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Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Migrants criminally charged after failing to register with US government
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Since April 11, when the Department of Homeland Security established a new immigrant registration form, prosecutors have used a statute created in 1940 to charge dozens of people across the country with failing to sign up - a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to six months in prison and $5,000 in fines. Advertisement Although most cases are in the early stages of adjudication, at least six in which defendants challenged the charges have been thrown out by judges or withdrawn by prosecutors amid questioning from the courts, according to a Washington Post analysis of court records. More than a dozen others have pleaded guilty. Advertisement In some instances, judges chided prosecutors for relying on a statute that has not been widely enforced in more than half a century to target people who until just weeks ago had no way to comply. In an order May 19 dismissing charges against five migrants in Louisiana, US Magistrate Judge Michael B. North wrote that there was 'no evidence that any of these defendants knew they were required to register … and even if they had, until very recently, there was no mechanism for [them] to do so.' One of the men was arrested on the day the new registry sign-up form went live on the website of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The judicial skepticism has opened a new front in the clash between the Trump administration and the federal courts over the government's aggressive use of obscure immigration laws to advance the president's mass deportation agenda. Courts have temporarily blocked the administration's use of a rarely invoked wartime law to deport immigrants accused of being members of foreign gangs and ordered the return of several men removed from the country without legal due process. A judge in New Mexico has stymied government efforts to charge scores of immigrants with trespassing on military property after authorities declared wide swaths of the border an expanded military zone. As in the trespassing cases, the judges who have dismissed the failure-to-register charges based their decisions on doubts about whether the people charged - some of whom have lived in the country for years - understood that they were violating the law. Matthew Tragesser, a spokesman for USCIS, defended the administration's push as a success, saying more than 57,000 immigrants have signed up for the registry. Authorities did not provide details about their identities. Advertisement 'For the first time in years, the Immigration and Nationality Act statute … is being enforced, and there is finally broad recognition that failure to comply is a crime,' Tragesser said in a statement. On his first day in office, Trump signed a flurry of immigration-related executive actions, including one titled 'Protecting the American People Against Invasion.' That measure directed DHS to work with the Justice Department to resume enforcement of the registration requirement. The statute arose out of World War II-era fears that hostile foreign agents could be hiding in the United States, and it mandated that noncitizens register their presence at their local post offices and carry proof of registration with them. After the war, federal officials stopped enforcing the requirement, though the law remained on the books. President George W. Bush briefly revived the registration mandate after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks for men from predominantly Muslim countries. More than 10,000 people who registered were detained and deported before that registration system was dismantled under President Obama in 2016. But, even then, criminal prosecutions for failing to register were rare. As Trump dusted off the law this year, prosecutions were an explicit goal. In a memo to federal prosecutors in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi specifically highlighted the ability to charge people with failing to register, directing government lawyers to use 'all available criminal statutes to combat the flood of illegal immigration.' At the time, however, there was no method for immigrants in the country to register, prompting DHS officials to move forward in March with a draft regulation for a new online registration form, written only in English. Advertisement Under the new rules, those with visas or legal permanent residency and those who have had previous contact with immigration authorities at US ports of entry or through deportation proceedings do not have to register because their personal details are already on file. USCIS has estimated that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million immigrants are now required to sign up. Immigrant advocates say the threat of new criminal penalties has left those migrants with a perilous choice: register and risk deportation or refuse and face possible criminal charges - and eventual removal from the country anyway. Some view the registration requirement as part of the administration's efforts to pressure immigrants to leave the country voluntarily. Angélica Salas, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said her organization put a notice on its website warning people about the legal implications. 'It's actually a registry that has consequences,' she said. 'So what we tell everybody is do not sign up for this without legal counsel. … There's no benefit.' Salas's group and other advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit in late March seeking to block the registration requirement. A federal judge in Washington denied their request just hours before the mandate took effect April 11. At that point, the judge said, there was no evidence that anyone had suffered concrete harm. Within days of his ruling, federal prosecutors in Louisiana filed one of the nation's first criminal cases related to the registry. At least 13 defendants have pleaded guilty to charges of failing to register and have either been removed from the country or are in deportation proceedings, according to court records. But even some of those who have successfully fought the criminal charges have been deported after immigration courts found them to be in the country without legal status, according to their lawyers. Advertisement Michelle Lapointe, legal director of the American Immigration Council, which has challenged the registry requirement in court, said the Trump administration is using the failure-to-register law to charge immigrants with low-level offenses in an effort to criminalize them. Doing so, she said, is a waste of resources: 'There's only so many prosecutors that DOJ has.' In a recent case in Phoenix, US Magistrate Judge Deborah Fine noted that in her decade on the bench she had never seen prosecutors bring a charge for failing to register with the government, which she described as 'not the most serious' crime. She questioned whether Eduardo Prado Flores, a 25-year-old Mexican national who had been picked up at a local jail after an arrest for driving under the influence, was even aware the registry existed - let alone willfully refused to sign up, as prosecutors had alleged. Esther Winne, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Arizona, declined to discuss the case. James Schneider, the ICE agent handling the case, testified in a court hearing that agents had not been given formal training on building a failure-to-register case before charging Prado Flores. 'It has happened pretty fast and everything has been pretty fluid on such changes coming down on our end,' he said. At the hearing's conclusion, Fine remained skeptical. 'If this is all the United States has, I have concerns about putting my signature on this,' she said. A few days later, prosecutors withdrew the case. Advertisement
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
On World No Tobacco Day experts flag concerns about illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering adolescents and the youth
On the occasion of WHO (World Health Organisation) World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts at a seminar raised serious concerns about the illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering the lives of adolescents and the youth across India. The event was organised in line with the theme of the Day - Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, Mothers Against Vaping. The experts also reinforced their commitment to spreading awareness and take decisive action against the growing threat of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other HTPs (Heated Tobacco Products). In the event, Dr Avinash Sunthlia – Deputy Additional Director General (DADG), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India said 'Why is the industry using new tactics to attract our youth? Because the industry needs new users to consume these new devices so that they can be turned into lifelong consumers. Hence, despite the ban on these products through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, producers have found ways to circumvent the laws and promote e-cigarettes and vapes. They also market these devices as safer alternatives for smoking cessation, but it is about recruiting new users for a lifetime of dependence,' 'To spread awareness we have issued comprehensive guidelines for schools, initiated capacity-building programmes for teachers, and are working closely with influencers and digital creators to speak up about the dangers of vaping. We've also launched an online reporting platform that empowers everyday citizens to flag violations related to the sale or promotion of these banned devices so that prompt action can be taken. I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mothers Against Vaping for their unwavering commitment and advocacy on this critical issue', added Dr. Sunthlia. The seminar was organised at the Indian International Centre, New Delhi by Mothers Against Vaping, a united front of concerned mothers combating the escalating vaping crisis among our youth. In the event, various experts put the spotlight on the role of promotions in targeting a new generation of young users through new-age gateway devices even as Mothers Against Vaping released a report titled 'Unmasking the Appeal – How Vapes & E-Cigarettes Continue to be Promoted Unabated in India'. Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi, in his keynote address, said, 'Vapes are more dangerous than cigarettes because through such devices, one can even consume hard drugs. Based on my experience, several users have confessed to using vaping equipment for hard drug intake. What makes the threat more dangerous is the way these products are promoted. Manufacturers and sellers use tactics like influencer marketing on social media to glamorise these devices and target young users while avoiding direct accountability and prosecution.' 'There has to be a proper coordination between customs authorities, police authorities, transporter associations and even courier agencies to stem the rising tide of e-cigarettes and vapes. Also important is public involvement, but for that to happen, citizens need to be aware that these devices are banned in India. Therefore, it is critical that the government launch strong awareness campaigns to inform people about the illegality and dangers of these devices", added Singh Padma Jaiswal - IAS, Secretary to the Government of the Union Territory of Puducherry, said, 'I would really like to acknowledge the great effort done by Mothers Against Vaping. I believe that such a kind of initiative and prioritisation has not been done by any civil society organisation earlier towards generating awareness of the issue.' 'The government has made the law banning vaping and e-cigarettes because it has seen from its own data that most of the users who are being affected by vaping are the adolescents who are in the schools and colleges. Being a mother myself, I am aware that vaping is rampant and the habit leaves a strong impact among the adolescents and the youth. They are attracted to these devices because they are promoted as a luxury, a style statement with the narrative that it is neither harmful nor punitive. Therefore, we need to raise the awareness that these electronic devices are banned in India,' Ms Jaiswal added. On the occasion, Mothers Against Vaping also released investigative report exposing the alleged covert strategies employed by global vaping and e-cigarette brands to infiltrate India's digital landscape, circumventing the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019. Despite the ban, these entities exploit media loopholes, leveraging digital platforms, influencer marketing, and surrogate advertising to glamorise their products . The comprehensive analysis reveals a disturbing trend: the deliberate targeting of Indian youth through social media channels. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are inundated with content portraying vaping as a trendy, harmless lifestyle choice. Influencers, often with substantial followings, are co-opted to promote these products, masking their dangers under the guise of modernity and sophistication. Influencers have emerged as stealth marketers—turning reels, reviews, and jokes into powerful tools of vape promotion. From casual endorsements masked as lifestyle content to creative smoke tricks that mimic skill, the influencer ecosystem plays a crucial role in making vaping look aspirational, trendy, and even humorous. Despite the ban, India's digital and informal markets continue to thrive in brazen defiance of the ban. Hence, the report provides for a number of recommendations as below: Immediate Actions To Stop Promotion of Vapes and E-Cigarettes Coordinate Enforcement Efforts: Establish robust coordination between cybercrime units, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies to proactively monitor and identify violative digital content and actors. Initiate Legal Proceedings against Violators: Launch immediate legal action under relevant provisions of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) and other applicable laws. Dismantle Digital Channels: Identify and issue directives for taking down social media pages, handles, and websites that promote vapes. Issue Platform Wide Directives: Direct social media companies, technology platforms and digital marketplaces, including domain service providers, to comply with Indian law by proactively detecting and preventing promotion of these banned products. Initiate action against Manufacturers and Sources: Pursue action against manufacturers, importers, and distributors who make these dangerous products available for sale. Recommendations from the report:
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
‘Vaping is not a safe form of smoking'
AS the world marks World No Tobacco Day today, May 31, young people led the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) march in Durban calling out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children. The march, also attended by Nkosikhona Mpungose, the chairperson of the South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum, was held on Friday, in preparation for the big day. It was held in conjunction with the movement in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Mpungose, who was very vocal against the use of tobacco by young people, called for stricter measures to be put in place by government to limit the use of e-cigarettes by the youth. He said, 'We need to sensitise society, especially the youth, about the dangers of tobacco. 'What the industry is doing to our youth is concerning. Young people need to be aware of what they are consuming because most of them don't even know that these electric cigarettes have tobacco in them and flavours that are dangerous to their health.' Also Read: Tobacco companies are targeting teens, says CANSA His sentiments were shared by Lorraine Govender, CANSA health promotions manager, who said, 'There is a high use of e-cigarettes by our youth and we are very concerned about the tactics that are being used by the tobacco industry in creating a new group of people who are addicted to nicotine. With this march we are raising awareness and telling government that we are in support of the Tobacco Control Bill.' This year's theme for World No Tobacco Day is Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products. It's about revealing how the tobacco and nicotine industries make their harmful products seem attractive, particularly to young people, through manipulative marketing, appealing flavours and deceptive product designs. A memorandum of demands was submitted by the demonstrators. In it they called on the Portfolio Committee on Health to continue prioritising the health of the nation and expedite the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Also Read: #WorldNoTobaccoDay: 'Commit to quit,' says Heart and Stroke Foundation They will also emphasise that delays will lead to increased recruitment of young individuals by the tobacco industry, resulting in higher rates of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer. Minenhle Dlamini, CANSA's tobacco control programme co-ordinator and social worker, said, 'In spite of claims that vaping is a 'harmless alternative' to smoking, there is ever-increasing evidence of serious health risks. These risks include nicotine addiction, lung damage and the increased likelihood of moving onto traditional tobacco products. A new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals is being created with seemingly innocent flavoured vapes and sleek, tech-inspired designs targeting young consumers.' For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bondcote Performance Textiles Acquires Graniteville Specialty Fabrics
Bondcote Performance Textiles, manufacturer of coated, laminated and composite fabrics, has acquired coated textiles innovator Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. Bondcote—a subsidiary of XFS Global, which produces performance textiles for military, government, commercial and industrial use—said it sees the acquisition of Graniteville as a means of advancing its capabilities as a supplier to the United States defense industrial base and commercial textile sectors. More from Sourcing Journal Unraveling the Divide: How the Textile-Garment Designer Disconnect Stalls Innovation Trump Says US Should Produce Tech and Tanks, Not T-Shirts and Sneakers Trove Takes On European Resale Market With Acquisition 'Graniteville Specialty Fabrics brings a legacy of excellence, innovation, and customer focus that aligns perfectly with our values and strategic direction,' said Jacob Furbee, group president and CEO of XFS Global & Bondcote Performance Textiles. 'This acquisition is more than combining product lines—it strengthens our shared future as a trusted partner to the defense and industrial textile markets.' Graniteville Specialty Fabrics was established during the post-World War II era, and over the decades the company has supported mission-critical applications, including military tentage, fire-resistant fabrics and high-durability materials for the industrial sector. Their fabrics have been used by the U.S. armed services and first responders, as well as in commercial uses across construction, transportation and recreation. 'We are proud of our 70-year legacy, and the Graniteville Specialty Fabrics team is excited about our future as part of Bondcote Performance Textiles,' said Doug Johnson, chief operations officer for Granitville Specialty Fabrics. 'We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition process and creating synergies between our teams to benefit current and future customers.' Graniteville Specialty Fabrics will continue operating in its Greenville, S.C., facility, but the company's team, brand and product lines will integrate into Bondcote Performance Textiles. Pulaski, Virginia-based Bondcote said this integration will create enhanced synergies in research and development, manufacturing efficiency and product development. Bondcote's acquisition of Graniteville was backed by Lake Country Capital, a Minnesota-based equity investment firm with investments across a wide range of sectors, from food to industrial equipment. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Eyewitness News
a day ago
- Eyewitness News
No arrests after xenophobic attacks in Addo
There have not yet been any arrests after xenophobic attacks in Valencia, Addo, forced hundreds of immigrant families to evacuate on Sunday. The 'revenge attacks' by a group of men were triggered by the murder of a South African man on the weekend, allegedly by an immigrant. The mob went from house to house on Sunday, kicking immigrant families out of their homes. At least 30 Zimbabweans were injured during the attacks and 17 are still in hospital, according to the Embassy of Zimbabwe. Four men have died, says the South African Police Service (SAPS). The SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating, said police spokesperson Majola Nkohli on Thursday. 'The situation in Addo is still tense. Police are continuing to maintain high visibility patrols in the area,' said Nkohli. Some families have been staying at the Addo police station, too afraid to return to their homes. Hundreds of others have been evacuated to a church hall in Gqeberha. The church has requested not to be named for safety concerns. Dennis Makolo arrived there on Thursday morning after being discharged from hospital. But he was still disoriented when we spoke to him and could not remember the hospital he was in or how he ended up at the church hall. He said he was beaten by a 'violent mob' and now wants to find work outside of Addo. 'I have bad memories of the area.' Anyway Hlungwani, who was beaten up with crowbars, is still in immense pain. His face is still swollen, his head wound stitched up, and he has sores all over his body. 'The truth is that I don't want to hear anything about Valencia. I was beaten for nothing … Had it not been for my wife, who bravely intervened, I could be dead by now,' he said. Hlungwani's wife, Everjoy Chipangura, said that if they had enough money, they would have boarded the next bus to Zimbabwe. 'I don't want my child to grow up in a hostile environment. We have to start a new life again, but elsewhere,' she said. But others staying in the hall said they cannot return to Zimbabwe and want to go back home to Valencia. 'This is the first such incident in the area,' said one man. 'I have worked on several farms in the Sundays River Valley area for nearly 20 years, but I haven't experienced this type of threat.' 'The reason why we are all here is the economic turmoil of Zimbabwe. There are no jobs. I will go back to Valencia once the police tell us that the situation has improved.' Chairman of the Zimbabwe Migrants Support Network, Chris Mapingure, said that donations of food, clothing and toiletries are urgently needed. 'We're glad to have received amazing support from individuals, Gift of the Givers, businesses and government departments.' This article first appeared on GroundUp. Read the original article here.
