SUMMARY: In a recent interview, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the Biden administration’s efforts to manage border-crossing numbers and criticized proposals to dismantle the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As he prepares to leave office, Mayorkas highlighted that illegal border crossings rose initially under Biden but later fell sharply, attributing the spike to pre-existing trends and the pandemic. He pointed out the need for bipartisan support in Congress to secure adequate funding and emphasized the complexity of homeland security issues. He expressed his commitment to addressing threats from various sources, including domestic extremism and foreign adversaries.

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The post This is what the Homeland Security secretary has to say about his border record appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a special legislative session starting January 27 to address several issues, including enforcement of potential deportations of undocumented migrants as requested by President-elect Donald Trump. DeSantis emphasized the need for local governments to assist in enforcing immigration laws, mentioning past arrests of undocumented looters during a hurricane. He seeks to revoke state laws providing in-state tuition for undocumented individuals and aims to secure agricultural aid and funding for hurricane recovery programs. Additionally, he plans to address costly assessments for condominium repairs following the Surfside disaster to support affected homeowners.

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The post DeSantis to call for a special session related to potential Trump deportations | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: Rashaud Fields was shot just hours after graduating from Raines High School in 2022. His mother, Janice, is honoring his memory by supporting others grieving the loss of loved ones to violence. She started the Rashaud Fields Foundation and is organizing a Sneaker Ball on January 25, 2025, to bring the community together. The event will offer a moment of relief for grieving families, including those who have lost children. Blaine Strive, whose sister was killed in a racially motivated shooting, will host a motorcycle ride to the event. The gala is sold out with over 200 tickets purchased.

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The post Mother of Jacksonville teen killed hours after high school graduation aims to keep his memory alive with special event appeared first on www.news4jax.com