U.S. Strikes Venezuelan Gang in Caribbean, Trump Announces

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. has executed a military strike against a vessel linked to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. The operation took place in the southern Caribbean, targeting a ship that had departed from Venezuela and was allegedly transporting illegal narcotics. Trump described the strike as a response to terrorism, sharing a video on social media showing the vessel engulfed in flames while it was in international waters.

The operation marks a rare instance of U.S. military action in the Americas, underscoring the ongoing concerns over drug trafficking and gang violence in the region. In his statement, Trump emphasized the strike’s significance in combating the flow of narcotics into the United States.

In a related development, Trump announced plans for federal law enforcement intervention in both Chicago and Baltimore, despite resistance from local officials. During a press briefing at the Oval Office, Trump confirmed his intention to deploy federal resources to combat crime in the cities, stating, “We’re going in,” though he refrained from specifying a timeline. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has publicly opposed federal intervention, asserting that state officials are capable of handling local crime issues.

In a separate international crisis, a landslide in the Darfur region of Sudan has reportedly resulted in the death of over 1,000 people. According to the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, the disaster struck the village of Tarasin after days of heavy rainfall, leaving only one survivor. The rebel group is calling for international aid to assist the affected area, which has been devastated by the disaster.

On the legal front, the Pentagon has authorized the deployment of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges. This decision, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to enhance its immigration enforcement efforts. The military will begin sending groups of legal personnel to the Justice Department in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump cannot invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite the deportation of individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua gang. The court found that the gang does not qualify as a legitimate target under this historical law, which has been rarely used. The case is expected to escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court for further review.

In other news, the House Oversight Committee has released files related to the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. These documents include video footage from police searches and interviews with victims, although much of the information had already been made public.

On the global stage, Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a military parade in Beijing. The event showcased various military assets, including missiles and fighter jets, reaffirming China’s position as a significant military power. Xi called for a commitment to peace, highlighting the need to prevent the recurrence of historical conflicts.

In a significant shift, President Trump has announced that the U.S. Space Command will relocate from Colorado to Alabama. This decision reverses a previous administration’s choice and concludes a long-standing dispute between the two states over the headquarters. Huntsville, Alabama, known for its aerospace industry, is viewed as a fitting location for the command.

Lastly, a judge ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully by deploying National Guard troops for immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. The ruling, which is expected to be appealed by the White House, stated that the deployment violated federal law prohibiting military involvement in domestic law enforcement. California officials have welcomed the ruling, reinforcing their stance on the separation of military and civilian law enforcement duties.

These developments highlight the ongoing complexities in U.S. domestic and foreign policy as the Trump administration navigates a range of critical issues.