U.S. Department of Justice
Tracked across 646 articles in the Nexus archive. Showing the most recent 40.
- Man pleads guilty to seven-year money laundering scheme
A 55-year-old Colombian man, Andrelio Castaño Rojas, pleaded guilty to a seven-year money laundering conspiracy. The scheme involved using drug profits to purchase consumer electronics, and he reportedly opened U.S. bank accounts for two of his businesses.
- Trump admin wants to restart prosecution of Abrego Garcia
The Trump administration is appealing a decision in which a federal judge found that prosecutors brought charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after he won his wrongful deportation case. Prosecutors charged him with human smuggling based on an earlier traffic stop, despite previous legal rulings regarding his detention and status. At the same time, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ruled that Abrego Garcia cannot be deported until at least October.
- U.S. Department of Justice files new charges against Southern Poverty Law Center
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a superseding indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), alleging that its paid informant program amounted to material support for white supremacist groups and donor fraud. The updated complaint increased charges and included Heidi Beirich, who managed the covert intelligence operation, as a defendant. SPLC and her attorney stated that the government's actions are without merit and politically motivated.
- LA Sheriff’s Department Settles Justice Department Suit Over Concealed Weapon Permits
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department settled a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ alleged that the department was deliberately delaying law-abiding Californians from obtaining Concealed Carry Weapons permits for self-defense.
- DOJ targets 3 more states in effort to axe in-state tuition for immigrants
The U.S. Department of Justice sued New York, Connecticut, and Vermont regarding laws that allow immigrants without permanent legal status to pay in-state college tuition. This action is part of a larger effort by the administration to challenge state policies that provide benefits to noncitizens. The lawsuits argue that these policies allow students without permanent legal status access to drastically lower public education tuition than U.S. citizens from other states.
- Cory Mills hopes Trump boost will overcome Ethics headlines in Florida primary
Rep. Cory Mills heads into a Florida primary hoping an endorsement from President Donald Trump will outweigh negative headlines regarding investigations and weak fundraising. Despite facing concerns over federal contracts and allegations of assault, Mills campaigns amid multiple high-profile ethical issues involving members across Congress.
- Anti-abortion groups urge attorney general to halt mailing of abortion pills
Anti-abortion organizations sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche urging him to review the Department of Justice’s authority to use the Comstock Act, an anti-obscenity law from 1873, to prevent mailing abortion pills. Advancing American Freedom co-signed the appeal, which argued that the nearly 150-year-old law was a “dead letter.” The groups thanked Blanche for pledging to evaluate the legal opinion issued by the Department of Justice in 2022.
- Advocates hail DOJ move as win for UPMC patients who sought gender-affirming care
The U.S. Department of Justice dropped its appeal regarding a subpoena for medical records of young people seeking gender-affirming care from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. A federal court ruling, confirmed by Chief U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon, quashed the request, rejecting the agency’s authority to require sensitive health data. Advocates view this outcome as a major win that protects patients and providers.
- Anti-abortion groups urge attorney general to halt mailing of abortion pills
Anti-abortion groups wrote to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche urging him to review the Department of Justice’s use of the Comstock Act, a 150-year-old anti-obscenity law. The group argued that using this outdated law to prevent mail delivery of abortion medication is unnecessary because neither sender intent nor recipient intended use are unknowable. These efforts followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision and changes made by the FDA regarding mifepristone.
- Civil rights leaders sound alarm over city’s potential application for grant from Trump’s Justice Dept.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is considering applying for a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Model Cities Initiative, which could fund public safety programs with millions of dollars. However, local advocates argue that receiving the money requires the city to align with Trump administration priorities, including supporting federal immigration enforcement and enacting bans on loitering.
- Max Miller to stay on Ohio ballots despite pressure to drop out of race after domestic abuse allegations – live
Max Miller is facing pressure and allegations of domestic abuse toward his ex-wife and daughter, despite being considered to stay on Ohio ballots. Separately, the Trump administration plans to distribute up to $300 million in federal grant funding for a Model Cities policing initiative (MCI). The US Department of Justice announced that finalist cities must abandon progressive ideologies on policing to receive these grants.
- New Mexico claims Justice Department blocked probe into Jeffrey Epstien’s ranch in bombshell lawsuit
New Mexico’s attorney general sued the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging it blocked the state from investigating sex crimes at Jeffrey Epstein’s ranch near Santa Fe. The lawsuit claims the DOJ interfered with a state-level probe into the former property.
- State of New Mexico sues Justice Department and Todd Blanche, saying they blocked its Epstein probe
New Mexico's attorney general sued the U.S. Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging they blocked the state's investigation into sex crimes at Jeffrey Epstein's ranch near Santa Fe. The lawsuit claims the federal government is withholding materials and undermining victims, while the DOJ argues it is following court orders to protect victim privacy.
- New Mexico AG accuses Todd Blanche of sitting on the names of more Epstein victims
New Mexico’s attorney general sued the U.S. Department of Justice, accusing it of blocking a state investigation into sex crimes at Jeffrey Epstein’s ranch near Santa Fe. The lawsuit claims the DOJ, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, has stonewalled information-sharing efforts, hindering the state’s ability to hold Epstein’s associates accountable. The DOJ responded that it is withholding victim-identifying information due to court orders.
- New Mexico rips feds for stonewalling probe into Epstein ranch
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly stonewalling the state’s criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s conduct at his Zorro Ranch. The state claims the DOJ violated a 2019 agreement to allow access to evidence and witnesses, while the DOJ defended its actions as necessary to protect victim privacy.
- 5 Mexican cartel bosses charged in weapons, drug trafficking, timeshare fraud schemes, DOJ says
The U.S. Department of Justice announced federal charges against five senior members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and a timeshare fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans. The fraud involved deceptive tactics like fake government communications and impersonated lawyers to extract payments from victims.
- State of New Mexico sues Justice Department and Todd Blanche, saying they blocked its Epstein probe
The state of New Mexico sued the U.S. Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging they obstructed a state-led investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes at a ranch in the state. The lawsuit claims the federal government withheld critical materials, hindering efforts to hold Epstein's associates accountable, while the DOJ cited court orders to protect victim privacy.
- Democrats ask Interior watchdog to investigate response to Reflecting Pool damage
Sens. Whitehouse and Heinrich are requesting an investigation into the Interior Department's handling of damage to the Reflecting Pool's renovations. Justice Department officials alleged that the Interior concealed information about the damage.
- New Mexico sues justice department for ‘stonewalling’ Epstein investigation
New Mexico filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Justice and acting attorney general Todd Blanche for allegedly stonewalling a criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities at a ranch in the state. The attorney general, Raúl Torrez, cited missed deadlines for sharing information about alleged abuse at Epstein’s Zorro ranch.
- First on Scripps News: New Mexico files lawsuit accusing DOJ of withholding Epstein records
The New Mexico Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, accusing it of withholding records related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and the Zorro Ranch. The state argues the DOJ's refusal is unfounded, while the DOJ claims the requests are overly broad and cites privacy and ongoing investigations. The lawsuit also involves past disputes, including then-Attorney General Hector Balderas' 2019 investigation deferring to federal authorities.
- Judge criticizes the Justice Department as he dismisses Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy case
A federal judge dismissed the seditious conspiracy case against the Oath Keepers at the Trump administration’s request, criticizing the Justice Department for undoing convictions related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The dismissal closes cases vacated by Trump’s pardons and commutations, with the Biden administration reversing prior convictions of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and others.
- OpenAI agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle DOJ claims it favored foreign workers
OpenAI agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle claims by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that it and its subsidiary Statsig favored foreign workers over U.S. applicants for jobs covered by the PERM program. The DOJ alleged that OpenAI discouraged U.S. workers from applying for these positions.
- Detroit election officials report smooth primary process, more than 55K absentee ballots processed
Detroit election officials reported a smooth primary process with all polling locations opening on time and over 55,000 absentee ballots processed. Early voting saw 4,500 participants, and federal monitors observed procedures without reporting issues. Projected turnout was 20-23%, with no major disruptions to voting.
- Federal judge rules Trump administration can't access Colorado's unredacted voter rolls
A federal judge ruled the Trump administration cannot access Colorado's unredacted voter rolls, dismissing the case with prejudice. The Justice Department requested detailed voter data, including full names and identification numbers, but the court found no valid legal basis for the request.
- ‘Your days are numbered’: DOJ, federal agencies target health care fraud, Medicaid schemers in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Department of Justice and federal agencies are intensifying investigations into health care fraud in Pennsylvania, including a new strike force in Philadelphia targeting Medicaid fraud. Nineteen people have been charged with defrauding Medicaid of over $4 million through home health care schemes.
- AG nominee tells faith leaders he will take action to restrict abortion drug access
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated he will work to restrict mail-order access to abortion medications like mifepristone, collaborating with federal agencies and the White House. His comments follow a Louisiana lawsuit challenging the FDA's 2023 rule allowing mail delivery of the drug, with anti-abortion groups advocating for enforcement of the 1873 Comstock Act to block such access.
- Blanche nomination for attorney general advanced by US Senate panel on party-line vote
Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department advanced on a party-line vote after two skeptical Republicans, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, supported it following Blanche's assurance that President Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund is rescinded. Cornyn and Tillis cited an agreement with Justice Department officials reaffirming tax audit immunity for Trump and his associates is limited to a dropped lawsuit.
- Federal judge blocks New York state law banning ICE agents from wearing masks in state
A federal judge blocked a New York state law banning ICE agents from wearing masks while on duty, ruling the law improperly regulates federal activity. The judge cited the intergovernmental immunity doctrine, stating states cannot obstruct federal immigration enforcement, while New York officials argue the law prevents dangerous actions by masked agents.
- Michigan primary election today: Detroit clerk talks DOJ observers, voter turnout
The Detroit clerk anticipates 25,000 to 40,000 voters in Detroit during today's Michigan primary election but aims for 50,000 total. The article mentions DOJ observers in the context of the election.
- It’s Election Day, Detroit. Here’s what to know.
Election Day in Detroit features school and transit proposals on the ballot, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. City Clerk Janice Winfrey anticipates a 20% voter turnout, while federal election monitors are deployed amid scrutiny over Michigan elections. Two key millage proposals—Wayne County transit funding and Detroit Public Schools Community District operating funds—are highlighted.
- Indian origin man among 25 persons facing revocation of U.S. citizenship
A 65-year-old man of Indian origin, Narinder Singh, is among 25 individuals facing potential U.S. citizenship revocation. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a case against him in the District of Delaware for allegedly using a fraudulent identity to gain admission to the United States.
- Judge rules New York can’t ban federal agents from wearing face coverings
A federal judge ruled New York cannot ban federal agents from wearing face coverings or require visible identification, citing constitutional concerns. The decision aligns with a previous ruling blocking a similar California law, as states seek to regulate federal law enforcement practices.
- Illegal immigrant who helped torch CHP cruiser during LA anti-ICE riot learns his fate
Yachua Mauricio Flores, an illegal immigrant, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for pouring lighter fluid onto a burning California Highway Patrol cruiser during an anti-ICE riot in Los Angeles. Prosecutors stated he intensified the fire and threw objects at officers trapped beneath a freeway overpass.
- Trump says Pirro ‘folded like an umbrella’ in bid to drop Reflecting Pool vandalism charges
President Donald Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump argued Pirro's decision was influenced by a judge's harshness and disagreed with her assessment that the damage resulted from poor construction rather than vandalism. Charges were also dismissed against three others accused of removing paint from the pool.
- Burlington is facing a public safety emergency
A Burlington resident describes witnessing open-air drug use and public disorder in downtown areas, including a park near Ben & Jerry’s on Church Street, and calls for urgent action to address the growing crisis. The letter highlights concerns about safety, economic impacts, and the failure of leadership to combat illegal drug activity and suspected dealing.
- Federal election monitors in Michigan: What they’ll be doing during Tuesday’s primary
Federal election monitors from the U.S. Department of Justice will be stationed in Michigan during Tuesday’s primary, part of a nationwide deployment in 15 jurisdictions across six states due to historical election-related concerns. Advocacy groups like the League of Women Voters and the Detroit NAACP are also monitoring polling locations to address potential issues.
- ‘Completely hollow’: critics denounce Blanche deal to halt Trump slush fund
Democrats and experts criticize a compromise between Todd Blanche and two Republican senators, which could allow Blanche's confirmation as attorney general, for being weak and allowing Donald Trump to easily reverse its provisions. Blanche withdrew an order for a $1.8 billion weaponization fund and clarified that the tax immunity granted by the justice department applied retroactively to Trump, his sons, and businesses.
- The DOJ is increasingly charging ICE protesters with criminal conspiracy
The Justice Department is using federal conspiracy charges to prosecute ICE protesters. Legal experts express concern that the agency is overreaching by targeting activists opposing the Trump administration's deportation agenda.
- Blanche formally rescinds Trump’s $1.8bn ‘anti-weaponization fund’ ahead of nomination hearing
Acting US attorney general Todd Blanche formally terminated Donald Trump’s $1.8bn 'anti-weaponization fund', a move aimed at addressing concerns from Republican senators blocking his nomination as attorney general. The fund, criticized as a 'slush fund' for compensating political allies, had previously lacked a formal termination confirmation from the justice department.
- Trump rips Pirro decision after DOJ drops Reflecting Pool case: ‘I don’t agree’
President Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for agreeing to dismiss the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool case against David Hearn. The Justice Department dropped the case, citing damage from a 'rushed and botched installation' rather than vandalism.