National Security Framework: Constitutional, Cyber, and Border Protections
1. U.S. Constitution Article III, Section 3 - Treason:
Definition: Treason against the United States consists only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.
Conviction Requirement: Conviction for Treason requires the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Purpose: This constitutional definition limits the scope of treason to prevent its use for political persecution, protecting citizens from arbitrary accusations while addressing severe disloyalty. For the full text, refer to Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
2. U.S. Supreme Court Ruling: Universal Injunctions and Birthright Citizenship
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant 6-3 decision in Trump vs. CASA, Inc., siding with the Trump administration's request to partially enforce its executive order terminating birthright citizenship, issued on January 20, 2025. This ruling primarily concerned the power of federal district courts to issue nationwide injunctions, rather than the legality of the executive order itself.
(Image: Supreme Court decision related to universal injunctions)
Majority Opinion (Justice Amy Coney Barrett):
Justice Barrett delivered the opinion of the Court, asserting that "universal injunctions likely exceed the equitable authority Congress has given to federal courts."
She noted that "The universal injunction was conspicuously nonexistent for most of our Nation’s history," highlighting the judiciary's overstep.
Barrett sharply criticized Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's dissent, stating it was "at odds with more than two centuries’ worth of precedent, not to mention the Constitution itself."
She further accused Jackson of "embracing an imperial Judiciary" and presenting "a vision of the judicial role that would make even the most ardent defender of judicial supremacy blush," particularly in believing a district court's opinion has "the legal force of a judgment."
Barrett concluded with advice for her colleague: "everyone, from the President on down, is bound by law… That goes for judges too."
Dissenting Opinion (Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson):
Justice Jackson expressed "deep disillusionment" with the majority's opinion.
She characterized the suit as "rais[ing] a mind-numbing technical query," and accused the majority of "inapt comparisons," a "myopic initial framing," "confusion" regarding constitutional law, making a "foundational mistake," and delivering a "profoundly dangerous" ruling.
Jackson's dissent was described as "more parts emotionally unhinged screed than constitutional analysis," and she was noted for including "stage directions" in her legal writing.
This ruling represents a significant curtailment of the power of federal district courts to issue nationwide injunctions, reinforcing the separation of powers and the executive branch's authority in implementing policy, particularly concerning immigration and national security.
3. Congressional Budget Office (CBO):
Function: The CBO is a nonpartisan federal agency that provides Congress with independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues. Its role is to support the congressional budget process by offering objective information on federal spending, revenues, deficits, and debt, as well as economic projections and cost estimates for legislation.
Role in Economy and Resource Management: By providing objective data and analysis, CBO informs policy decisions that impact the federal budget and the national economy. Effective management of "Economy of Resources" relies on sound data, which contributes to national financial stability—a critical component of overall national security. CBO's work is informed by various experts, including those on its panels of advisors.
Federal Investigations and CBO Affiliations: As of early July 2025, federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and components of Justice.gov have indicated that approximately 60 universities, including several with which CBO's economic and health advisors are affiliated, are under investigation. These investigations often involve alleged violations of federal civil rights laws, specifically including Title VI (prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs) and Title VII (prohibiting employment discrimination) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Investigations also occur under Title IX (prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs). While Title I covers general provisions, its principles underpin many civil rights applications.
4. Importance of Firewalls (Cybersecurity):
Definition: In computing, a firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Purpose: Firewalls establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks (like the internet). They prevent unauthorized access to private data and systems, block malicious software (malware), and mitigate cyberattacks.
Role in Protection: Firewalls are a fundamental countermeasure in cybersecurity, essential for protecting government digital infrastructure (e.g., USA.gov user base), critical national infrastructure, private businesses, and individual citizens from online threats, cyber espionage, data theft, and disruption, ensuring the integrity and availability of digital services. This also includes protecting citizens from online scams and fraud, with resources like FBI.gov/Scams-and-Safety providing vital information and reporting mechanisms.
Purpose: The primary purposes of border security include national defense, preventing unauthorized entry (as defined under Title 8 of the U.S. Code), controlling the flow of illicit goods (e.g., drugs, weapons), managing public health risks, and maintaining national sovereignty. Federal U.S. Code Crimes may apply to various border-related offenses.
Role in Protection: Effective border security, enforced by federal agencies under authorities broadly related to Title 6 Homeland Security and specifically Title 8 Aliens and Nationality, serves as a physical countermeasure against various threats, including the entry of individuals associated with Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), criminal networks, and other hostile entities. It contributes to the "public Safety" and security of the "IRL" (in-real-life) citizen user base.
Key Operational Components:
CBP Border Security: For detailed information on CBP's efforts to secure the border, visit CBP.gov/Border-Security.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO): ICE's ERO division is responsible for identifying, apprehending, and removing noncitizens who pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security. More information can be found at ICE.gov/ERO.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System): Managed by ICE, SEVIS (ICE.gov/SEVIS) is a critical system for tracking and monitoring nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors, ensuring compliance with visa regulations and enhancing national security.
ICE Most Wanted: ICE maintains a publicly accessible list of individuals wanted for various immigration violations and criminal offenses, aiding in their apprehension. See ICE.gov/Most-Wanted.
Resource Strain and "Unpatched Systems" Analogy: The presence of individuals who evade apprehension at the border, often referred to as "gotaways" (estimated to be 2 million+ in recent years), creates a significant and unquantified vulnerability. These individuals, whose identities and intentions are unknown, are akin to "ghost-criminals" within a system. Their unchecked presence can strain and overwhelm national resources, much like an "unpatched system" in cybersecurity represents a known weakness that can be exploited, leading to compromised integrity and diversion of essential resources. This highlights the critical need for robust border security measures to prevent such "security vulnerabilities" from undermining national safety and resource management.
Public Sentiment on Alien Removal: A popular sentiment among a majority of U.S. citizens supports the removal of all illegal aliens. Proponents argue that such measures would lead to a better federal budget, alleviate strains on public services like Medicaid, and reduce costs associated with providing room and board. This perspective often frames the continued presence of undocumented individuals as "adhering to their illegals, giving them Aid and Comfort," which is seen by some as a detriment to national interests and a violation of the principles of sovereignty and resource management.
6. Economy of Information Technology (IT):
Definition: The economy of IT refers to the economic impact and structure of the information technology sector, including software, hardware, IT services, and digital infrastructure. It also encompasses how IT influences productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across all sectors.
Role in Protection: A robust IT economy fosters innovation in cybersecurity tools, digital communication, and data analysis crucial for national intelligence (e.g., DNI, NCTC). It underpins the digital infrastructure that supports government operations, critical services, and the overall economic well-being of the U.S. citizen taxpayer/user base. Economic strength facilitated by IT is a national security asset, providing resources for defense and protection.
7. USA Citizens Taxpayers/User Base Economy & Public Welfare:
Definition: This refers to the collective economic activity, financial contributions (taxes), and digital engagement of the United States populace. Citizens constitute both the workforce and the consumer base, and increasingly, the "user base" of digital services, including government platforms (USA.gov).
Role in Protection: The economic vitality and resilience of the citizen taxpayer/user base are critical for national security. A strong economy provides the revenue for defense and security operations. A secure and functional digital environment for citizens directly impacts national well-being, trust in government services (USA.gov), and resilience against both online and physical threats. Protecting this base from economic disruption, cybercrime, and physical threats is a core national security objective. This also includes supporting the overall well-being of citizens through resources like FindSupport.gov, which connects individuals to mental health and substance abuse services, contributing to a healthier and more resilient populace.
8. Alligator Alcatraz / Alaska Bear Alcatraz:
Alligator Alcatraz (Florida): This refers to a specific, recently constructed detention facility in the Florida Everglades. State officials have publicly given it this colloquial name, emphasizing its isolated, natural surroundings (known for alligators) and high security. It is designed to house and process Aliens subject to immigration enforcement, primarily a state-initiated effort aiming to support federal immigration processes governed by Title 8 of the U.S. Code.
Alaska Bear Alcatraz: There is no official government or publicly announced plan for a detention facility in Alaska formally or colloquially known as "Alaska Bear Alcatraz" that would leverage bears and sub-zero conditions in a similar manner to the Florida facility's use of alligators. This remains a hypothetical concept.
Role in Protection (for Alligator Alcatraz): The stated purpose of such facilities by proponents is to enhance border security and migration control by detaining Aliens subject to immigration enforcement, thereby serving as a physical countermeasure within immigration enforcement.
9. University Investigations and Related Actions (Justice.gov, Ed.gov, and Relevant U.S. Code Titles):
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Resolution: UPenn entered into a resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education regarding Title IX violations concerning its policy on transgender athletes competing in women's sports. As part of this agreement, UPenn agreed to send personal apology letters to female athletes impacted by competition against transgender athletes and to restore individual Division I records and titles. Federal funding to UPenn had previously been withheld and and was unfrozen after the university agreed to policy changes related to this issue, which are pertinent to compliance with grants.gov requirements.
Accountability in Higher Education: Beyond civil rights, there is increasing scrutiny on the ideological leanings and accountability of faculty and administrators. Resources like ProfessorWatchlist.org and DeansList.org aim to provide transparency on these matters. Furthermore, the concept of federal drug testing for recipients of federal grants, particularly in sensitive research areas, is a measure being considered to ensure integrity and compliance with federal standards, aligning with broader efforts to "clean up higher ed and future leaders."
Role in Protection: Such federal investigations and resolutions, stemming from federal civil rights laws enforced by agencies under Justice.gov and Ed.gov, aim to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory environments in institutions receiving federal funds. This directly impacts the well-being and "public Safety" of specific citizen groups (e.g., students) within the "IRL" user base. Issues concerning these institutions, which are integral to the nation's intellectual and research infrastructure, can affect the "Economy of Resources" (e.g., through federal funding implications, operational costs, and impact on educational and research output), and potentially broader aspects of national security by impacting societal cohesion or the integrity of institutions that train future leaders and conduct critical research relevant to defense (e.g., NCTC, FTOs, and the principles underlying Article III, Section 3).
Hamas FTO Designation: Hamas was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. Department of State on October 8, 1997. This designation is carried out by the Secretary of State under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically 8 U.S.C. § 1189.
Key U.S. Code Violations & Countermeasures:
Providing Material Support (18 U.S.C. § 2339B): It is a federal crime to knowingly provide "material support or resources" to a designated FTO. Violations carry severe penalties.
Executive Order 13224: This order authorizes the U.S. government to designate and block assets of foreign individuals and entities that commit, threaten to commit, or support acts of terrorism.
Inadmissibility (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3)(B)): Individuals associated with designated FTOs are generally inadmissible to the United States and may be subject to removal.
Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism: The U.S. Department of Justice announced the formation of a multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, pursuant to President Trump's Executive Order on Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism. This task force focuses on rooting out antisemitic harassment, particularly in schools and on college campuses. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/PR.
Triple-Fold Countermeasures for USA.gov User Base/Vetted Citizens:
This framework operates through a layered defense, ensuring comprehensive national security by integrating legal, technological, and physical countermeasures across various domains. The various elements listed contribute to a multifaceted approach to protecting the USA.gov user base and vetted citizens against "online/afk coyote cascade bad actors" and threats from a "diverse portfolio" including DNI (Director of National Intelligence), NCTC (National Counterterrorism Center), and FTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organizations). This protection can be viewed as "triple-fold" across:
1. Legal/Constitutional Protection:Article III, Section 3, defining treason, provides a legal framework against internal betrayal, protecting the state's very existence. Federal civil rights laws (Titles I, VI, VII, IX) enforced by agencies like Justice.gov and Ed.gov, aim to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory environments in institutions that receive federal funds. Enforcement actions under Title 8 related to Aliens and Nationality also fall within this legal protection framework, including criminal violations like unlawful entry and material support to FTOs.
2. Cybersecurity Protection (Computer Science): Firewalls are a primary technical countermeasure. This also encompasses the broader "economy of IT" which funds and innovates cybersecurity solutions to defend digital infrastructure and the "USA.gov user base" from online threats, including scams and fraud (FBI.gov/Scams-and-Safety).
3. Physical/Border Security (IRL): Border security measures, including physical barriers and detention facilities (like the "Alligator Alcatraz" model), serve as countermeasures against the physical entry of threats and illicit activities that can harm the "IRL" citizen base. These efforts are underpinned by federal law, including Title 8 and other related U.S. Code Crimes, enforced by agencies like CBP and ICE.
These measures collectively aim to create layers of defense to safeguard the nation, its infrastructure, and its citizens from a spectrum of threats.
U.S. State Department Enhanced Visa Screening : Students & Exchange Visitors
The U.S. State Department is committed to protecting national security and public safety through its visa process, reinforcing that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
Utilizing all available information, the State Department aims to identify applicants inadmissible to the United States, particularly those who may pose a threat to national security.
**Comprehensive Vetting:** A thorough vetting process will be conducted for all student (F), academic or language student (M), and exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa applicants, which now includes a review of their online presence.
**Social Media Privacy:** All applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate this vetting.
**Appointment Resumption:** Overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon; applicants should check embassy or consulate websites for availability.
**National Security Focus:** Every visa adjudication is a national security decision, ensuring applicants do not intend to harm Americans or national interests, and credibly establish eligibility.
These visas are for academic students (F-1), vocational students (M-1). They come with specific requirements and conditions, emphasizing national security vetting and maintaining compliance with U.S. law, thereby protecting U.S. sovereignty.
General Guidelines & Requirements
**SEVIS Registration & Fee:** All F and M students, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is managed by ICE (see ICE.gov/SEVIS). The official `Study in the States` website (StudyinStates.dhs.gov) provides comprehensive resources for students and schools regarding SEVIS. Applicants must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee prior to visa issuance.
**Certificate of Eligibility:** F-1/M-1 applicants require Form I-20.
**Full-time Enrollment:** F-1 and M-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment at a SEVP-approved institution.
**Intent to Depart:** Applicants must demonstrate intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of their program, as these are non-immigrant visas.
**Financial Sufficiency:** Must prove sufficient funds for all educational, living, and travel costs. This is linked to the "Public Charge" ground of inadmissibility, ensuring applicants are not likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance.
**Interview:** Generally required for visa applicants.
**Enhanced Vetting:** The U.S. government conducts comprehensive vetting to ensure national security and public safety. This includes, but is not limited to:
Reviewing social media profiles (which applicants for F, M nonimmigrant visas are often required to set to "public" as per State.gov guidelines).
Cross-referencing with intelligence databases from agencies like the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
Utilizing international law enforcement databases, such as INTERPOL's Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database and checking for INTERPOL Red Notices.
Restrictions & Limitations
**Entry Window:** New F and M students cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before their program start date.
**Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence: required to return to their home country two years at the end of their program before they can obtain certain other visas (e.g., H, L, immigrant visas). Waivers are possible under specific conditions.
**Travel Bans:** Presidential Proclamations can temporarily suspend visa issuance or entry for nationals of certain countries or for specific visa types, often based on national security or public safety concerns.
Reasons for Visa Revocation & Status Violation
**Arrest/Conviction:** Arrests or convictions for crimes (e.g., DUI, shoplifting, drug possession, domestic violence) can trigger immediate visa revocation, even if charges are dismissed, as these indicate a failure to abide by U.S. laws.
**Violation of Status:** Failure to maintain legal status (e.g., not maintaining a full course of study, unauthorized employment, expulsion, failure to file extensions).
**Misleading Information:** Providing inaccurate or misleading information during the visa application process or to immigration authorities.
**Security Concerns:** Being placed on security watch lists (e.g., no-fly list, terrorist watch list), often a result of intelligence gathering and analysis by DNI, NCTC, and other agencies.
**Inconsistent Conduct:** Engaging in conduct in the U.S. inconsistent with the visa's purpose (e.g., working without authorization on a visitor visa, advocating for terrorism).
**Illicit Drugs/Alcohol:** Engaging in illicit drug or alcohol-related violations will lead to visa revocation and potential removal.
**Denied Visa Application:** A denial of an immigrant or another nonimmigrant visa application can lead to the revocation of a currently valid F/M visa if the intent is deemed inconsistent with temporary stay.
Associated Fees & Charges
**I-901 SEVIS Fee:** Required for F, M applicants. The fee is $350 (fees can change, check Study in the States for current rates).
**Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee:** $185 for F, M visas (MRV fee).
**Issuance Fee:** May be required based on reciprocity with your home country.
These are crucial sections outlining reasons an individual may be denied entry to the U.S. or removed after entry. They exist to protect U.S. sovereignty and national security by preventing individuals who pose risks from entering or remaining in the country.
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Health-Related Grounds (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(1))
Includes certain communicable diseases and failure to show proof of required vaccinations.
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Criminal and Related Grounds (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2))
Convictions for certain crimes (e.g., crimes involving moral turpitude, controlled substance offenses), prostitution, and human trafficking. These grounds are strictly enforced to counter criminal elements and protect public safety. Proactive public health initiatives, including substance abuse prevention, contribute to reducing crime and easing the burden on the justice system for our communities.
**Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA):** A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 2250 (failure to register as a sex offender) renders an individual deportable under 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(v). Both domestic and international travel reporting requirements under SORNA are enforced to track and manage dangerous individuals.
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Security and Related Grounds (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3))
Includes terrorist activities, espionage, participation in genocide, or posing an adverse foreign policy impact. The U.S. prioritizes the prevention of terrorism, drawing heavily on intelligence from agencies like the DNI and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) to preempt threats like those leading to events such as September 11th. The NCTC serves as the primary organization in the U.S. Government for analyzing and integrating all intelligence possessed or acquired by the U.S. pertaining to terrorism, ensuring comprehensive threat assessment for immigration vetting and national security. This vetting leverages international law enforcement databases (e.g., INTERPOL's databases, including INTERPOL Most Wanted / Red Notices and Stolen/Lost Travel Documents) to identify and interdict individuals who pose a threat. This assertive stance aims to remove dangerous individuals and predators from both our physical communities and online spaces, ensuring the safety of our citizens.
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Public Charge (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(4))
Likelihood of becoming primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This ensures that new arrivals are self-sufficient and do not become a burden on U.S. taxpayers. Our principle is clear: to admit individuals who will contribute to our society and economy, preserving valuable taxpayer resources for our citizens and national priorities.
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Unlawful Presence (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9))
Penalties for individuals who have overstayed a visa or entered without inspection. The presence of large numbers of individuals unlawfully in the country, including those who evade apprehension (estimated to be 2 million+ in recent years), represents a significant challenge to national resources and security. This underscores the critical need for effective enforcement and consistent alien registration to maintain control, protect national infrastructure, and preserve taxpayer resources. Such unauthorized entries are akin to an overwhelming demand on our systems, diverting essential resources.
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Deportability Grounds (8 U.S.C. § 1227)
Reasons a lawfully admitted non-citizen can be removed, such as criminal offenses after admission, marriage fraud, or violation of visa terms. This is a critical tool for countering criminal elements and upholding U.S. law, ensuring the removal of the most dangerous individuals who threaten public safety and maintaining a secure environment for our citizens.
Specific Criminal Offenses Under Title 8 U.S.C. (See Justice Manual 9-73.000 for more on immigration violations and criminal alien deportation policy)
Violations of specific sections of Title 8 can lead to significant criminal penalties, distinct from civil immigration consequences, and are key to deterring criminal activity and protecting U.S. sovereignty.
8 U.S.C. § 1324(a) Offenses (Alien Smuggling & Related Acts)
**Alien Smuggling (§ 1324(a)(1)(A)(i)):** Bringing or attempting to bring unauthorized aliens into the U.S. at an undesignated location.
**Domestic Transportation (§ 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii)):** Transporting or moving an unauthorized alien within the U.S. with knowledge or reckless disregard of their unlawful status.
**Harboring (§ 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii)):** Concealing, harboring, or shielding an unauthorized alien from detection.
**Encouraging/Inducing (§ 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)):** Encouraging or inducing an alien to enter or reside unlawfully.
**Conspiracy/Aiding & Abetting (§ 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)):** Engaging in conspiracy or aiding/abetting any of the above acts.
Penalties:
Basic statutory maximum: Fine, imprisonment up to 10 years, or both.
Enhanced penalties for commercial advantage, bringing in criminal aliens, or not presenting aliens to officers.
Mandatory minimums (e.g., 3 years for certain repeated violations).
8 U.S.C. § 1325 Offenses (Unlawful Entry & Related Fraud)
**Improper Entry (§ 1325(a)(1)):** Entry into the U.S. by an alien at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or evasion of inspection.
**Marriage Fraud (§ 1325(c)):** Entry into marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws.
**Commercial Enterprise Fraud (§ 1325(d)):** Establishing a commercial enterprise for the purpose of evading immigration laws.
Penalties:
Misdemeanor for first offense of improper entry.
Felony for repeat offenses.
Fines and imprisonment for fraud-related violations.
8 U.S.C. § 1326 Offenses (Reentry After Deportation/Removal)
**Unlawful Reentry:** Reentering the U.S. after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed.
Penalties:
Felony, with imprisonment potentially up to 20 years depending on prior criminal history or reason for original removal (e.g., aggravated felony conviction).
Aggravated Felonies & Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)
These are categories of criminal convictions (not specific offenses themselves) that have severe immigration consequences, often leading to mandatory detention and removal without a hearing, even for minor-seeming offenses or those committed long ago.
**Examples of Aggravated Felonies:** Can include certain misdemeanors like shoplifting, or offenses with sentences of one year or more, regardless of actual time served.
**Examples of CIMT:** Broad category, often involving fraud, theft, assault with intent to harm, etc.
This part covers the mechanisms and procedures for enforcing immigration laws, including responses to various violations and criminal acts. Enforcement efforts by various agencies are critical to protecting U.S. borders and national security, and addressing criminal elements. There is a concerted effort across all federal law enforcement agencies (DHS, CBP, ICE, USCIS, DOJ, DNI, NCTC) to achieve comprehensive national security, ensuring the removal of the most dangerous individuals and countering transnational threats.
Levels of Enforcement & Agency Roles
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Border Enforcement (CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP.gov) is responsible for securing U.S. borders at and between official ports of entry, including screening all individuals and goods entering the country.
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Interior Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov) is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the U.S., including identifying, apprehending, and removing individuals unlawfully present and criminal elements. This includes the operations of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE.gov/ERO). Anonymous tips about suspicious activities can be submitted via ICE.gov/tips or by calling the ICE.gov/tipline (1-866-347-2423). ICE also publishes an ICE Most Wanted list to solicit public assistance in locating dangerous fugitives.
Authority for immigration officers (CBP, ICE) to apprehend and detain individuals believed to be in violation of immigration law. This is a crucial step in countering criminal elements and upholding national security.
Removal Proceedings (8 U.S.C. § 1229a)
The legal process through which non-citizens are formally ordered to be removed from the U.S., involving immigration courts. Often triggered by criminal offenses, these proceedings aim to remove dangerous individuals efficiently.
Expedited Removal (8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1))
Allows for the swift removal of certain inadmissible individuals at the border without a formal hearing, enhancing border security and immediate enforcement.
Role of Local Law Enforcement (287(g) Agreements & State Statutes)
While immigration law is federal, local law enforcement agencies may cooperate with federal immigration authorities (DHS, ICE) in various ways. The 287(g) program allows eligible state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with ICE to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. Additionally, some states, like Wisconsin, have enacted or proposed legislation to enhance cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, particularly concerning individuals arrested for or charged with crimes who may be unlawfully present. These efforts enhance overall enforcement capabilities and identify and remove criminal elements at the local level, forming a layered defense for our communities.
Voluntary Departure & Incentives (Pathways for Proper Entry)
Non-citizens may be granted voluntary departure, allowing them to leave the U.S. at their own expense within a specified period, avoiding a formal removal order. This option is often available for individuals who wish to regularize their status and may allow for future re-entry through proper channels after meeting all legal requirements. Discussions are ongoing regarding conceptual programs, such as a "CBP Home App," which might explore offering incentives (e.g., covered travel expenses and a stipend like $1000) to encourage voluntary self-departure. This aims to reduce enforcement costs and streamline departures, effectively managing the flow of individuals and preserving U.S. resources. Such pathways support the overall goal of ensuring orderly and legal immigration.
Non-citizens lawfully residing in the U.S. are generally required to maintain a current Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and inform USCIS of any change of address within 10 days. This requirement also extends to other non-citizens, with a new Form G-325R and online process for those not automatically registered through other means. Compliance with registration requirements is a fundamental obligation for maintaining legal status and supports national security efforts by ensuring accurate tracking of foreign nationals. This is particularly crucial in light of challenges posed by individuals who attempt to evade apprehension (e.g., the estimated 2 million+ individuals who are "gotaways" in recent years), which can overwhelm national systems and divert essential resources. Accurate registration is key to managing our national infrastructure effectively.
Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes (T and U Visas)
The U.S. government offers specific nonimmigrant visas to protect victims of severe forms of human trafficking (T-visa) and certain other crimes (U-visa) who cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. These visas, managed by DHS components like USCIS and overseen by the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), serve humanitarian purposes and aid in the fight against serious transnational crimes, ultimately enhancing national security by disrupting criminal networks.
The DHS Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to combat human trafficking, providing vital information to the public on how to identify and report suspected human trafficking. This initiative, alongside rigorous enforcement by ICE and other agencies, plays a crucial role in preventing and prosecuting human trafficking and protecting victims.
These comprehensive anti-trafficking measures demonstrate a dual approach: providing protection to victims while aggressively prosecuting those who exploit them, reinforcing U.S. commitment to human rights and national security against organized criminal enterprises. This protects our citizens from real-world predators, mirroring the need for strong defenses against online threats.
Additional Resources for Support and Reporting:
**National Human Trafficking Hotline:** Confidential support and reporting is available 24/7. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733. More information can be found at humantraffickinghotline.org (operated by Polaris).
**Polaris Project:** Leading organization in the fight against human trafficking. Learn more at polarisproject.org.
**Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.):** An organization dedicated to rescuing victims and supporting law enforcement efforts. Visit ourrescue.org.
**ICE Victim Support:** U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provides various services and information for victims of crime, including human trafficking. Learn more at ice.gov/victims.
**A21 Campaign:** A global non-profit organization combating human trafficking. Find resources and information at a21.org.
Strengthening National Well-being: A Proactive Approach
The U.S. government prioritizes the health and safety of its citizens and legal residents. A healthy and resilient population is fundamental to national security and efficient resource management. Addressing public health issues, including mental health and substance abuse, directly reduces strain on our law enforcement and social services. This proactive approach prevents problems from escalating, thereby preserving taxpayer resources and allowing federal agencies to focus on core national security and immigration enforcement missions. This is about addressing root causes, not just providing temporary solutions across all government functions, in line with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) framework for a healthier America. Key initiatives include:
**Mental Health & Addiction Support:** Resources like SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and FindSupport.gov provide access to treatment and information. These services are vital for supporting the well-being of our communities, reducing issues that could lead to criminal behavior, and minimizing reliance on public assistance. Additionally, specific programs and resources exist for recovery and support for individuals struggling with addiction, such as those found at Vivitrol.com (medication-assisted treatment), and general support networks like NA.org (Narcotics Anonymous) and AA.org (Alcoholics Anonymous). Information on specific substances and their risks, like those related to crystal meth, is available through public health campaigns, such as those found via resources like CrystalMeth.org.
**Drug Prevention Education:** Federal initiatives, including those accessible via GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov and CampusDrugPrevention.gov, educate the public, especially youth, on the dangers of illicit drug use. This directly helps prevent drug-related crimes, reducing the burden on our justice system and allowing law enforcement to concentrate on more serious national security threats, including those linked to international criminal organizations tracked by INTERPOL. Proactive education builds a more resilient society, safeguarding our citizens.
**Youth Empowerment:** Organizations like JustSayKNOW.org (National Institute on Drug Abuse) empower youth with knowledge to make healthy choices, fostering a safer and more productive society.
This section covers offenses related to creating, using, or possessing fraudulent immigration documents. These acts are serious federal crimes that fundamentally undermine U.S. immigration laws and pose significant national security risks by allowing individuals to evade proper vetting and entry procedures, thereby compromising U.S. sovereignty.
Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324c, "Penalties for document fraud," specifically addresses the knowing creation, submission, or use of fraudulent documents for immigration purposes. This is critical for protecting U.S. sovereignty and ensuring the integrity of its legal immigration system.
**Types of Document Fraud:** Includes forging, counterfeiting, altering, or falsely making any document required for immigration purposes; using, possessing, or accepting such a document; or preparing or assisting in the preparation of a false application or document.
**Examples:** False passports, fake green cards, fraudulent visas, misrepresented birth certificates, or any false claim made on an immigration form.
**Criminal Consequences:** Individuals involved can face significant fines, imprisonment (including for alien smuggling and related offenses under 8 U.S.C. § 1324), and deportation. These penalties reflect the severity of offenses that threaten national security.
**National Security Impact:** Document fraud directly compromises border integrity and national security by allowing individuals who may pose a threat to enter or remain in the country undetected. It is a key area of focus for agencies like DHS and NCTC, as it can facilitate terrorism, espionage, human trafficking, and other illicit activities.
**Cross-reference to 8 U.S.C. § 1325 (Fraud):** Improper entry or use of visas/permits, document misrepresentation (including marriage fraud), and commercial enterprise fraud are also explicitly covered under 8 U.S.C. § 1325, highlighting the multifaceted nature of immigration-related fraud crimes.
**Enforcement & Deterrence:** Robust enforcement by agencies like ICE, CBP, and the Department of Justice is crucial for deterring document fraud, ensuring the integrity of the immigration system, and safeguarding the nation from criminal elements and national security threats. This also protects our national resources by preventing the entry of individuals who may engage in cybercrimes or compromise critical infrastructure.
This part outlines the rules for entry and the powers of officers at U.S. borders, including actions related to preventing unlawful entry. It is paramount for safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of U.S. territory and sovereignty. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as the nation's vital protection, analogous to a robust firewall for our national systems, safeguarding both physical and digital security.
This section establishes the legal framework for the inspection of all individuals applying for admission at designated ports of entry and outlines the broad legal powers and responsibilities of immigration inspection officers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP.gov), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS.gov), leads these efforts. They utilize intelligence from various sources, including the DNI and NCTC, to identify potential threats and protect the nation's borders, proactively preventing acts of terrorism like those of September 11th.
Violations related to unlawful entry are addressed under specific criminal provisions (e.g., 8 U.S.C. § 1325, discussed in the Inadmissibility section), underscoring the serious nature of unauthorized border crossings and the commitment to uphold U.S. sovereignty and national security. The significant number of individuals attempting unlawful entry, including those who evade apprehension (estimated to be 2 million+ "gotaways" in recent years), presents an operational challenge that can overwhelm national resources. Strong measures, including "anti-coyote" operations and advanced security strategies, are continuously deployed to counter these threats, protecting both our physical border and national economic resources. This comprehensive security extends beyond physical barriers to integrated intelligence and proactive health initiatives that strengthen the entire national system. The interdiction of dangerous substances, such as fentanyl, is a critical component of CBP's mission to protect public health and safety. More information on these efforts can be found at CBP.gov/Fentanyl.
**REAL ID Act Compliance:** For federal purposes, including boarding federally regulated flights and accessing federal facilities, individuals must present a REAL ID compliant identification document. This reinforces the importance of secure and verifiable identification for all individuals in the U.S.
**Identification Requirements:** All individuals seeking entry must present valid and verifiable identification documents, typically including a passport and visa. For those arriving with no identification or invalid identification (e.g., a birth certificate and a government-issued ID from their country of origin are fundamental requirements), establishing identity and nationality is a critical first step for processing. Their entry will be subject to heightened scrutiny and procedures, as well as potential criminal charges for lack of proper documentation.
**Title 42 Public Health Authority:** During public health emergencies, the CDC (under Title 42 of the U.S. Code) may authorize CBP to expel individuals attempting to enter the U.S. without proper documentation to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. This measure was notably used during the COVID-19 pandemic to rapidly return individuals to their country of last transit or origin.
**Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI):** The DHS Blue Lightning Initiative (DHS.gov/blue-lightning-initiative), led by CBP and ICE, trains airport personnel to identify and report potential human trafficking activity. This program is crucial for intercepting human traffickers at airports and other points of entry, enhancing border security and protecting vulnerable individuals.
**Public Awareness and Cooperation:** Law enforcement agencies, including CBP and ICE, actively seek public cooperation in identifying threats. This includes maintaining publicly accessible databases and "Most Wanted" lists, such as INTERPOL's Most Wanted and ICE's Most Wanted. These lists highlight individuals who pose significant risks and whose apprehension is vital for national and international security. This partnership between agencies and the public is essential for removing dangerous individuals and predators, both in our physical communities and online spaces.
The Escalating Landscape of Antisemitic Violence (2024-2025)
The U.S. witnessed an unprecedented surge in antisemitic incidents, driven significantly by the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. This escalation has manifested in violent attacks, widespread harassment, and a pervasive climate of fear.
Annual Incidents by Type (2023 vs. 2024)
The data shows a significant year-over-year rise in overt forms of antisemitism—physical assaults and vandalism.
Israel/Zionism as Primary Driver (2024)
For the first time, a majority of incidents were explicitly related to Israel or Zionism, highlighting a new, potent vehicle for antisemitic expression.
Antisemitic Incidents on College Campuses
University campuses saw an 84% explosion in antisemitic incidents, transforming educational environments into hostile spaces for many Jewish students.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
FROM: NATO
SUBJECT: Request for Comprehensive Post-Strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) following B-2 Spirit Strategic Mission
DATE: June 25, 2025
1. PURPOSE:
To formally request a comprehensive, multi-spectral post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) and sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) effort following the recently executed B-2 Spirit strategic mission against subterranean nuclear proliferation targets within the Islamic Republic of Iran. The objective is to achieve unequivocal verification of target neutralization and to preclude any lingering or reconstituted threat.
2. BACKGROUND:
As directed, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber force executed a precision strike utilizing GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) munitions against designated hardened and deeply buried targets (HDBTs) assessed to be critical components of Iran's clandestine nuclear program. Initial indications of successful weapon-target pairing have been received. However, due to the inherent complexity and subterranean nature of the targets, a robust and layered BDA/ISR posture is paramount.
The Physics of Penetration: MOP Impact Dynamics and Capabilities
F = m × a
The effectiveness of a penetrator weapon like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is fundamentally governed by the principles of classical mechanics: Force (F) equals Mass (m) multiplied by Acceleration (a). The **GBU-57 MOP weighs approximately 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg)**, making it the most powerful non-nuclear bunker-busting bomb in the U.S. arsenal. This weight represents the force exerted by gravity (where 'a' is the acceleration due to gravity, approx. 9.81 m/s2). In recent operations, **14 MOPs** were strategically deployed by **seven B-2 Spirit bombers** against Iranian nuclear sites. These munitions are typically deployed from **altitudes exceeding 10,000 meters (approximately 33,000 feet)**. This combination of immense mass and high acceleration (from the freefall) translates directly to a more significant force exerted upon the target, enabling deeper penetration and more effective destruction of hardened and deeply buried facilities. Below is a representation of the **Force (Weight)** for a single MOP, two MOPs, and the total for all 14 deployed MOPs, measured in **Newtons (N)**. Note that the actual impact force upon rapid deceleration within the target would be orders of magnitude greater than the static weight.
3. REQUESTED ACTIONS (POST-STRIKE ISR & BDA):
To ensure mission objectives are definitively met and to preempt any strategic ambiguity or resurgence of capability, the following actions are requested to commence immediately and be sustained as operationally feasible:
High-Resolution LIDAR Scans: Direct immediate deployment of ISR platforms equipped with advanced Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) capabilities. The primary focus shall be on volumetric analysis of target areas, subterranean penetration mapping, and assessment of structural integrity of adjacent or co-located facilities. This is critical for confirming cavity collapse and identifying any unquantified subterranean voids or pathways that could indicate incomplete destruction or a "gotaway" element.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) Overlays: Utilize SAR for precise topographical mapping and detection of subtle surface changes indicative of subterranean disruption. Concurrently, employ GMTI to identify and track any vehicular or personnel movement in the vicinity of target areas, preventing the potential emergence of "ghost-criminal" elements or the re-establishment of illicit operations.
Hyperspectral Imagery (HSI): Integrate HSI analysis to identify residual material signatures, environmental impacts, and potential chemical or radiological contamination, validating the complete inerting or destruction of target components. This provides granular detail beyond conventional imagery.
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) & Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Integration: Prioritize SIGINT collection within and surrounding target zones for anomalous communications or indicators of reconstitution efforts. Enhance HUMINT collection against adversary networks to ascertain post-strike intentions, damage assessment, and leadership reactions, effectively conducting "digital forensics" on the physical battlespace to ensure no threat vectors remain unaddressed.
Persistent Overhead ISR: Maintain a persistent overhead ISR presence (e.g., U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk, classified assets) to monitor target areas for any signs of recovery, excavation, or re-population, establishing a comprehensive "threat landscape" post-strike.
4. JUSTIFICATION:
The lessons learned from previous complex target engagements underscore the imperative for exhaustive post-strike verification. Given the strategic implications of Iran's nuclear ambitions and the potential for a resilient, highly adaptive adversary, a proactive and technology-driven BDA/ISR strategy is essential to consolidate strategic gains and secure long-term national interests. Failure to conduct thorough post-strike analysis risks the re-emergence of unquantified threats, creating a "security vulnerability" akin to unpatched systems.
5. CONCLUSION:
A robust and meticulously executed post-strike assessment protocol, integrating cutting-edge sensor capabilities and all-source intelligence, is critical to confirming the success of this vital strategic mission and safeguarding U.S. national security. Your approval for these measures is respectfully requested.
NATO
//UNCLASSIFIED//
Fictional Parallels: The Death Star's Vulnerability
In the realm of science fiction, the formidable Death Star, a planet-destroying superweapon, possessed a critical vulnerability: a thermal exhaust port leading directly to its main reactor. This small, seemingly insignificant opening was its Achilles' heel, exploited by a single, precisely aimed proton torpedo. This fictional scenario serves as a powerful analogy for the challenges in targeting Hardened and Deeply Buried Targets (HDBTs) in the real world.
This video provides fascinating insights into the original design and CGI of the Death Star's exhaust port, highlighting how a seemingly minor design flaw became its ultimate undoing.
Just as a small, unprotected exhaust port could lead to the destruction of an entire battle station, a single undetected or undestroyed component within a complex subterranean network can compromise an entire mission. This underscores why advanced munitions like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and comprehensive post-strike assessment are vital. Our "bunker busters" are designed to eliminate such vulnerabilities, ensuring that no "thermal exhaust port"—no critical hidden element—remains intact to pose a future threat.
The imperative for meticulous intelligence, overwhelming force, and thorough verification is not merely a strategic luxury; it's a fundamental requirement to prevent any "gotaways" or "ghost-criminals" from reconstituting a threat, whether in the physical world or, conceptually, in the operational integrity of a strategic objective.
Southwest Border Encounters (Between Ports of Entry)
A dramatic change in illegal crossings observed between administrations.
Enforcement Focus: Influx vs. Control
Comparing the scale of border entries, evasions, and enforcement outcomes.
~10.8M+
Total Nationwide Encounters (FY2021-FY2024)
Under POTUS 46, a period of increased border traffic.
~2.0M
Known "Gotaways" (FY2021-FY2024)
Individuals who evaded apprehension during POTUS 46 era.
62,000+
Illegal Aliens Released into U.S. Interior (May 2024)
Single month release figure under POTUS 46 processing protocols.
8,725
SW Border Encounters (May 2025)
Under POTUS 47, reflecting a **93% decrease** from May 2024.
151,000+
Arrests (First 100 Days of POTUS 47)
Aggressive interior enforcement and border apprehensions.
0
Illegal Aliens Released into U.S. Interior (May 2025)
Stated policy of zero releases from border custody into the U.S.
We are working on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate for mass deportations. Alligator Alcatraz will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida.
https://t.co/NWdAnEUC0h
We are here to help you, and for you, in turn, to help those who still suffer from the disease of alcoholism.
The friendship and understanding you will find here will encourage and guide you on the new path of sobriety.
We are sure that our motto "Unity, Service, and Recovery" will be of great use to you and to others. We are convinced that you will be the beginning of a great A.A. group.
The Circle of Love and Service is the A.A. group that offers help and support to alcoholics to recover from alcoholism. It is a safe place where members can share their experience, strength, and hope with each other.
This pamphlet is intended as a guide for members of the Circle of Love and Service. It describes the purpose of the group, the responsibilities of members, and the A.A. principles that guide the group.
It is important to remember that the Circle of Love and Service is an A.A. group and, as such, follows the Twelve Traditions of A.A. The group is autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
Para ti, la bienvenida
Aquí estamos para ayudarte, y para que tú, a la vez, ayudes a los que todavía sufren de la enfermedad del alcoholismo.
La amistad y comprensión que aquí encontrarás te alentará y te guiará al nuevo sendero de la sobriedad.
Estamos seguros de que nuestro lema “Unidad, Servicio y Recuperación” será de gran utilidad para ti y para los demás. Estamos convencidos de que tú serás el principio de un gran grupo de A.A.
El Círculo de Amor y Servicio es el grupo de A.A. que ofrece ayuda y apoyo a los alcohólicos para recuperarse del alcoholismo. Es un lugar seguro donde los miembros pueden compartir sus experiencias, fortalezas y esperanzas entre sí.
Este folleto está destinado a ser una guía para los miembros del Círculo de Amor y Servicio. Describe el propósito del grupo, las responsabilidades de los miembros y los principios de A.A. que guían al grupo.
Es importante recordar que el Círculo de Amor y Servicio es un grupo de A.A. y, como tal, sigue las Doce Tradiciones de A.A. El grupo es autónomo, excepto en asuntos que afecten a otros grupos o a A.A. en su conjunto.
Would you like to share? / ¿Te gustaría compartir?
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Amen.
Oración de la Serenidad
Dios, concédeme la serenidad
para aceptar las cosas que no puedo cambiar,
valor para cambiar las que sí puedo,
y sabiduría para discernir la diferencia.
Amén.
How It Works (Excerpt from A.A. Big Book)
Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program of A.A., usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves.
There are unfortunates who cannot be helped. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are constitutionally incapable of comprehending and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty.
Their chances are less than average. There are cases of these who, after having made considerable progress, suddenly fall victim to some strange idea or cling to some trivial obsession. In time, some of them recover but those with this tendency generally do not.
If an alcoholic has the capacity for honesty, and has the desire to stop drinking, they can recover from alcoholism. They can do so by following the A.A. program and seeking help from a higher power.
Cómo Funciona (Extracto del Libro Grande de A.A.)
Rara vez hemos visto fallar a una persona que ha seguido cabalmente nuestro camino. Los que no se recuperan son personas que no pueden o no quieren entregarse del todo a este sencillo programa de A.A., por lo general, hombres y mujeres que por naturaleza son incapaces de ser honrados consigo mismos.
Hay infelices a quienes no se les puede ayudar. No es culpa de ellos; parecen haber nacido así. Son por naturaleza incapaces de captar y desarrollar una forma de vida que requiere una absoluta honradez.
Sus posibilidades son menores del promedio. Hay casos de éstos que, después de haber hecho un progreso considerable, de repente caen víctimas de alguna idea extraña o se aferran a alguna obsesión trivial. Con el tiempo, algunos de ellos se recuperan pero los que tienen esta tendencia generalmente no lo logran.
Si un alcohólico tiene la capacidad de ser honrado, y tiene el deseo de dejar de beber, puede recuperarse del alcoholismo. Puede hacerlo siguiendo el programa de A.A. y buscando ayuda de un poder superior.
The Twelve Steps of A.A.
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Los Doce Pasos de A.A.
1. Admitimos que éramos impotentes ante el alcohol, que nuestras vidas se habían vuelto ingobernables.
2. Llegamos a creer que un Poder superior a nosotros mismos podría devolvernos el sano juicio.
3. Decidimos poner nuestra voluntad y nuestras vidas al cuidado de Dios, como nosotros lo concebimos.
4. Sin temor hicimos un minucioso inventario moral de nosotros mismos.
5. Admitimos ante Dios, ante nosotros mismos, y ante otro ser humano, la naturaleza exacta de nuestros defectos.
6. Estuvimos enteramente dispuestos a dejar que Dios nos librase de todos estos defectos de carácter.
7. Humildemente le pedimos que nos librase de nuestros defectos.
8. Hicimos una lista de todas aquellas personas a quienes habíamos hecho daño y estuvimos dispuestos a reparar el daño que les causamos.
9. Reparamos directamente a cuantos nos fue posible el daño causado, excepto cuando el hacerlo implicaba perjuicio para ellos o para otros.
10. Continuamos haciendo nuestro inventario personal y cuando nos equivocábamos lo admitíamos rápidamente.
11. Buscamos a través de la oración y la meditación mejorar nuestro contacto consciente con Dios, como nosotros lo concebimos, pidiéndole solamente el conocimiento de Su voluntad para con nosotros y la fortaleza para cumplirla.
12. Habiendo obtenido un despertar espiritual como resultado de estos Pasos, tratamos de llevar este mensaje a los alcohólicos y de practicar estos principios en todos nuestros asuntos.
The Twelve Traditions of A.A.
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. A.A. no tiene opinión acerca de asuntos ajenos a ella; por consiguiente, su nombre nunca debe mezclarse en polémicas públicas.
11. Nuestra política de relaciones públicas se basa más bien en la atracción que en la promoción; necesitamos mantener siempre el anonimato personal a nivel de prensa, radio y cine.
12. El anonimato es la base espiritual de todas nuestras Tradiciones, recordándonos siempre anteponer los principios a las personalidades.
Las Doce Tradiciones de A.A.
1. Nuestro bienestar común debe tener la preferencia; la recuperación personal depende de la unidad de A.A.
2. Para el propósito de nuestro grupo sólo existe una autoridad fundamental: un Dios bondadoso tal como se exprese en la conciencia de nuestro grupo. Nuestros líderes no son más que servidores de confianza; no gobiernan.
3. El único requisito para ser miembro de A.A. es un deseo de dejar de beber.
4. Cada grupo es autónomo, excepto en asuntos que afecten a otros grupos o a A.A., considerado como un todo.
5. Cada grupo tiene un solo propósito primordial: llevar el mensaje al alcohólico que aún sufre.
6. Un grupo de A.A. nunca debe respaldar, financiar o prestar el nombre de A.A. a ninguna empresa allegada o institución ajena, para evitar que los problemas de dinero, propiedad y prestigio nos desvíen de nuestro objetivo primordial.
7. Todo grupo de A.A. debe mantenerse a sí mismo enteramente a través de las contribuciones voluntarias de sus propios miembros.
8. Alcohólicos Anónimos nunca debe tener carácter profesional, pero nuestros centros de servicio sí pueden emplear a trabajadores especiales.
9. A.A. como tal nunca debe ser organizada; pero podemos crear juntas o comités de servicio que sean directamente responsables ante aquellos a quienes sirven.
10. A.A. no tiene opinión acerca de asuntos ajenos a ella; por consiguiente, su nombre nunca debe mezclarse en polémicas públicas.
11. Nuestra política de relaciones públicas se basa más bien en la atracción que en la promoción; necesitamos mantener siempre el anonimato personal a nivel de prensa, radio y cine.
12. El anonimato es la base espiritual de todas nuestras Tradiciones, recordándonos siempre anteponer los principios a las personalidades.
The Promises
If we are painstaking and diligent in our efforts, we shall obtain important results.
We will see that God does for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Our old ideas and ways of thinking will transform into a new perspective.
We will be at peace, and our fears will disappear.
We will realize that we have the tools to live a sober and happy life.
We will have a new freedom and a new happiness.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
Self-seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
We will suddenly realize that our Creator has endowed us with all that is good that we want and are capable of doing.
We will see that we can help our fellow humans, even if we are still struggling.
We will experience a renacer espiritual.
We will be surrounded by unconditional love and acceptance from our A.A. fellows.
Las Promesas
Si somos cuidadosos y diligentes en nuestros esfuerzos, obtendremos resultados importantes.
Veremos que Dios hace por nosotros lo que nosotros no podíamos hacer por nosotros mismos.
Nuestras viejas ideas y maneras de pensar se transformarán en una nueva perspectiva.
Estaremos en paz y nuestros miedos desaparecerán.
Nos daremos cuenta de que tenemos las herramientas para vivir una vida sobria y feliz.
Tendremos una nueva libertad y una nueva felicidad.
No lamentaremos el pasado ni desearemos cerrar sus puertas.
Comprenderemos la palabra serenidad y conoceremos la paz.
No importará lo bajo que hayamos caído, veremos cómo nuestra experiencia puede beneficiar a otros.
Desaparecerá el sentimiento de inutilidad y la autoconmiseración.
Perderemos el interés en cosas egoístas y ganaremos interés en los demás.
La auto-búsqueda será cosa del pasado.
Desaparecerá el miedo a la gente y a la inseguridad económica.
Sabremos instintivamente cómo manejar situaciones que antes nos desconcertaban.
Nos daremos cuenta de que nuestro Creador nos ha dotado de todas las cosas buenas que nosotros queremos y de las que nosotros somos capaces de hacer.
Veremos que podemos ayudar a nuestros semejantes, incluso si todavía estamos luchando.
Experimentaremos un renacer espiritual.
Estaremos rodeados por un amor incondicional y aceptación de nuestros compañeros de A.A.
Seventh Tradition
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
If you wish, the basket may be passed at this time.
Thank you.
Séptima Tradición
Todo grupo de A.A. debe mantenerse a sí mismo enteramente a través de las contribuciones voluntarias de sus propios miembros.
Si lo desea, puede pasar la canasta en este momento.
Gracias.
Closing of the Meeting
Thank you for coming to the "Love and Service" meeting. We remind you that what is said here, stays here. Please maintain anonymity.
Please join us in the Serenity Prayer to close the meeting.
Cierre de la Reunión
Gracias por venir a la reunión de "Amor y Servicio". Les recordamos que lo que aquí se dice, aquí se queda. Mantengan el anonimato.
Por favor, únanse a nosotros en el rezo de la Oración de la Serenidad para cerrar la reunión.
Contenido basado en la literatura aprobada por la Conferencia de A.A. y el folleto "El Círculo de Amor y Servicio"
Content based on A.A. Conference-approved literature and the pamphlet "The Circle of Love and Service" (SP-45)
According to a 2019 report by the Mexican NGO Luchadoras, 10,000 women and girls are victims of sextortion in Mexico every year².
- Sextortion is a crime in Mexico, punishable by up to six years in prison, but it is rarely reported or prosecuted due to fear, shame, stigma, and lack of trust in the authorities²³. Many victims do not know their rights or how to seek help, and some are even blamed or revictimized by the police or the judiciary²³.
- Some initiatives have been launched to fight sextortion and support the victims in Mexico, such as the campaign #NoTeCalles (Don’t Stay Silent), which provides legal and psychological assistance, as well as a hotline and a chatbot to report cases and receive guidance⁴⁵. Another example is the project #NoSoyTuPorno (I’m Not Your Porn), which aims to raise awareness and educate young people about the risks and consequences of sextortion
University of Wisconsin-Madison have been targeted by sex traffickers who use social media to lure them into fake modeling opportunities.
[Los Gomelos restaurant]: A Mexican restaurant in Madison that was shut down in 2019 after federal agents raided it for allegedly being involved in a drug and human trafficking ring.
[Garibaldi Restaurant]: A Mexican restaurant in Madison that was also raided in 2019 for the same reason as Los Gomelos.
[Blue Campaign] (dhs.gov/bluecampaign): A national public awareness campaign by the Department of Homeland Security that educates the public on how to recognize and report human trafficking.
The campaign has partnered with
the [Edgewater Hotel]
and the [Graduate Hotel] in Madison to train their staff and display awareness materials. [Not Trained]
[#stopsextortion]: [#stopsextortion] hashtag campaign by the FBI that warns teens about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and blackmail.
[UW SAFEwalk]: A free service that provides walking escorts to students, faculty, staff, and visitors on the UW-Madison campus at night.
November 2024 Presidential Election: New York City Vote Shifts
The November 2024 presidential election in New York City revealed significant shifts in voting patterns, characterized predominantly by a substantial drop in Democratic votes rather than overwhelming gains for the Republican candidate. This data offers crucial insights for understanding the upcoming 2025 mayoral race and the challenges facing candidates.
Overall New York City Performance (Compared to 2020)
Donald Trump's Vote Share: Trump secured 30% of the votes cast in New York City, a notable 7-point increase from his 2020 performance. This marks his highest share in the city since George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Trump's Absolute Gain: He gained approximately +94,600 votes across NYC compared to his 2020 run.
Democratic Candidate Loss (Kamala Harris): Vice President Kamala Harris received -573,600 fewer votes than Joseph R. Biden, Jr. did in 2020.
Ratio of Change: The decline in Democratic votes was six times the size of Mr. Trump’s gains.
Total Ballots Cast: Approximately 2.6 million ballots were counted, down from 3 million in 2020.
Registered Voter Changes: NYC saw ~230,000 fewer active registered Democrats and ~12,000 more registered Republicans by November 2024.
Vote Change by Borough (Compared to 2020)
Borough
Border Czar Harris (-- from Biden 2020)
Trump (++ from Trump 2020)
All of New York City
-573,600
+94,600
Queens
-164,900
+35,400
Brooklyn
-151,700
+16,600
Manhattan
-120,900
+17,900
Bronx
-111,000
+23,800
Staten Island
-25,100
+900
Neighborhood-Level Shifts: Key Examples and Trends
The pattern of Democratic losses and Republican gains was evident across all income levels and ethnic groups, with significant drop-offs for Democrats among working-class immigrant communities.
Borough Park (Orthodox Jewish): Democratic turnout dropped 46%, Trump +2%.
Bensonhurst: Harris -40%, Trump +12%.
Bronx:
University Heights (Latino): Harris -36%, Trump +57%.
Morrisania: Harris -36%, Trump +62%.
Manhattan:
East Harlem (diverse, low-income): Harris -36%, Trump +26%.
Vote Change by Income Group (NYC Precincts)
Income Area
Harris (Percentage Change)
Trump (Percentage Change)
Lowest income
-32%
+24%
Middle income
-26%
+12%
Highest income
-17%
+7%
Vote Change by Racial/Ethnic Group (NYC Precincts)
Demographic (at least...)
Harris (Percentage Change)
Trump (Percentage Change)
45% Asian
-37%
+19%
70% Hispanic
-37%
+55%
70% Black
-21%
+46%
90% White
-18%
-2%
Implications for the 2025 NYC Mayoral Race: Strategic Considerations
The 2024 presidential election data in New York City paints a complex, yet potentially opportunistic, picture for the upcoming mayoral race. While NYC remains a strong Democratic stronghold by registration, the significant drop in Democratic votes and targeted shifts towards Donald Trump indicate an electorate more fluid than traditionally assumed, and potentially seeking "commonsense" solutions. A "Global Intifada" scenario is not indicated by these electoral shifts; instead, the focus remains on local leadership and voter concerns.
The fragmentation of the vote among non-progressive candidates poses a significant challenge for defeating the presumptive Democratic nominee. For incumbent Mayor Eric Adams to effectively counter the more progressive opposition, it is strategically advisable for other moderate independent candidates to consider stepping aside.
Recommendation for Andrew Cuomo: Given the current political landscape and the shared goal of preventing a more ideologically extreme mayoral outcome, it would be strategically beneficial for Andrew Cuomo to withdraw from the independent mayoral race. Such a move would allow his potential votes to consolidate behind Mayor Eric Adams, strengthening Adams's position as the leading moderate alternative. This alignment would enhance the chances of a candidate focused on stability and mainstream concerns, rather than a fragmented vote enabling a progressive victory.
Key Candidates for New York City Mayor (2025)
Mayor Eric Adams: The Centrist Pragmatist and Overdog
Eric Adams, the incumbent Mayor of New York City, is widely regarded as a pragmatic centrist with a unique ability to bridge divides and work across political spectrums. His background as a former NYPD captain and Brooklyn Borough President has shaped his focus on public safety and economic recovery, appealing to a broad coalition of voters concerned with tangible quality-of-life issues. Adams has demonstrated a willingness to engage with both traditional Democratic factions and more moderate, even Republican-leaning, constituencies, positioning him as a viable bulwark against highly progressive policies. His campaign emphasizes collaborative governance and results-oriented leadership.
Key Platforms & Approach: Adams's mayoral platform centers on:
Public Safety: A strong advocate for police and community-based solutions to crime.
Economic Recovery: Focused on revitalizing businesses and job growth post-pandemic.
Fiscal Responsibility: Emphasizing efficient city management and fiscal prudence.
Inclusive Growth: Promoting policies that benefit all New Yorkers, regardless of background.
Ballotpedia Profile: For more detailed information on Eric Adams's political history and positions, his Ballotpedia profile can be accessed here: Eric Adams on Ballotpedia.
Curtis Sliwa: From Guardian Angel to Safe NYC Mayor
Curtis Sliwa, widely known for founding the Guardian Angels, is actively seeking to leverage his public safety advocacy into an executive role as Mayor of New York City. His long history of community engagement and organizational leadership provides a foundation for a platform focused on practical urban governance.
Candidate Bio: Curtis Sliwa is an American radio talk show host, founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels, and a perennial political candidate in New York City. He has run for various offices, including Mayor of New York City in 2021. His career has consistently focused on public safety, anti-crime initiatives, and advocating for a more orderly urban environment. His experience managing a large, volunteer-based organization like the Guardian Angels demonstrates significant leadership and operational capabilities relevant to an executive position.
Public Safety: Reinforcing police presence, addressing petty crime and homelessness, and implementing proactive safety measures.
Fiscal Responsibility: Advocating for efficient city spending and taxpayer accountability.
Quality of Life: Addressing issues like sanitation, infrastructure, and livability in all boroughs.
Ballotpedia Profile: For more detailed information on Curtis Sliwa's political history and positions, his Ballotpedia profile can be accessed here: Curtis Sliwa on Ballotpedia.
Leveraging Voter Dynamics for Moderate Candidates:
The 2024 presidential election demonstrated that a substantial portion of the "non-private college voters" – encompassing broad segments of working-class, middle-income, older, and racially/ethnically diverse communities across the boroughs (including Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn) – are looking for solutions that address their daily lives. These voters are increasingly willing to deviate from traditional Democratic lines due to concerns over inflation, public safety, and other "commonsense" issues. This includes particular anxieties regarding the economic impacts of current policies, often critiqued as "Bidenflation" (www.bidenomics.com), and the perceived societal shifts stemming from certain progressive proposals, such as those advocating for expansive welfare programs or significantly increased minimum wages. Furthermore, some voters express alarm over ideological influences in educational institutions, viewing certain curricula as akin to "communist manifesto indoctrination" and raising questions about academic neutrality, a concern highlighted by resources such as www.professorwatchlist.org. This is the demographic battleground where moderate candidates will compete fiercely to position themselves as the practical alternative to more progressive platforms, aiming to unify voters who prioritize stability and effective governance.
Trending NYC Issues & Candidate Stances
Trending NYC Issue
Mayor Eric Adams (Incumbent)
Curtis Sliwa (Guardian Angel)
Zoran (Bidenomics Perspective)
Public Safety/Crime
Pragmatic approach, increased police presence, focus on quality-of-life crimes, community partnerships.
Strong emphasis on visible patrols (Guardian Angels model), strict law enforcement, addressing disorder directly.
Focus on addressing root causes of crime (poverty, inequality), community-led violence prevention, police reform advocacy.
Affordability/Housing Crisis
Housing initiatives, streamlined development, balancing budget to control city costs, diverse housing options.
Less direct focus on housing policy; connects public safety to economic stability and attracting investment.
Advocating for strong rent control, significant investment in truly affordable housing, combating gentrification.
Migrant/Asylum Seeker Crisis
Managing influx, seeking federal aid, balancing humanitarian needs with city's fiscal capacity and resource strain.
Critical of current handling, emphasizes impact on public resources and safety, calls for more restrictive policies or federal intervention.
Advocating for comprehensive support services, expanded shelter access, humane treatment, and upholding sanctuary city principles.
Education & Ideology
Focus on academic fundamentals, vocational training, improving school performance; less emphasis on ideological debates.
Expresses concern over perceived "indoctrination" in schools (professorwatchlist.org), advocates for parental rights and traditional curricula.
Emphasis on equity, diverse curricula, social justice education; potentially advocates for increased funding for public schools.
Connects economic vitality to public safety; argues that safer city attracts investment and jobs.
Focus on worker protections, higher minimum wage (e.g., $30/hour discussed in other contexts), wealth redistribution; critical of corporate power and "Bidenflation" (www.bidenomics.com).
Quality of Life/Sanitation
Efforts to clean streets, improve public spaces, address homelessness through services and enforcement.
Direct action on visible disorder, advocating for stricter enforcement of quality-of-life laws, more visible cleaning crews.
Focus on environmental justice, equitable access to green spaces, addressing homelessness through supportive housing and comprehensive services.
(Image:
Mamdani’s rap background hasn’t exactly won over 50 Cent, however, who offered him a “first-class one-way ticket” out of New York after the mayoral candidate proposed raising his taxes.
On Wednesday, the “In Da Club” rapper criticized Mamdani’s proposal in a social media post, writing, “Where did he come from[?] Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan no.”
“I will give him $258,750 and a first class one way ticket away from NY. I’m telling [President Donald] Trump what he said too!” 50 Cent added.)
Stephen A. Smith warned Democrats on Monday not to back candidates whose politics resemble those of New York City mayoral primary winner Zohran Mamdani.
“Let me be very, very clear. If the Democratic Party becomes the likes of Zohran Mamdani — if the Democratic Party becomes him, you have no chance,” Smith said during a Monday episode of the “Stephen A. Smith Show.”
“You have no chance. On a national basis of terms of the presidency, in Senate seats, seats in the House, you have no chance,” he added.
Mamdani is set to face off against Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, in November.
Moderates have railed against Mamdani due to his campaign’s progressive policies.
Smith said his initiatives will not translate to a nationwide audience.
“You might have a democratic socialist sprinkled here and there, but that ain’t what America is. America’s about capitalism! America’s about dollars and cents,” Smith said.
“America’s about an economy, a flourishing economy, OK? And you know what it’s not about? Free stuff.”
In a 2017 song titled Salam, Mamdani praised the "Holy Land Five” — five men convicted in 2008 of donating over $12 million to Hamas.
The group was found guilty on 108 counts, including supporting terrorism, tax fraud, and money laundering.
“My love to the Holy Land Five. You better look ‘em up,” Mamdani sang as Mr. Cardamom.
Mamdani tried to laugh it off while watching his music video on CNN.
Hamas FTO Designation & U.S. Codes
Hamas was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. Department of State on October 8, 1997.
Key U.S. Codes and Authorities Supporting FTO Designations and Related Offenses:
18 U.S.C. § 2339B: Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations.
This criminal statute makes it unlawful for any person in the United States, or subject to U.S. jurisdiction, to knowingly provide "material support or resources" (including personnel, training, expert advice or assistance, or funds) to a designated FTO.
Violations can lead to significant fines and imprisonment, potentially up to 20 years, or life imprisonment if death results.
This statute grants the Secretary of State the authority to designate an organization as an FTO if it is a foreign organization, engages in terrorist activity or terrorism (or retains the capability and intent to do so), and its terrorist activity threatens the security of U.S. nationals or the national security of the United States.
This Executive Order provides a powerful tool to disrupt the financial support networks for terrorists and terrorist organizations. It authorizes the U.S. government to designate and block the assets of foreign individuals and entities that commit, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General, can make these designations.
This section of the INA specifies that representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are non-U.S. nationals, are generally inadmissible to the United States and, in certain circumstances, removable (deportable). While a direct explanatory page for this specific subsection on Justice.gov was not found, the Department of Justice is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and related criminal statutes.
Role of DNI and NCTC:
The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), which falls under the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), plays a critical role in the broader U.S. counterterrorism effort. NCTC continually monitors the activities of terrorist groups globally and helps identify potential targets for FTO designation by preparing detailed administrative records. This involves analyzing and integrating intelligence regarding terrorism to ensure comprehensive threat assessment, which informs various U.S. government actions, including FTO designations and immigration vetting.
These legal frameworks and the coordination among agencies like the State Department, Department of Justice, DNI, and NCTC are essential for the U.S. government's ability to counter global terrorism and protect national security.
Marquette University Law School Poll: Sentiment on Governor Evers
The latest Marquette University Law School Poll (June 2025) provides crucial insights into Wisconsin voters' sentiments regarding incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers' potential re-election bid in 2026:
Overall Sentiment: A majority of Wisconsin voters (55%) do not want Governor Evers to seek a third term. Conversely, 42% expressed a desire for him to run again.
Partisan Divide: Support for Evers seeking re-election is strongly partisan. While 83% of Democrats favor a third term, a significant 93% of Republicans oppose it. Among independents, 50% oppose a third term, and 37% support it.
This data suggests a challenging landscape for Governor Evers if he chooses to run, creating a significant opportunity for Republican challengers.
Here are the prominent Republican figures who have either declared their candidacy or publicly expressed interest in running for Governor in 2026, along with relevant public information and links:
Josh Schoemann
Current Role: Washington County Executive.
Status: Has officially launched his campaign, making him the first declared Republican candidate.
Public Statements/Focus: His early campaign focuses on public service, affordability, and local reform. He has highlighted his record in Washington County, including property tax collections, staff reduction, and reforms in housing and election policies.
Current Role: U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District.
Status: Has publicly expressed interest and stated he will likely decide on a run by the August 2025 congressional recess.
Public Statements/Focus: He is weighing where he can do "the most good for the people in the state of Wisconsin." His current focus is on federal issues, including fiscal responsibility and spending, aligning with broader conservative principles.
Mary Felzkowski: President of the Wisconsin Senate.
Eric Hovde: Bank executive, former U.S. Senate candidate.
Will Martin: Former director of strategic workforce initiatives for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
How to Run for Governor in Wisconsin: Proper Paperwork and Requirements
Candidates for Governor in Wisconsin must meet specific eligibility requirements and follow established procedures for candidacy and campaign finance. Key resources include the Wisconsin Elections Commission and the Wisconsin Ethics Commission.
Eligibility Requirements for Governor:
A citizen of the United States.
A qualified voter in the state of Wisconsin.
At least 18 years old.
Cannot hold any office, honor, or profit under any foreign power.
Cannot hold any federal office.
Cannot be a convicted felon or convicted of any misdemeanor involving a violation of the public trust.
Key Steps and Required Documents:
Register a Candidate Campaign Committee:
Must be done with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission prior to raising or spending any money.
State candidates file electronically via the Ethics Commission's Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS).
File a Declaration of Candidacy:
Filed with the Wisconsin Elections Commission to formally indicate how your name should appear on the ballot.
File Nomination Papers:
Candidates must collect a required number of valid signatures from eligible electors within the state. These papers are filed with the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The specific number of signatures required varies by office.
Most Trending Wisconsin Voter Concerns (by Demographics)
Based on the June 2025 Marquette University Law School Poll and general public sentiment, here are some of the most trending concerns among Wisconsin voters. Candidates will likely need to address these issues to appeal to a broad demographic:
Inflation: Identified as the biggest concern for voters overall. This issue typically resonates across economic demographics.
Marijuana Legalization: Strong support (67%) for legalization, indicating a significant and potentially bipartisan appeal.
Special Education Funding: 71% of respondents desire increased aid for special education, a concern that crosses parental and educational demographics.
Cell Phone Bans in Public Schools: Overwhelming support (89%) for banning cell phones in schools, indicating broad consensus among parents and educators.
University of Wisconsin System Funding: A divided issue, with many wanting funding kept the same (49%), some wanting increases (27%), and others reductions (23%). This will impact university communities, students, and their families.
Governor's Partial Veto Power: 54% believe the Governor's partial veto gives too much power, a procedural concern that may appeal to voters seeking checks on executive authority.
Healthcare (Medicaid): 66% support extending Medicaid coverage to new mothers for 12 months, indicating a public health priority.
Water Quality and Safety: An ongoing environmental and public health concern that impacts all residents, especially those in rural and affected areas.
National Issues: While a state race, national issues like immigration, tariffs, and the federal budget deficit also factor into voter sentiment, often influencing engagement along partisan lines.
Tax Cuts: A traditional Republican priority, always a concern for voters regarding economic well-being.
Federal Authority in Action: Milwaukee ICE Enforcement & Former Judge Dugan
The intricate balance between judicial oversight and federal executive authority was vividly underscored by a significant ICE enforcement action in Milwaukee, involving a figure connected to the judiciary, and the broader public discourse. This event serves as a stark reminder that federal law and its enforcement ultimately 'trump' ideological pressures or attempts at 'cancel culture' targeting immigration enforcement.
ICE Operations Near Courthouses: Federal immigration agents conducting arrests near judicial facilities, even when protested by local officials or advocacy groups who might attempt to 'cancel' such operations.
Judicial Rulings Challenged by Federal Action: Instances where a judge's decisions or directives regarding immigration cases were met with assertive federal enforcement, demonstrating that the federal mandate ultimately prevails.
Direct Enforcement against Judicial-Adjacent Individuals: Any high-profile instance where an individual connected to the judicial system was subject to ICE enforcement, regardless of local or activist outcry.
This situation exemplifies the principle that federal immigration law, as enshrined in Title 8, maintains supremacy over local sanctuary policies, activist demands, or attempts to influence federal enforcement through public pressure. The authority granted to agencies like ICE allows them to execute federal mandates, even in the face of significant "cancel culture" campaigns aimed at de-legitimizing or halting their operations. It underscores a fundamental tenet of the U.S. legal system: federal law is supreme, and its enforcement by the appropriate federal agencies proceeds regardless of local political or rhetorical opposition.
This section reflects a critical perspective on the interplay between federal authority and public sentiment regarding immigration enforcement.
Federal Authority in Action: Madison ICE Enforcement & Judge Taylor
Similar to events in Milwaukee, Madison has also witnessed the interplay between federal immigration enforcement and local sentiment, particularly concerning Judge Taylor. This section highlights how federal actions in Madison, like those involving Judge Taylor, demonstrate the overriding power of federal law, even amidst strong local opinions or "cancel culture" pressures.
ICE Enforcement in Madison: Federal agents carrying out immigration-related actions within Madison, potentially leading to clashes with local policies or advocacy groups.
Judicial Rulings Tested by Federal Action: Instances where a judge's decisions or directives regarding immigration cases were met with assertive federal enforcement, demonstrating that the federal mandate ultimately prevails.
Direct Enforcement against Judicial-Adjacent Individuals: Any high-profile instance where an individual connected to the judicial system was subject to ICE enforcement, regardless of local or activist outcry.
These scenarios illustrate that federal immigration law, as outlined in Title 8, takes precedence over local sanctuary policies or attempts to impede federal enforcement. Agencies like ICE can execute their mandates, even when facing "cancel culture" campaigns or local political resistance. This reinforces the principle of federal law's supremacy in the U.S. legal system.
This section presents a perspective on the relationship between federal authority and public opinion concerning immigration enforcement in Madison.
The Wisconsin Judicial Commission investigates and prosecutes allegations of misconduct or disability on the part of Wisconsin judges and court commissioners. The Commission's purpose is to protect the integrity of the judicial process and to preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission's mission is to hold Wisconsin judges and court commissioners accountable for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct while maintaining the independence of the judiciary so necessary to the proper functioning of a republic. The Commission also strives to strengthen the Wisconsin judiciary and the public's confidence in it by creating a greater awareness, on the part of both the judiciary and the public, of what constitutes proper and improper judicial conduct.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (DFWA)
The DFWA requires certain federal contractors and all federal grantees to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition of receiving federal funds. It's a significant federal overlay that can dictate workplace policies even in states with more lenient drug testing laws (like Wisconsin, in some aspects).
Key Requirements for Covered Employers (as outlined by SAMHSA and related resources):
Written Policy: Employers must publish and distribute a written policy statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. This policy must also specify the actions that will be taken against employees for violations.
Drug-Free Awareness Program: Establish an ongoing program to inform employees about:
The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.
The employer's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
Employee Notification: Employees working on the federal contract or grant must be given a copy of the policy statement and agree to abide by its terms. They must also notify the employer in writing of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace within five calendar days of the conviction.
Employer Notification to Agency: The employer must notify the federal contracting or granting agency in writing within 10 days of receiving notice of an employee's conviction.
Action Against Convicted Employees: Within 30 days of receiving notice of a conviction, the employer must take appropriate personnel action against the employee (up to and including termination) or require the employee to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
Good Faith Effort: Employers must make a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace throughout the life of the contract or grant.
Who is Covered?
Federal Grantees: All organizations receiving any amount of federal grant money are covered.
Federal Contractors: Contractors with federal contracts of $100,000 or more must comply if the contract, or a portion of it, is performed in the United States.
Important Considerations:
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the DFWA can lead to severe penalties, including:
Suspension of contract or grant payments.
Termination of the contract or grant.
Debarment (prohibition from receiving future federal contracts or grants) for a period not to exceed five years.
State vs. Federal Law: In cases of conflict between state and federal law, federal law generally prevails. Therefore, a federal contractor or grantee in Wisconsin must still comply with the DFWA, even if Wisconsin's state laws are less stringent regarding drug testing for private employers.
"... 150 year-old building is held together by 3 feet of plaster and will be razed."
Subject: Urgent Action Needed on Transnational Criminal Organizations in Colorado, Specifically Tren de Aragua
Dear Congresswoman Boebert,
We are writing to you today with serious concerns regarding the increasing activity of transnational criminal organizations, specifically the Tren de Aragua, in Colorado, as highlighted by recent reports from the Aurora Police Department and various media outlets. The news of these groups reportedly reportedly taking over apartment complexes and engaging in violent criminal acts is deeply disturbing and directly impacts the safety and security of our communities.
As constituents, we believe it is imperative that we take decisive action to address this escalating threat. While our local and state law enforcement agencies are diligently working on these issues, the nature of these organizations often requires a robust federal response and coordinated efforts across all levels of government.
We urge you to consider the following:
Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement: What immediate steps can be taken to provide enhanced federal resources, intelligence, and training to our municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies to effectively combat these highly organized criminal networks? This could include increased funding, access to federal databases, and specialized task forces.
Border Security and Vetting: Given the transnational nature of groups like Tren de Aragua, we ask what measures are being pursued to strengthen border security and improve the vetting processes for individuals entering the United States, to prevent the infiltration of such dangerous elements.
Interagency Collaboration: How can federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), better collaborate with Colorado law enforcement to share information and develop comprehensive strategies to disrupt and dismantle these criminal enterprises? We've noted resources like DHS.gov/LEP-Resources, and hope these are being fully utilized and expanded.
Public Awareness and Protection: What initiatives can be supported at the federal level to raise public awareness about these threats and provide guidance on how citizens can protect themselves and report suspicious activities without fear?
It is vital that we feel safe in our homes and communities, both offline and online. The unchecked growth of violent criminal organizations poses a significant threat to our way of life and requires a unified and resolute response from all levels of government.
Thank you for your time, attention to this critical matter, and your dedication to the safety of your constituents and all Americans. We look forward to your leadership in addressing this urgent issue.
People without U.S. citizenship or nationality, which may include stateless people.
AOR
AOR refers to the area of responsibility that ICE has identified as a geographic region for an action taken.
Arresting Agency
Arresting agency is either CBP or ICE. Border patrol and inspections by air, land or sea are the program areas included within the CBP data.
Arrests
ICE administrative arrests occur when an ICE officer physically apprehends an alien for a non-criminal civil infraction. The immigration courts hear these cases. ICE civil immigration enforcement arrests do not always lead to detention.
ATD
ATD refers to ICE's Alternatives to Detention program. ATD is a flight-mitigation tool that uses technology and case management to ensure alien compliance with release conditions, court hearings and final orders of removal while allowing them to remain in their communities as they move through the immigration process or prepare for departure from the United States.
CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Citizenship Country
Country of citizenship of the alien . Country of Citizenship is derived from the ICE system of record as it is input by the officer at the time of processing. An "Unknown" Country indicates the alien failed or refused to identify a country of citizenship or the officer lacked documentation to do so at the time. Country of Birth or Citizenship can be updated at anytime during the Immigration Lifecycle by an Officer. These aliens can include those that were born in Palestine, West Bank, or the Gaza strip and considered Stateless.
Criminality
Criminality encompasses three categories: individuals with criminal convictions, people with pending criminal charges, and other immigration violators. Those with convictions are immigration violators who have a criminal conviction in ICE's system of record at the time of the enforcement action. Pending criminal charges refers to an immigration violator with pending criminal charges in ICE's system of record at the time of the enforcement action. Other immigration violators are individuals without any known criminal convictions or pending charges in ICE's system of record at the time of the enforcement action.
Detentions
The detention data presented counts the number of initial book-ins into ICE facilities and does not include juveniles who are transferred to Office of Refugee Resettlement custody or housed in an ORR facility. U.S. Marshals Service prisoners are also excluded. Transfers between ICE facilities are not counted as new detention events, and aliens may be booked into ICE facilities more than once without triggering a new detention event.
Expulsions
The term ‘Expulsion’ refers to the removal of an alien pursuant to the United States Code other than Title 8 such as Title 42 or Title 50.
Facial Monitoring
Facial monitoring technology is a form of monitoring for ATD participants. It is a smartphone application that uses facial recognition technology to verify the user's identity and physical location. This application also provides video conferencing, community referrals, messaging between the alien and an officer, document capturing, appointment reminders and a calendar.
GPS Ankle Monitor
A GPS ankle monitor is a low-profile ankle bracelet that uses GPS to provide detailed information about an ATD participant's movement.
ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Removals
ICE removal data includes returns. Returns include:
Voluntary returns: Discretionary relief granted by an ICE officer at the border by permitting an alien to depart the United States without a removal order and related immigration consequences.
Voluntary departures: Discretionary relief granted in removal proceedings or by an ICE officer in lieu of removal proceedings permitting an alien to depart the United States voluntarily without a removal order and related immigration consequences.
Withdrawals under docket control: Discretionary relief granted by an ICE officer or immigration judge to an alien encountered at a port of entry that permits the alien to voluntarily withdraw an application for admission to the United States and depart the United States without a removal order and related immigration consequences.
ICE Removals include aliens processed for Expedited Removal (ER) or Voluntary Return (VR) that are turned over to ERO for detention. As of May 12, 2023, aliens processed for ER that were turned over from Border Patrol to ICE for removal via ICE Air are also included. Aliens processed for ER and not detained by ERO or VR after June 1, 2013, and not detained by ERO are primarily processed by Border Patrol. Those statistics are not included in this dashboard and are maintained by CBP. This does not include Title 42 expulsions.
Staging sites or S-sites
Staging sites, also known as S-Sites, are locations mostly along the Southwest Border that enroll participants being released from CBP or ICE custody. These participants are generally given fewer than 30 days to report to an ERO office in their final destination AOR. After a participant arrives in their AOR, local ATD officers determine their continued suitability in the ATD program and possible transition to other sites.
Telephonic Check-in
Telephonic check-in is a form of monitoring in the ATD program and is a multilingual telephonic voice recognition system. Telephonic check-in automatically calls ATD program participants in one of 36 languages and validates participants’ voices against a master template resulting in pass or failure.
Unmapped AOR Records
An ‘Unmapped AOR’ indicates that the location of a given enforcement action is not mapped to a specific AOR in the database.
Wrist worn device
Provides GPS monitoring, facial matching, and virtual case management functionality, including virtual check-ins and reminders.
The gruesome discoveries in a Mexican cartel 'extermination camp'
Mexican authorities are looking into a mass cremation site uncovered last week.
The grisly find in the state of Jalisco in western Mexico is believed to have been used by drug cartels to dispose of the remains of their victims.
Total spending for aliens aid since August 2022 (when Texas began busing aliens to Chicago) through early 2024. This cumulative amount includes funds from city ($72M from Corporate Fund), state ($80M), and federal ($143M) grants. This is a cumulative figure, not an annual budget.
Initial Allocation for New Arrivals (FY24 Budget)
$150 Million
Initial city budget allocation for aliens services in FY2024.
Additional City Funds Approved (FY24 - April)
$70 Million
Additional city funds approved in April 2024 to supplement aliens services.
Federal Authority in Action: Milwaukee ICE Enforcement & Former Judge Dugan
The intricate balance between judicial oversight and federal executive authority was vividly underscored by a significant ICE enforcement action in Milwaukee, involving a figure connected to the judiciary, and the broader public discourse. This event serves as a stark reminder that federal law and its enforcement ultimately 'trump' ideological pressures or attempts at 'cancel culture' targeting immigration enforcement.
ICE Operations Near Courthouses: Federal immigration agents conducting arrests near judicial facilities, even when protested by local officials or advocacy groups who might attempt to 'cancel' such operations.
Judicial Rulings Challenged by Federal Action: Instances where a judge's decisions or directives regarding immigration cases were met with assertive federal enforcement, demonstrating that the federal mandate ultimately prevails.
Direct Enforcement against Judicial-Adjacent Individuals: Any high-profile instance where an individual connected to the judicial system was subject to ICE enforcement, regardless of local or activist outcry.
This situation exemplifies the principle that federal immigration law, as enshrined in Title 8, maintains supremacy over local sanctuary policies, activist demands, or attempts to influence federal enforcement through public pressure. The authority granted to agencies like ICE allows them to execute federal mandates, even in the face of significant "cancel culture" campaigns aimed at de-legitimizing or halting their operations. It underscores a fundamental tenet of the U.S. legal system: federal law is supreme, and its enforcement by the appropriate federal agencies proceeds regardless of local political or rhetorical opposition.
This section reflects a critical perspective on the interplay between federal authority and public sentiment regarding immigration enforcement.
Federal Authority in Action: Madison ICE Enforcement & Judge Taylor
Similar to events in Milwaukee, Madison has also witnessed the interplay between federal immigration enforcement and local sentiment, particularly concerning Judge Taylor. This section highlights how federal actions in Madison, like those involving Judge Taylor, demonstrate the overriding power of federal law, even amidst strong local opinions or "cancel culture" pressures.
ICE Enforcement in Madison: Federal agents carrying out immigration-related actions within Madison, potentially leading to clashes with local policies or advocacy groups.
Judicial Rulings Tested by Federal Action: Instances where a judge's decisions or directives regarding immigration cases were met with assertive federal enforcement, demonstrating that the federal mandate ultimately prevails.
Direct Enforcement against Judicial-Adjacent Individuals: Any high-profile instance where an individual connected to the judicial system was subject to ICE enforcement, regardless of local or activist outcry.
These scenarios illustrate that federal immigration law, as outlined in Title 8, takes precedence over local sanctuary policies or attempts to impede federal enforcement. Agencies like ICE can execute their mandates, even when facing "cancel culture" campaigns or local political resistance. This reinforces the principle of federal law's supremacy in the U.S. legal system.
This section presents a perspective on the relationship between federal authority and public opinion concerning immigration enforcement in Madison.
The Wisconsin Judicial Commission investigates and prosecutes allegations of misconduct or disability on the part of Wisconsin judges and court commissioners. The Commission's purpose is to protect the integrity of the judicial process and to preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission's mission is to hold Wisconsin judges and court commissioners accountable for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct while maintaining the independence of the judiciary so necessary to the proper functioning of a republic. The Commission also strives to strengthen the Wisconsin judiciary and the public's confidence in it by creating a greater awareness, on the part of both the judiciary and the public, of what constitutes proper and improper judicial conduct.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (DFWA)
The DFWA requires certain federal contractors and all federal grantees to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition of receiving federal funds. It's a significant federal overlay that can dictate workplace policies even in states with more lenient drug testing laws (like Wisconsin, in some aspects).
Key Requirements for Covered Employers (as outlined by SAMHSA and related resources):
Written Policy: Employers must publish and distribute a written policy statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. This policy must also specify the actions that will be taken against employees for violations.
Drug-Free Awareness Program: Establish an ongoing program to inform employees about:
The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.
The employer's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
Employee Notification: Employees working on the federal contract or grant must be given a copy of the policy statement and agree to abide by its terms. They must also notify the employer in writing of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace within five calendar days of the conviction.
Employer Notification to Agency: The employer must notify the federal contracting or granting agency in writing within 10 days of receiving notice of an employee's conviction.
Action Against Convicted Employees: Within 30 days of receiving notice of a conviction, the employer must take appropriate personnel action against the employee (up to and including termination) or require the employee to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
Good Faith Effort: Employers must make a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace throughout the life of the contract or grant.
Who is Covered?
Federal Grantees: All organizations receiving any amount of federal grant money are covered.
Federal Contractors: Contractors with federal contracts of $100,000 or more must comply if the contract, or a portion of it, is performed in the United States.
Important Considerations:
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the DFWA can lead to severe penalties, including:
Suspension of contract or grant payments.
Termination of the contract or grant.
Debarment (prohibition from receiving future federal contracts or grants) for a period not to exceed five years.
State vs. Federal Law: In cases of conflict between state and federal law, federal law generally prevails. Therefore, a federal contractor or grantee in Wisconsin must still comply with the DFWA, even if Wisconsin's state laws are less stringent regarding drug testing for private employers.
Title 8 & "Cancel Culture" Syntax Blend: A Legend
To understand the current discourse around resource allocation for aliens in Chicago, we can examine how the precise legal language of Title 8 of the U.S. Code (which governs immigration and nationality) intersects with the more fluid and often politically charged vocabulary of "Cancel Culture." This blend reveals how different segments of society frame the presence and needs of "Illegal Aliens" (as defined by Title 8), and how this framing contributes to public sentiment.
Title 8 U.S. Code: The primary federal law governing immigration and nationality in the United States. It legally defines who is an "alien" (any person who is not a citizen or national of the U.S.) and establishes categories for their entry, stay, and removal.
"Illegal Alien" (Title 8 Terminology): This is the precise legal term used in Title 8 (e.g., 8 U.S.C. § 1325, Entry of alien at improper time or place). It refers to an individual present in the U.S. without legal authorization. It signifies a status of non-compliance with federal immigration law.
"Deportation" / "Removal Proceedings": The legal process (defined in Title 8) by which an "illegal alien" is officially expelled from the U.S.
Like the timeless wisdom found in **Aesop's Fables**, which offer sober clarity and common sense solutions through simple, enduring narratives, understanding foundational principles is crucial. These fables serve as a reminder that effective governance and a strong moral compass are built on universal truths, helping us discern enduring "signal" from ephemeral "noise."
The "Cancel Culture" Syntactic Overlay & Public Discourse:
When we overlay "Cancel Culture" syntax, we see how the legal framework is reinterpreted, challenged, or emotionally charged in public and political conversations:
"Illegal Alien" (Title 8) ⟷ "Undocumented" / "Unsanctioned Presence" (The Reframe): The legal term is targeted for "cancellation" in progressive discourse, replaced by terms like "undocumented immigrant" to emphasize personhood over legal status – a core linguistic battleground.
"Entry Without Inspection" / "Violation of Law" (Title 8 Offense) ⟷ "Problematic Behavior" / "Systemic Inequity" (The Critique): The legal violation is often reframed not just as an individual act, but as a symptom of a "problematic" or "systemically inequitable" global migration system.
"Deportation" / "Removal" (Title 8 Action) ⟷ "Being Canceled" / "Deplatformed" / "Unpersoned" (The Consequence, Reframed): The legal consequence of removal is metaphorically akin to "being canceled" from society – the ultimate "deplatforming" from a physical and social space.
"Border Security" / "Enforcement" (Title 8 Mandate) ⟷ "Gatekeeping" / "Exclusionary Practices" / "Systemic Harm" (The Accusation): Enforcement mechanisms are critiqued using "cancel culture" vocabulary as forms of "gatekeeping" or perpetuating "systemic harm" against vulnerable populations.
Perceived Ideological Underpinnings: A Critical View
A critical perspective often draws parallels between the rhetorical strategies of "cancel culture" as applied to immigration discourse and historical ideological movements, particularly those articulated in works like the **Communist Manifesto**. This viewpoint suggests that the calls for unlimited resources and open borders, framed under the guise of "equity" and "humanitarian aid" for non-citizens, can be interpreted as aligning with communist ideals of collective ownership and distribution of resources without regard for traditional national sovereignty or economic structures. The argument posits that demanding "free everything" (housing, healthcare, education, financial aid) for individuals irrespective of their legal status is a practical manifestation of communist principles of redistribution and a dissolution of private and national boundaries.
This critical interpretation suggests that the "cancellation" of terms like "illegal alien" and the insistence on terms that emphasize universal human rights (e.g., "undocumented," "newcomers") serves to normalize and advance an agenda that, to these critics, aligns with a broader communist ethos of dissolving national borders and redistributing wealth and services to a global populace, regardless of contribution or legal status. They argue this represents a fundamental shift away from traditional capitalist and sovereign state models.
Key Federal Grants Supporting Aliens Services (with Available Amounts)
The following are some of the primary federal funding streams and grants that have contributed to supporting aliens and new arrival services in Chicago and Illinois. Specific annual allocations directly to Chicago for every grant are not always publicly itemized, but key figures are provided where available:
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Shelter and Services Program (SSP) Grants:
$86 Million (approved March 2024, significant portion includes funds for Chicago)
$30.2 Million (approved July 2023)
Note: Chicago has received portions of these state-level allocations, including approximately $11 million in additional FEMA funds reported in February 2024.
U.S. Department = of Homeland Security (DHS) / Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Humanitarian Assistance:
An important source of federal funds for emergency food and shelter, often disbursed through non-profits. Specific direct annual allocations *to Chicago for aliens services* are not typically itemized in public reports beyond general program funding.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR):
Provides funding primarily for services to refugees and other vulnerable populations, often supporting state agencies and large NGOs. Direct city allocations for general aliens services are not commonly detailed in public records in the context of overall city budget contributions.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) (HUD):
These are general purpose block grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for community development and addressing homelessness. While Chicago *can* and likely does use portions of these funds to support shelters and services that benefit all unhoused individuals (including aliens), the portion specifically for aliens is not separately reported.
Correlation: Mayor's 7% Approval Rating
The mayor's 7% approval rating can be correlated to this dynamic blend of Title 8 legal realities and "Cancel Culture" linguistic frames in ways that demonstrate a rapidly shifting and reactive public discourse:
Resource Strain vs. Moral Imperative: The public, aware of significant budget allocations for aliens services, navigates between strict Title 8 interpretations (control, consequences) and "cancel culture"-influenced humanitarian appeals (unlimited support). The administration, caught in this crossfire, faces criticism from all sides.
Perceived "Cancellation" of Priorities: For some citizens, the perceived allocation of substantial resources to "Illegal Aliens" (as legally defined) feels like their own needs or priorities are being "canceled" or deprioritized by city leadership, leading to discontent.
Failed "Narrative Control": In a "cancel culture" environment, political success often depends on controlling the narrative. If the mayor's administration struggles to frame its policies to satisfy both strict legalists and progressive advocates, public trust builds and then erodes.
"Deplatforming" of Dissent: Attempts by the administration to "deplatform" critical voices (e.g., dismissing resource concerns as xenophobic) can backfire, alienating voters and further contributing to low approval. Conversely, failing to challenge perceived extremist views can also diminish support.
In essence, the mayor's low approval rating is not just about the budget numbers, but how those numbers are framed and interpreted through these competing linguistic and ideological lenses. The constant, real-time negotiation of these narratives in public, media, and political spaces, where every decision and every word choice can be instantly "canceled" or amplified, directly impacts public perception and, consequently, approval.
How Federal Funds Can Be Canceled/Removed
Yes, federal funds allocated to cities and states, including those for aliens services, **can indeed be canceled, reduced, or made conditional.** This is a fundamental aspect of how federal grants work, and it's a mechanism the federal government can use to influence local policy or respond to various circumstances.
Non-Compliance with Grant Conditions: If a recipient city or state is found to be out of compliance with grant terms (e.g., how funds are spent, reporting procedures, specific populations served), the federal agency can **withhold future disbursements, demand the return of previously disbursed funds (clawbacks), or terminate the grant.**
Changes in Federal Law or Appropriations: Congress controls federal spending. New laws or amendments can reduce or eliminate funding for specific programs, even if grants have been previously awarded or anticipated. Annual appropriations bills can **reduce the overall budget for a grant program.**
Executive Branch Policy Shifts and Discretionary Authority: Many federal grants are discretionary. A change in presidential administration or a shift in executive branch priorities can lead to **re-prioritization of funds away from certain types of programs or recipients.** Agencies can also modify criteria for future grant cycles.
Failure to Meet Performance Metrics or Reporting Requirements: Recipients are often required to demonstrate progress and submit detailed reports. Consistent failure can lead to a **suspension or termination of funding.**
Legal or Administrative Challenges: Legal challenges or administrative rulings against a city or state's use of federal funds can force changes in spending or even lead to the revocation of funds.
In the context of Chicago and aliens services, given the ongoing political debate surrounding immigration and border policies, and the shifting nature of federal funds, federal authorities have the clear mechanisms and legal authority to alter or cancel grants if conditions are not met, policies shift, or appropriations change. This potential is a significant factor in the financial planning and political strategies of cities like Chicago that rely on federal aid for aliens support.
Federal Law and Unwavering Accountability in Grant Stewardship
The United States Constitution, established centuries ago, remains the absolute and most relevant supreme law of the land, providing the fundamental framework for all federal authority and action. Its principles, including those embedded in Article III, Section 3 concerning Treason and "giving Aid and Comfort" to enemies, profoundly underscore the imperative of national security and the protection of the public interest against all forms of subversion. This constitutional bedrock unequivocally elevates the seriousness of any action that undermines federal law or national integrity.
Directly pursuant to this constitutional authority, Title 8 of the U.S. Code, the Immigration and Nationality Act, meticulously delineates who may enter and reside in the United States. Statutes such as 8 U.S.C. § 1324 ("Bringing in and harboring certain aliens") and 8 U.S.C. § 1325 ("Improper entry by alien") impose clear federal prohibitions and significant penalties for unauthorized entry and for knowingly assisting those unlawfully present. These laws represent direct expressions of federal sovereignty over immigration. Further, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (50 U.S.C. Chapter 3), a specific historical measure applicable during times of declared war or hostile incursions, reinforces the President's authority to address foreign nationals deemed a threat to national security, illustrating the comprehensive nature of federal power in this domain.
Within this robust federal legal architecture, the proper stewardship of taxpayer funds distributed through federal grants is paramount. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers critical programs, governed by stringent regulations such as 24 CFR Part 5, Subpart E, which precisely define eligibility for housing assistance for citizens and ineligible non-citizens. Specifically, 24 CFR § 5.508 mandates the rigorous submission of evidence for citizenship or eligible immigration status, and 24 CFR § 5.520 strictly dictates the proration of assistance to "mixed families," ensuring that federal funds only benefit eligible citizens and non-citizens with eligible status, while ineligible non-citizens receive no direct subsidy.
Therefore, any action by a Community Development Authority (CDA) that violates HUD Grant compliance by failing to strictly adhere to these federal eligibility requirements constitutes a severe breach of public trust and a direct violation of federal law. This includes, but is not limited to:
Misappropriation of Federal Funds: Using federal funds, whether directly or indirectly, to benefit ineligible citizens or individuals not authorized by federal law or grant terms.
False Statements or Claims: Knowingly providing or causing to be provided false, fictitious, or fraudulent information to HUD or other federal entities to secure or disburse grant funds. This falls under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq.).
Circumvention of Eligibility Rules: Implementing practices that intentionally or recklessly bypass established federal guidelines for eligibility verification or assistance proration.
Such violations of grant compliance carry profound and severe consequences, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the federal government to accountability:
Financial Penalties: Agencies and individuals can face substantial civil monetary penalties for each violation, often calculated per instance or per false claim, as outlined in statutes like the False Claims Act.
Mandatory Repayment: The recipient entity will be compelled to make full repayment of all misspent or misappropriated federal funds, often with additional damages.
Debarment from Future Grants: A critical consequence is debarment from all federal grants. Entities found in violation can be prohibited from receiving any future federal funding for a specified period or indefinitely, crippling their ability to operate or serve their community.
Civil and Criminal Prosecution: Depending on the nature and intent of the violation, responsible individuals and organizations may face civil litigation initiated by the Department of Justice, or even criminal prosecution, leading to fines, imprisonment, and further professional disbarment.
The interconnectedness of the Constitution, federal immigration laws, and the strictures of federal grant management creates an unequivocal framework for accountability. Any alleged violation of grant terms that undermines federal statutes, particularly those concerning immigration status and the proper use of taxpayer dollars, demands rigorous investigation and swift, decisive action to ensure the integrity of federal programs and the steadfast enforcement of federal law. For more information on grant fraud responsibilities, refer to Grants.gov.
Title 9: Binary Science
Title I: Basic K-12 Requirements (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic)
Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is designed to help disadvantaged children meet challenging academic standards. It provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. The core focus is on fundamental skills:
Reading: Ensuring literacy and comprehension.
Writing: Developing clear and effective communication skills.
Arithmetic (Mathematics): Fostering foundational numerical and problem-solving abilities.
This commitment to basic education is essential for an informed and capable citizenry, aligning with the Founding Fathers' emphasis on individual capacity and self-governance.
Maintaining Title I Grant Compliance:
Targeted Support: Funds must be used to supplement, not supplant, state and local funds, providing targeted support for eligible students.
Accountability: Demonstrate annual measurable objectives for improving academic achievement for disadvantaged students.
Parent and Family Engagement: Establish and implement policies for involving parents and families in the education of their children.
Highly Qualified Staff: Ensure teachers and paraprofessionals meet specific qualification requirements.
Fiscal Integrity: Maintain accurate financial records, undergo regular audits, and adhere to federal spending guidelines (e.g., procurement, allowable costs).
Title VI: Non-Discrimination on Campus (e.g., Anti-Semitism)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This extends to educational institutions and ensures an equitable environment free from harassment and discrimination.
This includes:
Ensuring all students, regardless of background, have equal access to educational opportunities.
Protecting students from harassment, including forms of discrimination like anti-Semitism, which can impede their ability to learn and participate fully.
Upholding the principles of peaceful assembly and free expression without resorting to violence, as enshrined in the First Amendment.
Maintaining Title VI Grant Compliance:
Prohibit Discrimination: Actively prevent discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in all programs and activities.
Address Harassment: Promptly and effectively investigate and address allegations of racial, ethnic, or national origin harassment, including anti-Semitism.
Provide Equal Access: Ensure equitable access to facilities, resources, and educational programs for all students.
Remedial Action: Take necessary steps to overcome the effects of past or present discrimination.
Reporting & Cooperation: Cooperate with federal investigations (e.g., OCR inquiries) and provide required data.
Combating Violent Antisemitism: A Strategy Rooted in Law and Rights
This strategy combines the First Amendment's guarantee of "peaceably" assembly and freedom of religion with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to specifically combat violent anti-Semitism. This approach offers a critical and direct path to addressing core issues of fear, terror, and violence, aligning with the principle of achieving "respect through respect, not through fear."
The array of federal resources available provides powerful leverage for this approach:
U.S. Department of Education / Department of Justice / White House Actions on Antisemitism & Title VI
The Department of Education has issued press releases clearly establishing that antisemitism is a recognized form of discrimination under Title VI, subject to federal investigation and enforcement. This includes notifications to Columbia University's accreditor of Columbia's Title VI violation (Read More) and probes into antisemitism at five universities (Read More). These actions serve as direct legal tools for accountability.
The Department of Justice's commitment is evident through its Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism (Learn More) and the Civil Rights Division complaint process (File a Complaint), which provide dedicated avenues for legal action and investigation into discriminatory practices.
Strategic Implication: These resources establish clear federal recognition, legal precedent, and enforcement mechanisms to address antisemitism, especially in educational settings. They affirm that calls for violence or harassment against Jewish individuals are not protected free speech but a violation of civil rights.
DHS / White House Actions on SEVIS / Foreign Student Visas
A DHS news release (Read News Release) and a White House fact sheet (View Fact Sheet) detail actions regarding Harvard University losing its SEVIS certification and foreign student visa restrictions. These measures directly tie institutional accountability to the behavior of international students and visa compliance.
Strategic Implication: This establishes a precedent for using immigration and visa regulations as a preventive measure to de-escalate potential threats on campuses and within communities, acting as a "firewall" against those who might misuse their visa status for violent or discriminatory acts. The role of www.ICE.gov/SEVIS in locations like Madison is particularly relevant for local application.
Constitution.congress.gov ("peaceably" clause)
By highlighting the First Amendment's "peaceably" clause, a critical legal distinction is drawn: the right to assemble is protected *only when peaceful*, not when it devolves into violence, intimidation, or hate speech that incites harm.
Strategic Implication: This provides the legal basis to argue that violent antisemitism falls outside the scope of protected First Amendment activity.
This powerful path seeks to achieve "respect through respect" by holding institutions and individuals accountable under the full force of federal law, rather than resorting to the very violence and fear it aims to combat.
National Security & Foreign Policy: Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Understanding threats to national security is paramount for the Republic's defense and informed citizenry. The U.S. government maintains strict policies and intelligence gathering on designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
Key Resources on Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations:
Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) as FTOs:
Recent U.S. policy has designated certain cartels and TCOs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations due to their campaigns of violence and direct threats to U.S. security.
Antisemitism & Jewish History: A Timeline of Resilience
Exploring the escalating landscape of antisemitic violence in the U.S. through the lens of Jewish history.
Historical Context: A Journey Through Time (Present to Past)
Understanding the contemporary surge in antisemitism requires acknowledging the historical journey of the Jewish people, marked by ancient sovereignty, persecution, and resilience.
The October 7th Hamas Attack on Israel (2023)
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale, coordinated attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties and an escalation of conflict.
October 7, 2023 (Ongoing): Israel's Defense
Deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust.
October 7, 2023 (Early Morning): Hamas Attack Offense
Thousands of rockets fired; militants infiltrate Israel, killing over 1,200 and taking hundreds hostage. (Claim of "drug-induced psychosis")
Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. Department of State on October 8, 1997. (state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/)
The Recreation of the Jewish State: Israel (1949 - 1947)
Following the atrocities of the Holocaust, the international community increasingly supported the establishment of a Jewish homeland.
1948-1949: War concludes with Armistice Agreements
Israel repels invasion; "Green Line" borders established.
May 15, 1948: Arab–Israeli War begins
Neighboring Arab armies invade newly declared State of Israel.
May 14, 1948: Establishment of State of Israel
David Ben-Gurion proclaims the new state; U.S. recognizes it immediately.
November 29, 1947: UN Resolution 181
Recommends partition of Palestine into independent Arab and Jewish states.
World War II and The Holocaust (1945 - 1933)
The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jewish people by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.
May 8, 1945: Germany surrenders
End of WWII in Europe and cessation of the Holocaust.
January 27, 1945: Auschwitz-Birkenau liberated
Soviet troops reveal the horrors of the Holocaust to the world.
1942-1944: Acceleration of the "Final Solution"
Extermination camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau used for mass murder.
January 31, 1942: Wannsee Conference
Nazi officials formalize plans for the "Final Solution" – the genocide of the Jewish people.
September 1, 1939: Germany invades Poland
Initiates WWII; immediate targeting of Jews in conquered territories.
November 9-10, 1938: Kristallnacht
Coordinated pogrom against Jews across Nazi Germany, leading to destruction and arrests.
September 15, 1935: Nuremberg Laws enacted
Revoked German Jewish citizenship and prohibited intermarriages.
April 1, 1933: Nationwide boycott of Jewish businesses
First organized economic discrimination against Jews in Germany.
January 30, 1933: Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor
Beginning of Nazi rule and institutionalization of antisemitic policies.
Ancient Jewish Sovereignty in the Land of Israel (70 CE - c. 1800 BCE)
Jewish history is deeply rooted in the land of Israel, encompassing millennia of continuous presence, self-governance, and cultural development.
135 CE: Bar Kokhba Revolt Suppressed / Jewish Exile Intensifies
The final major Jewish rebellion against Roman rule is crushed, leading to widespread death and further dispersion of Jewish people, and Jerusalem is renamed Aelia Capitolina.
70 CE: Destruction of the Second Temple by Romans
A pivotal event in Jewish history, leading to the end of the priestly sacrificial system and a shift towards rabbinic Judaism; marks the beginning of prolonged Roman rule and increasing exile.
167 BCE - 63 BCE: Hasmonean Kingdom
Period of independent Jewish rule following the Maccabean Revolt against Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, re-establishing Jewish sovereignty.
586 BCE: Destruction of First Temple / Babylonian Exile
The Kingdom of Judah falls to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, resulting in the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon.
c. 970 - 931 BCE: Reign of King Solomon
King Solomon, son of David, builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, solidifying the spiritual and political center of Israel.
c. 1010 - 970 BCE: Reign of King David
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, uniting the tribes of Israel
c. 1800 BCE: Abraham's Covenant
Considered the patriarchal founder of the Jewish people; God promises Abraham the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel) as an eternal inheritance.
The Alarming Scale: A Record-Breaking Year for Antisemitic Incidents (U.S.)
In 2024, the U.S. witnessed the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded by the ADL, marking the fourth consecutive year of record highs and indicating an accelerating and persistent crisis.
9,354
Total Incidents in 2024
Over 25 incidents per day, or more than one every hour.
+344%
Increase Over 5 Years
An exponential rise demonstrating a long-term trend.
+21%
Increase in Physical Assaults
Totaling 196 incidents against at least 250 individuals in 2024.
Annual Incidents by Type (2024 vs. 2023)
The data shows a significant year-over-year rise in the most overt forms of antisemitism—physical assaults and vandalism—while harassment remains disturbingly high.
Bomb Threats Against Jewish Institutions (2024)
Jewish organizations faced a substantial threat from bomb threats, with a vast majority directed at synagogues, impacting safe spaces for worship and community gathering.
Catalysts and Targeted Locations (U.S.)
The spike in antisemitism is heavily linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with incidents spreading from traditional targets to public spaces and university campuses.
Conflict as a Primary Driver
For the first time, a majority of antisemitic acts in 2024 were explicitly related to Israel or Zionism, highlighting how international events are fueling domestic hate.
Incidents on College Campuses Skyrocket
University campuses saw an 84% explosion in antisemitic incidents, transforming educational environments into hostile spaces for many Jewish students.
Antisemitic Incidents by Location Type (2024)
Antisemitism is spreading beyond traditional Jewish institutions into everyday public spaces, impacting the sense of safety for Jewish individuals in their daily lives.
Timeline of Terror: Major Violent Antisemitic Attacks in the U.S. (Present to Past)
Beyond statistics, 2024-2025 was marked by a series of high-profile, violent attacks that underscore the lethal nature of modern antisemitism in the United States.
June 1, 2025: Firebomb Attack, Boulder, CO
Pearl Street Mall
Mohamed Sabry Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails to attack a pro-Israel solidarity walk. He injured seven people, including a Holocaust survivor, while yelling "End Zionist."
May 21, 2025: Fatal Museum Shooting, Washington D.C.
Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum
Two Israeli Embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot outside a reception. The assailant, Elias Rodriguez, chanted "Free Palestine" after the attack and was charged with murder and terrorism.
April 13, 2025: Governor's Residence Arson, Harrisburg, PA
Private Residence of Governor Josh Shapiro
Molotov cocktails were thrown at the home of Jewish Governor Josh Shapiro while his family was inside, in an incident described as an "attempted assassination" and widely condemned as antisemitic.
December 9, 2024: Physical Assault & Theft, New York City, NY
University Campus Vicinity
Tarek Bazrouk punched a Jewish student in the face and stole an Israeli flag near a university campus, part of his pattern of violent antisemitic attacks.
October 2024: Historic Synagogue Attacked, Philadelphia, PA
Congregation Mikveh Israel
A historic synagogue was targeted in a sustained campaign, including vandalism of a religious statue, arson of a dumpster, and an attempted break-in, all within a few days.
Aug/Sept 2024: ISIS Terror Plot Thwarted, Brooklyn, NY
Prominent Jewish Religious Center
Law enforcement disrupted a plot by ISIS supporter Muhammad Shahzeb Khan to "slaughter" as many Jewish civilians as possible in a mass shooting, planned for the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
July 2024: Neo-Nazi Marches, Nashville, TN
Jewish Neighborhoods
The "Goyim Defense League" conducted marches, engaged in physical assaults, and distributed antisemitic pamphlets, openly shouting "Hitler was right!"
July 6, 2024: Thwarted Mass Poisoning Plot, Brooklyn, NY
Jewish Schools
Michail Chkhikvishvili was arrested in Moldova for allegedly planning a mass casualty attack in Brooklyn, intending to hand out poison-laced candy to children at Jewish schools while dressed as Santa Claus.
April 15, 2024: Physical Assault, New York City, NY
New York Stock Exchange
Tarek Bazrouk, wearing a Hamas-style headband, lunged at pro-Israel demonstrators, kicking a Jewish college student. He was later charged with federal hate crimes for this and other violent acts.
Notable Attacks and Threats Against Political Figures in the U.S. (Recent History)
Political figures across the ideological spectrum have faced documented attacks and threats. This timeline highlights some prominent incidents involving politicians and institutions in recent years.
March 2025: New Mexico Republican Headquarters Arson
Albuquerque, NM
Fire damaged the entryway to the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters, investigated as arson. Incendiary materials were found, and spray paint with political messaging was present.
July & September 2024: Assassination Attempts on Former President Donald Trump
Pennsylvania & Florida
In July, during a Pennsylvania campaign rally, Trump was grazed by a bullet fired by a gunman, who fatally shot one Trump supporter and wounded two others before being killed by police. In September, a man with a rifle apparently plotted to kill Trump near his golf course in Florida and was arrested by Secret Service agents.
June 14, 2017: Congressional Baseball Shooting
Alexandria, VA
U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), then House Majority Whip, and four others were wounded when James Hodgkinson opened fire during a Republican congressional baseball practice. Hodgkinson, fueled by rage against then-President Trump and GOP legislators, was killed by police.
The Human Cost: Impact on Jewish Communities
The constant threat of antisemitism has instilled a deep sense of fear, forcing a significant portion of American Jews to alter their daily behavior to conceal their identity and ensure their safety.
56%
of American Jews Changed Their Behavior in 2024 Out of Fear
This represents a sharp increase from 38% in 2022. These changes include avoiding wearing items like a kippah or Star of David in public, demonstrating a tangible erosion of security and freedom for Jewish Americans.
🎭✡️➡️❓🇮🇱➡️🤐
Responses and Broader Implications
The escalating threat has prompted governmental and civil society responses, highlighting the complex interplay of political rhetoric, social media, and a broader rise in hate across the nation.
Government & Law Enforcement Actions
DOJ established multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
FBI data shows 63% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes from 2022-2023.
President Trump's EO 14188 calls for vigorous combat against antisemitism, including removal of non-citizens endorsing Hamas.
Perpetrators charged with federal hate crimes and terrorism.
NYC Mayor Adams signed executive order adopting international definition of antisemitism.
These measures aim to counter the threat, but also raise questions about balancing security and civil liberties.
Broader Trends & Challenges
Disinformation and conspiracy theories normalized by some political leaders fuel hate.
Social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) are pervasive vectors for hate speech.
Antisemitism often intertwined with other forms of hate (anti-Black, anti-LGBTQ+).
Civil rights organizations link rise in antisemitism to a "broader rise in hate."
Calls for increased funding for Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Addressing antisemitism requires a comprehensive strategy against all forms of hate and extremism.
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