POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Agency more than doubles manpower after record-breaking national hiring initiative
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced a historic expansion of its workforce after completing what officials describe as the most successful recruitment campaign in the agency’s history. According to federal officials, ICE increased its workforce by approximately 120 percent, adding thousands of officers and personnel nationwide.
The recruitment surge has expanded the agency from roughly ten thousand employees to an estimated twenty-two thousand, marking the most significant staffing increase since ICE was established. Officials said the campaign significantly exceeded original hiring targets and drew interest nationwide, generating hundreds of thousands of applications.
The hiring initiative was launched to strengthen operational capacity amid rising enforcement demands and evolving national priorities. It combined traditional recruitment methods with modern digital outreach to target individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, federal employment, and civilian sectors. Agency leadership said the approach allowed ICE to scale rapidly while maintaining hiring standards.
Newly hired personnel are being deployed across enforcement, investigative, and operational support roles. Officials stated that the expanded workforce will improve ICE’s ability to carry out arrests, investigations, removals, and case processing, while increasing the agency’s field presence nationwide.
Federal officials described the expansion as a transformational moment for ICE, emphasizing that many of the new officers are already active in ongoing operations. The agency also confirmed that recruitment efforts remain open as part of a long-term strategy to sustain staffing levels and operational readiness.
The workforce growth comes amid a broader federal push to rebuild and expand law enforcement staffing across multiple agencies. Supporters of the campaign have cited its scale and results as evidence of renewed investment in enforcement capacity, while critics have raised questions about the messaging…
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Online Research Now Drives How Most Real Estate Agent Relationships Begin, Zillow Reports
The way homebuyers and sellers connect with real estate agents is undergoing a fundamental shift,
Nearly One in Four U.S. Workers Are Functionally Unemployed, New Study Finds
Nearly one in four American workers is considered “functionally unemployed,” according to a new analysis
U.N. General Assembly Passes Gaza Resolution as United States and Israel Voice Strong Objections
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Gaza that the United States and Israel sharply criticized, arguing that it reflects persistent anti-Israel bias within the organization and detracts from ongoing diplomatic efforts.
U.S. officials said the vote stood in contrast to what they described as recent…
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Outlines Four Pillars of Forthcoming National Defense Strategy at Reagan Library Forum
Speaking at the Ronald Reagan National Library’s annual defense forum in Simi Valley, California, Hegseth drew parallels between the military doctrines of President Ronald Reagan and President Donald J. Trump. He underscored what he views as the current administration’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the U.S. armed forces.
“President Trump…
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Launches Nationwide Silent Auction to Support Families of Fallen and Wounded Officers
Supporters across the United States now have a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of federal law enforcement families during the holiday season. The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association has announced the launch of the Big Blue Bash Online Silent Auction, presented by Law Enforcement Today. All…
U.S. House Approves Long-Term Extension of Acute Hospital Care at Home Program, Telehealth Advocates Call for Swift Senate Action
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313), a bipartisan measure that would extend the federal Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) program through 2030, preventing a potential lapse in essential Medicare services early next year. ATA Action, the advocacy arm of…
Hegseth Orders Additional 500 National Guardsmen to Washington After Shooting Near White House
Washington is set to receive a surge of additional security personnel after President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to deploy 500 more National Guardsmen to the capital. The decision follows the shooting of two West Virginia National Guardsmen near the White House on Monday afternoon,…
Unprecedented operation marks dramatic escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations and raises global legal and geopolitical questions
President Donald J. Trump announced on January 3, 2026, that U.S. military forces successfully carried out a coordinated overnight operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to official Pentagon reporting released today, the extraction marks a significant escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations with far-reaching geopolitical implications.
In a press briefing following the mission, President Trump described the action as a decisive strike against a regime accused by U.S. authorities of corruption, narcotics trafficking, and threats to regional security. Maduro and Flores were taken into U.S. custody and transported to American territory, where they are expected to face federal charges.
The sudden operation — reportedly involving U.S. special forces alongside air and naval assets — came after months of escalating military pressure and strikes on Venezuelan territory under what U.S. officials characterized as efforts to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks linked to Maduro’s government.
President Trump said the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela during a transitional period until a stable governance structure can be established. He emphasized that the objective is a “safe and proper transition,” though details and a timeline for U.S. oversight remain unclear.
The announcement has triggered divergent reactions domestically…
U.S. sanctions four companies and blocks oil tankers tied to Venezuela’s shadow fleet
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions on Wednesday targeting oil traders and vessels accused of helping Venezuela evade U.S. restrictions and generate revenue for the government of Nicolás Maduro.
According to the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, four companies operating in Venezuela’s oil sector have been sanctioned, and four oil tankers have been identified as blocked property. Officials said the vessels form part of a so-called shadow fleet that continues to transport Venezuelan crude in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Treasury officials stated that proceeds from these oil shipments provide financial support to Maduro’s government, which the United States does not recognize as legitimate. The administration argues that such revenue enables destabilizing activities and allows the regime to bypass international pressure.
“President Trump has been clear that the United States will not allow the Maduro regime to profit from oil exports while fueling criminal networks,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. He added that the department will continue enforcing sanctions as part of Washington’s broader pressure campaign on Caracas.
Background on Venezuela Oil Sanctions
U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s energy sector date back to January 2019, when Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. was designated under Executive Order 13850 for operating…
USS Wichita Assumes Southern Border Security Mission From USS St. Louis
The freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita has departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, to begin supporting U.S. Northern Command’s southern border operations, replacing the USS St. Louis as the Navy’s lead maritime asset in the region.
The transition, effective November 14, marks a continuation…
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Praises Passage of Continuing Resolution, Urges Swift Action on Full Federal Budget
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) noted the passage of the continuing resolution and three regular appropriations bills that reopened the federal government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The legislative action restores funding for essential services and allows federal law enforcement…
United States Sanctions Financial Operatives Funding Hizballah’s Global Network
The United States has imposed sanctions on multiple individuals involved in funneling tens of millions of dollars from Iran to Hizballah. These operatives collaborate with regional businessmen and currency exchanges to enable large-scale financial transfers and sustain the terrorist organization’s funding operations.
According to…
Two Paths, One Party: Mamdani’s New York and Sherrill’s New Jersey Define Democrats’ 2025 Divide
New Yorkers woke up to a political milestone this week as Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani claimed victory in the city’s mayoral race, becoming both the youngest and first Muslim person ever elected to lead the five boroughs. Across the Hudson, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey…
Former U.S. Vice President Richard ‘Dick’ Cheney Passes Away at 84
Former U.S. Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney has died at the age of 84. According to his family’s statement, Cheney passed away on the evening of November 3, 2025, surrounded by his wife Lynne, his daughters Elizabeth (“Liz”) and Mary, and other family members. The cause of…
The proposed Trump-class vessels would mark the first return to battleship construction in decades and form the backbone of a planned “golden fleet” for modern maritime warfare
By Marc Brousseau / Deputy EditorOn December 22, President Donald J. Trump announced plans for the U.S. Navy to develop a new class of American-designed battleships, signaling a major shift in U.S. naval strategy and shipbuilding priorities.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said he had approved a plan for the Navy to begin construction of two new large surface combatants, each expected to displace between 30,000 and 40,000 tons. The vessels would be the largest warships built by the United States to date.
“As commander in chief, it’s my great honor to announce that I have approved a plan for the Navy to begin the construction of two brand-new, very large battleships,” Trump said during the announcement.
The president was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Navy Secretary John Phelan.
According to Trump, the ships will form the foundation of a new “golden fleet” of advanced U.S. warships. The Trump-class battleships are currently in the design phase, with construction of the first vessel, the USS Defiant, targeted for the early 2030s. The Navy ultimately aims to field between 20 and 25 ships in the class.
Phelan said the new battleships represent a critical capability the Navy urgently requires. He described the future USS Defiant as the largest, most lethal, and most versatile warship operating anywhere in the world’s oceans.
He also drew comparisons to the Iowa-class battleships that served as a cornerstone of U.S. naval power throughout much of the 20th century.
“The Iowa was designed to go on the attack with the biggest…
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Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Applauds Passage of Priority Police Week Bills in NDAA
Fed Governor Miran Says ‘Phantom Inflation’ Is Keeping Policy Too Tight, Sees Faster Drop in Shelter Costs
Treasury Under Secretary John K. Hurley Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to Strengthen Sanctions Enforcement Against Iran
U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley will travel to Europe and the Middle East to advance President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran and reinforce international efforts to restrict terrorist groups from accessing the global financial system.
During…
Trump Administration Advances Key Milestones in New York Penn Station Transformation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced new progress this week on the Trump Administration’s ambitious overhaul of New York Penn Station, with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy confirming that the project has reached three key milestones and remains on track to break ground by late 2027….
Secretary Bessent and Japan’s Finance Minister Katayama Chart a Path for a New Economic Era
In a pivotal meeting in Tokyo, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.–Japan alliance and outlined a shared vision for sustained growth amid evolving global economic conditions.
Secretary Bessent emphasized Washington’s…
Bipartisan measures addressing officer safety, survivor benefits, trauma care, and child exploitation advance toward becoming law
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) welcomed the inclusion of several of its top legislative priorities in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), following the bill’s passage in the U.S. Senate. The annual defense policy measure is expected to be signed into law by the President in the coming days.
The provisions, championed by FLEOA during National Police Week earlier this year, were unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in May and later adopted as amendments to the Senate-passed NDAA. The package reflects a bipartisan effort by lawmakers in both chambers to address pressing challenges facing law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels.
According to FLEOA, the Police Week legislative package in the NDAA comprises four standalone bills to strengthen public safety and support officers and their families.
One measure, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, expands assistance for families of officers and first responders who develop exposure-related cancers linked to the heightened risks of their service. Another, the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, ensures that families of retired officers who are targeted for violence because of their prior law enforcement service are eligible for Public Safety Officers’ Benefits.
The package also includes the Improving Police CARE…
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Fed Governor Miran Says ‘Phantom Inflation’ Is Keeping Policy Too Tight, Sees Faster Drop in Shelter Costs
U.S. Department of Energy Issues Emergency Order to Ensure Reliable Power for Millions This Winter
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. This directive ensures that millions of Americans will have uninterrupted access to reliable, affordable, and secure energy during the colder months ahead.
The order allows…
From Barracks to Briefs: Enlisted Marines Transition to Legal Careers Through New Program
Marine Corps 2nd Lt. William Hardwick has been recognized as one of the first candidates selected for the prestigious Enlisted to Judge Advocate Program, a new initiative designed to provide enlisted Marines with a pathway to becoming legal professionals within the Marine Corps.
Before…
Federal Reserve Seeks Public Input on Enhancing Transparency of Stress Tests
The Federal Reserve Board is inviting comments on new proposals aimed at increasing the transparency and public accountability of its annual stress tests. This initiative comes as part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to ensure that large banks are adequately capitalized and can continue lending to households…