CBP in the headlines for border rights, drone lasers, and a front-line clash video; the agency is DHS’s top border enforcement body.
Students at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar protested after a second-year medical student, Abdoulaye Ba, died from police-inflicted injuries during clashes. The unrest follows ongoing disputes over unpaid stipends, university closures, and government response to protests, highlighting broader economic and political tensions in Senegal.
As of Saturday, a partial US government shutdown began after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The impasse centers on Democrats' demands for stricter immigration enforcement reforms following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Essential DHS operations continue without pay, affecting agencies like TSA and FEMA, while negotiations remain stalled.
The FAA temporarily shut down El Paso airport after U.S. Customs deployed a laser to counter drones, without FAA coordination. The incident highlights growing drone threats from Mexican cartels and the challenges of inter-agency coordination amid expanded law enforcement powers.
Recent use of military-grade laser technology by U.S. border officials near El Paso caused FAA airspace shutdowns and raised safety questions. The incidents highlight inter-agency coordination issues amid escalating drone threats and military technology deployment without full oversight.
On February 26, 2026, the Pentagon used a high-energy laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, marking the second such incident in two weeks near the US-Mexico border. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expanded a temporary airspace closure around Fort Hancock, though commercial flights were unaffected. Lawmakers criticized poor inter-agency coordination and called for investigations.
A lawsuit filed in Illinois federal court alleges Costco owes refunds to customers after the Supreme Court struck down Trump-era tariffs, which had inflated prices on imported goods. The case highlights ongoing disputes over tariff refunds and consumer compensation following the court's ruling last month.
Multiple legal rulings challenge US immigration enforcement practices. A Nevada court blocked a DHS policy allowing detention without bail, while a California judge found border agents violated court orders during warrantless arrests. The cases highlight ongoing legal pushback against aggressive immigration tactics under the current administration.
Anadith Reyes Alvarez, a girl with chronic health issues, has died after being detained for eight days at U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities in Texas. Failures in medical care and documentation review have been identified. Her mother describes the emotional toll and legal action is underway to seek damages.
The FAA has validated the safety of high-energy laser systems used by the Pentagon and Homeland Security along the U.S.-Mexico border. This follows tests in New Mexico and recent incidents that raised concerns. The agreement allows broader deployment to combat drone threats, with ongoing safety assessments in place.
Approximately 20 Chinese scholars with valid visas have been refused entry at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Chinese authorities have accused US Customs and Border Protection of unreasonable inspections and harassment, urging travelers to be cautious and prepared for questioning. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over US border practices affecting Chinese nationals.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has boarded eight cruise ships in late April and has canceled visas for 27 people—mostly from the Philippines—connected to child sexual abuse material. Authorities say no information on victims or ships beyond the operation is available; Disney Cruise Line says it has a zero-tolerance policy and cooperates with law enforcement.