🇭🇳💥 Honduras President Threatens to End U.S. Military Cooperation Over Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans
🚨🏠 Border Shelters Face Scrutiny as Trump Administration Targets Nonprofits Aiding Migrants 🐾🔍 Border Patrol Agent Accused of Kicking K-9 at Checkpoint Claims 'Proper' Discipline
🚨🏠 Border Shelters Face Scrutiny as Trump Administration Targets Nonprofits Aiding Migrants
Valerie Gonzalez, The Associated Press.- As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his administration has intensified scrutiny of border shelters, a crucial support system for migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. These shelters, many nonprofits, provide essential services such as food, temporary housing, and legal assistance. However, Republican lawmakers, including Trump's appointed border czar, Tom Homan, have expressed concerns that these organizations may be facilitating illegal immigration. Trump allies argue that the shelters contribute to the "humanitarian crisis" at the border. Meanwhile, advocates for migrants are alarmed, stressing that these shelters are responding to emergencies in overwhelmed border communities. Texas has launched investigations into multiple organizations, though courts have mostly rejected efforts to shut them down. With Trump’s vow to ramp up mass deportations, the future of these shelters and their funding remains uncertain.
🇭🇳💥 Honduras President Threatens to End U.S. Military Cooperation Over Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans
By Marlon González, The Associated Press - In a significant statement, Honduras' President Xiomara Castro threatened to halt military cooperation with the United States if President-elect Donald Trump proceeds with his plans for mass deportations of Honduran nationals. Speaking on national television on New Year’s Day, Castro expressed that the U.S. military's longstanding presence in Honduras, particularly at Soto Cano Air Base, would no longer be justified if the deportations occur. She criticized the U.S. for benefiting from its presence in Honduras without financial compensation, suggesting a shift in cooperation should deportations take place.
While the U.S. government has remained silent on the matter, political figures in Honduras, including Jorge Cálix and Olban Valladares, have criticized Castro’s comments, warning that they could lead to severe economic and diplomatic repercussions. The U.S. military maintains a significant role at Soto Cano Air Base, a key hub for operations against drug trafficking and humanitarian efforts in Central America. Castro’s remarks come as the region braces for potential changes under Trump’s immigration policies.
🚀💣 FBI Investigates Threats to Blow Up SpaceX Starship Rocket at Boca Chica Facility
Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News.- The FBI is investigating reports of bomb threats against SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach, Texas after a witness reported hearing a group discuss plans to blow up a Starship rocket on Christmas Eve. The San Antonio field office confirmed its involvement in vetting and investigating these threats. There is a previous incident, with a prior bomb threat received by the Brownsville Police Department in December 2023. The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to this matter. SpaceX’s Starship program has gained national attention, particularly with Elon Musk’s advisory role to President-elect Donald Trump, and the company plans its next Starship launch for January 10, 2025.
🐾🔍 Border Patrol Agent Accused of Kicking K-9 at Checkpoint Claims' Proper' Discipline
Annasofia Scheve, San Antonio Express-News.- The U.S. Border Patrol is investigating an incident at the Falfurrias checkpoint in South Texas after a video surfaced showing a Border Patrol agent allegedly abusing her K-9 partner. In the footage, the agent appears to drive her knee into the dog, prompting a public outcry. However, the labor union representing Border Patrol agents asserts that the agent was using "proper corrective techniques" in line with the training received from K-9 instructors. The union emphasized that the video only presented one side of the story and that agents are trained to correct dogs out of public view. Border Patrol has stated that mistreatment of K-9s will not be tolerated and has launched a full investigation into the incident.
🚔🔒 Mayor of Frontera Comalapa Arrested Amid Corruption and Criminal Investigations
Fredy Martín Pérez, El Universal.- José Antonio Villatoro, the mayor of Frontera Comalapa, Chiapas, was arrested on January 5, 2025, amid accusations of corruption, forced disappearances, extortion, and homicide. His arrest followed a series of investigations in the Sierra region, particularly in the municipality of Frontera Comalapa, where security forces, including the state police and specialized units, conducted coordinated operations. Alongside Villatoro, two other individuals, Jorge "N" and Juan Manuel "N," were detained, with authorities seizing a Volkswagen Amarok 4x4 and two assault rifles. Villatoro had assumed the role of interim mayor in October 2024 after the kidnapping of the elected mayor, Aníbal Roblero Castillo. The investigation and subsequent arrests highlight the region's ongoing security challenges and criminal activity. Authorities have pledged to continue operations to restore peace in the area.
Data in this issue:
Border Shelters Face Scrutiny as Trump Administration Targets Nonprofits Aiding Migrants
Number of migrants served by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in 2024: Nearly 50,000.
Shelter capacity in McAllen: 1,200 people.
Investigations launched by Texas: Six organizations under scrutiny.
Federal funding for shelters in 2024: $650 million under one program.
Number of migrants passing through the McAllen shelter in 2024: About 140 migrants per day.
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Honduras President Threatens to End U.S. Military Cooperation Over Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans
Date of Castro's remarks: January 1, 2025.
Threat to U.S. military presence: If mass deportations occur, Honduras may reconsider cooperation.
Key military site: Soto Cano Air Base, used by U.S. military since 1983 for anti-drug and humanitarian missions.
Political response: Critics argue that such threats could harm Honduras and increase vulnerability for migrants.
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FBI Investigates Threats to Blow Up SpaceX Starship Rocket at Boca Chica Facility
Date of the new bomb threat: Christmas Eve, 2024.
Number of bomb threats: At least two incidents.
FBI tip line: 800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).
Upcoming SpaceX Starship launch date: January 10, 2025
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Border Patrol Agent Accused of Kicking K-9 at Checkpoint Claims 'Proper' Discipline
Location of incident: Falfurrias checkpoint, South Texas.
Date of the incident: January 3, 2025.
Number of reactions to union post: Over 280 angry reactions, 200 positive reactions.
Investigation status: Ongoing by Border Patrol.
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Mayor of Frontera Comalapa Arrested Amid Corruption and Criminal Investigations
Number of detainees: 3 (José Antonio Villatoro, Jorge "N", Juan Manuel "N").
Seized weapons: 2 rifles (caliber .223 and .762).
Date of mayor's arrest: January 5, 2025.
Investigations involving Villatoro: Corruption, forced disappearances, extortion, and homicide.