Immigration and border security issues are under intense scrutiny as a potential Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown looms, coinciding with the ongoing Winter Olympics and a Senate hearing focused on the use of force by federal agents. The situation is further complicated by the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and the arrest of an individual allegedly plotting an attack on ICE officials, according to multiple news sources.
Top immigration officials from ICE, CBP, and USCIS testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee just before the potential DHS shutdown, according to NPR News. The hearing, called by Chairman Rand Paul, focused on the use of force by federal agents, particularly in light of the recent shooting of Alex Pretti by immigration officers in Minneapolis. The Senate had previously stripped DHS funding from a spending package.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are underway, highlighted by Jordan Stolz's gold medal win, according to Time. The games also saw a record number of detained immigrants choosing voluntary departure from the U.S.
Adding to the complexity, authorities are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, with a person of interest detained and later released in Arizona, according to Vox. The FBI continues its search and is investigating unverified ransom notes. In a separate incident, an 18-year-old was arrested in Oregon for allegedly plotting an attack on ICE officials, sparking political debate, according to Vox.
The focus on ICE comes amid broader concerns about immigration enforcement. One expert noted that discussions about ICE are "not just an issue for immigrant families, [but] an issue for all families," according to Vox.
The events are unfolding against a backdrop of other significant news. Russia's escalated airstrikes on Ukraine's power grid are causing significant concern, according to Time. Additionally, a 13-year-old boy named Austin Appelbee swam 4km to shore and then ran 2km to get help after his family was swept out to sea in Western Australia, according to Sky News.
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