Senator probes CBP nominee's alleged interference in migrant death investigation
A leading Senate Democrat said in a letter Wednesday that he is seeking records to determine if President Donald Trump's nominee to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection improperly intervened in the criminal probe into the 2010 death of an undocumented immigrant in federal custody.
In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) said nominee Rodney Scott was a top Border Patrol official in the San Diego sector when agents battered Anastasio Hernandez Rojas with batons and shocked him with a taser, leaving him unconscious and bloody. His subsequent death led to investigations that shadowed CBP for years and are likely to undergo fresh scrutiny as Scott's Senate confirmation hearing approaches.
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Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sen. Mark Green's retirement leaves open field for Republicans, a 'longshot' for Democrats
Tennessee is expected to see a special election later this year to replace U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, and political experts say it could bring an open field of Republican candidates. Regardless of who runs for Green's seat, experts say it would likely be a 'longshot' for any Democratic candidates as the district has a strong Republican hold. Green on June 9 announced his resignation from the 7th Congressional District, just months after his reelection, to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. His district represents a swath of rural counties in middle and west Tennessee, as well as Montgomery County and parts of Davidson and Williamson counties. 'It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress," he said in a statement. "Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up. As a result, today I notified the Speaker and the House of Representatives that I will resign from Congress as soon as the House votes once again on the reconciliation package." His office didn't respond to an interview request; it's unclear what the private sector opportunity is. Republicans hope to pass what President Donald Trump calls his 'big, beautiful bill' by July 4. If Green vacates his seat after voting on the bill, the state could see a special election this fall. Under Tennessee law, Gov. Bill Lee must order a special election within 10 days of Green's resignation and set a primary election date within 55 to 60 days. The state would then set a subsequent general election within 100 to 107 days. Green was reelected in November. His term expires in January 2027. Green, a 60-year-old doctor and military veteran who lives in Clarksville, was first elected to his seat in 2018. He announced in February 2024 that he would not seek a fourth term, characterizing the country and Congress as nearly irreversibly broken. He changed his mind after a flurry of calls from fellow Republicans and a personal appeal from Trump. John Geer, a longtime political science professor at Vanderbilt University, speculated that Republicans, without any other strong candidates, asked Green to reconsider as he was set to fight off a challenge from former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. 'They might have been worried a little bit that Megan Barry might win,' he said. Geer said it's unclear who would run for his seat now, but any new candidate will be quickly bolstered by Lee and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee. A typical low turnout for special elections could help a Democratic candidate, but Geer said it will depend on the political climate later this year, and the climate is changing fast. 'It's a longshot, but if the public is really angry and there is a Democrat that is viewed as a moderate, there could be a chance,' he said. Kent Syler, a political science and public policy professor at Middle Tennessee State University, said Barry ran a spirited and well-funded campaign against Green but still had relatively low turnout at 38%. Syler said Tennessee's 7th Congressional District contains an interesting mix of urban, suburban and rural voters, which poses a challenge for Democrats since they typically do better in urban areas. 'That dynamic will make it very difficult for a Democrat to take this seat,' he said. 'That being said, this race is going to be far more about Donald Trump than it is about the two candidates.' Green serves as chair of the Homeland Security Committee, and it's unclear how his departure will impact a Congressional investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell for allegedly obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. The investigation is set to be led by the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees. A former U.S. Army major, Green was first elected to office in the Tennessee General Assembly, where Trump tapped him in 2017 to serve as Secretary of the Army. The move, however, sparked a backlash over comments he made about LGBTQ+ groups and Muslim religious practices. Green has said comments were misconstrued, but he withdrew his candidacy. During his time in Congress, Green was an advocate for legislation affecting U.S. soldiers and veterans. His first bill after being sworn into Congress was the Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act to allow Coast Guard Gold Star Spouses to continue receiving stipends via the Survivor Benefits Plan. He advocated against the mandated COVID-19 vaccine for military members and fought for those who did not comply to be honorably discharged. Tennessee and Montgomery County Republicans have praised his service as news of his retirement spread. Tennessee GOP Chairman Scott Golden said Green was both a friend to him and the Republican Party. "Congressman Mark Green is a true American patriot,' Golden said. 'He has served in the Army, served as a doctor, served Tennessee in the State Senate, and served our Country in Congress.' Aron Maberry, freshman representative in the Tennessee General Assembly, commended Green's work. "Mark has really fought hard for District 7 and has done a lot of great things in Washington, D.C., and stood with our president," Maberry said. "I'm thankful for his services to our nation, in Tennessee and Montgomery County." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Sen. Mark Green's retirement leaves open field for Republicans and a 'longshot' for Democrats
Newsweek
19 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Fact Check: Are Marines Refusing to Go to Los Angeles?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Posts on social media suggest Marines are refusing to enter Los Angeles during protests and rioting, but there is no evidence to suggest that is the case. Protests in L.A. against immigration enforcement began on Friday and are continuing, resulting in some isolated incidents of violence and looting. Tensions escalated when, in response, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order, without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. On Monday he said 2,000 more guardsmen would be deployed, as well as active-duty U.S. Marines. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said the use of troops was unnecessary and counterproductive. Newsom in response filed an emergency motion to block this deployment. A judge rejected this request. A curfew has been imposed in parts of the city. Los Angeles Police Department officers push protesters toward Little Tokyo in downtown LA, Calif., on June 9, 2025. Los Angeles Police Department officers push protesters toward Little Tokyo in downtown LA, Calif., on June 9, 2025. Photo by Caylo Seals/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images The Claim A number of posts on social media suggested that 700 Marines did not go to Los Angeles despite Trump's call. One post, which at the time of writing had been viewed more than 380,000 times, said: "The fact that 700 Marines didn't actually show is a bigger deal than a lot of people are acting, imo [in my opinion.] The same social media user later posted: "It's commanding officers refusing to cooperate with the Secretary of Defense's orders." The Facts However, the social media accusations appear to be based on misunderstanding of a report by Fox News' chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin. She posted on X that Marines ordered to help had not yet arrived because they were undergoing training. This is not akin to Marines refusing to cooperate with orders. A CBS News report also said that 700 Marines arrived in the area and were ready to be deployed. Reuters said they were in a staging area in Seal Beach, about 50 km south of L.A. And a New York Times report cited a U.S. Northern Command spokeswoman who reportedly said the Marines will work alongside 2,100 National Guard members who are already in the city and are expected to be deployed on Wednesday. The spokeswoman told the publication the troops would not be involved in making arrests. The Ruling False. While it appears to be true that at the time of posting on social media, Marines had not arrived in L.A, this is because of training schedules and other scheduling choices, and not because they had refused to serve or comply with orders. Newsweek contacted the Pentagon and the White House outside of normal business hours to comment on this story. FACT CHECK BY Newsweek
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Eugene ‘Gene' Clark, chief of staff for Maryland legislator, dies
Eugene 'Gene' Clark, the chief of staff for a Maryland legislator who was active in his fraternity, died of cancer May 27 at Northwest Hospital Center. The Westview resident was 81. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he was the son of Hassie Jane Clark and Willie Manning. He was raised by his grandmother, Mary Little, and was a 1961 graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School. He immediately enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Madrid, Spain and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. He earned a degree at the University of Maryland's University College and later received a master's degree and doctorate in education from Morgan State University. He founded E. Clark and Associates and worked in affirmative action and diversity as an equal employment opportunity officer and investigator. Mr. Clark worked for the Baltimore City government and was an equal employment officer at the Maryland State Lottery. He later became chief of staff for State Sen. Charles E. Sydnor III, a Democrat who represents District 44 in Southwest Baltimore County. 'Gene came to one of my campaign events and asked if I needed any help,' said Sen. Sydnor. 'He soon became my chief of staff, helped me on the campaign trail and suggested legislative ideas. He was straightforward and at times blunt. 'You knew where you stood with Gene. And if he cared for you, he worked hard for you. He loved doing constituent service and excelled at writing resolutions. He had a gift for colorful writing,' Sen. Sydnor said. A 2023 article in The Baltimore Sun noted his service on the Baltimore County school board's Nominating Commission. He spoke at Morning Star Baptist Church Chapel in Woodlawn to stress that prospective school board candidates should be given a fair review before a permanent member is chosen. In 1983, Mr. Clark joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and belonged to its Zeta Sigma Chapter in Baltimore. He served as the chapter's vice president and held other offices. In 2000, he was named its Sigma Man of the Year. He was also active in the Epsilon Nu Sigma Chapter in Baltimore County and was its president for three terms. Friends said he was an accomplished cook and hosted Sunday dinners for college students. His guests recalled his fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. They said he mentored generations and often offered advice. Thomas Nicholas Marudas, Baltimore harbor urban planner, dies Iris Reeves, former Baltimore City councilmember, dies Donald Warren Richardson, Richardson Farms co-owner, dies Ed Andrews III, Harford County attorney and decorated Vietnam War veteran, dies Marian M. Hogan, retired elementary school teacher, dies 'He was an excellent baker and was known for his coconut and carrot cakes,' said Sen. Sydnor. 'He taught life lessons to others in my Annapolis office, too.' He was a member of the New Shiloh Baptist Church and sang in its choir. He was also active in the Baltimore Branch of the NAACP and belonged to the Baltimore County West Democratic Club. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 N. Monroe St., where he was a member. Survivors include two sisters, Tensley Henderson, of Southfield, Michigan, and Kathleen Burton, of Biloxi, Mississippi; and nieces and nephews. Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at and 410-332-6570.
