United States

The White House is preparing a $12 billion U.S. stockpile of critical and rare earth minerals, according to an official. The move aims to secure supplies of materials vital to defense, technology, and industry, amid concerns over dependence on foreign sources and potential supply chain disruptions. The planned stockpile would draw on national assessments of critical minerals and expand existing strategic reserve practices. Industry and policymakers are closely watching how the program will be structured, how materials will be sourced and stored, and what it may mean for global mineral markets.

Former federal prosecutors who worked on January 6 Capitol riot cases have drafted a memo giving Congress a detailed strategy to investigate alleged excessive force and potential violations by ICE agents in Minneapolis. The document urges Congressional committees to seek records, compel testimony, review use-of-force policies, and hold public and closed hearings. It outlines possible subpoenas, evidence-handling procedures, and engagement with local groups and experts. The memo does not reach conclusions on the allegations and serves as a roadmap for potential oversight.

Bad Bunny used his Grammy Awards acceptance speech to criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, declaring “ICE out” and stating “we’re not aliens.” The Puerto Rican artist addressed immigration enforcement and the treatment of immigrants during the live broadcast, drawing social media reaction and renewed attention to ICE’s role in U.S. immigration policy. The moment added immigration to a list of social and political issues raised on the Grammy stage by high-profile performers.

Federal immigration authorities released five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on Sunday, one day after a federal court ordered their release. The case highlights judicial oversight of immigration detention involving minors. Public records show the judge directed ICE to free both child and parent, and the agency complied without delay. Officials did not disclose further details about the family’s case or immigration status.

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein accused authorities of failing to identify alleged abusers after the U.S. government released more than three million pages of documents related to the convicted sex offender on Friday.

Maine Senator Susan Collins confirms that there are currently no large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations taking place in the state, providing reassurance to communities.

New travel restrictions by the Trump administration create additional challenges for families pursuing international adoptions. The recent bans affect visa approvals, complicating the adoption process.

The Justice Department announces it will soon complete the review and release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, but no specific timeline is provided.