t’s a highly partisan commentary video by Benny Johnson about the March 7 protest outside Gracie Mansion and the later arrest of two men accused of throwing improvised explosive devices there. In the clip, Johnson argues that Mayor Zohran Mamdani focused too much on condemning the anti-Muslim protest as “white supremacy” and not enough on condemning the alleged ISIS-inspired attackers. That framing is based on a real mayoral statement and press conference, but the video is presented as polemic, not neutral reporting.
The underlying event itself is real. Federal prosecutors say Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, traveled from Pennsylvania and allegedly threw homemade bombs containing explosive material and shrapnel at an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion. The DOJ says they were inspired by ISIS and charged them with terrorism-related offenses, including attempting to provide material support to ISIS and using a weapon of mass destruction. Reuters likewise reports the devices contained TATP and that no one was injured because police intervened quickly.
What Benny is reacting to is also real: in the mayor’s March 8 statement, Mamdani said, “white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism,” and then said the attempted use of an explosive device was “criminal” and “reprehensible.” In the March 9 press conference, Mamdani again called the protest “rooted in white supremacy,” but he also explicitly said the two men “are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism” and that the devices were IEDs made to “injure, maim or worse.”
So the video’s basic message is: “Mamdani blamed white supremacy / Islamophobia instead of clearly focusing on Islamist terrorism.” That is an interpretation, not a full description. A more accurate summary would be: Mamdani condemned both the anti-Muslim protest and the bomb attack, though critics argue his first public reaction emphasized the protest’s bigotry more than the attackers’ ISIS link. Later that same day, after charges were announced, he called it a “heinous act of terrorism” and said the suspects had proclaimed allegiance to ISIS.
A few things in Benny’s clip are rhetoric rather than established fact. Calling the rally simply a “peaceful protest” leaves out that Reuters described it as a far-right anti-Muslim demonstration with provocative anti-Muslim symbols, and there were also counterprotesters and other arrests. Also, the video uses insult-heavy language and repeatedly misspeaks Mamdani’s name, which tells you the goal is persuasion and outrage, not balance.
So, in plain English: the video says Mamdani responded to an alleged ISIS-inspired bomb attack by talking about white supremacy and Islamophobia, and Benny uses that to argue the mayor is morally and politically unfit. The incident is real; the video’s presentation is aggressively slanted. If you want, I can also give you a clean neutral summary for an article or a fact-check version point by point.
Several people were taken into custody after suspicious devices were thrown during a clash between anti-Islam demonstrators and counterprotesters near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
During an anti-Islam demonstration outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, suspicious devices were thrown, one of which reportedly began to smoke. NYPD detained several individuals, and the incident near the mayor’s home quickly sparked renewed debate over public safety, political violence, and how city leaders respond to extremist confrontations in New York.
A video commentary now circulating online focuses on the chaotic protest scene outside Gracie Mansion, where an anti-Islam demonstration was met by a much larger counterprotest. According to the footage and news clips cited in the video, tensions escalated rapidly as shouting, physical confrontations, pepper spray, and the throwing of suspicious devices turned the area into a major police emergency.
The central claim of the video is that this was not just another disorderly protest, but a potentially deadly act of political violence. The commentator highlights police descriptions of the devices, the emergency response by NYPD, and the fact that the incident unfolded outside the residence of New York City’s mayor. The video argues that the use of a smoking device during a politically charged street confrontation should be treated as a far more serious threat than a routine protest-related arrest.
A major focus of the commentary is the political response that followed. The author criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani, arguing that City Hall strongly condemned the anti-Islam protest and its organizer, but was less direct in publicly characterizing those accused of throwing the devices toward demonstrators and police. That criticism becomes the core of the video’s message: not only what happened outside Gracie Mansion, but how officials chose to frame it afterward.
The video ultimately goes beyond straight news coverage and turns into a broader argument about free speech, public safety, and political double standards in New York City. From the commentator’s perspective, even a highly controversial protest should not be met with violent retaliation, and the failure to describe such acts in the strongest terms raises deeper concerns about extremism and selective outrage.
As a result, the incident at Gracie Mansion is presented not simply as a local disturbance, but as a warning sign about rising ideological tension in New York. Whether viewers agree with the protest itself or not, the video insists that throwing dangerous devices into a volatile crowd crosses a line that city leaders should condemn without ambiguity.
President Donald Trump’s March 7, 2026 proclamation lays out an aggressive new anti-cartel doctrine, calling for the destruction of criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere “to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law.” The proclamation says the United States will work with allies to strip these groups of territory, money, weapons access, and outside influence, while training and mobilizing partner-nation militaries to build a stronger regional force against cartel violence. It also highlights the newly formed Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, involving representatives from 17 countries, as a sign that Washington is pushing beyond law enforcement toward a broader hard-power strategy against organized crime.
COMMITMENT TO COUNTERING CARTEL CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The United States, under my leadership, has demonstrated a sustained commitment towards achieving the dismantlement of cartels and foreign terrorists operating in the Western Hemisphere. My Administration has designated a number of cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and has since dedicated unprecedented resources towards their destruction. These international entities control territories and commerce, extort political and judicial systems, wield arms and field military capabilities, and use assassinations and terrorism to achieve their ends. In furtherance of our efforts, the Secretary of War established the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a pledge from military leaders and representatives from 17 countries demonstrating that the region is ready to operationalize hard power to defeat these threats to our security and civilization. We will address these grave dangers by use of any necessary resources and legally available authorities, together with our partner nations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) Criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere should be demolished to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law.
(2) The United States and its allies should coordinate to deprive these organizations of any control of territory and access to financing or resources necessary to conduct their campaigns of violence.
(3) The United States will train and mobilize partner nation militaries to achieve the most effective fighting force necessary to dismantle cartels and their ability to export violence and pursue influence through organized intimidation.
(4) The United States and its allies should keep external threats at bay, including malign foreign influences from outside the Western Hemisphere.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
It’s a pretty wild time, but it’s going very well. Sit down, please.
Tremendous progress has been made, as you’re probably seeing just by watching. We’re doing something very significant. I built the military, rebuilt it, and made it really strong during my first administration. Along with a lot of other things we did, we had a great first term, and now we’re using that strength. Unfortunately, we have to. But you’re seeing how great it is. There is no military like it on Earth — not even close.
And we’re doing very well in Iran. You can see the results. It’s been amazing. We knocked out 42 Navy ships, some of them very large, in three days. That was the end of their Navy. We knocked out their air force. We knocked out their communications — all telecommunications are gone. I don’t know how they communicate now, but I guess they’ll figure something out. It’s not working out too well for them. And they are bad people — just bad people.
When you look at October 7 and everything beyond October 7, look at all the killing they’ve done over 47 years. This had to be done. They were very close to a nuclear weapon. They would have had one if we hadn’t carried out our B-2 strike, Midnight Hammer. They would have had a nuclear weapon eight months ago. And you know they’re crazy — they would have used it. So we did the world a favor.
Someone asked me, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how are you doing with the attack?” I said, “About a 15,” with 10 being the best. It’s something that had to be done, and we’re doing it well. I want to thank everybody involved.
I’ll be leaving right after this for Dover. It’s a very sad situation. I’m going there to greet the families of the heroes coming home from Iran — coming home in a very different way than they thought they would. But they are great heroes in our country, and we’re going to keep it that way. When it comes to war, there is always tragedy. But we’re going to keep it to a minimum, I think, Pete. And what we’re doing is really a service — not just for the Middle East, but for the world. These were sick people, very sick people.
This morning, I’m honored to welcome distinguished heads of state from across the Western Hemisphere for the first Shield of the Americas Summit. It is something very, very special. Marco has been working on it very hard, and so have a lot of other people, because this region is very important to us. It’s nice to be home. It’s very important. We travel all over the world — 9,000 miles away, 12,000 miles away. I ask, “How long is this flight, sir?” “Nineteen hours.” I say, “Oh, that’s great.” Now I have flights that last two hours. I like that much better.
But on this historic day, we come together to announce a brand-new military coalition to eradicate the criminal cartels plaguing our region. We were talking backstage, and you were telling me about the crime and the cartels. We’re knocking the hell out of them where we can, and we’re going to go even heavier. You saw what we were doing with the boats coming in. There aren’t many people coming in by boat anymore. Drugs coming in by sea are down 96%. We’re trying to find out who the other 4% are, because I think they must be the bravest people in the world — or maybe they just don’t watch television.
We’re calling this military partnership the America’s Counter-Cartel Coalition. That’s what you need. The cartels seem to grow unbelievably rapidly in this region, largely because of drugs. Earlier this week in Miami, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who is right here — Pete, you’re fantastic, doing a great job, we’re proud of you — and representatives of 17 different nations formally entered into this new alliance.
At the heart of our agreement is a commitment to using lethal military force to destroy the sinister cartels and terrorist networks once and for all. We’ll get rid of them. We need your help. You just have to tell us where they are. We have amazing weaponry, as you have probably noticed over the last short period of time.
I want to thank the members of the coalition, most of whom are friends of mine, and a few of whom I just met. Many of them I endorsed, and they took that endorsement and went on to win big. I haven’t had a bad endorsement yet.
The President of Argentina is here — Javier Milei, thank you very much for being here. The President of El Salvador, another friend — a man we’ve gotten very close to. When I first saw him, I thought he was too young, but then I saw the job he did and I changed my mind. He has been a great president, and we appreciate the relationship very much.
Also here are the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña; the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa; the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino; the President of Honduras; the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali; the President of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz; the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; the President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves; the president-elect of Costa Rica, Laura Fernández Delgado; the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader; and the president-elect of Chile, José Kast. Congratulations to all of you.
I want to thank Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his leadership in organizing this really important summit. He’s fantastic — a fantastic Secretary of State. Thus far, we’ve had the most incredible year of any president. I ended eight wars. We’re not going into all of that today, but what we’ve done is incredible, and we’re going to be doing some incredible things together.
All of the nations in this room share the same priorities: security, prosperity, free commerce, and the rule of law. That’s why together we are also forming the Shield of the Americas, a new organization to advance these shared priorities in our hemisphere.
For decades, leaders in this region allowed large swaths of territory in the Western Hemisphere to come under the control of transnational gangs and bloodthirsty cartels that impose their will through murder, torture, extortion, drug trafficking, bribery, and terror. Some of you are in danger — real danger. It’s hard to believe, but we are working with you to do whatever we have to do. If you need help, we will help.
Many of the cartels have developed sophisticated military operations. In some cases, they are said to be more powerful than the military in the country itself. We cannot have that. These brutal criminal organizations pose an unacceptable threat to national security, and they provide a dangerous gateway for foreign adversaries in our region. They are a cancer, and we do not want that cancer spreading.
Every leader here today is united in the conviction that we cannot and will not tolerate this lawlessness in our hemisphere any longer. The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries. You have to use your military. You cannot fight these people with ordinary policing alone.
Just as we formed a coalition to eradicate ISIS in the Middle East, we must now do the same to eradicate the cartels closer to home. As part of our commitment to countering cartel violence, we must recognize that the epicenter of cartel violence is Mexico. The Mexican cartels are fueling and orchestrating much of the bloodshed and chaos in this hemisphere. The United States government will do whatever is necessary to defend our national security and protect the safety of the American people.
At the same time, all of us must recommit ourselves to ensuring law and order within our own nations. That includes showing zero tolerance for gang activity. The savages who murder and rape with impunity must be permanently removed from society. We must not allow our criminal justice systems to be corrupted so that they protect criminals at the expense of the people.
By securing our border and cracking down on traffickers and smugglers, we’ve reduced fentanyl pouring across our border by 67% in our first year. With a little more time, we’ll do even better. We’ve also been working closely with many of you to end human smuggling and implement safe third-country agreements.
We are also looking forward to major change in Venezuela and Cuba. Under our new doctrine — and it is a doctrine — we will not allow hostile foreign influence to gain a foothold in this hemisphere. That includes the Panama Canal. Together, we will protect our sovereignty, our security, and our cherished freedom and independence.
The nations gathered here today are filled with unlimited potential. But to fulfill that tremendous potential, we must smash the grip of the cartels, criminal gangs, and violent organizations that have terrorized our people for too long. With the courage and resolve of the leaders in this room, we will make our nations safer, stronger, richer, and more successful than ever before.
So I want to thank you all very much for coming. I look forward to the incredible progress that is soon to come. You’re going to see some incredible things. And now I’d like to ask Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth to say a few words. Then I will sign a proclamation formally launching the America’s Counter-Cartel Coalition.
Thank you all very much for being here. We appreciate it.
— On Power Hour with Gabriella Power, the host and a lineup of guests framed “Operation Epic Fury” as a decisive, world-shifting blow against Iran’s terrorist regime—while ridiculing Democratic leaders and Hollywood celebrities for criticizing the campaign.
Five days into the operation, Gabriella Power opened with a triumphant tone, telling viewers President Trump says “we’re winning,” and joking that when asked to rate progress “on a scale of 10,” he gave it “about a 15.” The segment quickly turned political: Power mocked Democrats for allegedly refusing to acknowledge American strength or the claim that Iranians are “still celebrating around the world.”
Big moments from the episode
1) Guests praise the operation—while stressing it’s “provoked,” not optional
Filmmaker Army Horowits told the show he expected Trump-style bravado, but argued the operation’s results justify the confidence. In Horowits’ telling, the campaign reversed a narrative that the U.S. no longer has “teeth,” and restored deterrence in the region.
At the same time, Horowits pushed back on claims he said are circulating across the political spectrum that Israel “dragged” the U.S. into war. He argued that framing is wrong on the facts and inflammatory in its implications, adding that Trump is “Mr. Agency” and makes his own decisions.
Throughout the discussion, the show repeatedly presented the war as “completely provoked,” pointing to long-running Iranian hostility and citing allegations raised on-air that Iran targeted Americans and even attempted to assassinate Donald Trump (as stated in the broadcast).
2) On-air claims about battlefield wins are presented as dramatic proof points
The program spotlighted several high-impact assertions attributed to Secretary Pete Hegsth and other reporting discussed on the show, including claims that the U.S. military “hunted down and killed” the head of a unit that tried to assassinate Trump, and that a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian naval ship off the coast of Sri Lanka. The host and guests used these claims to argue Iran’s leadership and capabilities have been severely degraded.
(Note: These were presented as claims and reports within the show; the broadcast itself did not provide primary documentation on-air.)
3) Jane Fonda clip triggers laughter—and a sharp cultural clash
One of the most viral-ready moments came when Power played a clip of Jane Fonda denouncing the war and calling for protests. Power openly laughed at the clip, calling it “so stupid,” and argued the message clashes with what she described as a looming liberation moment for Iranians.
Horowits responded with biting sarcasm, referencing Fonda’s Vietnam-era controversy and dismissing her views on strikes and foreign policy. The exchange underscored the show’s broader theme: the cultural elite is portrayed as reflexively anti-Trump—even when the stated goal is dismantling a terrorist regime.
4) Tim Waltz grilling: “Define what a woman is” meets fraud allegations
The episode also pivoted to domestic politics, featuring tense hearing footage of outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz being pressed about alleged state fraud and spending figures. The host’s framing was that Waltz appeared evasive on basic questions—both about “what a woman is” and what the state did about fraud concerns.
Horowits went further, arguing Waltz allegedly ignored warning signs and then claimed ignorance once the issue erupted—language presented as opinion and commentary during the segment.
Later, the show brought on Newsweek senior editor at large Josh Hammer and pollster Nick Weinstein to discuss early polling. They cited polling figures mentioned on-air suggesting most Republicans approve of the Iran military action, while overall voters are more divided.
Hammer argued Trump is acting based on conviction rather than chasing poll numbers, and framed the operation as an attempt to end a decades-long conflict with Iran dating back to 1979. He also claimed media portrayals of a “MAGA civil war” over Iran are “belied by the data,” saying self-described MAGA Republicans support the action strongly (as described in the broadcast).
6) Texas twist: Jasmine Crockett defeated by James Telerico
The show closed with a political jolt from Texas: it reported Jasmine Crockett lost the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate to James Telerico (as stated on the program). The segment emphasized Crockett’s initial complaints about “cheating” before she conceded, and then broadened into a critique of Democrats’ history of slow concessions after losses.
Guests suggested the Texas race will remain competitive in the general election depending on the Republican nominee, and portrayed Crockett’s defeat as both a party discipline story and a warning about internal Democratic politics.
This Roman Balmakov video details theDepartment of Justicemoving to revoke the U.S. citizenship of the former mayor of North Miami, Felipe Amedi (also known as Jean Phipe Hanvier).
Key Highlights:
Illegal Entry:Amedi entered the U.S. illegally from Haiti in July 1995 using a passport with his own photo cut into it (0:00-0:45).
Immigration Fraud: Despite being ordered deported, he stayed, acquired a new identity, and obtained permanent residency through a fraudulent marriage to a U.S. citizen while allegedly still married in Haiti (0:54-1:32).
Political Career: Despite the fraud, he served on the Miami City Council for six years and later became the mayor of North Miami (1:52-2:04).
Detection: His fraud was uncovered by the Trump administration during a crackdown on immigration, specifically through a comparison of fingerprints that revealed his two identities (4:20-4:53).
Current Status: Federal prosecutors are pursuing revocation based on falsifying information regarding polygamy and immigration testimony. Amedi has not yet had his day in court (5:15-5:37).
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice led an investigation that has resulted in the filing this week of a civil denaturalization complaint in the U.S. District Court of Miami, Florida against former Mayor of the City of North Miami, Philippe Bien-Aime.
Philippe Bien-Aime, also known as Jean Philippe Janvier, a native of Haiti, used two identities to procure immigration benefits — and eventually acquire U.S. citizenship — after illegally entering the United States.
Bien-Aime’s immigration fraud was discovered and confirmed through a comparison of fingerprints that he provided under the two identities. That comparison is part of an ongoing national initiative called the Historic Fingerprint Enrollment project, a joint effort of USCIS and the Justice Department.
Before he became a U.S. citizen under the name Philippe Bien-Aime, the defendant used a fraudulent, photo-switched passport to enter the United States under the name Jean Philippe Janvier. In 2001, Bien-Aime was placed in removal proceedings and ordered removed under the Janvier identity. He appealed the removal order, but he withdrew the appeal, representing that he had returned to live in Haiti. In reality, Bien-Aime remained in the United States and, using the new name and date of birth, married a U.S. citizen to obtain permanent resident status. The marriage was fraudulent and invalid because he was already married to a Haitian citizen. After making numerous false and fraudulent statements in adjustment and naturalization proceedings, he naturalized in 2006 under the Bien-Aime identity.
The complaint alleges that Bien-Aime illegally procured naturalization for several reasons. First, he was subject to a final removal order, which disqualified him from naturalization and precluded the former Immigration and Naturalization Service from considering his application for permanent resident status. Second, the removal order prohibited USCIS from considering his naturalization application and granting U.S. citizenship. Third, he did not lawfully adjust status to permanent resident because of his fraud and because his marriage was fraudulent and not legally valid. Fourth, he provided false or misleading information under oath in his adjustment and naturalization interviews to obtain immigration benefits when he denied that he was subject to a removal order and denied that he lied to U.S. government officials. He also provided false testimony about his children and former residential addresses. The complaint also claims that Bien-Aime’s naturalization should be revoked because he concealed and misrepresented facts that were material to his qualifications for U.S. citizenship.
The case was investigated by USCIS of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will be litigated by the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form
The owner of two telemedicine companies was sentenced today to 7 years in prison and ordered to pay $27.9 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for unnecessary durable medical equipment.
“Instead of connecting patients with legitimate care, Reinaldo Wilson used his telemedicine companies to exploit Medicare and line his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He stole over $27.9 million by submitting false and fraudulent claims, robbing a program designed to provide medical care to America’s seniors. The Criminal Division will aggressively prosecute those who defraud Medicare and exploit taxpayer-funded programs meant to serve the people who have paid into the system.”
“Over the span of only two years, Wilson amassed over $56 million in fraudulent Medicare claims, through a cadre of crooked medical providers and co-conspirators, leveraging durable medical equipment for personal financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI’s Newark Field Office. “When criminals defraud Medicare, they undermine the U.S government. The FBI will always work to apprehend theses fraudsters and put an end to their schemes.”
“Today’s sentence underscores the serious consequences for those who exploit Medicare for personal gain,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “This sentence reflects our commitment to holding individuals accountable when they manipulate providers, target vulnerable patients, and attempt to conceal fraud behind complex schemes. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who abuses federal health care programs is exposed and brought to justice.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Reinaldo Wilson, 57, formerly of Richmond Hill, Georgia, owned and operated two telemedicine companies located in Bayonne, New Jersey between 2017 and 2019. Through these companies, Wilson and others paid illegal kickbacks to medical providers to sign orders for orthotic braces for Medicare beneficiaries, even though the beneficiaries did not need the braces. Wilson and others illegally sold the signed orders to purported marketing companies that often re-sold the orders to brace companies, which in turn submitted claims for the unnecessary braces to Medicare. Wilson and his co-conspirators at marketing companies cajoled beneficiaries into accepting as many braces as possible. Providers working for Wilson’s telemedicine companies signed orders for four or more orthotics a piece for over 3,000 beneficiaries, and more than 40 beneficiaries received orders for 10 or more orthotics. Wilson also attempted to conceal his crimes by creating a new telemedicine company and convincing a member of his church that it was an investment opportunity. He took $20k from this member and had her open the company and bank accounts in her name, which he then took control of.
During the conspiracy, Wilson and others submitted over $56 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which Medicare paid over $27.9 million.
In March 2021, Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud.
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Darren C. Halverson and Nicholas K. Peone of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Thursday, February 26, 2026Share
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington DC 20530
Components Criminal Division Criminal – Criminal Fraud Section Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Department of Homeland Security marked its 23rd anniversary on March 1, 2026, during an ongoing government shutdown, with Secretary Kristi Noem thanking employees who are working without pay and arguing DHS remains central to national security “by air, land, sea, or in cyberspace.” In the anniversary statement, DHS credited the Trump administration with restoring “rule of law” and cited a series of enforcement and security metrics, including claims of nine months of “zero releases” at the border, roughly 3 million illegal aliens leaving the U.S. over 13 months (including self-deportations and deportations), thousands of gang-related arrests, arrests and removals of known or suspected terrorists, major drug seizures (including fentanyl and methamphetamine), billions of blocked malicious cyber connections by CISA, and reforms to FEMA aimed at faster state-led disaster recovery alongside multiple federal emergency disaster declarations.
Amid Shutdown, DHS Celebrates 23rd Anniversary
Since its creation following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, DHS has stood at the helm of our country’s national security, protecting the American people and our Homeland
WASHINGTON —Today marks the Department of Homeland Security’s 23rd anniversary. Less than two years after the devastating terror attacks of September 11, DHS was formed, and since then, DHS has stood at the helm of our country’s national security, protecting the American people and our Homeland.
“As the threat landscape continues to evolve, DHS is there. By air, land, sea, or in cyberspace, the DHS workforce boldly confronts the threats our nation faces every day,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “We are working diligently to prevent cybersecurity and terror threats, safeguard the southern border, reform our broken immigration system, and help Americans in the face of natural disasters. Our mission could not be achieved without your extraordinary courage and commitment. I am especially grateful to those of you who are serving during the current shutdown without a paycheck.”
The mission of DHS today remains the same as it did at its inception 23 years ago: protect the homeland and keep Americans safe. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS has fulfilled this mission. In one year, DHS has made America safe again by restoring the rule of law, securing our borders, removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens and national security threats, strengthening cyber defense, and reforming disaster response.
Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, some examples of the crucial work the men and women of DHS have achieved to keep Americans safe and protect the homeland include:
DHS has provided the most secure border in American history, with nine straight months of zero releases by Border Patrol at the border, ending the Biden Administration’s disastrous catch and release policy.
Total border apprehensions under the Trump Administration’s first year in office were lower than a single average month under the Biden Administration.
Over the last 13 months, nearly 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S. because of the Trump Administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, including an estimated 2.2 million self-deportations and more than 713,000 deportations.
These arrests include 7,808 gang arrests, including 1,232 individuals associated with Tren de Aragua and 1,271 individual MS-13 gang members.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been instrumental in preventing terror threats, with over 1,538 known or suspected terrorists (KSTs) being arrested, and 1,534 KSTs removed.
49,740 special interest aliens have been arrested.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has stopped 2.62 billion malicious connections on federal civilian networks and 371 million within critical infrastructure during the Trump Administration.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized 617,648 pounds of illicit drugs nationwide over the past year (January 21, 2025, to January 31, 2026) — an 8 percent increase over the previous year. This included 10,915 pounds of fentanyl, 186,359 pounds of methamphetamine, and significant quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, preventing deadly narcotics from reaching American streets.
Under President Trump, DHS and the Department of Health and Human Services have located 145,000 unaccompanied children that the Biden administration lost. Too many of these children were exploited and abused before, during, and after being trafficked over our borders. All told, the Biden administration lost more than 450,000 children because of its open border policies.
Within hours of the November 26 attack where an Afghan national murdered one National Guard member and severely wounded another in Washington, DC, Secretary Noem directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to put asylum processing on hold for aliens from every country, implemented a full-scale reexamination of every green card for aliens from every presidentially designated high-risk country, and placed a hold on the processing of immigration applications and petitions for all Afghan nationals and aliens from those countries of concern.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) seized over 547,000 pounds of illegal narcotics – a record-setting amount nearly three times its normal annual average – worth more than $3.9 billion.
These USCG counter drug operations disrupted transnational criminal organizations and prevented more than 206 million lethal doses from reaching U.S. communities, saving taxpayers over $10 billion in avoided costs, including $2.27 billion in healthcare expenses.
Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been reformed to empower states and support state-led recoveries faster than ever.
President Trump approved a historic 12 federal emergency disaster declarations for Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia – unlocking FEMA resources and enabling states to access critical federal resources to supplement their response efforts.
In this address from White House , President Donald J. Trump announces the commencement of major combat operations in Iran (0:00-0:07), stating the objective is to eliminate threats from the Iranian regime (0:09-0:15). He characterizes the regime as a “vicious group” that has endangered the United States, its troops, and allies for 47 years (0:19-0:31).
The President outlines a history of Iranian aggression (0:31-1:57), including:
The 1979 US embassy takeover and hostage crisis (0:49-0:58).
The 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut (1:04-1:10).
Involvement in the 2000 USS Cole attack (1:13-1:18).
Killing and maiming hundreds of American service members in Iraq (1:21-1:26).
Recent attacks against American forces and vessels in the Middle East (1:26-1:40).
Funding terrorist militias in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq (1:47-1:57).
Iran’s proxy Hamas launching the October 7th attacks on Israel (2:00-2:14).
He emphasizes that Iran is the “world’s number one state sponsor of terror” (2:22-2:24) and highlights its suppression of its own citizens (2:27-2:31).
A key policy point is that the Iranian regime can never have a nuclear weapon (2:31-2:46). President Trump states that in “Operation Midnight Hammer” last June, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program at Ford Natanz and Isfahan (2:48-2:59). Despite warnings and attempts to make a deal, Iran refused to renounce its nuclear ambitions and attempted to rebuild its program and develop long-range missiles (3:00-3:54).
The President then details the military’s ongoing operation (4:08-4:20) to:
Destroy their missiles and missile industry (4:23-4:28).
Annihilate their navy (4:32-4:35).
Ensure terrorist proxies no longer destabilize the region or attack U.S. forces (4:37-4:49).
Ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon (4:57-5:01).
He asserts the unparalleled strength of the U.S. military (5:11-5:28) and acknowledges the potential for U.S. casualties (5:32-5:58). The President addresses members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and police, urging them to “lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or…face certain death” (6:25-6:50). Finally, he speaks to the people of Iran, proclaiming “the hour of your freedom is at hand” (6:51-6:56), advising them to stay sheltered, and encouraging them to “take over your government” once the operation is finished (7:06-7:08). He pledges overwhelming U.S. support for their cause (7:30-7:33).
U.S. Moves to Forfeit “M/T Skipper” Oil Tanker and 1.8M Barrels of Venezuelan Crude in Iran Sanctions Case
The U.S. Department of Justice says it has filed a civil forfeiture complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking to forfeit the crude-oil tanker M/T Skipper and roughly 1.8 million barrels of crude oil allegedly tied to a sanctions-evasion network benefiting Iran’s IRGC (including the IRGC-Qods Force) and involving Venezuelan state oil company PdVSA. According to the DOJ, the vessel—described as part of a “ghost” or “shadow” fleet—used tactics such as spoofed locations and false flags to move oil from Iran and Venezuela through ship-to-ship transfers worldwide, and was seized on the high seas in December 2025 before being taken to waters off Texas; officials say the action underscores stepped-up enforcement against maritime sanctions evasion and terrorist financing, while noting the complaint’s allegations must be proven in court.
A complaint has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to forfeit the Motor Tanker Skipper – a crude oil tanker seized by the United States on the high seas in December 2025 – and approximately 1.8 million barrels of crude oil cargo supplied by Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the state-owned oil company of Venezuela. As alleged, the Skipper and its cargo are forfeitable as property affording a person a source of influence over the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the era of secretly bankrolling regimes that pose clear threats to the United States is over,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will deploy every legal authority at our disposal to completely dismantle and permanently shutter any operation that defies our laws and fuels chaos across the globe.”
“This forfeiture complaint for the M/T Skipper and its oil cargo demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. sanctions and thwarting hostile regimes who exploit the global oil trade,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI, working alongside our interagency partners, will continue aggressively identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the financial networks used by our foreign adversaries to fund terrorist organizations and destabilize international security. We remain steadfast in safeguarding both the integrity of the international financial system and the security of the American people.”
“Because of the coordinated efforts of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, a ghost tanker that for years secretly moved illicit oil from Iran and Venezuela around the globe has been taken off the seas,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s actions are an important step in making America and the world safer by disrupting the flow of millions of dollars to foreign terrorist organizations. The Criminal Division will continue to use every tool at our disposal to end to terrorist financing.”
“For too long, a shadow fleet of stateless and falsely registered vessels has operated with impunity while shuttling illicit oil around the world, generating billions in revenue for adversary regimes and foreign terrorist organizations,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “This forfeiture complaint reflects the National Security Division’s commitment to shutting down those networks and enforcing U.S. sanctions.”
“We will aggressively enforce U.S. sanctions against Iran and relentlessly pursue ghost fleet vessels whose illicit oil shipments have served as revenue sources for the IRGC and its terrorist proxies,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “With the continued seizures and forfeitures of tankers and related profits, we are sending a clear message that there will be no safe harbor for sanctions evasion – and that we will deny Iran the ability to fund terrorism through its shadowy maritime networks.”
“Homeland Security Investigations played a critical role in the investigation that led to today’s forfeiture complaint against the Motor Tanker Skipper and its illicit cargo. By leveraging our expertise, partnerships, and unwavering commitment to protecting the homeland, HSI helped disrupt a complex sanctions-evasion and illicit finance network supporting designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” said HSI acting Executive Associate Director John Condon. “I am proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our special agents and law enforcement partners, whose collaborative efforts were instrumental in advancing this case. HSI remains committed to safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law by targeting criminal organizations that threaten global stability.”
The forfeiture complaint alleges a scheme, between at least 2021 and the present, to facilitate the shipment and sale of petroleum products for the benefit of the IRGC, including the IRGC-QF. During this time, the Skipper moved crude oil from Iran and Venezuela and, through ship-to-ship transfers, delivered it to various locations around the world, including to other rogue regimes. The Skipper disguised its illicit activities by spoofing its locations, flying false flags and employing other tactics to obfuscate its routes and conceal its sanctions evasion. For example, as alleged in the complaint, in 2024, the Skipper delivered approximately three million barrels of crude oil from Iran to Syria. The Skipper continued to transport illicit oil from Iran and Venezuela into 2025, including loading oil from Iran at least twice in 2025. For its facilitation of illicit oil shipments, on Nov. 3, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Skipper (then named the Adisa).
The civil forfeiture complaint further alleges that the petroleum product, which was loaded onto the Skipper from Venezuela before it was seized, is part of the Skipper’s scheme to perpetuate its operations in support of the IRGC, including the IRGC-QF. As alleged, revenue from the sale of petroleum products supports the IRGC’s full range of malign activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, support for terrorism and both domestic and international human rights abuses. The ghost fleet, including the Skipper, plays an essential role in generating revenue for these regimes by moving Iranian and other illicit oil around the world.
Most recently, in November 2025, the Skipper loaded approximately 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan-origin crude oil at the José Terminal in Venezuela. According to bills of lading, approximately 1.1 million barrels of the Skipper’s oil cargo were to be delivered to Cubametales, the Cuban state-run oil import and export company that was designated by OFAC in July 2019.
On Dec. 10, 2025, U.S. law enforcement seized the Skipper on the high seas pursuant to a judicially authorized seizure warrant. At that time, the Skipper was claiming a false Guyanese flag, rendering it stateless. The Skipper and its cargo were thereafter transported to the waters off the coast of Texas.
FBI Minneapolis Field Office and HSI Washington D.C. Field Office are investigating the case. Substantial assistance was provided by HSI New York Field Office.
Trial Attorney Josh Sohn of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Dilorenzo and Rajbir Datta of the District of Columbia and Acting Deputy Chief Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are litigating the case.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.
NEW YORK CITY — The New York Police Department announced Thursday that it has arrested 27-year-old Gusmane Coulibaly in connection with an incident earlier this week where uniformed officers were struck with snowballs — including large chunks of ice — while responding to a disturbance in Washington Square Park in Manhattan.
Coulibaly was taken into custody early Thursday morning after investigators identified him in video footage circulating online of the event. Police say he is charged with assault on a police officer, obstruction of government administration, and disorderly conduct in connection with the episode.
What Happened in the Park
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, following a major snowstorm that blanketed New York City and drew large crowds to public parks for informal snowball fights. According to NYPD accounts, officers entering Washington Square Park encountered a large crowd where some participants began throwing packed snow and ice at them. At least two officers were injured, suffering cuts and bruises to the face and neck that required hospital treatment.
Police describe the event as more than a playful snowball fight — saying some of the thrown objects were packed with ice and struck officers at close range. Authorities released images of four individuals allegedly involved and have been working to identify and locate them.
Previous Arrest Record
The NYPD noted that Coulibaly had been previously arrested less than three weeks ago on unrelated charges of attempted robbery inside the city’s transit system. Court records indicate he pleaded not guilty to those charges and was released without bail.
Response From Officials
The arrest has highlighted a growing divide in how city officials are publicizing and responding to the park incident:
NYPD leadership and police unions have praised the arrest, emphasizing that assaults on officers — even during public gatherings — constitute criminal behavior and should be treated seriously. The Police Benevolent Association released a statement calling the charged individual an adult, not a “kid,” and saying the arrest sends a message that attacks on police will not be tolerated.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, however, has downplayed the incident, characterizing initial footage of the event as a snowball fight that “got out of hand,” and suggested that criminal charges may not be appropriate in every case. He has reaffirmed respect for law enforcement but maintained that the situation began as a casual winter gathering.
Meanwhile, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and other law enforcement leaders have asserted the conduct captured in video was “criminal” and “disgraceful,” standing by the department’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Investigation Continues
Coulibaly’s arrest is the first in the ongoing investigation into the Washington Square Park conflict. Police continue to seek three other suspects believed to have participated in throwing objects at officers. Authorities are reviewing video footage and circulating images to locate and apprehend additional individuals.
At this time, it is not yet clear what specific court date Coulibaly will face for the new charges related to the assault allegations. Prosecutors in Manhattan’s District Attorney’s Office typically assess charges after police hand over their case file. Follow-up reporting may provide details on court proceedings as they unfold.
Official Quotes & Reactions
🚔 Police Leadership
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch: “The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal.” Tisch publicly labeled the actions against officers as unlawful and emphasized detectives were actively investigating the incident.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry: “A 27-year-old with a recent attempted robbery arrest is not a ‘kid.’ This arrest sends a clear message that assaults on police officers cannot and will not be minimized or tolerated.” Hendry pushed back against early characterizations of the event as harmless, stressing the seriousness of attacking officers.
From earlier reactions by union leaders (prior to arrest): The PBA had called the attack “unacceptable and outrageous,” urging accountability for those who injured officers. The Detectives’ Endowment Association added it was “not harmless fun,” but a dangerous attack on uniformed officers.
🏛️ Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Regarding the incident before the arrest, Mayor Mamdani said: “From the videos that I’ve seen, it looks like a snowball fight.” He described the situation as having “gotten out of hand” rather than a criminal confrontation, and said it should be treated accordingly rather than automatically as a criminal assault.
The mayor also encouraged respectful treatment of city workers, including police, while continuing to downplay prosecution for participants.
Analysis of Charges & Potential Penalties
Because the NYPD’s announcement only stated that Coulibaly was arrested for “assaulting officers” without immediately specifying formal charges, this section explains what likely charges could be and what they mean under New York law:
1. Assault on a Police Officer
Category: This is commonly prosecuted as Assault in the Second or Third Degree, depending on severity.
**Assault **in the Second Degree (if serious physical injury is inflicted):
Class D felony in New York.
Potential penalties: Up to 2–7 years in prison plus possible fines.
**Assault in the Third Degree (if harm is less severe but still intentional):
Class A misdemeanor.
Potential penalties: Up to 1 year in jail and fines.
When victims are police officers performing official duties, courts often impose enhanced sentences within statutory ranges and prosecutors pursue serious charges. This is separate from political disagreement about how the event started.
(Note: Exact charges depend on prosecutor discretion based on evidence of harm and intent.)
2. Obstructing Government Administration
Throwing objects at responding officers can also lead to Obstructing Governmental Administration (misdemeanor) if it hindered their duties.
Penalties: Up to 30 days in jail and fines.
3. Disorderly Conduct & Related Counts
In large gatherings that turn chaotic, prosecutors often include disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, or similar charges when behavior poses risks to public safety.
How Courts Treat Police Assault Cases
Attacks on officers — especially involving objects thrown at them (snowballs containing ice and debris can cause lacerations) — are rarely dismissed as simple mischief in New York.
The fact that two officers were hospitalized with facial injuries raises the likelihood that prosecutors will pursue serious felony counts rather than just misdemeanors.
Previous arrests and criminal history (like the earlier attempted robbery charge Coulibaly faced in February) can influence bail decisions and sentencing if convicted.
