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members, authorities confirmed. 

According to the MSS Mission, the officer was assisting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in retrieving a stranded vehicle when armed assailants launched a coordinated attack. 

The incident occurred on Tuesday in the town of Pont-Sondé. Security teams were responding to an HNP armored vehicle that had become stuck in a ditch while patrolling the Carrefour Paye-Savien Main Supply Route. Another vehicle in the convoy also experienced mechanical failure, prompting a rescue mission. 

Authorities suspect the gangs may have intentionally dug the ditch to trap security forces before launching the ambush. 

“As the rescue teams attempted to resolve the situation, suspected gang members lying in wait launched an attack. As a result of the incident, one MSS Kenyan contingent officer remains unaccounted for,” the MSS Mission stated. 

Following the attack, specialized units were deployed to locate the missing officer. Local Haitian media reports speculate that the officer may have been killed, though officials have not confirmed these claims. 

According to Reuters, videos circulating on social media allegedly show the body of a soldier in a blood-stained uniform, though it remains unclear if the footage is related to the missing officer. 

This latest incident marks another deadly assault on Kenyan forces in Haiti. 

Last month, Kenyan police constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, 26, became the first casualty among the Kenyan contingent after being killed during an operation in Ségur-Savien. His remains were flown back to Kenya and laid to rest earlier this month. 

The MSS Mission, authorized by the United Nations, is aimed at supporting Haiti’s police in combating escalating gang violence. However, the deployment has faced growing risks, with criminal groups increasingly targeting security forces. 

Authorities continue efforts to locate the missing officer as tensions in Haiti’s security crisis persist.

Diddy Sued for Alleged Sexual Assault by Photographer in Commercial Set Trailer 

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Diddy Sued for Alleged Sexual Assault by Photographer in Commercial Set Trailer 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a lawsuit from a Hollywood photographer who claims he was sexually assaulted while working on a high-profile commercial shoot. 

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the photographer alleges that Diddy lured him into a trailer under the pretense of discussing career opportunities before coercing him into performing oral sex. The accuser, who identifies as a straight male, claims Diddy made unwanted advances and unzipped his pants after they were alone. 

The lawsuit states that Diddy allegedly told the photographer, “If you suck right, I’ll make your career take off,” implying that refusing would jeopardize his future in the industry. 

The photographer alleges he performed oral sex under duress, fearing career repercussions. He further claims that after the act, Diddy instructed him to hold his semen in his mouth “like a squirrel.” When he refused, the lawsuit states that Diddy reacted with threats of physical violence before kicking him out of the trailer. 

The accuser says he was left to process the trauma while continuing to work on set. He alleges that after the incident, which reportedly took place in either 2022 or 2023, he never heard from Diddy again and has since suffered from severe emotional and psychological distress. 

The lawsuit, filed in California, accuses Diddy of sexual battery, with the plaintiff seeking damages for emotional and mental suffering. 

Diddy’s legal team has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. TMZ has reached out for comment but has not received a reply. 

This lawsuit adds to ongoing scrutiny surrounding Diddy, as the music and entertainment industry continues to grapple with allegations of misconduct among high-profile figures.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Foreign Cars to Boost U.S. Auto Industry

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Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Foreign Cars to Boost U.S. Auto Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars, a move aimed at boosting U.S. auto manufacturing and reshaping the automotive trade landscape. 

“We’re implementing a 25% tariff on all cars not made in the United States,” Trump declared from the Oval Office. “Business is coming back to the U.S.” 

The new vehicle import tax is set to take effect on April 2 and will impact both allied and rival nations. Trump characterized the measure as “modest” but necessary to stimulate domestic car production and economic growth. 

“This will lead to tremendous expansion in the automobile industry,” Trump said. 

While the administration argues that the policy will revitalize American car manufacturing, industry analysts predict significant price increases. The Anderson Economic Group estimates that the cost of vehicles could rise between $3,500 and $12,000 per car. 

Domestic car production is also expected to feel the impact, as many U.S.-assembled vehicles rely on imported parts. Models like the Chevy Blazer, built in Mexico, and the Honda HR-V, produced outside the U.S., are among those that could see cost surges. 

Following the tariff announcement, financial markets reacted with declines, with the S&P 500 dropping around 1% and the NASDAQ falling by 2%. Trump dismissed concerns over the market reaction, emphasizing job creation as his administration’s focus. 

“I didn’t see that,” Trump said. “I want to see jobs. That will take care of itself.” 

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the implementation date could shift to April 3, allowing room for possible negotiations. However, Trump insisted the decision was final. 

When asked about the impact on Tesla, Trump refrained from specific comments but praised the company’s U.S. manufacturing presence. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a White House advisor, has not publicly weighed in on the tariff’s effect on the electric carmaker. 

General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis had previously lobbied for exemptions on Canadian and Mexican imports, leading to Trump delaying those specific tariffs earlier this month. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the measure, calling it harmful to Canadian auto workers. The White House has not clarified whether any countries will receive exemptions. 

“If they have factories here, they’re thrilled. If they don’t, they’ll have to start building them,” Trump said. 

The tariff comes after Trump imposed a similar 25% tax on steel and aluminum imports in February. The administration projects revenue from the auto tariffs could range between $600 billion and $1 trillion in the short term. 

In a show of support for American-made vehicles, Trump recently purchased a Tesla Model S, displaying the car on the White House South Lawn. He reviewed the vehicle alongside Musk but refrained from test-driving it due to Secret Service protocols. 

“I’ll pay by personal check. I don’t want a discount,” Trump said. 

Musk confirmed Tesla would accept the check, saying, “His credit’s good.” 

During a Newsmax interview, Trump suggested that left-wing billionaires were behind criticisms of Tesla, aligning their opposition with broader attacks on his policies. 

The 25% foreign car tariff marks a significant shift in U.S. automotive trade policy, with long-term effects on vehicle pricing, manufacturing, and global trade relationships still unfolding.

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