Category: Metro

  • Mexican Border Crossings Lowest in History, from 155,000 a Month under Biden to 7,180

    After years of getting hammered by the Biden administration’s catastrophic—and inconceivable—open border policies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is delivering much-needed good news; in March the United States experienced the lowest southwest border crossings in history thanks to new measures put in place by President Trump to finally secure the famously porous Mexican border region. The new government figures show a remarkably quick turnaround for an administration that inherited an extraordinary crisis in which a ghastly 7.6 illegal aliens entered the country, nearly 2 million of them from nation’s that Biden’s own DHS determined pose a national security threat to the U.S.

    In a matter of weeks, the Trump administration took control of the situation, with a dramatic drop in illegal crossings, around 7,180 a month compared to the monthly average of 155,000 from the previous four years. Daily southwest border apprehensions have also decreased an incredible 95%, to about 230 daily from an astonishing 5,100 per day under Biden. This marks a pivotal achievement in the nation’s border security efforts, according to an announcement issued recently by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “This milestone demonstrates that operational control is becoming a reality — which seemed impossible just a few months ago under the Biden administration — as enforcement measures continue to yield significant results,” the DHS agency writes. Border Patrol agents have finally been empowered to shut down unlawful entry and protect American lives, CBP Commissioner Pete Flores confirms. He says the message is clear: “The border is closed to illegal crossings, and for those still willing to test our resolve, know this — you will be prosecuted, and you will be deported.”

    It is a vastly different message than the one sent by the Biden administration, which proudly rolled out the welcome mat for a record number of illegal immigrants, including droves of violent gang members, Islamic terrorists, tens of thousands of Chinese nationals and a myriad of criminals. The former president’s own DHS determined that over 1.7 million illegal aliens from countries that pose a national security threat entered the U.S. during his tenure and dozens that appear on the terrorist watchlist were released into American communities, according to government figures reluctantly provided to Congress. The migrants from countries that pose a security threat to the U.S. are labeled Special Interest Aliens (SIA) by the government and they come from some 26 nations, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Syria, and Turkey, China, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela.

    The previous administration also released over half a million criminal aliens inside the U.S. by putting them on a “non-detained docket” that allowed them to live in communities throughout the nation. Over 435,000 had criminal convictions and another 226,847 pending charges, according to DHS figures made public by a congressional committee. Nearly 15,000 of the freed illegal aliens were convicted of or charged with murder, more than 20,000 with sexual assault, 60,268 with burglary, larceny, or robbery, 105,146 with assault, 16,820 with weapon offenses, 3,971 with commercialized sex crimes and 3,372 with kidnapping. Over 126,000 committed traffic offenses, more than 70,000 are in the system for drug crimes, 21,106 for fraudulent activities and 12,000 for obstruction of justice. As a parting gift in early January the Biden administration shielded nearly a million foreign nationals from deportation with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a humanitarian measure designed to help undocumented aliens avoid removal during emergencies.

    Fortunately, the Trump administration revoked Biden’s eleventh-hour TPS, though a series of lawsuits were quickly filed by leftist groups in the name of the illegal aliens, who are mostly from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. The new administration’s message is clear and has been spread in Spanish-language media throughout Latin America. It warns illegal aliens not to come to America and break its laws. “If you are a criminal alien considering entering America illegally: Don’t even think about it,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “If you come here and break our laws, we will hunt you down.” Criminals are not welcome in the United States.”

    Source: Judicial Watch

  • Ex-Anglia Ruskin students seek £50k over ‘Mickey Mouse’ LPC

    Pair claim ‘substandard’ course scuppered lawyer dreams

    Two former Anglia Ruskin students have taken legal action against their former university, claiming that problems during their Legal Practice Course (LPC) ultimately prevented them from progressing in their legal careers.

    The legal action is being brought by Paul Wayte and Ingrid J. Santana who enrolled on the LPC with ARU — the predecessor of the SQE — in 2021-22. The university strongly refutes the allegations and states that it has applied for the claims to be struck out.

    Wayte tells Legal Cheek they had been promised a “high-quality” course, but instead found themselves enrolled in what they described as a “Mickey Mouse” programme. He claims the experience was “substandard”, citing last-minute cancellations of advertised modules and a lack of academic support — including what he refers to as a “refusal” to provide revision sessions.

    The pair also claim the university introduced unfair policy changes midway through the course, including a restrictive 30-day complaints window which Wayte says was “hidden in the fine print”, along with delays in issuing completion certificates, ultimately “preventing career progression”.

    “Despite raising multiple complaints, the university has refused to acknowledge its failings and instead, they have done everything possible to silence us and strike out our complaint, instead of engaging with us,” Wayte says. “As a result, both of us — despite holding multiple academic qualifications — have been left unable to progress in our legal careers.”

    Santana, meanwhile, says she enrolled in the LPC course during the lockdown in early summer 2021. However, as the course progressed, she claims the university “changed the parameters of the whole course without giving sufficient notice”, citing guidance issued by the SRA at the time. She claims she was directly and indirectly discriminated against on the grounds of sex and by association, alleging that she was denied access to online lessons that had been promised and made available to other students.

    The pair are seeking £49,841 in damages for breach of contract, violations of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and other statutory breaches.

    The SQE Hub: Your ultimate resource for all things SQE

    Responding to the claims, a university spokesperson told Legal Cheek:

    “Given that both claimants had to resit exams or retake modules multiple times, and that one of them still failed, it should be clear to anyone that while are committed to supporting all our students to succeed, we are rigorous in our requirement of high standards.”

    They continued: “ARU’s course content and delivery have been rated as outstanding by the independent higher education regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), and we are among just 22% of institutions in the country to receive a Gold rating in the OfS’ Teaching Excellence Framework. We strongly refute the allegations of both claimants and have applied for their claims to be struck out.”

    Having seemingly stepped away from their legal careers for good, Wayte tells Legal Cheek he’s about to begin pilot training in Asia, while Santana is a secondary school teacher and is in the process of trying to set up a charity.

    The post Ex-Anglia Ruskin students seek £50k over ‘Mickey Mouse’ LPC appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • AI avatar lawyer barred from US court

    Cyber counsel frustrates (human) judges

    A screenshot of the proceedings

    The claimant in a New York employment dispute was reportedly given short shrift after attempting to use an AI-generated avatar to argue his case before a court.

    According to AP News, Jerome Dewald submitted a video to present his oral argument. But when Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels invited the court to play it, the five-judge bench quickly realised that the counsel introducing Dewald’s case wasn’t a real person — it was an AI-generated avatar.

    “May it please the court,” began Dewald’s cyber counsel — a “man” speaking in uncanny tones, “I come here today a humble pro se before a panel of five distinguished justices.”

    A baffled Manzanet-Daniels composed herself before questioning Dewald. “Is that counsel for the case?”

    “I generated that. That is not a real person,” Dewald replied.

    Dewald v. Mass Mutual (begins 19:22)

    According to his LinkedIn, Dewald is involved in the AI industry. His venture, Pro Se Pro, uses AI to file and argue court proceedings. Manzanet-Daniels caught on quickly: “You are not going to use this courtroom as a launch for your business, sir”.

    It appears from the video Dewald had declared himself unable to articulate his case, which was why he had submitted the two videos. The second video was not played.

    After being invited to make submissions for five minutes, Dewald is seen putting an earbud in and typing into his phone, before repeating the words spoken by his avatar.

    AI continues to throw up strange happenings, disrupting the legal world on this side of the pond as well. One firm is now offering a bonus encouraging lawyers to use AI, whilst a senior judge has encouraged its use — despite noting issues. In March, William Rees-Mogg, a barrister, warned LinkedIn about risks as litigants-in-person turn to ChatGPT for advice and drafting. Perhaps he’ll be facing his learned friend robo-barrister of cyber counsel in the future.

    The post AI avatar lawyer barred from US court appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Episode 11: The End is Just The Beginning | True Crime News Presents: American Hustlers

    In this episode of True Crime News Presents: American Hustlers: In the end, despite the courtroom dramatics, Kaushal, Danny, and their accomplices are all found guilty of Cliff Lambert’s murder. Kaushal and Danny – along with Miguel Bustamante and Danny and Kaushal’s regular comrade David Replogle – are all sentenced to life without parole. For Cliff’s friends, for the other victims of their cons, and for Tyson Wrensch, this verdict should finally provide the closure they’ve been after for years. Justice served, roll credits. But with these guys there is always a twist. Something hidden at trial comes to light, and suddenly the conviction is thrown into doubt. Danny and Kaushal have never been arrested for or even charged for anything other than the murder – if the conviction is overturned their pantheon of crimes will go entirely unpunished. Tyson Wrensch has spent years following Danny and Kaushal – tracking them, spending his time and money, in an attempt to bring them to justice. Will it all have been in vain?

    YouTube: Episode 11: The End is Just The Beginning | True Crime News Presents: American Hustlers

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Win a 5-pack of All-in-1 Fire Safety Devices from LifeSafe

    Dealing with fires anywhere from your car to the kitchen are undoubtedly overwhelming. But you can take away that worry and replace it with ease thanks to the StaySafe All-in-1 Fire Safety Device. It’s your personal protection against flames and your first aid kit for fires.

    Ten lucky “True Crime News” fans will receive a 5-pack of StaySafe All-in-1 Fire Safety Devices, which is valued at $97.99. Each device is single use.

    Learn more or purchase your own at 

    OFFICIAL RULES

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Colorado woman sentenced after her 2-year-old child dies from suspected abuse

    PUEBLO, Colo. (TCN) — A mother will spend the rest of her life behind bars in connection with the death of her 2-year-old child.

    The Pueblo County District Attorney’s Office announced April 3 that a jury found Mythia Latka guilty of first-degree murder — child under 12 — position of trust, and she received a sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole. Prosecutors said the jury deliberated for four “long days” before returning the unanimous verdict.

    According to an initial release from the Pueblo Police Department, on Jan. 31, 2023, officers responded to a hospital to a report of an unresponsive toddler. Detectives executed a search warrant at Latka’s home and learned that the child died at around 10 p.m. that night. Officials originally arrested Latka on a charge of child abuse causing death.

    In a statement, District Attorney Kala Beauvais said, “Any case involving a child victim is emotionally taxing, and the District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims. This bit of justice for this young victim is especially meaningful as April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.”

    • Mythia Latka Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree in 2023 Death of Her Minor Child – 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
    • Colorado woman charged after 2-year-old child dies from suspected abuse, 2/2/2023 – TCN
    • Child Abuse Causing Death, 2/2/2023 – Pueblo Police Department

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Man who allegedly wanted to 'make church great again' accused of fatally shooting priest

    SENECA, Kan. (TCN) — A 66-year-old Oklahoma man is in custody on suspicion of fatally shooting a 57-year-old priest.

    On April 3, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) said the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and Seneca Police responded to a report of shots fired at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Authorities found Father Arul Carasala suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

    Investigators identified Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the primary suspect, and police took him into custody. He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder.

    According to KSNT-TV, Hermesch had sent entries to local newspaper The Courier-Tribune from January 2021 to March 2020 and shared his opinions on religion and other topics in the Letter to the Editor column.

    In one statement, Hermesch allegedly wrote, “Let’s not sweat the small stuff, though, maybe if we just follow Donald Trump’s example we’ll ‘make the Church great again.’ So why are things headed south like a runaway freight train? Simple. The faith is not being taught. Now is that equality and tolerance of other religions, or what?”

    Hermesch’s letters reportedly never mentioned Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church or the victim.

    In a statement posted onto Facebook, Archbishop Joseph Naumann said, “Fr. Carasala was a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years, including as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region. His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him.”

    • News Release – Kansas Bureau of Investigation
    • Statement – Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
    • Nemaha County Jail
    • Man charged in Seneca priest’s death wrote about religion, more to local newspaper – KSNT

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Elementary teacher who allegedly said her husband stabbed himself charged in his death

    FARMINGTON, N.M. (TCN) — A 51-year-old woman stands accused of killing her husband, who was found stabbed to death several years ago.

    According to the Farmington Police Department, on Nov. 29, 2020, officers responded to a home on South Ivie Avenue and discovered 49-year-old Robert Hoefer with three apparent stab wounds. The reporting party, Heather Fernandez-Hoefer, reportedly provided inconsistent statements to authorities.

    Per an affidavit obtained by KRQE-TV, Fernandez-Hoefer allegedly said her husband, Hoefer, stabbed himself while she was in another room. She reportedly told investigators she cleaned up his chest before they went to bed separately, and then Fernandez-Hoefer found him face-down on their bedroom floor.

    According to the affidavit, police located evidence of blood on the bed but not the floor. There was reportedly no blood evidence outside the bedroom other than from a washcloth allegedly used to clean the victim’s chest.

    KRQE reports that an autopsy revealed Hoefer suffered three stabs wounds that were deep enough to pierce his lungs and cut his coronary artery.

    Through digital evidence, investigators reportedly learned that Fernandez-Hoefer and her husband got into an argument over money and Hoefer’s previous relationship. Their neighbor allegedly heard the dispute between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the night of the victim’s stabbing death.

    Police announced April 1 that they arrested and charged Fernandez-Hoefer with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

    According to KRQE, Fernandez-Hoefer worked as a McCormick Elementary third grade teacher, but the school district confirmed that she is on administrative leave.

    • Press Release – Farmington Police Department
    • Third grade Farmington teacher arrested in connection to husband’s stabbing death – KRQE

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Arizona convict who held guards hostage for 15 days accused of killing 3 inmates

    TUCSON, Ariz. (TCN) — A man who is already serving 16 life sentences and held two guards hostage allegedly killed three other inmates last week.

    According to a news release from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR), on Friday, April 4, an “altercation” led to the death of three inmates: Saul Alvarez, Thorne Harnage, and Donald Lashley. Authorities announced that the ADCRR canceled visitations for the rest of the day.

    Upon further investigation, officials identified Ricky Wassenaar as the primary suspect and said preliminary reports suggest that he “acted with intent to harm” the victims. The ADCRR did not disclose how the three inmates died.

    According to KOLD-TV, Wassenaar is already serving time for his role in a prison standoff. In 2005, he was convicted on 19 charges, including kidnapping, dangerous or deadly assault by prisoner, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and first-degree escape. In 2004, Wassenaar and Steven Coy reportedly abducted two guards, a man and woman, and held them hostage for 15 days at the Arizona State Prison Lewis Complex in Buckeye. One of the guards alleged that she was raped multiple times.

    Wassenaar allegedly used a handmade weapon to get a kitchen guard’s uniform from an officer. He then used the uniform to get into a prison watchtower before the standoff ensued, KOLD reports. It was reportedly one of the longest prison hostage situations in the nation.

    Before the standoff, Wassenaar was serving a sentence for armed robbery and assault.

    The ADCRR said Alvarez was housed at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Tucson since 2004 after being sentenced for first-degree murder out of Maricopa County. Harnage was in custody since 2024 after being sentenced for sexual conduct with a minor, while Lashley was admitted in 2023 for sexual conduct with a minor and molestation of a child.

    • UPDATE: ADCRR Confirms Three Deaths at ASPC-Tucson – Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry
    • Infamous prisoner accused of killing three inmates at Tucson facility – KOLD

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • 14-year-old leaves party with older man and vanishes without a trace

    Fourteen-year-old Wendy Hudakoc disappeared after leaving a party with an older man, sparking immediate concern. Initially thought to have run away, her family soon realized their biggest fears might have come true. Over two decades later, investigators are still searching for answers but have identified Ron DePeppo, the man at the party, as a person of interest. What happened to Wendy all those years ago?

    Source: True Crime Daily