A federal judge in Louisiana released four illegal immigrants with extensive criminal records, including convictions for murder and sex crimes, from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody earlier this month, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The decision, made by Judge John deGravelles on February 6, has drawn criticism and raised concerns about public safety.
The released individuals were held in ICE custody prior to the judge's decision. The DHS stated that the judge's order allowed for their release. The ramifications of the decision are still being assessed.
In other news, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) improperly shared confidential taxpayer information of thousands of people with the Department of Homeland Security, according to a new court filing. This data sharing was part of an agreement between the IRS and DHS to share immigrant data to help identify those living in the country illegally. The Treasury Department, the IRS, and the Department of Homeland Security finalized the deal last spring.
Meanwhile, in New York City, residents of the affluent Upper East Side expressed outrage over a planned homeless shelter. At a Community Board 8 Manhattan meeting, opponents voiced concerns about the shelter's proximity to schools and daycare centers, accusing city officials of rushing the process. The women's shelter, slated to open around April, will accommodate up to 250 women. Residents stated the project "reeks of a for-profit intent."
In other news, according to files released by the Justice Department, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati billionaire businessman and CEO of DP World, was a frequent correspondent and confidante of Jeffrey Epstein. The files reveal that bin Sulayem was among those under scrutiny for their ties to Epstein. "He is one of us," Epstein allegedly said of bin Sulayem, according to ABC News.
Finally, actor James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died at the age of 48. Van Der Beek, who announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024, had a career spanning several decades. His death was announced on social media on Wednesday, according to ABC News.
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