A U.S. citizen named ChongLy Thao was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota. The agents were searching for two convicted sex offenders and took Thao, who was later released the same day. The incident occurred amid a lawsuit by Minnesota officials against ICE's immigration crackdown.
Key Facts
ICE agents detained ChongLy Thao, a U.S. citizen, in Minnesota.
Thao was taken from his home at gunpoint and left outside in his underwear in freezing temperatures.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the agents were looking for two convicted sex offenders.
Thao was released later that day with no explanation or apology.
Minnesota officials have filed a lawsuit to challenge ICE's immigration practices.
The Trump administration argues that the federal government has broad authority to enforce immigration laws.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Lindsey Halligan is leaving her role as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. A federal judge had previously ruled that Halligan's appointment was unlawful. This situation highlights a conflict between the Department of Justice and federal judges regarding Halligan's appointment.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi is the U.S. Attorney General who announced Lindsey Halligan's departure.
Lindsey Halligan was serving as the interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia.
A federal judge ruled Halligan's appointment was unlawful.
The Department of Justice had disagreed with the judge's ruling.
Halligan was named acting U.S. attorney in September 2025.
Democratic Senators were accused of using a procedural tactic called the "blue slip process" to end Halligan's term.
Halligan had no prior experience as a prosecutor before her appointment.
Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, announced that she is expecting her fourth child. The baby, a boy, is due in late July, and both Usha and the baby are doing well.
Key Facts
Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, is pregnant with her fourth child.
The child is expected to be born in late July.
Usha shared the news on social media platform X.
The couple currently has three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
Usha Vance grew up in San Diego, California, with parents who were immigrants from India.
She met JD Vance at Yale Law School in 2010.
JD Vance is a strong supporter of increasing birth rates in the US.
President Donald Trump has asked a federal judge to stop his Department of Justice (DOJ) from releasing a report by former special counsel Jack Smith. The report is related to a dismissed criminal case against Trump, and his lawyers argue it should not be made public because it could contain protected information and wasn't tested in court.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to block the release of Volume II of a report by Jack Smith.
Trump's lawyers argue the report's release would bypass the court's dismissal of Trump's case.
The case against Trump was dismissed because Smith's appointment and funding were ruled unconstitutional.
The report could include protected grand jury material and attorney-client communications.
Trump's legal team claims the report would unfairly present allegations not tested in court.
Smith is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into Trump.
The outcome of Trump's request could impact what prosecutors can disclose after similar cases are dismissed.
Support for impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem among House Democrats has nearly doubled, reaching 100 co-sponsors. The impeachment articles accuse Noem of obstructing Congress and violating public trust, but face challenges in the Republican-led House and Senate.
Key Facts
House Democrats' support for impeaching Kristi Noem has grown to 100 co-sponsors.
This support level is a first during President Trump's second term.
The impeachment articles were introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly.
The resolution accuses Noem of obstructing Congress and violating public trust.
Impeachment faces challenges in the Republican-controlled House and Senate.
Noem's impeachment is partly driven by the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Democrats argue Noem has used inappropriate tactics while in office.
Kelly is trying to persuade Republican lawmakers to support the impeachment.
President Donald Trump, in his second term, has faced criticism from Democrats for actions perceived as contrary to his "America First" promises, particularly regarding military interventions abroad. The Democrats aim to use these actions, like interference in Venezuela, to regain control of Congress in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. They argue that Trump's focus on international issues diverts attention from domestic priorities like economic affordability.
Key Facts
President Trump promised to end foreign wars but has engaged in military actions in Venezuela, among other places.
The Democratic Party plans to highlight these issues in the 2026 midterm elections to regain Congress.
Democrats criticize Trump for prioritizing international interventions over domestic problems.
Military actions have also occurred in Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, Somalia, and the Caribbean.
Trump suggested using U.S. troops to control Venezuela's oil resources.
Critics argue these actions do not connect to everyday American concerns.
Democrats focus on issues like affordability to appeal to voters.
The abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been a central event in recent U.S. foreign policy actions.
The US Justice Department has sent subpoenas to Minnesota officials, accusing them of blocking federal immigration agents. These subpoenas were served to Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Key Facts
The US Justice Department served subpoenas to Minnesota officials.
The officials are accused of stopping federal immigration officers from doing their jobs.
Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Mayor Jacob Frey are among those subpoenaed.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi visited Minnesota around the time the subpoenas were served.
Mayor Frey commented that he is being targeted for opposing President Trump's actions.
Attorney General Ellison stated that the justice system is being used as a political tool.
Governor Walz called the investigation a distraction and criticized its focus.
President Donald Trump made comments about Somalia during a speech at the White House. He questioned Somalia's status as a country while discussing immigration issues and arrests in Minnesota.
Key Facts
President Trump made a speech at the White House.
He questioned whether Somalia is a country, saying it does not resemble one.
The speech occurred a year after he returned to office for a second term.
He spoke about arresting what he termed "criminal illegal aliens" in Minnesota.
He repeated a claim that some countries send criminals and mentally impaired individuals to the U.S.
Immigration officials defended their recent arrest tactics in Minneapolis during a press conference. They made thousands of arrests, including individuals described as dangerous, while some local officials are now being investigated for possibly obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Immigration officials arrested over 10,000 people in Minneapolis in the past year.
Within the last six weeks, 3,000 arrests were made during a surge in operations.
Officials say the aggressive tactics used are legal and necessary.
Examples of tactics include entering homes without warrants and removing people from vehicles.
Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas to Minnesota officials, investigating possible obstruction of immigration enforcement.
Local Democrats criticized the probe as a political strategy against them.
An immigration officer shot Renee Good in January, claiming self-defense; this incident has drawn public scrutiny.
Two federal judges in Virginia moved to remove Lindsey Halligan from her role as acting U.S. attorney after a federal judge ruled her appointment was illegal. The Department of Justice is defending Halligan's authority, even as legal battles over her position continue. Federal law typically requires U.S. attorneys to be confirmed by the Senate, but interim appointments can be made by the attorney general for a limited time.
Key Facts
Lindsey Halligan, named acting U.S. attorney in September 2025, had no prior experience as a prosecutor.
A federal judge ruled Halligan's appointment illegal in November.
The Department of Justice continues to support Halligan, leading to a dispute with judges.
Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck announced a vacancy for the U.S. attorney position, saying Halligan’s temporary role has ended.
Judge David J. Novak removed Halligan's title from court documents and warned against using it without a legal basis.
Halligan's authority was challenged, and DOJ filed an appeal against the ruling.
Federal law mandates that U.S. attorneys are usually confirmed by the Senate; interim appointments last up to 120 days.
President Donald Trump held a 104-minute press briefing at the White House, marking one year since the start of his second term. During the briefing, he discussed various accomplishments and policies implemented since January 2025.
Key Facts
President Trump held a press briefing that lasted 104 minutes.
The briefing marked the one-year anniversary of his second term.
Trump displayed photos of individuals arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis.
The arrests were related to large-scale raids and protests in the area.
Trump discussed various policies he has put in place since January 2025.
He sometimes digressed from his prepared remarks during the briefing.
Migrant families have reported poor conditions for their children while being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They claim issues such as contaminated food and insufficient medical care.
Key Facts
Migrant families claim children in ICE custody face unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Reports include food being contaminated with worms and mold.
Families say there is limited access to clean drinking water.
Allegations mention inadequate medical care for children.
The information comes from recent court documents.
Becky Wolozin from the National Center for Youth Law discussed these issues.
The Supreme Court recently considered a case about gun rights in the United States. The case focused on a Hawaiian law that restricts carrying guns on private property that is open to the public unless property owners allow it.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court heard a case about gun rights.
The case involved a law from Hawaii.
Hawaii's law restricts carrying guns on some private properties.
The law requires property owners to give permission for guns to be carried.
A nonprofit news group called The Trace covers issues about gun violence.
William Brangham spoke with Chip Brownlee from The Trace about this case.
Protesters against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are increasingly using digital tools to leak sensitive information and monitor ICE activities. This approach reflects a strategic use of technology by activists, aiming to influence ICE's operations through public exposure. The protests have resulted in data breaches of ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, which officials have condemned.
Key Facts
Protesters are leaking data and using surveillance tools to contest ICE operations.
A large data breach exposed information about 4,500 ICE and Border Patrol employees.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the leaks and threatened legal action.
Digital activism is increasingly strategic, mirroring tactics used in global conflicts.
Since 2020, U.S. activists have used leaks and technology against surveillance.
Protesters have created tools to track surveillance cameras and ICE raid locations.
ICE seeks stronger subpoena powers to identify anonymous activists online.
Several individuals faced legal action for exposing ICE agents' personal information.
One year has passed since President Trump began his second term. During this time, he has used his executive powers in new ways and made significant changes to the federal government. Legal expert Ilya Shapiro from the Manhattan Institute discusses these actions.
Key Facts
President Trump started his second term in office a year ago.
He has used executive power in ways that some view as pushing legal boundaries.
Trump's actions have influenced how the federal government operates.
Ilya Shapiro, a legal scholar, provides insight into these developments.
The discussion is part of the "On Democracy" series.
Ilya Shapiro is associated with the conservative Manhattan Institute.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania shares details about his challenging childhood in his new book, "Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service." He discusses how growing up in a sometimes chaotic home influenced his personal and political journey. Shapiro's experiences have shaped his desire for control and made him focus on problem-solving in his career.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wrote a book discussing his childhood experiences.
Shapiro grew up in a household he describes as sometimes chaotic and loud due to his mother's mental health issues.
He shares that despite the challenges, he felt safe and cared for, but remained isolated from outsiders.
Shapiro's mother faced her own difficult childhood, contributing to the environment at home.
His childhood experiences influenced his career choices, often seeking roles where he could have control.
Shapiro declined opportunities like running for the U.S. Senate and being considered as a Vice President candidate.
The book reveals personal insights hoping to start conversations on mental health and its impact on families.
Homeland Security's immigration checks, known as "roving patrols," are facing criticism for detaining U.S. citizens. These actions have resulted in lawsuits claiming they lead to racial profiling and violate constitutional rights. Immigration officers, supported by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, are under fire as cases continue being contested in courts.
Key Facts
"Roving patrols" are immigration checks carried out by immigration officers.
A poll by The Economist and YouGov reports that President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37% during his second term, marking a low point. This survey involved 1,722 U.S. adults and reflects a decline in approval from various voter groups.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is 37%, with a 57% disapproval rating, according to The Economist/YouGov poll.
The poll surveyed 1,722 U.S. adults from January 16 to January 19, 2025.
There is a margin of error of 3.2% in the survey.
This marks the first time Trump's approval rating has dropped below 38% in his second term.
Trump has seen declines in approval among Hispanics, women, and Gen Z voters.
The president's approval rating on economic policies has decreased, particularly among Independent voters.
Weekly polls will continue to track President Trump's approval ratings.
President Trump is planning to raise tariffs on eight NATO allies unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland. This has caused financial market fluctuations. The S&P 500 decreased by over 1%, and the dollar also dropped, while Treasury note yields rose.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Denmark to sell Greenland to the U.S., and has threatened tariffs on NATO allies if they don't comply.
The S&P 500 fell by more than 1% in response to the tariff threats.
The value of the U.S. dollar decreased by 0.9% against a group of major currencies.
Yields on the 10-year Treasury note increased by about 13 basis points since Friday.
The European Commission president criticized the proposed tariffs at the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying they are a mistake among allies.
Trump announced tariffs of an additional 10% on these allies by February 1, which could rise to 25% by June if there's no agreement.
Geopolitical concerns are affecting financial markets, contributing to economic uncertainty despite strong U.S. employment.
