Latest news with #WillieAllen
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
South Florida immigrants react to Trump administration's self-deportation offer
A construction worker living in South Florida is among the undocumented immigrants offered $1,000 and a free one-way flight by the Trump administration to leave the U.S. voluntarily. "Nothing is guaranteed. I'm not interested and I don't suggest anybody to do it either," said Francisco, who chose not to share his last name. The offer is part of a new Department of Homeland Security program that encourages self-deportation through the CBP Home app. The administration says the initiative is designed to reduce costs and streamline the removal process. Legal community weighs in "Number one, it shows me their app is not working," said Willie Allen, an immigration attorney who has worked in South Florida for over 40 years. He noted that while past administrations have offered to pay for airline tickets, the $1,000 incentive is new. "It shows me they have not had enough people raise their hands and go, I want to go home," said Allen. According to the Department of Homeland Security, detaining and removing undocumented immigrants costs taxpayers more than $17,000 per person. In contrast, the cost of self-deportation with assistance is about $4,500. Questions remain about reentry and payments "If you leave now you may have an opportunity to return," said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in a TV ad promoting the self-deportation program. Allen, however, expressed concern about the lack of clarity. "(She) didn't say when, how or if you will come back," said Allen. "If you think you're going to leave and come back with a tourist visa it will never happen." According to U.S. Homeland Security, the $1,000 payment is issued once the person arrives in their home country. When CBS News Miami asked how the government would deliver the money, there was no response. "Don't let this fool you," said Francisco, who said he will continue to wait for a solution to his immigration case, even if he must hide.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Two more arrests in large fraud investigation in Tupelo
TUPELO – The Tupelo Police Department has arrested two more people in connection with a growing investigation into fraud. The investigation began in late February after three cars were stopped at the same time on North Gloster Street for equipment violations. There were drugs in the cars. A further search revealed multiple fraudulent out of state driver's licenses, Social Security cards, stolen checks and two firearms. The six out of state occupants of the cars were arrested and ordered held without bond. The on-going investigation led to the arrests of two co-conspirators. Rasheeda Lyanda, 37, of Smokey Mountain Drive, Tupelo, was arrested March 12 and charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit false pretense and one count of fraudulent use of identity. During her initial appearance, Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Willie Allen set her bond at $10,000. She has since been released from the Lee County Adult Jail. Jamarcus J. Walker, 23, of North Church Street, Okolona, was arrested March 13 and also charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit false pretense and one count of fraudulent use of identity. During his initial court appearance, Judge Jay Weir ordered Walker to be held without bond. This case is still under investigation and other charges are pending at this time. These charges will be presented to the Lee County Grand Jury. On Feb. 28, Sydney Nicole Lewis, 26, of Kansas City, Missouri; Dante D. McKinnie, 24, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Shacoy Peebles, 24, of Columbus, Ohio; William F. Quiring, 30, of Wichita, Kansas; Stephanie Washington, 28, of Independence, Missouri; and Rachel M. Writesel, 37, of West Jefferson, Ohio; were all charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit false pretense. McKinnie and Writesel were also each charged with a single count of fraudulent use of identity.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Tupelo traffic stop leads to drug trafficking arrest
TUPELO – A Verona woman discovered the high price of speeding when a routine traffic stop landed her in jail on felony drug charges. North Mississippi Narcotics Unit agents stopped a Nissan Altima Feb. 16 for speeding on Highway 6 near College Avenue in Tupelo. The officers established probable cause to search the vehicle. The ensuing search allegedly led to the discovery of around 5 ounces of methamphetamine, 4 ounces of amphetamine and several hundred dollars in U.S. currency. April Michelle Huddleston, 39, of Montana Street, Verona, was arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking a Schedule II controlled substance: methamphetamine and amphetamine. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming. During her initial appearance, Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Willie Allen set her bond at $100,000.
