びびなび : ワシントンDC : (アメリカ合衆国) Washington DC

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
*1 Week into Democrats’ Shutdown, DHS Implements Emergency Measures to Conserve Resources and Manpower Impacting Travelers and FEMA Responses to Non-Disaster Areas* "02/22/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





1 Week into Democrats’ Shutdown, DHS Implements Emergency Measures to Conserve Resources and Manpower Impacting Travelers and FEMA Responses to Non-Disaster Areas 

"Among other measures effective February 22, TSA will suspend all courtesy, special privilege escorts at airports to preserve resources to keep the American public safe "

WASHINGTON – After a week of being shutdown by Congressional Democrats, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it must take emergency measures to preserve limited funds and personnel to mitigate the national security and public safety damage at the hands of Congressional Democrats.  

The Democrats’ decision to put politics over public safety, for a third time this Congress, has forced the Department to direct its components to take the following measures effective at 6 AM ET, February 22, 2026:  


* Halting all non-disaster-related Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response efforts to prioritize disaster response; 
* Ending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck® lanes and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry service, to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers; and 
* Suspending all courtesy and family police escorts at airports for Members of Congress, which is drawing staff away from the critical mission of getting passengers screened.  

"“This is the third time that Democrat politicians have shut down this department during the 119""th"" Congress,” "said *Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem*. "“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security. The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians. TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA will halt all non-disaster related response to prioritize disasters. This is particularly important given this weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States.”" 

A full list of measures being taken are below:  

*FEMA* 

FEMA has entered emergency operating status, and is scaling back to bare-minimum, life-saving operations only.  Effective 6:00 a.m. on February 22, FEMA will cease all non-essential activities and focus exclusively on immediate disaster response where there is an active threat to life, public health, or safety. As a result:  


* Public Assistance will not move forward for ongoing or legacy disasters. FEMA will only carry out Public Assistance activities for new or recent disasters requiring immediate emergency action to protect lives or prevent catastrophic damage. 

* All non-emergency recovery work is paused, including project formulation, long-term recovery efforts, planning, and administrative processing that does not address an imminent threat. 

* Non-disaster-related activities are halted so limited personnel and resources can be redirected to urgent response operations. 

* New initiatives, discretionary programs, pilot efforts, and policy development are suspended until funding is restored. 

* Travel, deployments, and operational support are restricted to those strictly necessary to respond to active disasters and life-safety emergencies. 

These actions reflect the reality of operating without appropriations. FEMA cannot continue normal recovery operations under these conditions and must prioritize only its most critical, life-saving responsibilities. Full recovery and assistance operations will resume once funding is restored. 

*TSA* 

As the Transportation Security Administration enters emergency operating status, resources are being consolidated to prioritize essential security operations and focus personnel on detecting and countering threats. Effective at 6:00 a.m. on February 22, nonessential privileges and courtesies provided by TSA will cease. 

As a result: 


* TSA PreCheck® lanes will be closed. All TSA PreCheck® members will be directed to general screening lanes to maintain our security standards and consolidate TSA’s limited personnel and resources. 

* All courtesy escorts, including for members of Congress, will cease. These escorts put increased strain on our officers, who must be allowed to prioritize their critical work of screening passengers. 

Operations at all airports will prioritize screening of the general traveling population. Without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture. Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice security, but refocuses TSA officers to standard screening procedures. TSA PreCheck® and other services will resume upon Department of Homeland Security funding being signed into law. 

*CBP * 

As of 6:00 am on February 22, 2026 U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations will halt all Global Entry arrival processing at participating airports.  


* Officers assigned to process Global Entry travelers will be re-assigned to process all other arriving travelers.   

* U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident Global Entry Members can proceed to the properly marked primary processing lanes for arriving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. All other Global Entry members can proceed to the properly marked visitor lanes.   

* CBP will also be suspending requests for port courtesies for members of Congress at all ports of entry to include escorts and tours in order for personnel to be reassigned to essential border security operations. 



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*DHS Provides Update Ahead of Severe Weather Expected to Impact Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S.* "02/22/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





DHS Provides Update Ahead of Severe Weather Expected to Impact Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. 

"Despite the funding lapse, DHS is committed to providing much needed aid to the Americans impacted by this disaster"

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today provided an update on the winter storm that is forecasted to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. Sunday through Monday.   

"“This weekend, another significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. Sunday through Monday. New Jersey to southeastern New England may experience blizzard conditions, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. We are anticipating that coastal areas will experience the highest impacts, with the greatest snowfall totals and strongest wind gusts anticipated. Despite the Democrat shutdown, DHS is working with state and local authorities, and FEMA to coordinate closely with state and local authorities and prepare for this storm” "said *Secretary Noem*, “"We ask that you stay home, stay safe, stay warm, and stay off the roads to avoid these adverse weather conditions. For readiness resources, please visit http://ready.gov.”" 

The storm is expected to take place from Sunday to Monday. Coastal areas are expected to experience the highest impacts, with the greatest snowfall totals and strongest wind gusts expected. Heavy snowfall combined with strong winds may result in blizzard conditions, especially from New Jersey into southeastern New England. 

Portions of the Northeast could receive as much as two feet of snow, while areas in the Mid-Atlantic may see accumulations of up to one foot. Wind gusts of up to 70 MPH are possible, potentially causing downed trees and power outages. 

Blizzard Warnings have been posted for parts of the New York City metro area. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern coastal states. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for inland areas. These weather statuses go into effect at various times starting Sunday morning. A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect for the National Capital Region starting Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, with possible snow accumulations of up to five inches in some areas.  

Despite the current funding lapse of DHS, FEMA travel related to active disasters is not cancelled. FEMA continues to coordinate closely with DHS to ensure effective disaster response under these circumstances. During a funding lapse, FEMA prioritizes life safety and property protection. FEMA continues mission-essential operations for active disasters, including immediate response and critical survivor assistance.  




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*CALIFORNIA CALAMITY: Governor Gavin Newsom Pardons Criminal Illegal Alien Convicted for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Firearm* "02/23/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*CALIFORNIA CALAMITY: Governor Gavin Newsom Pardons Criminal Illegal Alien Convicted for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Firearm*

"Gavin Newsom’s pardon removed the attempted murderer’s qualifying convictions that made him removable from the U.S."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom _pardoned [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.ca.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F02%2FAttested-Pardon-Certificates.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7C339c4042ff824f26df7408de7289ace3%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639074132965057309%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4as2CbXvEijax46mHSe4teIlattWnU%2FWR3mijBcQslY%3D&reserved=0 ]_ an illegal alien from Cambodia who was convicted for *attempted murder and assault with a firearm*, criminal convictions which made this illegal alien lose his green card and removable from the U.S.

CA1

Following the convictions, he was issued a final order of removal from an Immigration Judge in 2019. Thanks to Governor Newsom’s pardon, this alien may now re-open immigration proceedings rather than be removed from the U.S. and will be able to remain in California communities.

CA2

"“Governor Newsom pardoning an illegal alien convicted of *attempted murder*, so he can remain in our country, is absolute INSANITY. These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his sanctuary politicians are protecting. He is putting the lives of all Americans at risk,” "said *Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin*. "“Somboon Phaymany lost his green card following his conviction for *attempted murder and assault with a firearm*. Following the conviction, he was placed in removal proceedings and issued a final order of removal by a judge. Gavin Newsom’s pardon took away this attempted murderer’s qualifying convictions that made him removable from the U.S.”"

Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is fighting for the arrest and removal of aliens who commit crimes in American communities. As of February 6, 2026, ICE has 33,179 active detainers for criminal illegal aliens in California’s local, state, and federal prisons. Across the state of California, 4,561 criminal illegal aliens have had detainers not honored and have been RELEASED from jails into California communities since January 20, 2025.

The crimes of these aliens include* 31 homicides, 661 assaults, 574 burglaries, 184 robberies, 1,489 dangerous drugs offenses, 379 weapons offenses, and 234 sexual predatory offenses.*

Governor Newsom could end this madness and call on every jurisdiction to honor ICE detainers. Instead, he continues to prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the safety of Californians.

Some of the public safety threats *released directly from California jails *into American communities include:

CA3

Hector Grijalba-Sernas, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico arrested for *lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14-years-old*. On September 24, 2024, ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On May 8, 2025, ICE arrested Grijalba and referred him for prosecution. He is currently in the custody of a federal partner with an active immigration detainer lodged against him.

CA4

Xujin An, a criminal illegal alien from China arrested for *sexual penetration with force and sexual battery* in Westminster, CA. On November 9, 2024, ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On April 15, 2025, ICE arrested An and he remains in custody pending judicial proceedings.

CA5

Angel Navarro Camarillo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and *a member of the notorious La Familia street gang*, arrested for a *sex offender violation*. On November 29, 2024, Navarro Camarillo was arrested by the Fullerton Police Department. An immigration detainer was lodged, and the detainer was not honored and he was released. On July 14, 2025, ICE arrested Navarro Camarillo and removed him from the United States.

CA6

Vicente Centeno-Lugo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, has a *history of criminal convictions spanning the past 28 years*, including *hit-and-run property damage, willful cruelty to a child, possession of controlled substance, evasion of peace officer, obstruction of public officer, taking vehicle without consent, and owning prohibited ammunition*. Santa Clara County Jail refused to recognize multiple ICE immigration detainers in recent years and released Centeno back into the same communities he was terrorizing.

CA7

Carmelo Corado Hurtado, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, was convicted of *first-degree murder, driving under the influence, and second-degree robbery*. ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On February 26, 2025, ICE arrested Corado Hurtado and removed him from the United States.

CA8

Raphael Arturovich Gevorgyan, a criminal illegal alien from Armenia and *member of the notorious Armenian Power gang*, convicted of *voluntary manslaughter, assault with deadly weapon, tampering with vehicle, receiving stolen property, and grand theft*. On November 11, 2025, Gevorgyan was arrested by the Burbank Police Department for *obstructing police*. ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On November 12, 2025, ICE arrested Gevorgyan where he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

CA9

Victor Hernandez-Jiron, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, arrested for *attempted murder, inflicting corporal injury on spouse, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, false imprisonment, and threats to commit a crime resulting in death or great bodily injury*. ICE issued an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On November 17, 2025, ICE officers apprehended Hernandez-Jiron where he remains in ICE custody pending judicial proceedings.

CA10

Monica Gonzalez-Riedel, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, arrested for *willful cruelty to child and assault with deadly weapon using force causing possible great bodily injury*. On March 1, 2025, ICE encountered Gonzalez after she was booked into the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. ICE lodged an immigration detainer, which was rejected by local police, who then released Gonzalez back into the community.

CA11

Sara Hassanzadeh, a criminal illegal alien from Iran, arrested for *aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery on an ex-spouse*. On September 8, 2025, Hassanzadeh was booked into the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. ICE lodged an immigration detainer, which local authorities rejected and released Hassanzadeh back into the community.

CA12

Elvin Joel Centeno Verde, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras convicted of *obstruction of police* and arrested *multiple times within the past five years for drug trafficking and drug sales*. ICE lodged an immigration detainer that was not honored and he was released. On October 27, 2025, ICE apprehended Centeno and removed him from the United States.




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*DHS Sets the Record Straight About ICE Law Enforcement Training, Debunks Falsehoods* "02/23/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*DHS Sets the Record Straight About ICE Law Enforcement Training, Debunks Falsehoods*

"DHS provides the best of the best training for our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to remove murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists, and gang members from American communities"

 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released further details about the training U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers receive. New ICE recruits receive 56 days of training and an average of 28 days of on-the-job training. *No training requirements have been removed*. Training increased from five days a week, eight hours a day to six days a week, twelve hours per day*. It is the same hours of training officers have always received.*

"“We have ensured our law enforcement officers get the best of the best training to arrest and remove murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorist, and gang members from our communities,” "said* Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.* "“Despite false claims from the media and sanctuary politicians, no training hours have been cut. Our officers receive extensive firearm training, are taught de-escalation tactics, and receive Fourth and Fifth Amendment comprehensive instruction. The training does not stop after graduation from the academy—Recruits are put on a rigorous on-the-job training program that is tracked and monitored.”"

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) is prepared to accommodate 12,000 new hires this year. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provided FLETC with *$750 million*, more than doubling its annual resources, to enhance the training and readiness of U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and ICE personnel.

*DHS has streamlined training to cut redundancy and incorporate technology advancements, without sacrificing basic subject matter content. *Under these new improvements, candidates still learn the same elements and meet the same high standards ICE has always required. *No subject matter has been cut.*

Language classes, which previously covered only a specific dialect of Spanish, have been replaced with robust translation and interpretation services that apply to multiple languages. The majority of new officers brought on during the hiring surge are experienced law enforcement officers who have already successfully completed a law enforcement academy.

These training courses, run by seasoned officers, focus on essential skills like:


* Arrest techniques, where recruits are trained to safely detain suspects during law enforcement encounters;

* Defensive tactics, where recruits learn how to safely protect themselves and others during potentially violent encounters;

* Conflict management and de-escalation techniques;

* Extensive firearms and marksmanship training;

* Multiple classes dedicated to use of force policy and the proper use of force;
* And much more.

Those who join ICE’s Special Response Teams (SRT) undergo even more intensive and rigorous training, including:


* 30 hours of tryouts just to be considered;

* An SRT Basic Operator Course;

* Continuous and ongoing training in several specialized skills, including breaching techniques, perimeter control, advanced firearms training, hostage rescue, and more;
* Maintaining an expert marksman qualification on all issued firearms.

*ICE officers receive structured and comprehensive instruction on the Fourth and Fifth Amendments as an integral component of their basic training at FLETC.  *The overarching objective is to ensure that, prior to assuming field duties, every ICE officer has been repeatedly trained, tested, and held to clear standards that require consistent respect for constitutional rights in all enforcement activities.

*Their training does not end when recruits graduate from the academy. *ICE officers go through a rigorous on-the-job training and mentorship. This additional training is tracked online and monitored closely. New hires take what they learn at FLETC and apply it to real-life scenarios while on duty, preserving ICE’s reputation as one of the most elite law enforcement agencies not only in the U.S., but the entire world.

The baseline courses at FLETC provide a solid foundation for the situations our agents and officers will encounter in the field. *As with most other fields, our workforce never stops learning.* Each office is staffed with senior officials who mentor, coach, and train agents and officers every step of the way, preserving ICE’s reputation as one of the most elite federal law enforcement agencies in the United States.




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*WOW.DHS.GOV: Over the Weekend, ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Rapists, Violent Assailants and Other Monsters* "02/23/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*WOW.DHS.GOV:** **Over the Weekend, ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Rapists, Violent Assailants and Other Monsters*

" ""Today, President Trump and Secretary Noem met with Angel families and victims of illegal alien crime at the White House"

WASHINGTON –– Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of more heinous criminal illegal aliens over the weekend, including those convicted for *aggravated criminal sexual assault of a child, rape, assault, and battery*.

"“While Americans were enjoying their weekends, the heroic men and women of ICE were working around the clock to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens out of our country, including *pedophiles, rapists,* and *violent assailants*,”" said *Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis*. "“Sanctuary politicians and the media ignore the victims of criminal illegal alien crime. Today, President Trump and Secretary Noem met with Angel families and victims at the White House. These victims and their families are why we continue to fight for the arrest and removal of illegal aliens from our communities.”"

Arrests over this weekend include:

WOW1

Martin Villanueva-Arenas, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *aggravated criminal sexual assault of a child, leaving the scene of an accident,* and *resisting a peace officer* in Wheaton, Illinois.

WOW2

Victor Ortiz-Ramos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted *for aggravated sexual assault of a victim less than 13-years-old* in Somerset County, New Jersey.

WOW3

Gerardo Moran-Cisneros, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14-years-old* in Los Angeles, California.

WOW4

Jeremias Hernandez-Fernandez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *indecency with a child – contact* in Tarrant County, Texas.

WOW5

Juan Vasquez-Perez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *third-degree sex abuse *in Johnson County, Iowa.

WOW6

Javid Finton Mc Lawrence, a criminal illegal alien from Grenada, convicted for *indecent assault* in Houston, Texas.

WOW7

Pedro Pichasaca-Dutan, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador, convicted for *rape* in New City, New York.

WOW8

Esteban De Paz Jimenez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted *for assault and battery on a family member, aggravated robbery, damage line, possession of marijuana,* and *prevent* *summons of law enforcement* in Caroline, Virginia.

WOW9

Claudy Ngoy, a criminal illegal alien from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, convicted for *assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill* in Wake County, North Carolina.

WOW10

Michel Mojarena-Mora, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba, convicted for *aggravated assault with a deadly weapon* in Tampa, Florida.

WOW11

Hoang Dung Duong, a criminal illegal alien from Vietnam, convicted for *assault with a deadly weapon* in Santa Ana, California.

WOW12

Carlos Aparicio-Zarate, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *aggravated assault – serious bodily injury* in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

WOW13

Juan Ortiz-Pozos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *aggravated vehicular hijacking/weapon *and *aggravated battery on a peace officer* in Cook County, Illinois.

WOW14

Jathniel Rei Tangkilisan, a criminal illegal alien from Indonesia, convicted for *domestic battery* in Hollywood, California.

WOW15

Jose Parada-Valdivia, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *possession with intent to distribute cocaine* in Chicago, Illinois.

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwow.dhs.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7C431b312d4e4d42e980ca08de72fdb232%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639074631866048891%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=u3pJRNlAprRPZ1XiTv3A9PYEmc9BAkKiHRoxonjuPr8%3D&reserved=0 ].




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*ICE Lodges Arrest Detainer for Tren de Aragua Gang Member Charged for Weapon Offenses, Sex Trafficking, and Racketeering Across Multiple States* "02/23/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*ICE Lodges Arrest Detainer for Tren de Aragua Gang Member Charged for Weapon Offenses, Sex Trafficking, and Racketeering Across Multiple States*

"Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target TdA and other criminal gangs released into our country by the Biden administration"

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it has lodged an arrest detainer with the U.S. Marshals Service for a Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member arrested in Oregon. This gang member and criminal illegal alien from Venezuela has an extensive criminal history across multiple states.

Oregon1

On February 17, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Jesus Ruben Lopez Gonzalez for a *weapon offense-racketeering conspiracy. *He has an extensive criminal history in New York, Washington, and Oregon including charges for *theft, assault, criminal possession of a firearm, and obstructing law enforcement. * 

Lopez Gonzalez is also one member of a 38-count superseding indictment [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fopa%2Fpr%2Ftwenty-seven-members-and-associates-tren-de-aragua-splinter-faction-anti-tren-charged-2024&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7C87120abc141f4898bb1408de72f234e5%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639074581761870944%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JczmdRwXpB9EtSxUAxLzS0iaw97CQ%2BnmTSLbzdnMy7g%3D&reserved=0 ] charging 27 members of the Anti-Tren--an offshoot of the Tren de Aragua terrorist organization--including: 


* *Racketeering conspiracy*
* *Murder in aid of racketeering in connection with an April 15, 2024, double murder in the Bronx, New York*
* *Kidnapping in aid of racketeering*
* *Sex trafficking*

Lopez Gonzalez last entered the U.S. illegally on September 11, 2022 and was arrested by Border Patrol and RELEASED into the U.S. under the Biden administration. 

"“The Biden administration RELEASED this gang member into our communities. His cross-country crime spree ends today,”" said *Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis*. “"He will face justice for his crimes including sex trafficking, illegal possession of a firearm, assault, and obstruction of law enforcement. Then, he will be REMOVED and NEVER able to return to our country.”"  

In President Trump’s first year in office, DHS arrested [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dhs.gov%2Fnews%2F2026%2F01%2F20%2Fmaking-america-safe-dhs-arrested-7000-gang-members-american-streets-first-year&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7C87120abc141f4898bb1408de72f234e5%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639074581761904563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8U1V4loN1AKRnzcmtGk2JjuwTSnUGXDjWFmn1%2FGN2mc%3D&reserved=0 ] more than 7,000 gang members.  

On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed the Designating Cartels And Other Organizations As Foreign Terrorist Organizations And Specially Designated Global Terrorists Executive Order [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Fdesignating-cartels-and-other-organizations-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations-and-specially-designated-global-terrorists%2F&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7C87120abc141f4898bb1408de72f234e5%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639074581761923935%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7aGuPGo2CwM2oKMm1huLZxG2ehZ5g7GX%2BLlNfG94I94%3D&reserved=0 ], designating *Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization*. TdA gang members rape, maim, and kill for sport. *Under Secretary Noem, ICE has been unleashed to ensure these public safety threats are removed from U.S. communities*.




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*Coast Guard Reinstates 56 Members Who Were Dismissed for Refusing COVID Vaccines Under Biden Administration* "02/24/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*Coast Guard Reinstates 56 Members Who Were Dismissed for Refusing COVID Vaccines Under Biden Administration*

"President Trump and Secretary Noem have been righting the wrongs of the last administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates for servicemembers "

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday that 56 members of the United States Coast Guard who were kicked out of the service over the COVID-19 vaccine have finally been reinstated with back pay.

"“""56 members of the United States Coast Guard who were kicked out of the service over the COVID-19 vaccine have finally been reinstated with back pay—this ""is a victory for religious, personal, and medical freedom for all Americans — both in and out of uniform. The last administration’s vaccine mandates were unconstitutional, un-American, and a gross violation of personal freedom. It was no way to treat the men and women who put everything on the line to keep our country safe,” "said *Secretary Kristi Noem.* "“President Trump is righting these wrongs and returning those unjustly removed members to service. This decision to reinstate these members of the Coast Guard is a major step in the right direction.”"

On August 21, 2021, Joe Biden’s Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, issued a mandate forcing all service members to take a COVID-19 vaccine. The mandate was rescinded on January 10, 2023. The Coast Guard implemented a similar mandate which was rescinded on January 11, 2023.

On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14184, which made reinstatement available for all service members who were discharged for refusing the vaccine.

As a result of that Executive Order, a three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard voted upon Secretary Noem’s recommendation to reinstate 56 members of the Coast Guard who were discharged because of their refusal to take the COVID vaccine.

The Coast Guard will now retroactively reinstate these 56 members effective upon the date of their discharge.

This will ensure the service records of each member reflect a period of unbroken and continuous active service between the date of their vaccine-related discharge and their reinstatement to Coast Guard duty.

In accordance with President Trump’s executive order, these members may be entitled to back pay and allowances, bonus payments, rank, and/or seniority in grade, as determined by the Coast Guard.

A copy of the decision can be found here [ https://www.dhs.gov/publication/us-coast-guard-board-correction-military-records-ruling ].




# # #





*DHS Calls Out Sanctuary Governor Spanberger for Banning Work with ICE Law Enforcement Ahead of Her Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address* "02/24/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*DHS Calls Out Sanctuary Governor Spanberger for Banning Work with ICE Law Enforcement Ahead of Her Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address*

"These sanctuary policies that release criminals from jails directly back into American neighborhoods play Russian Roulette with American lives"

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement ahead of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

"“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, America’s brave DHS law enforcement officers have delivered the most secure border in U.S. history and removed more than 700,000 dangerous illegal aliens from American communities,”" said *Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis*. "“ICE under President Trump’s leadership is targeting criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists. At every step on the way to make America safe again, sanctuary politicians—including Abigail Spanberger"—"have tried to slow ICE down and chosen to release criminals from their jails into our communities to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims.”"

On February 4, Governor Spanberger terminated all 287(g) agreements in the state of Virginia, making her state less safe as a direct result. When politicians bar local law enforcement from working with DHS, our law enforcement officers must have a more visible presence to find and apprehend criminals released from jails and into communities.

Partnerships with law enforcement are critical to expanding the resources law enforcement needs in order to arrest criminal illegal aliens across the U.S. DHS has had tremendous success when local law enforcement works with our officers, including 40,000 arrests in Florida and a recent two-week operation in West Virginia that resulted in the arrest of more than 650 illegal aliens. 7 out of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE.

While Governor Spanberger continues to release pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto Virginia’s streets, ICE law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals including:

VA1

Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras convicted of *two counts of indecent liberties: expose genitals to child, entering property with intent to damage, and petit larceny.*

VA2

Jose Chicas-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien El Salvador *convicted* *of sex object penetration of a child victim less than thirteen, aggravated sexual battery victim less than thirteen, and indecent liberties by guardian.*

VA3

Ahmer Althaf Shaikh, a criminal illegal alien from Pakistan convicted of *murder.*

VA4

Grant Moctar, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela with *11 felony convictions, including homicide, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, prisoner in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and aggravated assault.*

VA5

Henry Josue Villatoro, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, also known as "Samurai,” and is a *known Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang leader and member*. He has federal arrest warrant charges, *including for racketeering and conspiracy to murder.*

VA6

Tony Hill, a criminal illegal alien from Liberia *convicted of aggravated sexual battery with a child, indecent liberties with child, possessing obscene material with minor, and filming or videotaping an undressed minor.*

VA7

Denis Pop-Cuz, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala *convicted of possessing obscene material of a minor, and filming child pornography*. He also has pending charges for *rape, abduction of person with intent to defile, possessing obscene material of a minor, and filming child pornography.*

VA8

Milton Garcia, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador *convicted of sodomy by force or threat.*




# # #





*WOW.DHS.GOV: ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Rapists, and Violent Criminals* "02/24/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*WOW.DHS.GOV: ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Rapists, and Violent Criminals *

" Despite false narratives from radical sanctuary politicians and activists, ""DHS provides the best of the best training [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dhs.gov%2Fnews%2F2026%2F02%2F23%2Fdhs-sets-record-straight-about-ice-law-enforcement-training-debunks-falsehoods&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7Cf22c68d303da4c02b8e608de73cc6ca6%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639075518995279628%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iu0bHgyvdu11%2FfqWVMWJDsiH0PWqEVhgYbSOg4EgMMU%3D&reserved=0 ] for our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to remove public safety threats"

WASHINGTON –– U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrests of more criminal illegal aliens across the country, convicted for despicable crimes including *carnal knowledge of a child 13-14-years-old, rape, *and *criminal sexual assault.*

"“""Today, some Democrats in Congress are planning to bring illegal aliens as guests to the State of the Union. Once again, they are putting illegal aliens above the safety of American citizens,"” ""said* Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. *"“Yesterday alone our officers arrested *pedophiles, rapists,* and *violent criminals* from our communities. President Trump and Secretary Noem have made it abundantly clear: if you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will NEVER return.”"

Yesterday’s arrests include:

WOW1

Jorge Luis Gomez-Gallardo, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba, convicted for *carnal knowledge of a child 13-14-years-old* in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

WOW2

Parsram Chettana, a criminal illegal alien from Guyana, convicted for *rape* in Schenectady, New York.

WOW3

Agustine Hernandez-Almaraz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *criminal sexual assault* in Winnebago County, Illinois.

WOW4

Omar Gomez-Hinojosa, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for *assault* in Seattle, Washington.

WOW5

Isidro Arcenio Alvarado, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, convicted for *naturalization fraud* in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov [ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%3Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwow.dhs.gov%25252F%2526data%3D05%25257C02%25257CERIC.LENDRUM%252540hq.dhs.gov%25257C431b312d4e4d42e980ca08de72fdb232%25257C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%25257C0%25257C0%25257C639074631866048891%25257CUnknown%25257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%25253D%25253D%25257C0%25257C%25257C%25257C%2526sdata%3Du3pJRNlAprRPZ1XiTv3A9PYEmc9BAkKiHRoxonjuPr8%25253D%2526reserved%3D0%2F1%2F0100019c8d1aac66-c2905f43-a43a-4a01-a720-3e8e9b7d7d41-000000%2FtQJrYSYndoFpLnQSJG7xe3M6Jd8ATP9g9rqgmy65H0c%3D445&data=05%7C02%7CERIC.LENDRUM%40hq.dhs.gov%7Cf22c68d303da4c02b8e608de73cc6ca6%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639075518995314060%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9U6PMCG2AllRF%2FNYpVothr9JhVSALsLfBCYrzvr4clY%3D&reserved=0 ].




# # #





*DHS Sets the Record Straight About the ICE Dilley Facility, Debunks Falsehoods* "02/24/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





*DHS Sets the Record Straight About the ICE Dilley Facility, Debunks Falsehoods*

"Being in detention is a choice, we encourage all parents illegally in the country to take control of their departure by using the CBP Home app to receive a free flight home and $2,600"

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is correcting the record about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dilley facility after the media and sanctuary politicians have made numerous false claims about the facility.

The Dilley facility is retrofitted for families. Children have access to teachers, classrooms, and curriculum booklets for math, reading, and spelling. They have access to age-appropriate books, toys, and outdoor activities. All of this is generously funded by the U.S. taxpayer.

Infant care packages include formula, baby food, bottles, diapers, wipes, and hygiene items. The facility also provides sippy cups and cribs. Adults with children are housed in facilities that provide for their safety, security, and medical needs.

"“The media and sanctuary politicians have repeated false claims about the ICE Dilley facility including that children are denied medical care and don’t have educational resources,"” ""said *Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis*." “The truth is this facility provided proper medical care for all detainees including access to a pediatrician. Children have access to teachers' classrooms, books, and toys. The fact is being in detention is a choice. We encourage all parents to take control of their departure by using the CBP Home app and receiving a free flight home and $2,600.”"

The facility provides a comprehensive medical screening within 12 hours of arrival for each detainee, including by a pediatrician for infants and children.

Pediatric screenings include growth, developmental, behavioral, and nutritional assessments, and all evaluations cover acute conditions, mental health, suicide risk, pregnancy status, medications, allergies, and special needs. During initial screenings, the facility’s medical personnel review medications families bring with them for continuity and provide urgent and life-sustaining medications immediately.

Medical professionals complete full assessments of all detainees within 48 working hours of admission, providing immediate referrals and priority care for kids, pregnant women, and medically vulnerable residents. Specialized off-site care includes hospitalization, specialty consultations, lab testing, and durable medical equipment. In most cases, this is the best healthcare illegal aliens received in their entire lives.

Residents in the facility have ongoing access to on-site medical professionals, including physicians, pediatricians, nurses, and mental health care providers. Medical services, including mental health and dental, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and if necessary, medical providers refer residents to outside specialists or hospitals. The facility employs a full medical staff, including:


* Physicians including a pediatrician
* Nurse practitioners
* Registered nurses
* Licensed vocational nurses
* Psychologists and a psychiatrist
* Mental health coordinators
* Pharmacy staff
* Medical support personnel

Staff also provide for special diets and allergy accommodations when necessary.

Families also have access to religious services and visits from clergy, a law library, attorney visitation, and mail services. The facility also provides privacy accommodations for its residents.

Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all parents to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.




# # #





*Making America Safe Again: The State of DHS Under President Trump and Secretary Noem* "02/24/2026"




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs




________________________________________________________________________





Making America Safe Again: The State of DHS Under President Trump and Secretary Noem  

"The Department of Homeland Security continues its historic progress in keeping the Homeland secure "

*WASHINGTON *– In honor of President Donald J. Trump’s first State of the Union Speech as the 47th President of the United States, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is expressing gratitude to the hard-working men and women of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that work every day to make America safe again. President Trump’s return to office has marked one of the most consequential periods of action and reform in American history and a return to policies that place the safety and security of American citizens first and foremost. 

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is restoring the rule of law, delivering the most secure border ever, removing dangerous illegal aliens, creating safer communities, strengthening cyber defense, fixing disaster response, launching initiatives that are reshaping American travel, and making America safer for generations to come.   

Despite our historic successes, Democrat Politicians on Capitol Hill have shut down DHS, depriving many of our brave men and women who protect our national security of their paychecks—putting the livelihood of them and their families in jeopardy. Despite this, the Department will continue to carry out its mission to keep the homeland secure. 

 "“Over the last 13 months, nearly 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S. because of the Trump Administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, including an estimated 2.2 million self-deportations and more than 713,000 deportations,” "said *Secretary Kristi Noem*," “Total border apprehensions under the Trump Administration’s first year in office were lower than a single month under the Biden Administration. Meanwhile, we have saved taxpayers more than $13.2 billion here at DHS. Countless lives have been saved, communities have been strengthened, and the American people have been put first again."" 

Thanks to DHS, the State of the Union is freer, safer, and more prosperous. Below are some of the Department’s victories for the American people.   

*The Most Secure American Border EVER* 

Pre