Latest news with #ImmigrationEnforcement
UPI
12 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Judge stops Trump from tying DOT funds to immigration enforcement
Secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation Sean Duffy testifies at a House committee on May 14, 2025. On Thursday, a judge issued a preliminary injunction against his directive tying department grants to states' compliance with federal immigration enforcement policies. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo June 20 (UPI) -- A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump's attempt to make federal transportation funding contingent on state compliance with his immigration policies. In his ruling Thursday, Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Providence, R.I., said not only does the Department of Transportation lack the authority to tie grant funding to immigration enforcement, but the directive also usurps Congress' power of the purse while being "arbitrary and capricious." "Congress did not authorize or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes," the President Barack Obama appointee said in his brief ruling. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 state attorneys general challenging an April 24 directive sent to all Department of Transportation funding receipts, stating they must comply with an Immigration Enforcement Condition when applying for future grants. The letter specifies that as recipients, they have "entered into legally enforceable agreements with the United States Government and are obligated to comply fully with all applicable Federal laws and regulations," particularly those relating to immigration enforcement and diversity, equity and inclusion policies. "Adherence to your legal obligations is a prerequisite for receipt of DOT financial assistance," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's letter states. "Noncompliance with applicable Federal laws, or failure to cooperate generally with Federal authorities in the enforcement of Federal law, will jeopardize your continued receipt of Federal financial assistance from DOT and could lead to a loss of Federal funding from DOT." The 20 Democrat-led states filed their lawsuit against the directive in May, arguing the Department of Transportation has no authority to tie grants to federal civil immigration enforcement, as the two are unrelated. In his ruling, McConnell agreed with the plaintiffs. "The IEC, backed by the Duffy Directive, is arbitrary and capricious in its scope and lacks specificity in how the States are to cooperate on immigration enforcement in exchange for Congressionally appropriated transportation dollars -- grant money that the States rely on to keep their residents safely and efficiently on the road, in the sky and on the rails," he said. "[T]he IEC is not at all reasonably related to the transportation funding program grants." California Attorney General Rob Bonta applauded the ruling while chastising Trump for "threatening to withhold critical transportation funds unless states agree to carry out his inhumane and illogical immigration agenda. "It's immoral -- and more importantly, illegal," the Democrat said. "I'm glad the District Court agrees, blocking the President's latest attempt to circumvent the Constitution and coerce state and local governments into doing his bidding while we continue to make our case in court." Since returning to the White House, Trump has led a crackdown on immigration, with many of his policies being challenged in court. Late Thursday, an appeals court handed Trump a victory in the battle, permitting California National Guard troops to remain deployed on Los Angeles streets amid protests against his immigration policies. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to continue to fight what he called "President Trump's authoritarian use of U.S. military soldiers."
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Florida sheriff threatens to KILL protesters who turn violent: 'Graveyard dead'
A no-nonsense Florida sheriff has issued an extraordinary warning by telling protesters that authorities will shoot them dead without hesitation if they commit violence. Violent protests have erupted around the nation inspired by rioters in Los Angeles taking a stand against President Donald Trump and his Immigration Enforcement agents. But in Florida, Sheriff Wayne Ivey laid down the law with a chilling warning that his officers 'are not gonna play' ahead of a scheduled demonstration this weekend. 'If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at. Because we will kill you, graveyard dead,' he said. Ivey went on to explain in great detail what he meant by 'turn violent', breaking down what punishment each individual offense could carry. 'If you resist lawful orders, you're going to jail,' he said. 'If you block an intersection or a roadway, you're going to jail. 'If you flee arrest, you're going to go to jail tired, because we are going to run you down and put you to jail. 'If you try to mob roll a car... gathering around and refusing to let the driver leave, in our county you're most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street. 'If you spit on us, you're going to the hospital, and then jail. If you hit one of us, you're going to the hospital, and then jail, and most likely bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs here.' Ivey's comments attracted praise from MAGA loyalists who celebrated his commitment to 'upholding the law.' 'That's it.. I'm moving to Florida,' one supporter said. 'This man is the GOAT [greatest of all time].' 'This is how you keep order,' another said, in an apparent reference to Trump's repeated criticism of California's Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom has been locked in a war of words with Trump over his handling of riots in LA, insisting that Trump's decision to deploy 700 Marines and 4,100 National Guard troops had made the violence worse. Trump hit back and insisted: 'We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy.' The riots in LA started last Friday on the back of ICE raids across the city. In the days since, new protests have flared across the country. Volatile protests prompted city officials to enforce curfews in Los Angeles and Spokane. And Republican governors in Texas and Missouri mobilized National Guard troops to be ready to help law enforcement manages demonstrations in those states. Activists are planning 'No Kings' events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trump's planned military parade in Washington, DC. The Trump administration said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless. In Las Vegas 94 people were arrested on 'various criminal and traffic' charges, and four officers were injured in a Wednesday night protest. Some in the estimated crowd of about 800 threw bottles and rocks at law enforcement, police said. Meanwhile hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Seattle Wednesday evening to a federal building where immigration cases are heard. Some of them dragged a dumpster nearby and set it on fire. The building was covered in graffiti, with 'Abolish ICE Now' written in large letters across its front window. They moved electric bikes and cones to block its entrance. Tuscon, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas have also been hotbeds of protest this week. But authorities across the nation have now set their sights on the No Kings protests scheduled for 2,000 locations across the country this weekend. Trump's critics are rallying against a military parade in Washington to mark the Army's 250th anniversary, which coincides with Trump's 79th birthday. The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Holidaying families were stranded for hours by airport parking rogues - then got their cars back with mystery extra mileage after some were used in parking and driving offences
Holidaying families were left stranded for hours by airport parking rogues before finally getting their cars back with mysterious added mileage. Drivers entrusting their vehicles to unofficial parking companies at Bristol Airport endured a painstaking wait for officers to fetch their cars back. In many cases, owners were shocked to see them returned with extra miles on the clock after they were used in parking and driving offences. Three were deployed as 'unlicensed taxis' in the area while others were driven by people thought to be uninsured. One holidaymaker's missing car was used to deliver keys, many of which could be seen strewn across the passenger seat and in the footwell. More still were handed back to owners in an undriveable condition or in hazardous or obstructive places, after a retrieval mission led by Avon and Somerset Police's airport police team and Immigration Enforcement. The dodgy parking firms operate away from the airport, with officers giving 20 cars back to holidaying families in one day last week. Sergeant Danielle Hardaway said: 'The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned to them or not when they return from holiday. 'This operation was carried out as part of our commitment to keep the airport safe, maintain vehicle standards, and to promote the safety of passengers going to and from the airport, who should be able to do so with confidence in using licensed vehicles. 'We have had reports of cars being returned damaged or with excess mileage and, in some cases, have been driven by people who are uninsured as well as being involved in driving offences. 'We are now in the summer months and therefore a busy holiday season for both travellers and Bristol Airport alike. We ask people to always choose reputable parking operators, and to choose them carefully, and if the price seems too good to be true, then it often is. 'We advise people, when booking parking anywhere, to look for the British Parking Association's police-backed Park Mark Safer Parking scheme.' Dave Lees, chief executive of Bristol Airport, said: 'We welcome this latest operation and will continue to work with colleagues at Avon and Somerset Police and North Somerset Council to tackle these rogue operators. 'They are a nuisance to local communities and cause distress to customers who use them - with many completely unaware of where their cars end up.' Councillor James Clayton added: 'We are seeing an increasing number of holidaymakers who use Bristol Airport being misled by rogue parking companies. 'These operators not only compromise the safety of your vehicle but also exploit your trust with deceptive practices.'
BBC News
10-06-2025
- BBC News
Bristol Airport customers warned to avoid 'rogue' parking firms
Holidaymakers have been warned by police to only use official airport parking companies after vehicles suffered suspected criminal damage and were left with "unexplained additional mileage".Avon and Somerset Police (ASP) said it held a day of action targeting parking firms operating near Bristol customers' cars were involved in parking and driving offences while they were on holiday or were driven by people suspected of being uninsured, police were also given back to their owners in an "undriveable or unroadworthy" condition, police added. The operation was held on 3 June and involved North Somerset Council, the Immigration Enforcement Team and the Motor Insurance Bureau. ASP said officers involved found and returned 20 vehicles to their owners after unofficial meet-and-greet companies did not give them back straight away, leaving the families waiting "for hours" after landing."Not only were holidaymakers left abandoned, but one of the images from the operation shows a customer's vehicle was being used to drive around the area returning keys which were piled up on the front seat and in the footwell, which were effectively insecure and at risk of being stolen," a police statement said. Sgt Danielle Hardaway, one of the senior officers involved in the day of action, said: "We have had reports of cars being returned damaged or with excess mileage and, in some cases, have been driven by people who are uninsured as well as being involved in driving offences."In some cases, vehicles left in dangerous or obstructive positions in local villages had to be towed away."We ask people to always choose reputable parking operators, and to choose them carefully, and if the price seems too good to be true, then it often is."The force added people should look for approved businesses when choosing where to leave their Airport chief executive David Lees said he welcomed the operation targeting what he called "rogue operators"."They are a nuisance to local communities and cause distress to customers who use them – with many completely unaware of where their cars end up," he added.
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- Wales Online
The hidden underbelly of Wales where exploitation is rife
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Frantic shouting in Mandarin erupts from behind a curtain separating the front desk from the kitchen at the Red Hot Goodies Chinese takeaway. Waiting customers are turned away. Upstairs is a modest, cramped flat which is searched by five officers clad in stab vests emblazoned with "'Immigration Enforcement". They swiftly locate each individual in the building, including one who was evidently serving customers moments before. The takeaway in Blackwood, Gwent, is shut down for the evening. The suspected illegal worker, a Chinese woman who only provides her first name and denies working at the takeaway despite being spotted behind the till, is not the person the officers are seeking. She is detained nonetheless. It emerges the young woman, a former marketing student who arrived in the Caerphilly town two months earlier, had entered the UK legally on a skilled worker's visa. She is performing what is considered unskilled work by assisting behind the till at the takeaway. Her stay is therefore unlawful and she is informed she will have to depart the UK as soon as possible. The unassuming takeaway operates on a quiet residential street. Its young male owner informs officer Richard Johnson, who's leading the raids, that the woman chanced upon his family online. He claims he has never paid her, showing the officers the company's bank statements. These reveal the woman is paying him £280 a month to live in the flat upstairs with the family. Attempting to ignore the owner's mother, who persistently yells over the officers in Mandarin, they ascertain she's essentially receiving reduced rent in exchange for her work. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone (Image: Media Wales) The proprietor insists he knows nothing about the woman beyond her name, age, and the validity of her passport, reports Wales Online. Richard asks: "The only reason she came here was to help you in this shop?" The owner responds: "I think she was homeless and had nowhere to go." Richard questions: "Why did you think she was homeless?" "I just took a guess," he answers. It transpires the takeaway has previously been penalised for employing an illegal worker. The owner is issued a referral notice and warned he could face another potential fine of up to £60,000. Penalties now stand at £45,000 for a first-time offence and can rise to £60,000 for subsequent offences. Once a notice is issued, it is handled by a central immigration office in Manchester which conducts further investigations and determines the appropriate penalty. (Image: Media Wales) The young woman provides evidence that she has arranged a flight back to China for the following week and assures the officers she will leave the country. As we exit the takeaway, Richard explains the background. "You get people who've come over on small boats and in the back of lorries or in through the backdoor through Ireland," he says. "But often the people we're dealing with have entered the country legally but then they breach the terms of their visa. "That woman had come in on a skilled worker visa and was clearly carrying out unskilled work, so she's broken the rules of the system. The skilled worker visa is strictly for people to come to this country and contribute skilled work. We regularly encounter people who've come in using the skilled worker visa and they're behind a till serving in a restaurant or takeaway or a corner shop. "If we arrest someone we have to ask them first, 'Are you prepared to return voluntarily?' And if they book a flight and show evidence that they've booked it, they may not get detained. More and more now when we catch them, they tend to book a flight and go. We don't get much hassle." (Image: Media Wales) Richard continued: "We don't often get hassle really. We sometimes do at the car washes. There is a car wash we've done a few times and you always know it's either going to kick off there or people are going to run. You've always got to be prepared for people to run but sometimes it still catches you by surprise. "Or in a restaurant they might not run but they'll take their aprons off and go out to the back. There are some peculiar ones. We often find illegal workers cooking in restaurant kitchens and they claim they're cooking for themselves." Just hours before arriving at the Chinese takeaway, the officers visited the Bella e Buona Italian restaurant in Brynmawr. During their previous two surprise visits to the restaurant, they had discovered Albanian illegal workers in the kitchen – some of whom fled when the officers arrived. With the threat of closure hanging over the restaurant, this time there were no illegal workers to be found. "It seems they've learned their lesson," said Richard before heading to his next assignment in Cardiff. (Image: Media Wales) Over the past week Richard, from Port Talbot, and his Wales and west of England immigration enforcement team have been busy busting illegal workers across various sites. Their crackdowns ranged from a Tenby construction site, where five illegal workers were detained, to Treforest's Choices Express takeaway, leading to a Sri Lankan man's arrest. At a Premier Stores in Pontypridd, an Indian man was detained for violating immigration bail. It's part of a clear trend. Between July 5 last year, and May 31, 2025, the Wales and west of England squad arrested 1,057 illegal workers, up an astounding 114% on the previous year. The number of visits was up too, by 96% to 1,477, matching a surge in illegal migrant landings in the UK. During a January operation at a dairy farm in Llangedwyn, Powys, six Romanians were arrested for visa infractions. Another visit to a solar farm in Anglesey on March 20 led to 16 arrests and a referral notice being served on the subcontractor. Particular focus has been on tackling employers who facilitate illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the hundreds of businesses targeted. (Image: Media Wales) "In the last financial year we arrested more illegal workers than any immigration enforcement team in the country," Richard revealed. "In the first eight weeks of this financial year we've done more than double the arrests than the same period last year. So we're looking at well over 2,000 (arrests) if we keep on the same trajectory." Is that a positive development or a cause for concern? "It depends which way you look at it I suppose," said Richard." I think at least it shows our commitment to prioritise and target illegal working." A recent raid on a distribution centre uncovered so many undocumented workers that it overwhelmed a computer system used by officers known as Pronto. For each individual case, the system logs details such as name, date of birth, arrival date in the UK, visa information, contact information, any mitigating circumstances, and what the employer has told visiting officers. Richard observed that the nature of the job is becoming much less predictable. "Our activity has rocketed. Now there are far more jobs because illegal working has grown and evolved. "It's still the usual suspects – barbers, takeaways, restaurants, corner shops – but it's not always like that anymore. It's rife too in the care sector, construction sector and even farming. We're now doing farms in Wales with some success." (Image: Media Wales) Richard, who has a 25-year tenure in immigration enforcement, shed light on the devastating reality for many who are led to the UK by people smugglers with false promises of an improved life with ample opportunities. Instead, they often find themselves in deplorable living conditions, earning scant wages for long, harsh hours under the perpetual risk of arrest and expulsion. "A lot of them, I think, see a better future than is the reality when they get here," said Richard. Hopeful migrants often pay hefty sums for transport, sometimes up to £10,000, which they then strive to repay only to encounter bitter disappointment. "There are often some really sad cases," he said. "We went to a brothel and encountered three Brazilian sex workers. I believed them when they said they never had any intention of being sex workers but they came here and fell into it and the money was better than what they got at home. "One had made £10,000 and we seized it all because it had clearly been gained unlawfully. All three of them went back to Brazil with nothing. They'd clearly been duped. "The incentive mainly is financial. If someone is illegal they'll more than likely work for less money or, in certain cases, will work for no money at all and would just get accommodation or food in return. Sometimes they're told when they get here they'll be working and earning money beyond their wildest dreams and often that's not the case. They realise the streets aren't paved with gold. "It's clear exploitation but sadly they don't always see it like that because life might be so difficult for them back home. In many cases they're living in awful conditions, sharing a room with four or five others, and they're sending the majority of the money back to their families." (Image: Paul Gillis/Reach PLC) The team has now been alerted by a local tip-off that another Chinese takeaway in Caerphilly borough may have illegal workers. Upon visiting the establishment, the officers encounter a visibly distressed family of five. The father, who runs the takeaway, struggles to find his words initially and invites the officers to check every corner of the premises, hastily asserting, "No-one is hiding here." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox During my time with the enforcement team, I've noticed their consistent calmness and respectfulness on these operations. Quickly realising that no laws are being broken, they offer their apologies and depart from the property. "That one is most likely a malicious report," Richard remarks. When asked what he means, he explains: "Someone who doesn't like them. We call it malicious intel. We do always try and corroborate checks to rule out a possibility of malicious intel but if that isn't possible. "If we haven't visited the premises in years we tend to decide it's probably worth looking at just in case. It's always difficult because it can be worrying for the owners, particularly if there are children involved." He said officers often receive valuable information via anonymous tips by the public. "Sources remain completely anonymous but they tend to be from police, members of the public, or other times it's us targeting known problem areas," Richard said. "At the moment it's delivery drivers that is a big one for us. They'll stop to pick up an order and we'll intercept. But many of them are in a WhatsApp group together and word will get around about where we are, so it can be tricky. It can sound straightforward but it definitely isn't." 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