Five Iranians nabbed at US northern border as terror fears grip small towns
"On July 1, Border Patrol Agents from the Champlain, New York Station, responded to suspicious activity near Mooers Forks, NY," CBP's Swanton Sector said on Facebook. "Agents located a minivan occupied by five citizens of Iran and two citizens of Uzbekistan."
The Champlain Station is part of the Swanton Sector. Swanton is a rural town in Vermont near Highway 89 just south of the Canadian Border.
CBP said that all seven men had been previously arrested for attempting to cross the border illegally. All seven aliens are detained and awaiting deportation.
"They are currently detained and pending removal proceedings," CBP said. "Border security is national security and directly correlates to public safety, Swanton Sector Agents remain vigilant and committed to protecting our borders and enforcing immigration laws."
Earlier this month, a counterterrorism expert told Fox News Digital that Iranian terrorist sleeper cells could be hiding in plain sight. The U.S. military crippled several Iranian nuclear sites after targeted airstrikes on June 22.
"Where these sleeper cells may be is in plain sight," former FBI special agent and terrorism task force member Jonathan Gilliam said. "And that's the real terrifying part of this is that putting people in place, as we've seen over the past four years, everyone's scrambling because certain amounts of people could come in here and get in here."
Gilliam pointed to the Biden administration's border policies as a reason for concern.
"They could even go to the border and say they [want to] seek asylum, and the Biden administration, instead of putting them into DHS housing or ICE housing and holding them there so they could have their first appearance. To be vetted and whether or not they get asylum," he said.
In a 2023 terrorism report released by the State Department in December of last year, the federal government outlined numerous instances of worrying behavior by Iranian nationals in western countries.
"In 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment charging three individuals connected with Iran in a plot to assassinate an Iranian dissident in New York City," that report said. "Also in 2023, a United Kingdom court found a man guilty of attempting to collect information for terrorist purposes on the London-based Iran International, a media company that is critical of the Iranian regime."
"In recent years, Albania, Belgium, and the Netherlands have all either arrested, convicted, or expelled Iranian government officials implicated in various terrorist plots in their respective territories. Denmark similarly recalled its ambassador from Tehran after learning of an Iran-backed plot to kill an Iranian dissident in that country."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Premiers praise Carney and one another as they wrap up meetings in Ontario
HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe wrapped three days of meetings with his fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney Wednesday with a message he admitted he wouldn't have sent over the past decade. 'We can be proud of the work our federal government is doing, in fairness,' Moe said. Moe has been one of the federal Liberal government's most vocal critics in recent years — and criticism of Ottawa is usually guaranteed when provincial leaders gather. But as the country faces down U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war, the elbows-up, Team Canada approach seems to be winning out under Carney's government. Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised the prime minister at every opportunity Wednesday, calling him a gentleman, humble and a brilliant businessman. The premiers joked around, slapped each others' backs and dined at Ford's cottage this week. Carney slept at the cottage on Monday before joining the Council of the Federation meetings in Huntsville, Ont., on Tuesday for a discussion about trade talks with the U.S. Premiers revealed little of what they learned in those discussions, with Aug. 1 fast approaching. That's the deadline Trump has set to raise tariffs on some Canadian goods to 35 per cent, and the day by which Carney has said he wants to strike a deal with the U.S. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the Americans are signalling they will not start renegotiating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade until 2026, something she called disappointing. But Smith said Canada is working toward deals on specific sectors Trump is targeting, like vehicles, steel and aluminum, and lumber. 'If we can come up with some kind of common arrangement on those issues, those sectoral agreements by Aug. 1, we'll look at that as a win. And if it takes a little bit longer to renegotiate the Canada-U.S. free trade agreement to make sure that we get it right, then I'm supportive of that,' Smith said. The prime minister and the premiers downplayed the value of getting a deal done soon to avoid further U.S. tariffs, saying they want the best deal possible regardless of timing. A number of provinces and territories have signed agreements to open up internal trade, while others have committed to building pipelines to get oil and gas to new markets. 'No other group of premiers, as long as I can ever remember, have been able to sign 11 (memorandums of understanding),' said Ford, who is this year's chair of the Council of the Federation. The premiers did release a list of things they said they want Ottawa to address. In a statement issued Wednesday, they called on the federal government to improve Canada's trading relationship with China. 'You know what Churchill said, our enemy of our enemy is our friend, and I don't consider Americans the enemy, but right now President Trump himself is acting like the enemy,' Ford said. The friction dates back to last fall, when Canada imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles — matching a move by the Biden administration in the U.S. — and levies on a range of other goods, including EV batteries and parts, critical minerals, solar panels and semiconductors. China hit back with 100 per cent tariffs on imports of Canadian canola oil and meal, and a 25 per cent levy on some pork, fish and seafood products. 'As long as China plays fair and doesn't undercut our markets, be it the auto sector or any sector, I have no problem dealing with them because we're already dealing with them,' Ford said, pointing out that Ontario imports about $40 billion worth of Chinese goods and exports back about $3 billion. The premiers say they want the federal government to work toward removing Chinese tariffs from Canadian canola, peas, pork and seafood. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said that while the relationship with China is complicated, the two countries must talk to each other. 'We have to have engagement,' he said. 'We can't turn away from the rest of the world, especially given what's going on with Mr. Trump.' New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said she's happy that Canada and China are now in active talks toward a trade deal. 'Given that we're now negotiating a completely new relationship with the U.S., we can get back to the table with China to work to remove the seafood tariffs that New Brunswickers are experiencing,' she said. Moe and Ford said they are worried about steelworkers in their respective provinces, with three major steel plants feeling the brunt of U.S. tariffs on steel and concerns about China dumping steel into the market through proxy countries. The federal government announced protectionist and anti-dumping measures targeting Chinese-made steel last week. The premiers are also asking the federal government for changes to the bail system and more money for health care. B.C. Premier David Eby insisted health care and the cost of living are perennial priorities for provincial governments, even though health didn't come up at the meeting with Carney. 'We have to be able to do multiple things at once in this country,' he said. The premiers called for more action on immigration and said they're looking at ways to exercise more authority over that file. Ford said Smith told her fellow premiers that Section 95 of the Constitution allows provinces to pass legislation related to immigration. He said nearly 100,000 asylum seekers came to Ontario alone last year, and while many people want to work, it can take years for them to obtain work permits. 'We will be issuing our own work permits,' Ford said. — Written by Liam Casey in Huntsville, Ont., and Sarah Ritchie in Ottawa with files from Hina Alam in Fredericton This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hockey Canada sex assault defence lawyers respond to verdict: 'Public narrative was one-sided'
Five former Canadian world junior hockey players were found not guilty in a high-profile sexual assault trial related to a 2018 incident in London, Ont. The case had sparked a national reckoning over hockey culture, and what is and what isn't considered consent. Here's how the lawyers for Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote reacted to Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia's verdict, which was delivered in a London courtroom on Thursday. David Humphrey, lawyer for Michael McLeod Mr. McLeod will not be speaking to the media, and I understand the other players will not be speaking to the media. I will not be taking questions and other counsel who come to address you, they will not be taking any questions. Mr. McLeod had confidence in the Justice process, and he welcomes Justice Carrocia's decision, confirming that he and his co defendants are not guilty of sexual assault. Justice Carrocia's carefully reasoned decision represents a resounding vindication for Mr. McLeod and for his co defendants. Justice Carrocia's found that the complainant's testimony was incredible and was unreliable. For years, public perception was shaped by a one-sided narrative from a civil lawsuit that went unchallenged. In large part because hockey Canada settled the claim without first informing or consulting the players. The decision was made unilaterally, and the players were only told of the lawsuit and the settlement after the fact. Had they been consulted, they would have refused to settle, and they would have vigorously contested EM's allegations. That version of events dominated headlines and created a lasting and, a false, a false impression of guilt. It was only through this criminal trial that the allegations were fully and finally tested. The court compared the complainant's 2018 statements to the police, which rightly resulted in no charges with the later conflicting civil claim. Key elements of EM's story were contradicted by the evidence, exposing serious falsehood and leading to today's clear and just verdict of not guilty. Justice Carrocia rejected EM's claims of fear and her claims of non consent. That should be the takeaway from today's judgment. The damage to Mr. McLeod's reputation and his career has been significant. But today's decision begins to restore what was very unfairly taken away from him. Mr. McLeod is deeply grateful to his family, friends, his agent, and everybody who stood by him. Megan Savard, defence lawyer for Carter Hart It is both gratifying and unsurprising to hear an impartial and fully informed decision maker, except Mr. Hart's testimony about what happened on June 19, 2018, as unshaken, credible and truth. The public narrative of this event was, until this trial, one sided and untested. Now, the criminal process has shown it to be false. To anyone who is surprised or angered by today's outcome, it is the direct result of the media's ongoing failure to publicize the weaknesses in the prosecution's case as it unfolded. The office of the Crown attorney knew what today's verdict was likely to be. And the evidence at trial came as no surprise to them or anyone with full knowledge of the investigation. Almost every single feature of the evidence that Justice Carrocia identified today as fatal flaws for the Crown was known to prosecutors and to police from 2018. Today's outcome was not just predictable, it was predicted. The Crown attorney did not have to take this case to trial. Mr. Hart, in particular, was willing to engage in a restorative justice process. He was willing to be publicly named and prepared to use his public platform to teach other athletes about how to ensure that their sexual encounters are responsible and thoughtful. Instead of pursuing restorative justice, the Crown forced a distressing and unnecessary trial to the detriment of Mr. Hart, his co defendants, the complainant, and the Canadian public. Mr. Hart regrets that it took a criminal trial for the truth to come out, but he has learned from the experience, and he is committing to sharing what he has learned with others in his personal circle and in his professional life. He will be taking time today to process today's outcome, and is grateful to his family, his friends, and his supporters for standing by him during this profoundly challenging time. Thank you. Julianna Greenspan, lawyer for Cal Foote I promise I'm the last one. We are the last ones. Juliana Greenspan and this is Lauren Crawford, and we were counsel for Mr. Foote. Just have some brief comments that I want to say at this time. At the start of this trial, Cal Foote walked into this courthouse, an innocent man, and he walks out today exactly that. Cal never lost faith that justice would be done, despite the clamor of external pressures, and agendas, outside the courthouse doors. Criminal investigations and the trial process must always be free from these influences. On behalf of Cal and his family, we appreciate the court's careful and thorough consideration and for the just verdict delivered today. Seven years ago, Cal was 19. He is now 26. That is a significant part of a young man's life. He is still young. He has a wonderful future ahead of him, and he is eager to embark on his next chapter. Thank you. He's not answering any questions, but thank you. Daniel Brown, lawyer for Alex Formenton After what was meant to be a night of celebration with coaches and teammates. For the last seven years, he's lived under a dark cloud. The public now knows what Alex has always maintained, that he is completely innocent of this false allegation. But only after his case has erupted into a massively publicized social cause, Alex's face has appeared on millions of screens and newspaper pages, and there could be little doubt that an untold number of people out there believed he was guilty, simply because he was accused of a crime, long before any evidence was presented in court. This rush to judgment to believe the worst of people is one of the most regrettable of human traits. So, too, is our reluctance to change that opinion, even when it's proven wrong, after a full and fair trial. Notwithstanding Justice Carrocia's unequivocal exoneration of Alex today, there will inevitably be those who will still believe he committed a crime. Nobody in Room 209 that night has emerged unscarred from these events. The criminal court process is a bruising experience for everyone, but never more than when a case is high profile incorporates such high stakes. In Alex's case, he was condemned and felt banished from society. This experience for him has been crushing. Nonetheless, the impact of this case has changed Alex as a person, and he's matured well beyond his years. It is inevitable that some people will not forgive Alex for what he was accused of doing. Others, however, will understand that this tragic matter, rightly comes to an end today. Alex has never minimized his role in the sexual encounter or denied engaging in consensual sexual activity with the complainants. He fully cooperated with the police investigation and provided investigators with a complete account of his behaviour back in 2018. Alex's narrative isn't conjecture. His police statement was corroborated at trial by several crown witnesses, by video evidence, and was even supported in large measure by the complainant's evidence herself. Even Justice Carrocia said today that she accepted that Alex told the truth in that police statement. And while no police investigation is perfect, the London police got it right seven years ago when they decided it would be a mistake to charge Alex. The evidence always demonstrated that he didn't commit sexual assaults. However, political and media pressure brought this allegation back into the spotlight in 2022, and the Crown attorney knowingly forged ahead with a hopeless prosecution. Besides the human toll of everyone involved, this lengthy legal process exhausted valuable resources that could have been deployed elsewhere in the justice system, but were lost here. Alex, his family, and his defense team are grateful to Justice Carrocia for our careful consideration of all the evidence that was presented to this trial. She's reached a just and correct verdict that must be respected. Nobody disputes that sexual assault is a terrible societal plague, and Alex sincerely hopes that this prosecution doesn't stop the quest to combat sexual violence and to bring genuine offenders to justice. However, an accusation is just that, an accusation. This case stands to the fact that we must never lose sight of the fundamental right to be presumed innocent. Now, more than ever before, a fair response to sexual assault claims requires a balanced perspective and public trust and the decision making of the courts. Anything less, only harms the justice system and the cause of eliminating sexual violence. Thank you. Julie Santarossa, lawyer for Dillon Dubé For Mr. Dubé, this has been a long and difficult process. He is relieved by the outcome, and he is grateful that Justice Carrocia decided what she did and did so fairly and efficiently. Throughout this trial, Mr. Dube was impressed by the fairness and impartiality demonstrated by her honor. This decision comes as a result of careful deliberation by her honor. She engaged with the evidence in a thoughtful, methodical, and principled manner. Her reasons reflect not only a command of the legal principles at stake, but also a deep sense of responsibility in assessing the evidence, applying the law, and demonstrating a strong commitment to justice. Mr. Dubé has always maintained his innocence. He is thankful for all of the unwavering support from his friends and family who have also believed in him. For all of you that have been by his side throughout this period of time, you know who you are, we thank you. Mr. Dubé is hopeful that everyone can move forward from this in a positive manner. He is requesting privacy during this period of time. In view of the court's decision, Mr. Dubé will not be making any further statements at this time. Thank you. Read the full statement from the complainant's lawyer Gasps in court as all five players acquitted in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial Hockey Canada sex assault complainant 'very disappointed' with judge's assessment of her honesty, lawyer says Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Deal or no deal, Trump's looming 35% tariff has business worried about current exemptions
With Prime Minister Mark Carney suggesting Canada might not ink a trade deal with the U.S. by Donald Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, Canadian business leaders say their biggest concern is keeping existing tariff exemptions in place. The U.S. president has said that unless there's an agreement by Aug. 1, that Canadian exports to the U.S. will face an across the board tariff of 35 per cent. Deal or not, the crucial thing for businesses and the Canadian economy is keeping an existing exemption from tariffs for goods which comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement on trade, said Matthew Holmes, head of public policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 'I think that would be in place either way, you know, and that's my hope, because if we're no longer getting any kind of CUSMA exemption, then we're in a very different territory,' said Holmes. 'That is an absolute economic crisis.' The White House has previously signalled that the CUSMA exemption would continue to apply if there's no deal. The package includes caps on imported steel, a push to prioritize Canadian steel in government But given Trump's unpredictability, that's not exactly a certainty, said Holmes. Nor, he added, is the possibility of more sector-specific tariffs the day after any deal is signed. 'I think even if we get a deal Aug. 1, we could see him announce more tariffs on Aug. 2, or Aug. 7,' said Holmes. Dan Kelly, head of a small businesses advocacy group, thinks there's a fifty-fifty shot at some kind of deal by Trump's deadline. Kelly also says that keeping the CUSMA exemption in place is vital — even more important, he argued, than trying to reduce the sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars and copper. 'As harmful as the sectoral tariffs are, protecting the CUSMA exemption is, I would say, job one on the part of the federal government,' said Kelly, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. If a broad-based U.S. tariff does get implemented, Kelly worries that Canada could react with an across-the-board tariff on U.S. imports. That, said Kelly, would hurt Canadian consumers and small businesses alike. 'Are we going to be happy with a 10 or 25 per cent across-the-board tariff on all U.S. goods when each of us as consumers and almost half of businesses import products every day from the United States?,' Kelly asked. Trump boasted about deals with Japan and the Philippines in posts on social media Wednesday morning, and claimed he will only consider lowering tariff rates if countries open their markets to the United States. 'I will always give up Tariff points if I can get major countries to OPEN THEIR MARKETS TO THE USA,' the president posted. 'Another great power of Tariffs. Without them, it would be impossible to get countries to OPEN UP!!! ALWAYS, ZERO TARIFFS TO AMERICA!!!' Many details of the loose frameworks for the agreements with Japan and the Philippines remained unclear after the president's initial announcements Tuesday. Japan will still be hit with 15 per cent tariffs — down from Trump's proposed 25 per cent duties — and the Philippines will be hit with 19 per cent levies — slightly lower than the threatened 20 per cent. In return, the president said both countries would open their markets to American goods. The president also said Japan would invest $550 billion in the U.S. 'at my direction.' The White House on Tuesday also provided more information on the framework of the deal with Indonesia that Trump announced earlier this month. That agreement will see Indonesia hit with a 19 per cent tariff, down from Trump's proposed 32 per cent levy. Trump previously announced frameworks for deals with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. On Tuesday, Carney confirmed Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is in Washington this week but downplayed expectations of a deal by Trump's deadline. 'They're complex negotiations and we'll use all the time that's necessary,' Carney told reporters after meeting with premiers at the Council of the Federation gathering in Huntsville, Ont. Carney said the government will agree to a deal 'if there's one on the table that is in the best interests of Canadians.' Countries around the world are watching for details of the deals. It remains unclear whether striking an agreement with the U.S. now would mean a reprieve from Trump's separate import taxes on steel, aluminum and automobiles, which operate outside his global tariff regime. Duties on copper are also set to be introduced on Aug. 1. With files from The Canadian Press
