United States

The Trump administration expanded U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authority to detain refugees who entered the United States legally but have not yet received green cards, according to a government memo obtained by CBS News. The policy places lawfully admitted refugees without permanent resident status under increased scrutiny and allows ICE to review and potentially detain them during the interim period before they become permanent residents. The memo reflects a broader effort to reexamine legal immigration categories and adjust enforcement practices within the existing refugee and immigration system.

Democratic members of Congress have called on federal inspectors general to investigate whether former lobbyists in the Trump administration violated ethics rules or aided past clients. The lawmakers are seeking records, reviews of recusal agreements, and details on ethics enforcement for ex-lobbyists who entered government service. The request targets multiple agencies and focuses on potential conflicts of interest, decision-making, and policy influence tied to former private-sector work. Inspectors general will decide whether to open formal probes and may issue reports to Congress.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, Baptist minister and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, has died at age 84 in Chicago, his family announced. Jackson marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr., helped lead the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and later founded and headed the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a Chicago-based organization focused on voting rights, economic justice and social equity. He became a national political figure with influential presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. Jackson also undertook international missions that helped secure the release of Americans held abroad and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The U.S. military has struck three more suspected drug-smuggling boats, killing 11 people and raising the reported death toll to at least 145 since a campaign against small maritime vessels began in September. This fact-based report outlines what is publicly known about the targets, the nature of the operations, casualty figures and the broader counter-narcotics context driving the strikes. The article summarizes available official information on how the vessels are identified, the scope of the campaign at sea, the lack of disclosed tactical details and the continuing focus on disrupting alleged drug trafficking routes in international waters.

U.S. and Iranian officials have resumed indirect talks aimed at easing tensions and avoiding war while both sides continue to exchange sharp public warnings. Negotiators work through intermediaries amid concerns over regional security, Iran’s nuclear and military activities, and the potential for escalation. Former U.S. president Donald Trump’s calls for a tougher stance and possible military action add political pressure to the process. Regional governments and international actors urge restraint and support continued dialogue as they monitor the impact on security, diplomacy, and global energy stability.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday described the Rev. Jesse Jackson as a “force of nature” after news of Jackson’s death at age 84.

Iranian officials describe ongoing talks with the United States as “more constructive” while both sides continue to trade public threats and warnings. Negotiators focus on steps to avert war and address security concerns, sanctions, and regional tensions. The legacy of former U.S. president Donald Trump’s Iran policy and his continued influence on American political debate shape the environment surrounding the discussions. Iranian authorities say they now see “a clearer path ahead” and portray the talks as a serious effort to prevent open conflict under difficult economic and political conditions.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told CBS News that no U.S. administration has created an effective immigration system and said only Congress can fix it. Moore said President Joe Biden “needed to do more” on immigration and criticized former President Donald Trump’s crackdown, arguing that executive actions alone cannot resolve long-standing border and migration challenges. He said partisan gridlock in Congress has blocked lasting reforms and left states managing the local impact of federal policy gaps.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges the United States and Europe to “revitalize an old friendship,” calling for renewed transatlantic cooperation while affirming the Trump administration’s existing policy positions. Rubio emphasizes NATO, shared security challenges and economic ties, uses a more reassuring tone toward European allies, and highlights ongoing diplomatic, military and intelligence collaboration. He addresses concerns over defense spending, trade disputes and alliance reliability without signaling major policy shifts.