Current affairs snapshot for a public agency
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is exploring the possibility of removing customs processing services from sanctuary cities with international airports. This move aims to pressure jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, potentially disrupting international travel and affecting major airports like SFO and LAX. The proposal has drawn criticism from California officials and immigration advocates.
Todd Lyons has announced he will step down as acting ICE chief on May 31, transitioning to the private sector. His departure follows criticism of ICE's enforcement practices, including fatal shootings and allegations of misconduct. Lyons has led efforts to arrest and remove migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement.
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.
President Donald Trump has signed a $70 billion package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of his term, ending a months-long impasse that began after two civilians were killed during January immigration operations. Republicans passed the measure through budget reconciliation after Democrats demanded enforcement safeguards and blocked funding earlier this year.
Senate and House debates intensify over a $70 billion three-year funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, with lawmakers grappling over a controversial $1.8 billion settlement fund for Trump allies. The measure has sparked intra-party divisions and a series of amendments as leadership seeks to finalize funding through the end of Trump’s term.
A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after a passenger attempted to open exit doors and attacked a crew member. Off-duty staff and passengers helped restrain him before authorities arrested him in Miami. A separate Bluetooth-word incident on a Newark flight prompted a later security sweep and reboarding.
The Senate has cleared a path to debate a roughly $70 billion bill funding ICE and CBP, with Republicans rallying to pass it via budget reconciliation. Democrats are set to offer amendments, including a bid to permanently ban a $1.776 billion settlement fund tied to allies who supporters say were persecuted.
A funding measure for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has cleared the Senate, moving to the House and then to President Trump’s desk. The package secures funding for ICE and CBP through Trump’s term and builds on last year’s broader DHS windfall. Democrats warn of insufficient oversight amid ongoing enforcement clashes.
Authorities have issued a regulatory waiver expanding border-security infrastructure across 100-plus miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, including Big Bend. CBP plans a mix of barriers, roads and surveillance technology near Big Bend National Park, while lawmakers and environmental groups raise concerns about land access, ecosystems and public lands.
Authorities report large-scale seizures of counterfeit fashion and luxury items at borders and logistics hubs. The items include watches, eyewear, hats, football jerseys, and other branded goods, with values running into millions of dollars. Officials warn the trade undermines economies and national security, and penalties can be severe.
ProPublica reports indicate a billionaire donor has leveraged political access to influence energy policy, while a separate investigation documents the impact of federal tear gas on children amid the administration’s crackdown.