Tag Archives: US Army

Guardian: Ice arrests of US military veterans and their relatives are on the rise: ‘a country that I fought for’

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As Trump urges more deportations, veterans are seeing their parents, children and even themselves detained

The son of an American citizen and military veteran – but who has no citizenship to any country – was deported from the US to Jamaica in late May.

Jermaine Thomas’s deportation, recently reported on by the Austin Chronicle, is one of a growing number of immigration cases involving military service members’ relatives or even veterans themselves who have been ensnared in the Trump administration’s mass deportation program.

As the Chronicle reported, Thomas was born on a US army base in Germany to an American citizen father, who was originally born in Jamaica and is now dead. Thomas does not have US, German or Jamaican citizenship – but Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agency deported him anyway to Jamaica, a country in which he had never set foot.

Thomas had spent two-and-a-half months incarcerated while waiting for an update on his case. He was previously at the center of a case brought before the US supreme court regarding his unique legal status.

The federal government argued that Thomas – who had previously received a deportation order – was not a citizen simply because he was born on a US army base, and it used prior criminal convictions to buttress the case against him. He petitioned for a review of the order, but the supreme court denied him, finding his father “did not meet the physical presence requirement of the [law] in force at the time of Thomas’s birth”.

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In another recent case, the wife of another Marine Corps veteran was detained by Ice despite still breastfeeding her three-month-old daughter. According to the Associated Press, the veteran’s wife had been going through a process to obtain legal residency.

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In March, Ice officials arrested the daughter of a US veteran who had been fighting a legal battle regarding her status. Alma Bowman, 58, was taken into custody by Ice during a check-in at the Atlanta field office, despite her having lived in the US since she was 10 years old.

Bowman was born in the Philippines during the Vietnam war, to a US navy service member from Illinois stationed there. She had lived in Georgia for almost 50 years. Her permanent residency was revoked following a minor criminal conviction from 20 years ago, leading her to continue a legal battle to obtain citizenship in the US.

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In another recent case, a US army veteran and green-card holder left on his own to South Korea. His deportation order was due to charges related to drug possession and an issue with drug addiction after being wounded in combat in the 1980s, for which he earned the prestigious Purple Heart citation.

“I can’t believe this is happening in America,” Sae Joon Park, who had held legal permanent residency, told National Public Radio. “That blows me away – like, [it is] a country that I fought for.”

Ice arrests of US military veterans and their relatives are on the rise: ‘a country that I fought for’
As Trump urges more deportations, veterans are seeing their parents, children and even themselves detained

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/28/us-military-veterans-detained-trump

Mediaite: Fox News Reporter Slams ICE Arrest of Afghan-Born U.S. Army Interpreter at Asylum Hearing

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Fox News national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin has publicly condemned the ICE arrest of an Afghan national who served as an interpreter for American troops.

“This should anger every American,” Griffin posted on X in response to the story.

Footage of the arrest shows the man, who worked alongside the U.S. Army in one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous regions, being handcuffed by masked immigration agents as he exited a courtroom immediately after his asylum hearing in San Diego.

The interpreter, whose identity is being withheld by his attorney over fears of Taliban retaliation, had legally entered the U.S. through the CBP One app following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had applied for a Special Immigrant Visa and was awaiting a follow-up court date when the arrest occurred.

“I came here to make a better life,” he can be heard saying in video of the incident. “I didn’t know that this would happen… I worked with the U.S. military.”

His lawyer, Brian McGoldrick, said the move was not only inhumane, but politically baffling: the man’s brother was granted asylum just last month in Texas.

“What is the government doing?” McGoldrick asked, “That one brother is being granted asylum and the other has to be treated like a criminal?”

ICE has declined to comment on the arrest.

Fox News Reporter Slams ICE Arrest of Afghan-Born U.S. Army Interpreter at Asylum Hearing
Griffin publicly condemned ICE for the arrest of an Afghan national who served as an interpreter for American troops.
Fox News Reporter Slams ICE Arrest of Afghan-Born U.S. Army Interpreter at Asylum Hearing

‘Trump’s $45M taxpayer-funded parade embarrassment was so pitiful it sickened Melania’

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President Trump’s birthday parade has been branded a ‘grotesque birthday party for an ageing man’ – and even wife Melania Trump ‘couldn’t stomach it’

Donald Trump’s ridiculous military parade was never about the troops.

It wasn’t about patriotism, unity, or honouring the 250th anniversary of the US Army, no matter how many flags were waved or tanks rolled by.

It was about one thing only: Donald J. Trump and his obsessive, delusional need to feel worshipped.

Billed as a grand celebration of America’s armed forces, this taxpayer-funded farce was really a grotesque birthday party for an ageing man who’s spent his life confusing adoration with leadership.

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The tanks, the troops, the blaring anthems – all orchestrated not to salute American service but to feed Trump’s insatiable ego as he marked 79 years of being the world’s biggest narcissist.

This wasn’t a show of strength. It was a pitiful attempt to copy the authoritarian pageantry of his role models, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un – leaders Trump has fawned over while undermining American democracy at every turn.

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While America burns, literally and politically, Trump played emperor on a hollow throne.

Just hours after an elected official was assassinated in her own home, and as millions of Americans rallied in the streets under the banner of “No Kings,” Trump paraded down Constitution Avenue like some bloated monarch.

And where were the throngs of adoring fans he so desperately craves? Not in Washington, DC.

Only a few thousand bothered to turn up.

‘Trump taxpayer-funded parade embarrassment was so pitiful it sickened Melania’
President Trump’s birthday parade has been branded a ‘grotesque birthday party for an ageing man’ – and even wife Melania Trump ‘couldn’t stomach it’

https://www.themirror.com/news/politics/trumps-45m-taxpayer-funded-parade-1210226

Daily Beast: ‘No Kings’ Was Biggest Protest in U.S. History: Data Analyst

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For reference, that’s between 1 and 2 percent of the total population of the United States.

The “No Kings” protests in every state may have been the biggest day of demonstrations in American history, a data analyst has suggested.

“Based on hundreds of crowd-sourced records of No Kings Day event turnout, and extrapolating for the cities where we don’t have data yet, it looks like roughly 4-6M people protested Trump across the U.S. yesterday,” independent data journalist G Elliott posted to X Sunday.

‘No Kings’ Was Biggest Protest in U.S. History: Data Analyst
For reference, that’s between 1 and 2 percent of the total population of the United States.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/data-guru-g-elliott-morris-says-up-to-6-million-people-attended-no-kings-anti-donald-trump-protests

Atlantic: The Shame of Trump’s Parade

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Today’s events are another step in an ongoing effort to turn the U.S. military into a partisan—and personal—instrument of the president.

Today—250 years since the Continental Army officially formed to fight for the independence of the American colonies against the British monarchy—marks a milestone in President Donald Trump’s effort to politicize the U.S. military. Though they are rare, military parades have happened before in Washington, D.C. For the most part, these have been celebrations of military achievements, such as the end of a war. But today is also Trump’s birthday, and what he and his supporters have planned is a celebration of Trump himself.

A mark of a free society is that its public institutions, especially its military, represent the body politic and the freedom-enabling equal rights that structure civic life. If service members and the public begin to believe that the military is not neutral but is in fact the servant of MAGA, this will threaten the military’s legitimacy and increase the likelihood of violent conflict between the military and the public. Today’s events bring us one step closer to this disaster.

And a few lies, none of which are true:

The organizers have made it abundantly clear that today’s purpose is to directly laud Trump and his politics. In promotional materials, they tell us, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Army has been restored to strength and readiness.” They credit his “America First agenda” for military pay increases, enlarged weapons stockpiles, new technologies, and improvements in recruitment, declaring that he has “ensured our soldiers have the tools and support they need to win on any battlefield.”

As the Trump-aggrandizing bullshit piles up:

Monica Crowley, the State Department’s chief of protocol and a former Fox News host, went on Steve Bannon’s podcast WarRoom to say that the concurrence of the U.S. Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday is “providential.” She called it “meant to be. Hand of God, for sure.” She added, “It is really a gift, and we want to be sure that we celebrate in a manner that is fitting, not just of this extraordinary president but of our extraordinary country.” She also expressed hope that the crowd would serenade the president with “Happy Birthday.” Clearly, Trump isn’t merely the guest of honor; he is the reason for the party.

The Shame of Trump’s Parade
Today’s events are another step in an ongoing effort to turn the U.S. military into a partisan—and personal—instrument of the president.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/06/250th-anniversary-army-parade/683162

Tampa Free Press: Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Sounds Alarm: ICE Agents At Risk During “No Kings” Rallies

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As nationwide “No Kings” protests prepare to challenge President Donald Trump’s administration this Saturday, coinciding with a military parade and Flag Day, Florida officials are drawing a firm line against violence and the doxing of law enforcement, promising a stark contrast to recent unrest seen elsewhere.

Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons voiced grave concerns on a Friday podcast, fearing his agents could face violent attacks from “agitators” and “anarchists” who he believes will exploit the planned demonstrations.

“This is the perfect catalyst to jump on that,” Lyons warned on “VINCE,” expressing worry that “negative energy” fueled by anti-ICE rhetoric could be directed at his agents, potentially leading to fatalities.

“They’re going to get somebody killed, right? It’s only a matter of time because, even with throwing a rock or a Molotov cocktail, you can still kill somebody, right?” Lyons said. “And it’s just this fired up rhetoric that’s going viral.”

Who the hell cares? The problem is your ill-disciplined, ill-trained Gestapo thugs running around with masks, guns, and badges, as they snatch brown people off the streets and disappear them. Frankly I could care less what happens to your Gestapo Schweinen.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Sounds Alarm: ICE Agents At Risk During “No Kings” Rallies
As nationwide “No Kings” protests prepare to challenge President Donald Trump’s administration this Saturday, coinciding with a military parade and Flag Day,
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Sounds Alarm: ICE Agents At Risk During “No Kings” Rallies

Newsweek: Texas’ largest newspaper trashes Greg Abbott protest move: ‘Expect better’

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The Houston Chronicle, Texas’s top selling newspaper, has published an editorial fiercely critical of Governor Greg Abbott over his rhetoric and decision to deploy Texas National Guard troops in response to protests against immigration enforcement, saying “we expect better of him.”

On Tuesday, Abbott announced the deployment of Texas National Guard soldiers. The following day on X he said “5,000+” National Guard personnel would help manage protests in the state adding: “Don’t mess with Texas.”

The move came after days of unrest in Los Angeles which began on June 6 when demonstrators clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to conduct raids in the city. The following days saw more violent disorder with Waymo self-driving vehicles set on fire and rocks thrown at police who responded with tear gas and other “less lethal” weapons.

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In its editorial, the Houston Chronicle said Abbott’s decision to deploy National Guard troops following protests “seems like an overreaction,” adding: “But there was no serious indication Tuesday that Texas was on the verge of exploding. No burning cars. No looting. No mayors imposing curfews.”

Instead the editorial claimed the “most significant provocation to violence seemed to come from Abbott himself, citing the governor’s warning that “Peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested. FAFO.” FAFO is an acronym for ‘F*** around find out.’

The editorial described this as “the kind of thing that middle schoolers say before a fistfight” adding: “This isn’t the grown-up leadership that Texas needs.”

Greg Abbott is just another sycophant sucking up to King Donald.

Texas’ largest newspaper trashes Greg Abbott protest move: ‘Expect better’
Anti-Trump protests are expected across Texas on Saturday as part of the “No Kings” movement.

https://www.newsweek.com/texas-largest-newspaper-trashes-greg-abbott-protest-move-expect-better-2085043

Tampa Free Press: DHS Takes Stand In LA: [Bimbo #2] Noem Vows To Crush Anti-ICE Protests, End “Socialist” Rule

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In a significant revelation, Secretary [Bimbo #2] Noem announced that the Department of Justice, the DEA, and the FBI, along with their investigative teams, are working with the IRS to track the funding of these protests.

“The IRS here that’s helping us track how these violent protesters are funded, what NGOs out there, what unions, what other individuals may be funding these violent perpetrators that are in these protests,” she stated, asserting that such activities turn otherwise peaceful demonstrations into “very violent activities that go after law enforcement that’s just simply not acceptable.”

The bimbo bitch is out to lunch. The courts have held that financial donations are a matter of free speech. Just as F’Elon Must can donate hundreds of millions of dollars to King Donald’s political campaigns, so too can others donate to causes that they support.

[Bimbo #2] Noem was highly critical of California’s state and local leadership, specifically Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, asserting that residents are “suffering under the policies of Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass.” She stated that federal agents and law enforcement are “working to change that and give them an opportunity to be successful and to live the American dream.”

Yes, snatching brown people off the streets and making them disappear does wonders give people “dream”.

[Bimbo #2] Noem said, “We are not going away. We are staying here to liberate the city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country.”

This bimbo bitch has to go. This is a totally inappropriate activity for a United States cabinet secretary. California is a sovereign state, and the structures and powers of units of local government are derived from the states. It’s none of the bimbo bitch’s business.

DHS Takes Stand In LA: Noem Vows To Crush Anti-ICE Protests, End “Socialist” Rule

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/dhs-takes-stand-in-la-noem-vows-to-crush-anti-ice-protests-end-socialist-rule/ar-AA1GBR8Q

Newsom Tells Nation That Trump Is Destroying American Democracy

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Gov. Gavin Newsom of California called on Americans to stand up to President Trump in a nationally televised address.

Gov. Gavin Newsom made the case in a televised address Tuesday evening that President Trump’s decision to send military forces to immigration protests in Los Angeles has put the nation at the precipice of authoritarianism.

The California governor urged Americans to stand up to Mr. Trump, calling it a “perilous moment” for democracy and the country’s long-held legal norms.

“California may be first, but it clearly won’t end here,” Mr. Newsom said, speaking to cameras from a studio in Los Angeles. “Other states are next. Democracy is next.”

“Democracy is under assault right before our eyes — the moment we’ve feared has arrived,” he added.

Mr. Newsom spoke on the fifth day of protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration raids that have sent fear and anger through many communities in Southern California. He said Mr. Trump had “inflamed a combustible situation” by taking over California’s National Guard, and by calling up 4,000 troops and 700 Marines.

“Trump is pulling a military dragnet all across Los Angeles,” Mr. Newsom said. “Well beyond his stated intent to just go after violent and serious criminals, his agents are arresting dishwashers, gardeners, day laborers and seamstresses.”

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Mr. Newsom said the president had taken a “wrecking ball” to the norms of American government by obliterating checks and balances.

“Congress is nowhere to be found,” he said. “Speaker Johnson has completely abdicated that responsibility. The rule of law has increasingly been given way to the rule of Don.”

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But he called on people to stand up to Mr. Trump, whom he compared to leaders in authoritarian countries. He referenced the military parade scheduled for Saturday in Washington, which will honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army but also fall on Mr. Trump’s 79th birthday.

“He’s ordering our American heroes, the United States military, and forcing them to put on a vulgar display to celebrate his birthday, just as other failed dictators have done in the past,” Mr. Newsom said.

Newsom Says Trump Is Destroying U.S. Democracy in Speech on L.A. Protests
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California called on Americans to stand up to President Trump in a nationally televised address.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/us/newsom-speech-trump-la-protests.html?unlocked_article_code=1.OE8.Q03c.TT30tytwYpG1&smid=url-share

From Los Angeles to Washington, Trump leans in as commander in chief

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On one coast, military forces are arriving by the thousands to defend federal buildings and agents. On the other, they’re readying a celebration of American military might.

President Donald Trump loves displays of military force. He’s parading two very different kinds this week.

On one coast, military forces are arriving by the thousands to defend federal buildings and agents, facing off with civilians protesting the president’s immigration agenda. On the other, they’re readying a celebration of American military might in a parade held on the Army’s — and Trump’s — birthday.

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Trump has wanted to hold a military parade in Washington since he accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to a 2017 Bastille Day parade, where troops marched down the Champs-Élysées while fighter jets flew overhead, leaving trails of red, white, and blue smoke behind them. Trump later called it “one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen,” but aides advised him against throwing a similar affair.

Trump seems to forget that Bastille Day largely marked the end of French royalty. King Donald, too, shall pass.

‘He does love being commander in chief’: Trump leans in on the military
On one coast, military forces are arriving by the thousands to defend federal buildings and agents. On the other, they’re readying a celebration of American military might.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/11/trump-military-parade-protests-00398716