This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Probably no situation could make more clear the dramatic upheaval that has happened under President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal aliens in America than the case where prosecutors are dropping gun charges against a suspect and the defense counsel may want them reinstated.
It is the case against Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel now have successfully asked a judge to dismiss.
He was accused of having an illegal firearm, according to a report from Fox News.
Magistrate William E. Fitzpatrick granted the motion for dismissal but stayed it until Friday to allow Santos' lawyer to decide whether he would appeal, to have the charge reinstated.
It's because Santos is accused of being a top MS-13 gang leader along the East Coast, and without the protection of a pending court case, he could be deported.
The DOJ has been asking that the case be dropped since early in April, shortly after his arrest.
Santos' lawyer, Muhammad Elsayed, said during a court hearing the government hasn't told him what would happen to his client once the charges are dismissed, "suggesting Villatoro Santos would like to be 'summarily deported' without any due process," the report said.
Elsayed also charged the DOJ's decision on the case "came from high up in the Trump administration."
"They have already determined the outcome, that he'll go to the worst prison in the Western Hemisphere," Elsayed claimed.
The judge said it is up to the prosecutors to determine their deliberative process, and perhaps Santos would need to bring a case with the Department of Homeland Security as a party.
Bondi has been succinct regarding the case, "As a terrorist, he will now face the removal process."
Santos' lawyer earlier told the court, "The United States government, at its highest levels, has been publicly and loudly propagating allegations that Mr. Villatoro Santos 'is one of the top leaders of MS-13′ and 'one of the leaders for the East Coast, one of the top in the entire country,' claims made by Attorney General Pam Bondi at a high-level press conference on March 27, 2025."
In another high-profile deportation case, that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported even though he had a protective order aimed at preventing his deportation to El Salvador, the fight continues as the Supreme Court has ordered the government to facilitate his return, without explaining that requirement.
Further, El Salvado's president said that will not happen, leaving a multitude of questions about how an administration is supposed to enter a foreign country and take back to the United States a prisoner the government there is unwilling to give up.
A report in the Washington Examiner notes that a return trip probably would be ineffectual anyway.
George Washington University Law School professor John Banzhaf said on social media it would be likely a wasted effort since the administration could easily change his immigration status and deport him again.
"Any such return might be nothing more than an exercise in futility," he said. "There might be little purpose in flying him back if, upon his return to the U.S., his 'withholding of removal' status would very likely be immediately revoked."
Reports reveal he entered the U.S. illegally in 2011 and has been described in court documents as a past member of the violent MS-13 gang, a declared terrorist group.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele told Trump this week he has no power to return him to the U.S.
"We're not very fond of releasing terrorists into our country."
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
An appeals court in Illinois has ruled that the zoning rules in the city of Rockford do not allow an abortion industry representative to set up its corporate activities inside a residential neighborhood.
The fight involves residents and homeowners who objected to the move by abortionist Dennis Christensen, his corporation, Rockford, and its Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Thomas More Society represented the residents and homeowners.
Peter Breen, society head of litigation, explained, "The court's ruling sends a crystal-clear message: zoning laws exist to protect our communities, and they must be enforced fairly and consistently, even when they impact the abortion industry.
"The court has exposed the Rockford Zoning Board's flawed reasoning and upheld the rule of law, ensuring that businesses, even abortion businesses, cannot ignore the laws and may not set up shop wherever they want, including in the middle of quiet family neighborhoods filled with young children."
The ruling is from the Illinois Appellate Court for the Fourth District.
The decision confirmed both Rockford officials and a lower court erred in allowing an abortion business to move into a residential neighborhood by calling itself a "home business."
Christensen and his abortion corporation Rockford Family Planning Center 2022 sought to convert a residential property, which originally allowed a homeowner to operate a home business. into an abortion business.
The ruling cited a long list of significant variances between the abortion business and the prior chiropractor's home business, including that Christensen's new business is not a "home business."
Plaintiffs included Shawn and Lisa Rylatt who challenged the scheme for its rules violations, noise, and reduced property values.
First lady Melania Trump chose not to attend a baby shower in honor of stepdaughter Tiffany Trump's first child, the Daily Beast reported. Sources say that she opted to spend the weekend with Barron Trump, the son she shares with Tiffany Trump's father, President Donald Trump.
Friends and family of Tiffany Trump gathered in Palm Beach on April 6 to celebrate the mother-to-be. Several members of the Trump clan were in attendance, including Tiffany Trump's mother, Marla Maples.
"A beautiful day celebrating my daughter Tiffany’s 1st baby shower surrounded by love, family, and dear friends. Thank you, Ivanka, for hosting such a stunning and heartfelt gathering—a memory we’ll cherish forever," Maples, who was Donald Trump's second wife, captioned a photo of her with her 31-year-old daughter on Instagram Thursday.
View this post on Instagram
Noticeably absent from the festivities was Melania Trump, who is Donald Trump's third wife. A source claiming to be close to the family said this was because the first lady was spending time with her son Barron Trump while he concludes his second semester of his freshman year at New York University.
The source claimed this choice isn't "surprising" for the First Lady, who felt there wasn't "any reason" to show up at the baby shower. Moreover, Melania Trump "has her own schedule, even on weekends" which precluded her from attending the event.
Ivanka Trump, who is the child of Donald Trump's first wife Ivana Trump, hosted the Peter Rabbit-themed soiree, the UK Daily Mail reported. The Trump children from the different marriages seem to get along even if their parents' marriages didn't work out.
According to People, Donald and Ivana Trump were married for over a decade before their 1990 divorce. They had three children together: Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump. Their split was rumored to be because of an extramarital affair Donald Trump was having with Maples.
In 1993, Donald Trump took Maples as his second wife shortly after Tiffany Trump was born. Their marriage lasted until 1997, and Donald Trump would go on to wed Melania Trump in 2005 before welcoming Barron to the family in 2006.
The life of a first lady is not easy, and being a step-parent is a challenge, even under the best of circumstances. Still, the internet had no grace for Melania Trump's decision to stay away from Tiffany Trump's big day.
"Would you really want the woman your dad cheated on your mom with to come to your baby shower?" one user sniped under the Daily Beast's post of the article on Friday to X, formerly Twitter. Of course, this is entirely incorrect, but it is indicative of the kind of venom directed at the First Lady.
Another user compared Melania Trump's absence to Michelle Obama's decision not to attend Jimmy Carter's funeral with her husband, Barack Obama, earlier this year. "But when a former FLOTUS (Michelle) misses a funeral, suddenly everyone thinks they’re getting divorced," the user noted.
There have been several rumors about both couples, including a September 2024 report that the Trumps were getting divorced. According to Reuters, this was patently false and based on a fake Newsweek report circulated online.
Family dynamics are never easy, but the Trumps are arguably the most powerful family in the world. This makes news outlets and internet dwellers believe that a guest list at a baby shower is their business, even when it's not.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has secured a crucial agreement with Panama to ensure that American vessels receive priority and no-cost transit through the strategic Panama Canal, Breitbart reported.
The Panama Canal has long stood as a vital conduit for global maritime trade since its construction by the United States in the early 1900s.
For decades, the Canal was under American control until it was ceded to Panama. More recently, China's investments in infrastructure related to the canal have spurred concerns over growing influence across the critical waterway, which facilitates roughly 40% of U.S. maritime commerce.
Amidst rising concerns over China's footprints, the Trump administration made reducing Chinese dominance over the canal a high priority. In a significant diplomatic triumph earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio convinced Panama to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative. This move was seen as a victory in curtailing China's economic reach in the region.
In March, a significant shift occurred when CK Hutchinson, a company based in Hong Kong, divested two ports at the canal. These valuable assets were acquired by a consortium led by BlackRock, effectively transferring control back under U.S. interests. Although China attempted to hinder this transaction by launching an investigation, the sale stood as a strategic win for America.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Panama City recently, arriving on a Monday night to engage in crucial discussions about ensuring American naval passage through the canal. His itinerary included discussions with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, meetings with various officials, and site visits to key naval and military locations.
On Wednesday, during the 2025 Central American Security Conference, Hegseth announced the successful agreement for the “first and free” passage of U.S. vessels. This arrangement further underscores a growing collaboration between the U.S. and Panama, solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing joint security.
Despite a backlash from China, which accused the U.S. of employing underhanded tactics, Panama has continued to strengthen ties with the United States. A senior defense official commended the strategic alignment in countering Chinese influence, emphasizing that the efforts are part of President Trump's broader strategy for regional cooperation.
The significance of this agreement extends beyond mere logistics. By ensuring that American ships have an uninterrupted route through the Panama Canal, the U.S. bolsters its geopolitical and economic leverage. Enhanced cooperation is expected, with increased U.S. troop presence and bolstered regional security measures.
In the face of potential Chinese retaliation, Secretary Hegseth remained unfazed. “I’m not concerned about reprisals,” he noted, highlighting a focus on national interests and a "peace through strength" philosophy. These developments point toward a concerted effort to focus on American interests and uphold President Trump’s strategic visions.
A high-ranking defense official emphasized that the action against Chinese influence in the Americas visually represents the intention of the U.S. It aligns with the wider strategy to counteract Chinese encroachments globally. This deliberation is part of an ongoing discussion about the viability of alliances with China.
Moreover, the intervention of President Trump proved crucial from the outset. A senior defense official remarked that Trump’s leadership has resonated well in negotiations. These discussions focused on rebuilding strong alliances and securing American geopolitical positions.
Hegseth himself praised Panama's efforts and friendly reception during his visit. “This trip not only met but exceeded our expectations," he expressed. This statement highlights the significant collaborative spirit shared with Panama.
Historically rooted and geopolitical considerations have propelled the U.S. to redefine its interactions regarding the Panama Canal. By successfully securing priority access for naval ships, the collaboration highlights strategies that will potentially serve as a blueprint for future actions in other regions.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) tried to hide her face during an Oval Office meeting with President Trump.
In a photograph that went viral, Whitmer was caught blocking her face with a stack of binders - creating an image of shame and capitulation that infuriated her fellow Democrats.
“Just a f–king disaster,” one Democratic operative told NBC News anonymously. “It feels like it removes some of the momentum she had as a politically savvy swing-state Dem.”
Democrats have been in a leadership crisis ever since Trump's triumph in November, and the field is wide open for ambitious Democrats like Whitmer to seek the presidency in 2028.
Her party's historic unpopularity has left Whitmer performing a delicate dance of seeming bipartisan without looking too friendly with Trump.
Clearly, Whitmer is struggling to find that balance. Prior to her meeting with Trump, she gave a speech in which she cautiously embraced Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, which have faced nearly universal criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans.
A photographer captured the moment Whitmer apparently regretted appearing with Trump.
The image shows the governor reaching for the nearest object in sight, a stack of binders, to hide her face.
It's rare when you get a shot of the EXACT moment a politician's career ends, but there you go pic.twitter.com/wugOGW1aRI
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) April 12, 2025
After the Oval Office meeting, Whitmer's team said the governor was not expecting to be invited into the room.
“The governor was surprised that she was brought into the Oval Office during President Trump’s press conference without any notice of the subject matter,” a Whitmer spokesperson said in a statement. “Her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.”
In another photograph taken by Reuters, Whitmer was seen standing awkwardly next to Trump's Cabinet Secretaries as Trump smiled at his desk - where he signed executive orders and ordered the DOJ to investigate some of his political opponents.
For many Democrats, Whitmer's Oval Office appearance was a shameful surrender to a president Democrats have repeatedly compared to Hitler.
Meanwhile, Trump offered a fresh reminder of his more sober and pragmatic outlook, as he shared praise for Whitmer, a former rival of his. The two previously clashed over COVID restrictions during Trump's first term.
“We’re honored to have Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, great state of Michigan, and she’s been, she’s really done an excellent job, very good person,” he said.
President Trump clarified that electronics are not exempt from his new tariffs, as he redoubled his promise to end "unfair" trade policies once and for all.
The president confirmed that America's trading partners are not "off the hook" after his administration seemed to back away from targeting products like smartphones imported largely from China.
Trump's reversal caused the stock market to rally Monday as confidence in tech stocks rebounded. Companies like Apple are largely reliant on supply chains based in Asia, especially China.
The White House had initially announced Friday that products such as laptops, computer chips, and smartphones would not be subject to his sweeping "reciprocal tariffs."
The initial reports sowed some confusion, given that electronics make up a large share of trade between the U.S. and China.
Over the weekend, Trump aides went on TV to explain that the exemption is temporary, a message later amplified by Trump on his social media platform.
"NOBODY is getting 'off the hook' for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no Tariff 'exception' announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff 'bucket,'" Trump said.
Trump has also paused most of his reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, although he is still levying steep tariffs of 10% on all imports and 145% on Chinese goods.
America depends on semiconductor chips from China, which has raised national security concerns. Trump said electronics will be subject to a separate tariff as his administration launches an investigation.
"We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations," Trump wrote in his post.
"What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American People. We also cannot let them continue to abuse us on Trade, like they have for decades, THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!"
"The Golden Age of America, which includes the upcoming Tax and Regulation Cuts, a substantial amount of which was just approved by the House and Senate, will mean more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other Countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us."
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
It appears that Joe Biden not only gave terrorists literally unlimited access to the United States when they entered illegally, but he gave them Social Security cards.
Through this, they've successfully collected from American taxpayers Medicaid benefits, unemployment compensation, student loans, and even tax refunds.
According to President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, "Under the Biden administration, it was routine for Border Patrol to admit aliens into the United States with no legal status and minimal screening. So far, CBP identified a subset of 6.3k individuals paroled into the United States since 2023 on the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or with criminal records.
"These paroles have since been terminated with immediate effect. Despite having no other legal status, paroled aliens are able to file for work authorization and receive social security numbers. Among these 6.3k paroled aliens with criminal or terrorist records (all have a social security number): – 905 collecting Medicaid (including 4 on the terrorist watch list). $276k was paid out – 41 collecting Unemployment Insurance, receiving $42k in benefits – 22 received federal student loans totaling $280k – 409 received {net} tax refunds (2024 only) for $751k – Several (final number TBD) received SNAP (food stamp) benefits."
Under the Biden administration, it was routine for Border Patrol to admit aliens into the United States with no legal status and minimal screening. So far, CBP identified a subset of 6.3k individuals paroled into the United States since 2023 on the FBI's Terrorist Screening… https://t.co/nSLwwaUmtb
— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) April 10, 2025
According to a report in Center Square, there are more than 14 million illegal border crossers reported under the Biden administration, including more than two million who evaded detection.
"They include millions flown to the U.S. on international flights paid for by taxpayers through parole programs created by the administration that judges ruled were illegal in lawsuits filed by states. Among them are more than one million from Venezuela, including members of the violent terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, who under the Biden administration had expanded into at least 22 states where crimes were reported," the report said.
Biden routinely released the illegals into the United States, instead of processing them for removal, including some 6,300 "on the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center watchlist."
Trump has ended those parole programs, the report said.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Political rhetoric over the past few years has been littered with warnings about a "constitutional crisis."
That's been one of the Democrats' go-to talking points to attack President Donald Trump.
After all, they accused him of planning to set himself up as a dictator, to order the jailing of his political opponents, and even to use the military for his own political purposes.
To a much lesser degree, there have been reports of a "constitutional crisis" that has come about since he took office because of a long list of federal district judges, those in black robes at the entry level for the federal court system, taking over various responsibilities of the executive branch, including foreign policy, the border security and such.
But now an analysis at the Federalist pinpoints the actual trigger behind a "constitutional crisis": The Supreme Court.
For its refusal to rein in those judges, deliver a mandate that they are not to interfere with the president's constitutional rights, duties, and responsibilities.
The analysis is by Margot Cleveland, a lawyer and a graduate of the Notre Dame Law School, where she earned the Hoynes Prize—the law school's highest honor. She also has served for nearly 25 years as a permanent law clerk for a federal appellate judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She also is of counsel for the New Civil Liberties Alliance.
She explains, "The Supreme Court has interceded six times in less than three months to rein in federal judges who improperly exceeded their Article III authority and infringed on the Article II authority of President Donald Trump. Yet the high court continues to issue mealy-mouthed opinions which serve only to exacerbate the ongoing battle between the Executive and Judicial branches of government."
The problem is about to get worse, she explained, as, "Now there is a constitutional crisis primed to explode this week in a federal court in Maryland over the removal of an El Salvadoran — courtesy of the justices' latest baby-splitting foray on Thursday."
The fight is over an order from Paula Xinis, who told the Trump administration to "facilitate and effectuate the return of Plaintiff Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States by no later than 11:59 PM on Monday, April 7, 2025."
Garcia was deported to his native El Salvador after a court ruled he could not be deported to that country. Mitigating that mistake was the fact that the court order also concluded Garcia, as an alien illegally present in the United States, was subject to removal under federal law — just not to El Salvador.
Garcia's demands for asylum and other relief were rejected.
So followed the order from Xinis.
While the process found Garcia was "wrongly" sent to El Salvador, the Trump administration explained simply that Xinis didn't have the authority to intervene in international relations and order Trump to "facilitate and effectuate" the return of Garcia.
Garcia is a member of MS-13, a designated terrorist organization.
The Supreme Court granted a brief stay, then ordered the judge to clarify the order, specifically the demand to "effectuate" Garcia's return because that might "exceed the district court's authority."
Xinis then changed the order to have the administration "facilitate" Barcia's return, and further to file daily reports on where he is, and the administration responded with, "Foreign affairs cannot operate on judicial timelines, in part because it involves sensitive country-specific considerations wholly inappropriate for judicial review."
Garcia's lawyers then demanded the U.S. send someone to accompany him back to the United States on a special flight the government would arrange, and provide all documentation for him to enter the U.S.
The Supreme Court, the analysis confirmed, is facing the facts presented by the Trump administration that, "The federal courts have no authority to direct the Executive Branch to conduct foreign relations in a particular way, or engage with a foreign sovereign in a given manner."
That is, the administration said, "the 'exclusive power of the President as the sole organ of the federal government in the field of international relations.'"
"The justices should have foreseen this standoff and defused the situation last week by clearly defining the limits of the lower court's authority. The Supreme Court's continuing failure to do so is wreaking havoc on the reputation of the courts — and our constitutional order," said the analysis.
While King Charles was on a trip to Italy with his wife Queen Camilla, he needed a royal family stand-in for the Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, but his replacement was not who you'd think.
It wasn't his son William, the heir to the throne, who took his place. Instead, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Charles's brother Edward, did the honors.
Why would this be the case?
Well for starters, William and Kate are on spring break with their children and were not available.
The royal family has been wracked with a double cancer diagnosis with King Charles and Princess Kate both receiving treatment.
At age 74, the King's disease is much more dire. He's still getting treatment, while Kate is already in remission.
Still, the medical issues have made the family more eager to spend time with loved ones rather than fulfill endless royal duties.
In addition, Prince William has been working triple duty whenever possible to help his wife and father have time to rest and heal largely out of the public spotlight.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other royals who can fulfill the obligation, even with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pretty much out of commission in the U.S.
Sophie's appearance at the parade made history, since it was the first all-female banner party at Sandhurst.
It's always a special time for the family since both William and Harry got their own military training there.
A source reported to Cosmopolitan, “William has been incredibly supportive through Kate’s cancer battle—he’s really proven himself to be a remarkable partner when the going gets tough."
The source also said the couple is making the most out of their time together and that there have been "more romantic dinners, more long walks and more holidays."
They will celebrate 14 years of marriage next month.
The Pentagon on Thursday removed Col. Susannah Meyers from her command at the U.S. military’s Greenland base Thursday after comments she made that were critical of Vice President J.D. Vance, who visited the base on March 27.
The criticism came in an internal email to Pituffik Space Base personnel that took issue with Vance's criticism of Denmark during the visit.
“I do not presume to understand current politics,” Meyers wrote, according to Military.com. “But what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base. I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly — together.”
Vance had accused Denmark of not taking proper care of Greenland's people, of which it is in charge because Greenland is currently a territory of Denmark.
Vance's comments stoked an independence movement that already exists in Greenland and promised that if the icy, mineral-rich nation partnered with the U.S., it would get more help with development in exchange for access to its minerals (to purchase, not just take).
Even before he took office, President Donald Trump talked about purchasing Greenland from Denmark or otherwise acquiring it.
Trump and Vance's comments riled U.S. liberals, who saw them as dictatorial and autocratic.
In reality, though, Trump is looking to prevent China from taking over the territory and controlling even more of the minerals needed to power U.S. electronic devices and electric car batteries.
The Pentagon saw Meyers's comments as an attempt to “subvert President Trump’s agenda" and said any such attempts "will not be tolerated.”
Officially, the military said it had a “loss of confidence in [Meyers’] ability to lead,” which is typical language for a firing/removal after a grave command breach.
“Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties,” the statement read.
Meyers was a Biden holdover, and it's pretty clear that Trump and his administration have had enough of being undermined by holdovers and deep state actors who don't agree with him on policies.
While such loyalty demands can smack of authoritarianism, which is incredibly triggering to liberals, it's really just evidence that Trump wants to maximize his productivity in this second term as he tries to undo all the damage caused by Biden.
It's a legitimate concern, and it makes sense for Trump to do everything he can to make sure his officials and staff are willing to work with his team and not against it.