Around The World, Assisted Suicide Laws Are Losing Support
Last week, Scotland resolutely rejected assisted suicide. Alberta announced major new legislation to protect individuals from the practice.Last week, Scotland resolutely rejected assisted suicide. Alberta announced major new legislation to protect individuals from the practice.Anti-ICE inflatable frogs join Democrats at State of the Union counter event
While President Donald Trump gave the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night, many Democrats boycotted the speech and opted to engage in some unconventional counterprogramming.
For example, some Democrats attended an event organized by Defiance.org at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C, and at least one of them was joined on stage by some ... special guests.
'Tonight I defy Trump and his authoritarian project by standing in joyful, radical, peaceful resistance with the Portland Frog Brigade!'
Video emerged on Tuesday night showing Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter (D) speaking at the event, while six inflatable frogs stood beside her and many more stood off to the side.
"Tonight I defy Trump and his authoritarian project by standing in joyful, radical, peaceful resistance with the Portland Frog Brigade!" Dexter said as the frogs jumped around and waved small American flags.
RELATED: VIDEO: Federal agents clash with mob of Antifa-fueled, anti-ICE protesters in Portland
Defiance.org describes itself as a "club for courageous Americans — people willing to take peaceful, lawful, defiant action to defend democracy from a wannabe dictator." The organization partnered with the Portland Frog Brigade for this event, though the group has been making its anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement stance known since last year.
According to its "about" page, the Portland Frog Brigade was created after an anti-ICE activist — apparently known by several names such as Toad, Toad Todd, and antifascistfrog — was sprayed by federal law enforcement outside Portland's ICE facility. The organization emphasizes that the "absurdity" is core to the idea behind the group:
The image of a cartoon frog facing off against a wall of heavily armored men was so strikingly absurd that it cut straight through the noise and brought home the reality that our government is treating peaceful citizens as enemies.
From that moment, the frog became a symbol of resistance that refuses to lose its joy. The Brigade took inspiration from Toad and grew as so many others donned inflatable animal suits and joined actions across the country and around the world.
However, not all is well in inflatable paradise.
The partnership between Defiance.org and Portland Frog Brigade has apparently caused infighting with an adjacent group called Operation Inflation.
Operation Inflation posted a video on Instagram criticizing the partnership and distancing itself from the other organization: "The frog brigade, however, saw the frog and emptied it of context, taking the image without the work, the aesthetic without the politics, and shared it with an establishment that can only function through neutralizing resistance."
"When the loudest voices take the safest route, do not trust them," the spokesperson in a red frog suit said.
Toad, the figurehead, reposted the video on his own Instagram account, seemingly attempting to likewise distance the symbol from the Portland Frog Brigade. He has also previously called the brigade a "business of grifters seeking to piggy off the backs of actual activists."
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$300M frozen: California allegedly forced Americans to fund illegal alien Medicaid — so Dr. Oz drops the hammer
The Trump administration officials are pushing California to return over $1 billion in federal taxpayer funds that may have been used to cover the health care costs of illegal aliens.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in May that it was increasing oversight on states that illegally used Medicaid funding to provide illegal immigrants with health care services, noting that Medicaid funding is generally available to illegal aliens only for emergency medical services.
'We are teaming up to combat healthcare fraud so the money can be used for American citizens who need it!'
As part of the announcement, the CMS declared that states could be forced to reimburse the federal government for funds spent on noncitizens.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz revealed in October that the agency found more than $1 billion of federal taxpayer funds were spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.
“And my team is getting it back,” he remarked.
Oz called CMS’ findings “shocking.”
“In a preliminary review of six states, we found those states improperly using federal tax dollars for their allegedly state-funded program and providing coverage to individuals, including some with criminal records of murder and assault,” he stated.
Those findings included $1.3 billion in California, $2.1 million in Washington, D.C., $30 million in Illinois, $2.4 million in Washington, $1.5 million in Colorado, and $5.4 million in Oregon.
RELATED: Dr. Oz exposes the nonprofit lie at the heart of US health care
Oz explained that the states had been notified and that “many” had begun issuing refunds to CMS. However the administrator provided an update on Wednesday, stating that additional uncovered data revealed the total had reached $1.8 billion across eight states.
He announced that the CMS is withholding nearly $300 million from California, which Oz labeled “the worst offender,” until the state’s leadership proves “they’re spending the money properly.”
Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, stated, “California must return more than $1 billion to the federal government after an audit by @DrOzCMS and his team uncovered federal dollars being spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants. We are teaming up to combat healthcare fraud so the money can be used for American citizens who need it!”
California officials have rejected claims that the federal funds were misused.
The California Department of Health Care Services previously told the New York Times, “Claims that California improperly used federal Medicaid dollars to provide health care to undocumented immigrants are flatly false and misrepresent both federal law and standard administrative practice.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom's office did not respond to a request for comment.
RELATED: Illegal-alien patients drain Texas hospitals, racking up billion-dollar bill — in less than a year
Washington, D.C., has agreed to pay back over $650,000 to CMS by mid-November.
An Illinois Medicaid spokesperson previously told PolitiFact, “Once again, the Trump administration is spreading misinformation about standard uses of Medicaid dollars.”
“This is not a reality show, and there is no conspiracy to circumvent federal law and provide ineligible individuals with Medicaid coverage. Dr. Oz should stop pushing conspiracy theories and focus on improving health care for the American people,” the spokesperson added.
A Washington State Health Care Authority also pushed back on CMS’ claims, calling the estimates shared by Oz “inaccurate.”
“We were very surprised to see Dr. Oz’s post, especially considering we continue to work with CMS in good faith to answer their questions and clear up any confusion,” the spokesperson said.
Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy & Financing also insisted the state did not break the law.
“Our payments for coverage of undocumented individuals are in accordance with state and federal laws,” a spokesperson told PolitiFact. "The $1.5 million number referenced by federal leaders today is based on an incorrect preliminary finding, and has been refuted with supporting data by our Department experts."
Oregon Health Authority previously told KOIN that CMS’ claim was “false and mischaracterizes not just this essential part of our nation’s emergency care infrastructure, but also an ongoing, routine audit process.”
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'Admitted to voting all four ballots': Woman allegedly cops to voter fraud in 2024 election
A former apartment manager in Washington state has reportedly confessed to forging multiple ballots and casting them in the 2024 general election.
The case relates to 52-year-old Esperanza Contreras. Contreras used to live in Pasco, Washington, where she worked as an apartment manager, before moving to Hermiston, Oregon, and registering to vote there.
'Voter fraud undermines the integrity of the electoral process and erodes public confidence in the fairness of elections.'
However, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in Washington, a ballot for the 2024 general election was also sent to Contreras' old address in Pasco. That ballot "was also filled out, sent to the Auditor's Office, and counted in the election," the sheriff's office said.
What's more, three other ballots sent to former tenants of the same apartment building where Contreras was manager were also discovered to have what the sheriff's office called "suspicious characteristics." While three of those ballots were eventually counted in the election, one was rejected on account of a "mismatched signature."
"Contreras was interviewed by detectives at which time she admitted to voting all four ballots and forging the signatures," the sheriff's office statement continued.
Contreras was arrested and charged with 12 felonies related to voter fraud and identity theft.
RELATED: Noncitizen Kansas mayor accused of voter fraud has cast dozens of ballots since 2000, documents show
"Voter fraud undermines the integrity of the electoral process and erodes public confidence in the fairness of elections. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office takes violations of election law seriously and remains committed to thoroughly investigating and pursuing election-related violations," the statement added.
According to the Tri-City Herald, Contreras told police she believed she was helping the former tenants.
No 2024 race in Franklin County was decided by four votes, the outlet noted.
Donald Trump won Franklin County, defeating Kamala Harris by more than 7,000 votes. The state of Washington in general, however, voted overwhelmingly for Harris over Trump, 57.6% to 39.3%.
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DHS: Portland Suspects Who ‘Weaponized’ Vehicle Against CBP Agent Are Venezuelan Gang Affiliates
Two suspects shot for “weaponizing” their vehicle against a Portland-based Border Patrol agent are affiliates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The revelation came late Thursday after news emerged of a shooting involving U.S. immigration officials in Portland, Oregon. Initial reporting indicated that two individuals were shot […]ICE's Christmas crackdown: Gang members, pedophiles, and an attempted murderer are now off the streets
The weekend leading into Christmas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested more violent criminal illegal aliens, according to a press release exclusively obtained by Blaze News.
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted 15 illegal aliens with criminal histories who were recently captured across the country by federal immigration officials.
'All year long, our law enforcement officers worked around-the-clock, including weekends and holidays, to arrest the worst of the worst.'
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to deliver on its promise this Christmas season to make America safe again and remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our communities,” the press release read.
“While many Americans began wrapping presents and preparing for the joyous holy holiday, ICE was hard at work arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens convicted of horrific crimes including lewd and lascivious acts with [a] child, child neglect, obscene communication, and attempted murder," it added.
First on the DHS worst of the worst list is Juan Jesus Acosta-Gutierrez, a Mexican national and Surenos-13 gang member. He was previously convicted for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 by force or fear in San Bernardino, California.
Federal agents captured Udit Mehra, an Indian national who has a criminal history in Seminole, Florida, for cruelty toward children and obscene communication.
That Xiong, from Laos, was also picked up by ICE agents. He was previously convicted of attempted murder and discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle in Sacramento, California.
Juan Carlos Marrufo-Flores, an illegal alien from Mexico, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child in Atascosa County, Texas.
ICE arrested criminal illegal alien David Cerna-Calderon of Mexico. He has a rap sheet in Bexar County, Texas, for assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Yesenia Martinez-Gonzalez, a Mexican national, was detained by federal immigration officials. She was previously convicted in Texas for child neglect, resisting arrest, and driving while intoxicated.
Jose Dante Ortiz-Alvalardo of Mexico has a criminal history in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, for a second-degree forced sexual offense.
ICE agents also nabbed Edwin Ismael-Hernandez, a Mexican national. He was previously convicted in Los Angeles, California, for several crimes. His rap sheet includes evading a peace officer/disregarding safety, hit-and-run, willful harm of a peace officer's horse or dog, and vehicle theft.
David Abraham Hernandez-Velez of Mexico was convicted of assault of a public servant in Brazoria County, Texas.
Federal immigration agents arrested Jerson Poveda-Delgado, a Colombian national with a criminal history in Indianapolis, Indiana, that includes battery against a public safety official.
Daniel Emony, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was convicted in Alexandria, Virginia, of making false statements, aggravated identity theft, and perjury.
ICE also nabbed Carlos Martinez-Melendez, a Mexican national who was convicted of robbery in Austin, Texas.
Federal agents arrested Justo Perez-Escobar, a Mexican national with a conviction in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, for unlawful possession of a handgun.
Isaias Alvarado-Arellano of Mexico was previously convicted for conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Oregon.
The DHS press release also highlighted the arrest of Rudy Gonzalez, a Cuban national who was convicted of racketeering/conspiracy in Miami, Florida.
“While many Americans began celebrating Christmas with their families and loved ones this weekend, ICE arrested gang members, child pedophiles, abusers, and an attempted murderer. All year long, our law enforcement officers worked around-the-clock, including weekends and holidays, to arrest the worst of the worst. We are thankful for our law enforcement who delivered the best Christmas gift for American families this holiday season: safer communities,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
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Illegal alien trucker accused of causing crash that killed newlyweds
A national spotlight remains on America's trucking industry after yet another illegal alien trucker is accused of causing a fatal crash.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer against Rajinder Kumar, a 32-year-old Indian national, after he apparently jackknifed his semi-truck and trailer while driving along U.S. Highway 20 in Bend, Oregon, on November 24.
'How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America's roads?'
Kumar's truck collided with a Subaru Outback, resulting in the deaths of both the driver, William Micah Carter, and passenger, Jennifer Lynn Lower, a newlywed couple.
As a result of the deadly crash, Kumar is being held at the Deschutes County jail and facing charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Kumar illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border near Lukeville, Arizona, in November 2022. He was released by the Biden administration and granted work authorization in 2023. The department reported that California issued Kumar's commercial driver's license.
The DHS noted that Oregon, where Kumar is currently being detained, is a sanctuary state, adding that "ICE will make all necessary efforts to bring Kumar into custody should he be released from custody."
"Rajinder Kumar, a criminal illegal alien from India, was released into our country under the Biden administration and issued a commercial driver's license by Gavin Newsom's Department of Motor Vehicles. How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America's roads?" DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated.
"Our prayers are with William and Jennifer's families. Under Secretary [Kristi] Noem, ICE will continue its efforts to get illegal alien truck drivers off America's highways," McLaughlin added.
Kumar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
This latest arrest follows several similar fatal crashes involving illegal alien truckers.
Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Indian national in the U.S. illegally, was accused of causing a collision in California in October that resulted in three deaths and several hospitalizations.
Borko Stankovic, 41, an illegal alien from Serbia and Montenegro, was accused of causing a crash in Indiana in October that killed one individual.
Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian national also in the U.S. illegally, was arrested after jackknifing his truck while making an apparently illegal U-turn in Florida in August, resulting in three deaths.
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