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The Hill
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Behind the mask: What are ICE agents hiding?
'Who was that masked man?' If you're of a certain age, you'll remember that line from 'The Lone Ranger' — a weekly morality play, first broadcast on the radio in the 1930s, in which the hero wore a mask to hide not from accountability, but from accolades (and from the outlaw gang that ambushed him and left him for dead). In that depiction, justice rode in on a white horse and rode off into the sunset. It was dispensed honorably — if anonymously — and always in defense of the vulnerable. Fast-forward to 2025, and we're contending with a different kind of masked man. These cowboys don't ride stallions or fire warning shots into the air. They roll up in unmarked SUVs, dressed in tactical vests and with their faces covered. In one viral video, such men appear to pummel a landscaper outside an IHOP in Santa Ana, Calif., where he worked. The man's three sons, as it happens, are all U.S. Marines. This isn't just excessive force or profiling. It's the perversion of the very idea of public safety — one that creates deeper, more insidious problems. The first is psychological and moral. The old proverb warns: The mask becomes the face. Anyone who's spent time online knows that anonymity often brings out the worst in us. But this isn't just about a loss of civility. The hyper-militarized look of these Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents isn't merely a 'mask' in the Lone Ranger sense. His was a modest black domino mask — the kind that concealed just enough to hide his identity, but not enough to make him look menacing. The masks being worn by ICE agents are, by contrast, a posture. A weapon. Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, 'We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.' Nietzsche put it more bluntly: 'Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster.' The moral? When men begin to dress like soldiers and vigilantes, we shouldn't be surprised when they start acting like both. The second problem is more straightforward and potentially more dangerous: When real law enforcement abandons clearly identifiable uniforms and professional procedures, it becomes easier for imposters to step in. This isn't hypothetical. In South Carolina, a man named Sean-Michael Johnson was 'charged with kidnapping and impersonating a police officer after allegedly detaining a group of Latino men,' according to a CNN report in February. He flashed a fake badge. That was enough. In Raleigh, North Carolina, a man allegedly threatened to deport a woman he met at a Motel 6 unless she slept with him. He showed her a business card with a badge on it. In this political environment, that threat — like the depicted badge — seemed credible. Police power isn't contingent on the integrity of the individual with the badge; it relies on the appearance of authority. We obey the symbols, not the man. But what happens when the uniform becomes easy to fake or deliberately obscured — or tarnished — by the officers themselves? That's not just a glitch in the system. It's the erosion of public trust. And in a culture increasingly obsessed with 'cosplay' — from Capitol rioters in combat gear to politicians posing in body armor — is it any wonder that law enforcement has been reduced to just another costume? The lines have blurred, not just between enforcement and abuse, but between officer and imposter. Put yourself in the shoes of a detainee: If you're dragged into a van by masked men on the street, how are bystanders supposed to know whether or not you are being kidnapped? In the Santa Ana case, a woman tried to intervene. She was thrown to the ground. Most people didn't even try. The default assumption is that you deserved it. Or that you weren't supposed to be here in the first place. We know from social psychology that bystanders are already reluctant to intervene, even when a violent crime is underway. Now imagine the hesitation when the masked aggressors might actually be law enforcement agents. And while immigrants are the most vulnerable targets of this deception, it isn't limited to immigration enforcement. Even those who are unlikely to be profiled should be concerned about the broader trend — a 'warrior cop' culture that has metastasized into something darker, unmoored from accountability. Here's the bleak irony: Americans are told we have the right to defend ourselves. Indeed, this is a largely conservative insight. But if the people kicking in your door at 3 a.m. are law enforcement — perhaps on a faulty warrant — you'd better not try. The same is true if you are accosted in public. Of course, the people being tackled by masked ICE agents — or impersonators — aren't the only ones who are harmed. Images of masked men tackling and disappearing people in broad daylight chip away at public trust. The damage ripples outward, undermining the very legitimacy of the system. We used to teach kids to respect authority. If someone knocked on the door wearing a badge, you at least opened it because the badge meant something. There were rules. There was a story we told ourselves — about order, fairness and due process. That story is unraveling. So what do you do now when a bunch of masked, anonymous men — possibly claiming to be the law — try to grab you? You probably still comply. Not out of civic responsibility or reverence, but because not complying might get you killed. Matt K. Lewis is a columnist, podcaster and author of the books 'Too Dumb to Fail' and 'Filthy Rich Politicians.'
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada Day pancake special at IHOP — and other Niagara eateries serving sweet stacks
IHOP may not be a Canadian brand, but it is offering a deal just for Canadians. From Monday, June 30, to Wednesday, July 2, local IHOP restaurants will offer a stack of red and white buttermilk pancakes for 56 cents. Participating IHOP restaurants will be offering a stack of red and white pancakes for 56 cents from June 30 to July 2. The special comes drizzled with maple syrup, glazed strawberries and whipped cream. All participating locations will be open Canada Day. Here are also five Canadian spots where you can enjoy pancakes Canada Day weekend. Flying Saucer Restaurant in Niagara Falls. The building is designed like its namesake, and is best known for its breakfast menu. The restaurant also has an early bird breakfast special available 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Location: 6768 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls Phone: 905-356-4553 A Niagara spot that offers blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, along with an all-day breakfast menu. Location: 8123 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls Phone: 905-356-5527 Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House is a good Canadian option with two locations in the Niagara region. This chain has a greasy spoon vibe and a breakfast menu that includes pancake stacks with options such as strawberry cheesecake and cinnabun pancakes. There are also gluten-free options. Locations: 7190 Morrison St., Niagara Falls. Phone: 905-357-5700 6840 McLeod Rd., Niagara Falls. Phone 905-356-3636 Pancakes from Stacked Pancake. After starting as a snack bar in Quebec, Cora is now a countrywide chain. Aside from breakfast classics such as omelette and eggs benedict, it also serves pancakes, including its triple chocolate and strawberry banana options. Location: 210 Glendale Ave., St. Catharines Phone: 905-397-4397 Red velvet pancakes and Reese's peanut butter cup pancakes made by Pur and Simple. Another Quebec-based chain, it is well known for its brunch offerings and fresh smoothies. It also offers pancake flavours that include espresso, chocolate and triple berry. Locations: 3770 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls. Phone: 289-296-6167 290 Glendale Ave., St. Catharines. Phone: 905-227-4955
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
How Is AI Changing Everyday Life And Are You Keeping Up with the Latest Tech Trends?
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic add‑on; it's the quiet operating system behind everything from the playlist that greets you at breakfast to the car that drives you to work. In 2025, 'AI in everyday life' isn't hype it's infrastructure. The question has shifted from if AI will touch your routine to whether you're ready for the pace of change. Smartphones were already smart; now they're becoming proactive. Generative 'copilots' built directly into iOS and Android summarize overnight messages, draft emails in your tone, and translate video calls on the fly. Behind the screen, on‑device custom silicon crunches language models privately no cloud connection, no latency. Deloitte calls this the move toward 'different horses for different courses,' where specialized models handle each micro‑task efficiently. What to do: Explore the AI settings you may have ignored. Most flagship phones now let you toggle local summarization and voice‑command automation without extra apps. Hyper‑Personal Shopping and Dining The same recommendation logic that powered online ads has jumped into brick‑and‑mortar eateries. Chains such as Applebee's and IHOP are rolling out AI engines that analyze your past orders to suggest the perfect side dish before you even think to ask. In retail, computer‑vision cameras track shelf stock in real time and nudge staff before anything runs out, cutting waste and wait times. What to do: Sign up for loyalty programs only where the personalization feels useful then prune the rest. You'll reduce data exposure while still enjoying tailored perks. Health Care at the Edge AI isn't just scheduling appointments; it's embedded in the devices themselves. The U.S. FDA approved 223 AI‑enabled medical devices in 2023, up from six in 2015. From home ECG patches that detect atrial fibrillation to smart inhalers that coach proper technique, diagnostics move from clinic to kitchen table. What to do: If you're adding wearables, look for models with transparent data‑sharing policies and clinical validation, not just flashy dashboards. Autonomous Mobility Goes Mainstream Robotaxis have quietly racked up hundreds of thousands of rides a week in cities from Phoenix to Shenzhen. Waymo alone logs more than 150,000 trips every week, while Baidu's Apollo Go covers multiple Chinese the hood, next‑generation sensors run neural networks that can spot a stray pet faster than a human can blink. What to do: Even if you're not ready to hail a driverless car, pay attention to your vehicle's driver‑assist features. Learning how adaptive cruise, lane‑keep, and automated parking actually work is part of being road‑safe in the age of AI. Smart Homes That Anticipate, Not Just Respond Voice speakers were the opening act. Now, multidevice ecosystems adjust lighting, HVAC, and security cameras based on predicted behavior patterns. Walk toward the kitchen after sunset and the countertop lights fade up automatically; leave a window open during a heatwave and the system reminds you by phone notification. AI‑driven energy optimization is shaving 10‑15 percent off some households' utility bills, according to 2025 consumer tech surveys. What to do: Audit every connected gadget. Disable default cloud logging where local control is possible, and update firmware regularly to block newly discovered exploits. Workplaces Run on Agentic AI Microsoft, Google, and a wave of SaaS upstarts now pitch 'agentic' AI—autonomous digital workers that plan, schedule, and execute multistep tasks once you state the goal. Morgan Stanley notes that reasoning‑capable models and custom silicon are the biggest enterprise priorities for 2025. Early adopters report productivity bumps, but also new risks: models may fabricate data or drift off policy unless guardrails are explicit. What to do: Upskill strategically. Learn prompt‑engineering basics, but also brush up on fundamentals like statistics and domain knowledge so you can validate AI output instead of rubber‑stamping it. Ethical and Social Ripples You Can't Ignore Bias, privacy, and job displacement remain live debates. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates are even appointing AI 'cabinet members' to advise on policy. Meanwhile, regulators from Brussels to Jakarta are rolling out disclosure rules and audit requirements. What to do: Track local legislation affecting data use, and push employers to adopt transparent AI governance. A little activism goes a long way when standards are still being written. Staying Ahead of the Curve Keeping up with the latest tech trends isn't about owning every gadget; it's about building an adaptable mindset. Here's a quick checklist: Experiment in safe sandboxes. Use personal projects to test new AI features without risking mission‑critical data. Curate your feeds. Follow at least one technical newsletter and one policy‑oriented source so you catch both breakthroughs and guardrail debates. Practice 'consentful tech.' Before installing any AI‑powered app, ask: Does it need this data to deliver value? If not, opt out. Teach and learn in loops. Share how you use AI with colleagues or family; teaching crystallizes your own understanding. Invest in evergreen skills. Critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence are complements—not competitors—to automation. Final Words AI in everyday life is no longer a subplot; it's the main storyline. From the restaurant menu that seems to read your mind to the autonomous shuttle easing rush‑hour stress, the technology is rewriting routines at record speed. Those who treat AI as a passing fad risk falling behind not because they lack the latest gadget, but because they miss the mental shift toward collaboration with machines. Staying current doesn't require a computer‑science degree. It demands curiosity, informed skepticism, and a willingness to iterate how you live and work. Start small, stay aware, and keep asking better questions—the most human skill of all in an increasingly intelligent world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shocking video appears to show father of three US Marines being beaten by masked agents in parking lot
Graphic new video footage appears to show the moment multiple masked men in U.S. Border Patrol vests beat a father of three U.S. Marines in the street, before he was bundled into the back of an unmarked car. Narciso Barranco, 48, a landscaper from Tustin in Southern California, was left bloodied and visibly shaken after being violently detained by at least seven alleged immigration officers while working outside of an IHOP on Saturday. In one short video first posted by Santa Ana Councilman Johnathan Hernandez and the social Instagram account @Santaanaproblems, alleged Customs and Border Protection agents struck Barranco in the head at least six times, thrusting his face into the concrete and kneeling on his neck, before he was forced into the back of a light-colored Chevrolet SUV using a truncheon. Barranco's shoulder was left dislocated, his eldest son, Alejandro, a 25-year-old Marine veteran, told the Los Angeles Times. Councilman Hernandez's office has 'made themselves available to help with City resources,' according to the post. In a second, close-up recording shared by the social media account, alleged agents wrestled a string trimmer from Barranco's hands. Screams and high-pitched whines could be heard from Barranco as several alleged officers knelt on top of his body, pinning him to the floor as cars drove past honking their horns. 'Give me your hand,' one agent said to Barranco, which was returned with further squeals. 'Ey, leave him alone bro!,' a person filming from a nearby vehicle shouted. One of the alleged agents, sporting a balaclava and sunglasses, briefly unholstered what appears to be a pistol before placing it back on his hip. Barranco's arrest comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration's ongoing workplace raids across the nation. They sparked a wave of demonstrations that resulted in the president deploying the National Guard and U.S. Marines to LA in an attempt to end the unrest. Alejandro Barranco, who served with the Marine Cops in Afghanistan, told the Santanero that his father was transferred to a detention facility in LA. The younger Barranco, who said his two younger brothers are active serving with the Marines, said his father was able to make a call and asked him to 'finish the job he was doing when he got detained.' He confirmed to the newspaper that his father had already begun the process of establishing his citizenship before Saturday's arrest. 'I didn't really know what to say. I was still in shock and distress. I do believe my father was racially profiled – they didn't ask him anything,' Alejandro Barranco said. 'They just started chasing him, and he ran because he was scared. He didn't know who was after him.' The military veteran added that his father was a law-abiding person who was kind and courteous to those in his neighborhood. 'He has always worked hard to put food on the table for us and my mom,' he said. 'He was always careful and always did his taxes on time. He never caused any problems and he is known as a kind and helping person by everyone in our community.' The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign called 'Justice for Narciso: Assaulted and detained by CBP,' which had raised more than $64,500 by Monday morning to help cover Barranco's legal and medical costs. 'He was pepper sprayed and punched in the face multiple times by these masked and unidentified 'officers,'' the fundraiser organizer wrote. 'He is a good, hard working man. He has raised his family here and has established himself here. What we ALL saw today was disgusting and heart wrenching.' The Independent has contacted the CBP for more information.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who is Alejandro Barranco? Immigrant dad of 3 US Marines violently detained in disturbing video
A former Marine says he feels 'betrayed' after a video showed his father being pinned to the ground and repeatedly punched by a federal immigration agent in Santa Ana on Saturday. Narciso was being held at a Los Angeles detention facility. US Rep. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) called his detention 'madness' and said current immigration policies are flawed.(@IMmissmellie/ X) The video sparked a protest with dozens of people demanding that the agents leave Santa Ana. An online fundraiser was also launched to help pay the man's legal expenses. The man in the video is a 48-year-old landscaper named Narciso Barranco. He was stopped on the street, and his son, 25-year-old Marine Alejandro Barranco, told NBC News on Sunday that two of his brothers also serve in the US Marines, currently stationed at Camp Pendleton. Marine Alejandro Barranco says: 'My dad has no criminal history…' 'I feel betrayed,' Alejandro said. 'My dad has no criminal history. He wasn't doing anything bad. He was just working. The way they (federal agents) attacked him, I don't think it's right.' Narciso is applying for parole-in-place, which can let undocumented family members of active-duty military stay in the US He's lived in Orange County since the 1990s, owns a landscaping business, and—according to a court check—has no criminal record. As of Sunday, Narciso was being held at a Los Angeles detention facility. US Rep. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) called his detention 'madness' and said current immigration policies are flawed. 'You have a family of three kids that took an oath for the country, ready to lay down their lives for this country, and their parents can't stay here?' Narciso was working at an IHOP on Edinger Avenue on June 21 when men in civilian clothes and masks approached him. Alejandro said his father ran toward his truck to get his ID. Video shows federal agents chasing him while he carried a weed whacker. He was restrained on the ground, pepper-sprayed, and punched in the face multiple times by at least one agent. Alejandro says his father may also have dislocated his shoulder, though the family doesn't know if he received medical treatment. 'I'm honestly really hurt because I love this country a lot, and I love my parents a lot. I gave up four years of my life to serve this country and show that I'm a patriot,' Alejandro said, noting he served in Afghanistan. He believes his father was racially profiled. Also Read: Turkish journalist detained over alleged threat to President Tayyip Erdogan About Narciso Barranco Narciso was born in Morelia, Mexico, and moved to Orange County in the early 1990s. He works both through his own landscaping business, Barranco Landscaping, and for other companies. By Sunday evening, a GoFundMe page set up for his legal fees had raised more than $41,000. The page reads: 'He is a good, hard-working man. He has raised his family here and has established himself here. What we all saw today was disgusting and heart-wrenching.' A few hours after the video went viral, about 100 people gathered in the streets waving American and Mexican flags. They marched through Santa Ana, demanding an end to the immigration sweeps and calling for Border Patrol agents to get out of town, according to NBC4. Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua couldn't be reached for comment. A Border Patrol spokesperson confirmed their agents made the arrest but declined to give more details. President Trump has said immigration enforcement will focus on criminals, but many people detained by federal immigration agents have no serious convictions or criminal history, according to published reports.
