El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has stated that he will not be returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to the country last month, back to the United States. During a press conference on Monday alongside former President Donald Trump, Bukele described the request as “preposterous.” The U.S. Supreme Court had previously urged the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return, but Bukele emphasized that the U.S. has no jurisdiction over his fate as he is a citizen of El Salvador.
Trump’s top advisers reiterated that the U.S. government does not have authority over Abrego Garcia, and emphasized his illegal residency in the country. Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked, “That’s up to El Salvador if they want to return him. That’s not up to us.” These comments come in the context of the Trump administration's broader immigration policies, which have continually emphasized deportation efforts.
In another story, Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old man, was denied bail Monday after allegedly committing severe offenses, including attempted homicide, terrorism, and arson, at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Balmer reportedly attempted to scale a security fence and expressed plans to harm the governor. His mother indicated that Balmer has been struggling with mental health issues and had not been taking medication. Despite this, in court, Balmer stated he does not suffer from any mental illness, further complicating his case.
The Trump administration has also taken a controversial step by freezing over $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard University due to the institution’s refusal to comply with demands to limit campus activism. This move marks the seventh occasion in which the Trump administration has sought to penalize Harvard, an elite university that has resisted conforming to the administration’s political aims. Harvard’s President, Alan Garber, stated that the university will not yield to the government’s pressures.
In economic news, President Trump suggested a potential pause on auto tariffs to allow car manufacturers time to adjust their supply chains. He expressed concern that immediate compliance with tariffs could hinder their ability to produce domestically and called for a strategy to accommodate this transition. Industry representatives, such as Matt Blunt from the American Automotive Policy Council, agreed that while domestic production is essential, broad tariffs could destabilize the auto market.
On an international level, Hamas announced that a delegation would be traveling to Qatar for ceasefire talks with Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. With the territory’s Health Ministry reporting a significant death toll, discussions for a new ceasefire agreement are underway. Key points of negotiation reportedly include the release of multiple hostages held in Gaza, although major sticking points remain unresolved concerning the broader conflict.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reported that civilian casualties in Sudan’s Darfur region have skyrocketed, with over 300 civilians killed during clashes between military forces and armed groups. The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, shows no signs of abating, with the humanitarian situation worsening as reports of large-scale attacks and fatalities continue to emerge.
In a significant development regarding U.S. immigration policies, a Palestinian activist named Mohsen Mahdawi was arrested by ICE agents at a Vermont immigration office when he was scheduled for a citizenship interview. His detention has raised concerns among legal advocates who claim it is a retaliatory act against his activism. Mahdawi is seeking to prevent his removal from the United States, citing his long-standing residency and recent academic achievements.
Lastly, WNBA star Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Dallas Wings after her impressive performance in helping UConn secure its 12th national championship. Expressing her excitement for this new chapter in Dallas, Bueckers joins a prestigious group of former Huskies who have been drafted first. Her transition from a collegiate athlete to a professional marks a significant moment in her sports career.
