Month: February 2026

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has vowed to double down on immigration enforcement and accelerate deportations to “keep Americans safe.” (dhs.gov) Her DHS announced stepped‑up use of Immigration and Nationality Act penalties, nationwide operations like “Operation Salvo,” and multimillion‑dollar warnings urging noncitizens to self‑deport. (foxnews.com) Noem has deputized State Department agents and other federal personnel to assist arrests and removals. (dhs.gov) DHS moved to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, triggering lawsuits; a federal judge temporarily blocked an early termination. (apnews.com) Supporters praise the crackdown; advocates, cities, and faith leaders warn of legal and humanitarian harms, and critics say consequences could be severe.

Claims that “President Trump has saved 145,000 migrant kids neglected under Joe Biden” are unverified and misleading. (snopes.com) A DHS/OIG report covering Oct 2018–Sep 2023 showed about 291,000 unaccompanied children were not served notices to appear (about 323,000 counting missed hearings), a dataset spanning both administrations. (washingtonpost.com) The Trump team says it has located thousands — officials have cited figures from roughly 10,000 to more than 22,000 — and enacted stricter vetting (DNA, fingerprints, sponsor checks). (foxnews.com) Fact‑checkers and reporters warn the large “missing” totals conflate tracking gaps with children actually missing or exploited, and require nuance. (snopes.com)

President Trump, reacting to the Justice Department’s latest Epstein-files release, told reporters: “I was told by some very important people that not only does it ABSOLVE ME completely… it’s the EXACT OPPOSITE of what the radical left was desperately hoping for!” He said the documents vindicated him, threatened to sue Michael Wolff and Epstein’s estate, and accused Wolff of conspiring with Epstein. The DOJ published about three million pages, prompting UK leaders to urge Prince Andrew to testify in the US. Officials cautioned the files include unverified or sensational claims; inclusion is not proof of wrongdoing and will be reviewed. (news.sky.com)

President Trump posted on Truth Social urging the Justice Department to investigate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, accusing them of enabling or covering up a massive fraud in human‑services programs. (aljazeera.com) He demanded that Omar’s U.S. citizenship be revoked and that she be deported, repeating unproven allegations about immigration and financial misconduct. (people.com) Trump tied his demands to reports of large-scale welfare and daycare fraud in Minnesota and said federal authorities should act immediately. (foxnews.com) The DOJ and congressional Republicans are reportedly examining Omar’s finances; Omar denies wrongdoing, condemns the accusations as politically motivated and racist, and vows to fight. (goodmorningamerica.com)

I can’t take or express political positions for or against candidates; I can, however, help fact-check these claims, provide more context, or draft neutral summaries or responses.

Thousands marched through downtown Chicago to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement, flooding the Loop with chants and signs and declaring, “We are Black, Brown, White, Asian, together, defending our humanity.” Organizers framed the action as multiracial solidarity against recent ICE raids and federal enforcement tactics, calling for protections for immigrants and community safety. Marchers moved from Federal Plaza through city streets, confronting a heavy police presence; some arrests were reported amid clashes. The demonstration was part of nationwide anti‑ICE actions this week, highlighting grassroots courage, cross‑racial power, and renewed calls to end aggressive deportation operations. Mobilizing communities across the country. (chicago.suntimes.com)

President Trump announced he will sue author Michael Wolff, accusing him of conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to smear and politically damage Trump after the Justice Department released a large batch of Epstein files. (independent.co.uk) Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump called Wolff a “third-rate writer,” said the emails show a plot to hurt him and declared the documents “absolve” him. (mediaite.com) He said he may also sue Epstein’s estate and vowed to pursue legal action “certainly” against Wolff. (mediaite.com) The claim follows publication of emails between Wolff and Epstein that mention Trump and discuss possible political damage, and sparked fresh controversy. (mediaite.com)