Trump endorsement rocks Louisiana Senate race as Letlow poised to jump in

Three days after President Donald Trump exploded a political bomb in Louisiana's Senate race by endorsing Republican Rep. Julia Letlow over incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, sources say Letlow is likely to launch a campaign as early as this week.

Trump's support of Letlow, who was elected in 2021 after her husband Luke died from COVID shortly before taking office in the House, is a severe setback for Cassidy, a physician and chair of the powerful Senate Health committee who is running for a third six-year term in the solidly red state.

And it's a major political headache for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who is backing Cassidy and teamed up with the senator last week in Louisiana.

Trump upended an already crowded GOP Senate primary in Louisiana on Saturday night, with a social media post making it clear that if the 44-year-old Letlow launched a Senate campaign, she'd have his backing.

GOP TOUTS TRUMP AS THEIR ‘SECRET WEAPON,' BUT POLLS FLASH WARNING SIGNS AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

"Should she decide to enter this RACE," Trump wrote on social media, "Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!"

Letlow hinted at launching a Senate run following Trump's post on X, writing, "My mission is clear: to ensure the nation our children inherit is safer and stronger. This United States Senate seat belongs to the people of Louisiana, because we deserve conservative leadership that will not waver."

ELON MUSK POURS A STAGGERING $10 MILLION INTO THIS KEY GOPS SENATE PRIMARY

There's been speculation for months that Letlow was mulling a Senate bid and a Republican source confirmed to Fox News that the congresswoman, who represents a district that covers parts of central and northeastern Louisiana, had indicated that she wouldn't challenge Cassidy without Trump's backing.

A separate Republican source confirmed to Fox News that Trump had reached out to Thune on Friday to give the Senate's top Republican a heads-up on the Letlow endorsement.

Thune continues to support Cassidy, who was also previously endorsed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is the Senate GOP's campaign arm.

But the deep-pocketed Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), which is the top super PAC supporting Senate Republicans and is aligned with Thune, is staying neutral in Louisiana.

DEMOCRATS EYE NARROW PATH TO SENATE MAJORITY, BUT ONE WRONG MOVE COULD SINK THEM

"The mission of the Senate Leadership Fund is to preserve and expand the Republican Senate majority. Anything that distracts from our efforts to beat Democrats in November is unhelpful," SLF Executive Director Alex Latchum wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Word that SLF was staying out of the GOP primary in Louisiana was first reported by Punchbowl News.

The 68-year-old Cassidy is staying in the race.

"I’m proudly running for re-election as a principled conservative who gets things done for the people of Louisiana," Cassidy wrote on social media following Trump's bombshell. "If Congresswoman Letlow decides to run, I am confident I will win."

Cassidy had nearly $10 million in his campaign coffers at the end of October, after his last fundraising filing, with Letlow holding nearly $2.3 million cash on hand. But a burst of campaign cash will likely flow Letlow's way if she follows through and launches a Senate campaign.

The senator — who voted to convict Trump in the Senate impeachment trial following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters aiming to upend congressional certification of former President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory — early last year supported Trump's controversial cabinet nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Health secretary.

But the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) PAC, which has close ties to Kennedy, announced on Sunday that it would financially support Letlow.

Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, a former congressman who served in Trump's first administration, is also challenging Cassidy.

"A recent poll shows our campaign expanding our lead on Bill Cassidy, while Cassidy's numbers continue to drop," Fleming noted on social media two days after Trump's endorsement of Letlow.

State Sen. Blake Miguez and state Rep. Julie Emerson are also running for the GOP Senate nomination, and former Rep. Garrett Graves is mulling a bid.

Trump's endorsement of Letlow increases speculation on whether he'll take sides in the combustible and competitive GOP Senate primary in Texas ahead of the early March primary.

Longtime Sen. John Cornyn is facing primary challenges from two Trump allies, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Thune speculated last week that Trump wouldn't make an endorsement in the Texas GOP showdown.

Swalwell governor bid hit with residency questions after court filing alleges he doesn’t live in California

Longtime political foe of President Donald Trump Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing a legal campaign challenge after a conservative activist filed a petition claiming the lawmaker is allegedly prohibited from running for California governor because he doesn't actually live in the Golden State.

"Public records searches reveal no current ownership or leasehold interest held by Eric Swalwell in California, nor any history of any ownership of leasehold interest based on available public records," a petition filed Jan. 8 by filmmaker and activist Joel Gilbert states, the New York Post reported.

"Swalwell’s congressional financial disclosers from 2011 to 2024 list no California real estate ownership," the petition added. 

The left-wing lawmaker's gubernatorial campaign, however, has hit back at the petition as a "nonsense claim" that the team looks forward to "beating" in court. 

SWALWELL CAMPAIGN IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER ACCEPTING ALMOST $15K FROM CCP-TIED LAW FIRM: 'STOP PLAYING FOOTSIE'

Swalwell has served as a California congressman since 2013, and announced his candidacy to succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom when his second term ends in January 2027. The gubernatorial race already is crowded with at least 10 candidates slated to be on the ballot in the nonpartisan primary in June. 

Swalwell is viewed as a front-runner as the race gets underway. 

The court filing claims that the congressman listed the address for the office of his attorney on campaign filings and not a residential California address. The address listed in the court filing shows an office building in downtown Sacramento. 

State law requires the California governor be a resident of the state five years prior to his or her election. 

"The governor shall be an elector who has been a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state for 5 years immediately preceding the governor’s election," the filing states, outlining the California Constitution's residential requirements of governors.  

When approached for comment on the matter, a campaign general consultant for Swalwell said the lawmaker has always resided in California across his political career and that his attorney's address was listed on the campaign filing due to death threats he has received. 

SWALWELL THREATENS TO REVOKE DRIVER'S LICENSES OF MASKED ICE AGENTS OPERATING IN CALIFORNIA

"Since joining Congress, Eric Swalwell has always had a residence in the Bay Area. He has always had a California driver’s license, paid California taxes, and starts his California mornings with Johnny’s Donuts maple bars in Dublin. This nonsense claim comes from a MAGA blogger who made a film claiming Elvis is alive. We look forward to beating him in court," Kate Maeder, Swalwell campaign consultant, told Fox News Digital in an emailed statement Monday morning. 

"Because of the thousands of death threats the Congressman has received, it is perfectly legal to list a campaign office as the address for his legal filings," she added. 

Gilbert's petition calls on the California secretary of state to "fulfill her constitutional duty" and disqualify Swalwell from the race. 

"The criteria for running for governor of California according to the California Constitution is a candidate must be resident of the state for 5 years prior to the election," Gilbert told Fox Digital in additional comment on Monday afternoon. "Swalwell’s response that he has a California driver’s license or pays California taxes or went to a Donut shop in Dubin is irrelevant and a smoke screen. He’s a lawyer and should know better."

The director added in response to Swalwell's campaign: "My film about Elvis is a comedy! Swalwell is clueless every time he Tweets or opens his mouth or files a document!"

The director added that the campaign's response was "absurd" as it related to "beating" Gilber in court, as Swalwell is not being sued, and instead the filing calls on the California secretary of state to respond. 

"He clearly doesn’t understand the law at all despite being an attorney," Gilbert said, before doubling down that candidates must prove residency on the state's candidate intention statement. 

In November 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a probe into Swalwell's past mortgages, specifically investigating if allegations of millions of dollars in loans and refinancing were based on Swalwell declaring that his primary residence was in Washington, D.C.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR HOPEFUL ERIC SWALWELL EMBRACES ROLE AS TRUMP'S LOUDEST CRITIC AMID NEW DOJ PROBE

Swalwell, Democratic California Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitita James all have been referred to the DOJ over allegations of mortgage fraud since President Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office.

Following the DOJ opening a probe into his mortgages, Swalwell filed a lawsuit against Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who referred Swalwell to the DOJ for criminal review, alleging that he abused his position to obtain the mortgage records of numerous Democrats. 

"Either he’s guilty of mortgage fraud in Washington, DC, or he’s ineligible to run for governor of California," Gilbert told the Daily Mail. "He can’t have it both ways."

Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to Gilbert by email for additional comment on the court filing Monday afternoon. 

The feud between Swalwell and Trump dates to Trump’s first term, when Swalwell emerged as one of the former president’s most vocal congressional critics and served as a House impeachment manager, cementing a long-running political rivalry. 

Fox News Digital's Leo Briceno and Greg Wehner contributed to this report. 

Trump admin warns of ‘widescale doxxing’ of ICE if House Dem’s new bill passes

EXCLUSIVE: The Trump administration is firing back at a Democratic Bronx congressman who offered a new-age way for civilians to identify immigration enforcement agents who obscure their identity with masks or lack of names on their uniforms amid civil unrest around the country.

Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, said he is introducing the Quick Recognition Act next week, which would require ICE and CBP agents to wear uniforms that feature QR codes – the two-dimensional offshoot of barcodes that can link a concrete item to a website or information portal.

At sporting events or in restaurants, they often use QR codes to draw customers to scan them and open webpages to enter contests or access menus. In Torres’ case, scanning the QR code on an officer’s uniform would return their name, badge number and agency that employs them.

The White House said Torres’ bill would spur a "widescale doxxing campaign" and encourage protesters to "approach and interfere with law enforcement operations."

DEMOCRATIC THINK TANK URGES PARTY TO DROP ‘ABOLISH ICE’ SLOGAN IN NEW MEMO

"This is all because Democrats want to defend criminal illegal aliens," spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital.

"Surely this cannot be a serious proposal," she added.

The administration cited DHS data showing ICE officers facing a 1,300% increase in assaults because of Democrats’ "dangerous and untrue smears."

WHITE HOUSE BLAMES DEMOCRATS FOR ICE VIOLENCE AS MINNEAPOLIS ERUPTS, INSURRECTION ACT THREAT LOOMS

Torres’ office, by contrast, was defiant when asked about such concerns.

"There is nothing the Trump administration fears more than transparency and accountability," Torres spokesman Benny Stanislawski told Fox News Digital.

Torres also told the Big Apple outlet AMNewYork that the need is "urgent" to "unmask ICE not only physically but digitally."

OMAR, DEMS DEMAND NOEM IMPEACHMENT, PAINT MINNESOTA WOMAN SHOT BY ICE AS 'POET' WHO CHOSE 'LOVE'

While Torres told the paper he predicts some pushback from law enforcement, he said that scanning QR codes is safer than asking for an officer’s ID.

He noted that most other agencies require officers to identify themselves in their line of duty, calling ICE a "systemically corrupt institution" and added he will oppose any future congressional appropriation that funds ICE more than $1.

A Democratic congressman from Detroit who previously called for President Donald Trump’s impeachment upped the ante this week with his own effort to abolish ICE.

HOCHUL CONFRONTED ICE AGENT, SAID HE WAS 'TERRORIZING PEOPLE' BY WEARING A MASK

Rep. Shri Thanedar said that the death of Renee Good in an ICE-involved shooting proves the agency "cannot be reformed and must be abolished."

Thanedar said in a statement that since its inception in 2003, some legal experts have also argued its duties can be fulfilled more "justly" by other federal agencies.

"When an agency’s structure consistently produces harm instead of justice, there is no way to reform it. We must fundamentally change the way we approach immigration," Thanedar said.

Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for comment.

Noem names Charles Wall ICE deputy director following Sheahan resignation

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday via X that longtime U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorney Charles Wall will serve as the agency’s new deputy director as enforcement operations intensify nationwide.

"Effective immediately, Charles Wall will serve as the Deputy Director of @ICEGov," wrote Noem. "For the last year, Mr. Wall served as ICE’s Principal Legal Advisor, playing a key role in helping us deliver historic results in arresting and removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American neighborhoods."

Wall replaces Madison Sheahan, who stepped down earlier Thursday to pursue a congressional run in Ohio. Her departure left ICE leadership in transition at a moment when the agency has faced increasing resistance to enforcement efforts and heightened threats against officers in the field.

The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement against murderers, rapists, gang members and suspected terrorists living illegally in the U.S., even as sanctuary jurisdictions and activist groups seek to block or disrupt ICE actions.

DHS DEMANDS MN LEADERS HONOR ICE DETAINERS, ALLEGES HUNDREDS OF CRIMINAL ALIENS HAVE BEEN RELEASED UNDER WALZ

ICE officials said Wall brings more than a decade of experience inside the agency.

"Mr. Wall has served as an ICE attorney for 14 years and is a forward-leaning, strategic thinker who understands the importance of prioritizing the removal of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from our country," Noem added.

Wall most recently served as ICE’s principal legal advisor, overseeing more than 3,500 attorneys and support staff who represent the DHS in removal proceedings and provide legal counsel to senior agency leadership. 

He has served at ICE since 2012, previously holding senior counsel roles in New Orleans, according to DHS.

‘WORST OF THE WORST’: ICE ARRESTS CHILD PREDATOR, VIOLENT CRIMINALS AMID SURGE IN ANTI-AGENT ATTACKS

DHS has described the appointment as part of a broader effort to ensure ICE leadership is aligned with the Trump administration’s public safety priorities.

The leadership change comes as ICE operations have drawn national attention following protests in Minneapolis after the ICE-involved fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good on Jan. 7.

Administration officials have repeatedly emphasized that ICE’s focus remains on what they describe as the "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens, warning that local resistance and political opposition increase risks for officers carrying out enforcement duties.

ICE has recently created a specific landing page where these 'worst of the worst' offenders can be viewed with names and nationalities attached.

"I look forward to working with him in his new role to make America safe again," Noem concluded.

ICE did not immediately provide additional comment to Fox News Digital.

DHS arrests armed man with extra ammunition for assaulting federal officer at late-night Minneapolis riot

FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Homeland Security says they arrested a man in Minneapolis who assaulted a federal immigration agent while carrying a firearm and box of ammunition on Wednesday night

The incident occurred several hours after DHS says a separate agent was attacked by an illegal migrant from Venezuela with a shovel. The illegal migrant was shot in the leg, causing riots to arise in the city shortly after. 

"Last night during a riot in Minneapolis, a US citizen was arrested for assaulting officers while carrying a firearm," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. 

"The individual showed up to the protest with a gun and a box of ammunition in a bag," McLaughlin continued. "The individual threatened violence against law enforcement officers while pointing at his bag."

TRUMP DRUG CZAR RIPS DEMOCRATS OVER ANTI-ICE RHETORIC PUTTING 'EVERYBODY'S LIFE IN DANGER'

"After law enforcement deployed crowd control measures to calm an increasingly volatile crowd, the individual kicked a metal smoke canister at officers. He then pushed an officer, and he was arrested for assault," McLaughlin explained. "While being arrested he stated he had a firearm, which was located along with a box of ammunition. He was not carrying his concealed carry permit. This is not the peaceful protesting that the First Amendment protects." 

Tensions in Minneapolis have been high as days of riots ravage the city and federal law enforcement officers face off with agitators. 

Riots began shortly after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE agent during an altercation in Minneapolis last week.

ICE HEAD SAYS AGENTS FACING 'CONSTANT IMPEDIMENTS' AFTER MIGRANT SEEN RAMMING CARS WHILE TRYING TO FLEE

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to the woman as a "domestic terrorist," alleging that she used her vehicle as a weapon after obstructing ICE agents on the roadway.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told ICE to "get the f--- out of Minneapolis," during a news conference after Good’s death, and Gov. Tim Walz criticized DHS, posting to X that he saw the video, and referred to Noem’s explanation of the incident as a part of a "propaganda machine."

On Thursday, President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if people in Minnesota continue to disobey the law and endanger federal officers.

"If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State," Trump posted to TRUTH Social. 

Should President Trump invoke the legislation signed into law in 1807, he would be allowed to send National Guardsmen into the area to stabilize control and reduce violence.

DHS slams Dems for complaining about immigration law: ‘It is quite literally their job to change it’

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pushed back after several Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee held a press conference slamming the Trump administration's handling of immigration.

House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., led the news conference and was joined by several high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, and Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. The lawmakers not only criticized DHS's handling of immigration and federal law enforcement's conduct in Minneapolis. They also called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's impeachment.

The press conference was held in the wake of the fatal ICE-involved shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, which sparked unrest in the state and demonstrations across the country. Thompson described Good as "a wife, a writer, a poet, a devoted Christian and a U.S. citizen." He also noted that Good had three children. Omar also spoke about Good and said that she died "because she chose love and solidarity over fear."

Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., took a moment to issue a message directed at Noem specifically.

DHS DEMANDS MN LEADERS HONOR ICE DETAINERS, ALLEGES HUNDREDS OF CRIMINAL ALIENS HAVE BEEN RELEASED UNDER WALZ

"You are terrible at doing your job. You are incompetent. You are shameless. But most of all, you are cruel," McIver said. "The American people do not want you. We do not want you. And we will do whatever we need to do to make sure you will not hold that post soon. God will judge you and Democrats are going to remove you from office that you never deserved to hold in the first place."

A Democratic aide told Fox News Digital that lawmakers would continue to introduce legislation in an attempt "to rein in" ICE, but in the meantime, "will continue to do our job to investigate DHS – and Kristi Noem – when this administration breaks the law."

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the lawmakers and said in a statement emailed to Fox News Digital that the department was doing its job by enforcing the law.

"DHS is a law enforcement agency — enforcing the rule of law passed by Congress. If members don't like the law, it is quite literally their job to change it," McLaughlin said.

‘WORST OF THE WORST’: ICE ARRESTS CHILD PREDATOR, VIOLENT CRIMINALS AMID SURGE IN ANTI-AGENT ATTACKS

While members of Congress can propose and pass legislation, Democrats currently do not control either the House or the Senate, making it difficult for them to advance changes without bipartisan support.

"As ICE officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, politicians are more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually removing criminals from our streets," McLaughlin added. "We hope these members get serious about doing their job to protect American people, which is what this Department is doing under Secretary Noem."

In addition to McLaughlin's statement, DHS shared information about several criminal illegal immigrants who had been arrested since Trump's crackdown began last year.

Hernan Cortes-Valencia, who hails from Mexico, had a final order of removal dated Dec. 1, 2016. DHS said that Cortes-Valencia was convicted of sexual assault against a child, sexual assault-carnal abuse and four DUIs.

Sriudorn Phaivan, an illegal immigrant from Laos, had a final order of removal from March 8, 2018, according to DHS. 

The department said that Phaivan was convicted of strongarm sodomy of a boy, strongarm sodomy of a girl, another aggravated sex offense, nine counts of larceny, unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of fraud, vehicle theft, two counts of drug possession, obstructing justice, possession of stolen property, receiving stolen property, burglary and check forgery. 

Additionally, Phaivan has pending charges for two counts of receiving stolen property, flight to avoid prosecution or confinement and burglary, DHS said.

Ge Yang, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal from Oct. 16, 2012, has been convicted of strongarm rape, strongarm aggravated assault against a family member, aggravated assault with a weapon, an additional sex offense and domestic violence involving strangulation, according to DHS.

Vannaleut Keomany, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final removal order dated Dec. 17, 2009. He was convicted of two counts of attempting to commit strongarm rape, according to DHS.

Tou Vang, who is from Laos, was in the U.S. illegally and had a final order of removal dated Oct. 31, 2006. Vang has been convicted of sexual assault and sodomy of a girl under the age of 13 and procuring a child for prostitution, DHS said.

Chong Vue, an illegal immigrant from Laos, was convicted of strongarm rape of a 12-year-old girl, kidnapping a child with intent to sexually assault her and vehicle theft. Vue has a final order of removal from March 11, 2004.

Kou Lor, an illegal immigrant from Laos, had a final order of removal that was nearly 30 years old and was dated Aug. 16, 1996. 

He was convicted of sexual assault, rape, rape with a weapon, statutory rape without force, two counts of burglary and shoplifting.

Pao Choua Xiong, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal dated Jan. 10, 2003, was convicted of rape, fondling a child, two counts of domestic violence, burglary, larceny and disorderly conduct.

Gabriel Figueroa Gama, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who was previously removed from the U.S. in 2002, was convicted of homicide, battery, assault and amphetamine possession.

Abdirashid Adosh Elmi is an illegal immigrant from Somalia who was convicted of homicide.

Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, an illegal immigrant from Somalia with a final order of removal dated Feb. 18, 2022, according to DHS. 

The department said that he was convicted of two counts of negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, two counts of DUI, larceny and damage to property.

Mongong Kual Maniang Deng, an illegal immigrant from Sudan, was convicted of attempt to commit homicide, weapon possession and DUI, DHS said.

Aldrin Guerrero Munoz is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who has a final order of removal dated Dec. 17, 2015, and has been convicted of homicide and assault, DHS said.

Gilberto Salguero Landaverde, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, had a final order of removal dated June 25, 2025. He was convicted of three counts of homicide, according to DHS.

Aler Gomez Lucas is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala with a final order of removal dated May 24, 2022, according to DHS. He was convicted of negligent homicide with a vehicle and DUI.

Galuak Michael Rotgai, an illegal immigrant from Sudan, has been convicted of homicide and assault, DHS said.

Shwe Htoo, according to DHS, is an illegal immigrant from Burma who was convicted of negligent homicide with a weapon.

Mariama Sia Kanu, who hails from Sierra Leone, had a final order of removal dated July 5, 2022, according to DHS. The department said that Kanu was convicted of two counts of homicide, four DUIs, three counts of larceny and burglary.

Thai Lor, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal dated June 15, 2009, was convicted of two counts of homicide, according to DHS.

Top House GOP leader demands Tim Walz resign as Minneapolis erupts over ICE shooting

The highest-ranking Minnesotan in Congress is demanding that his state's governor resign over continued unrest in Minneapolis as agitators clash with federal law enforcement.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the No. 3 House GOP leader, issued a fresh demand for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to resign as demonstrations in their state's largest city rage over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, and tensions show no signs of easing.

"The scenes of destruction and damage taking place in Minneapolis are abhorrent. This violence cannot be tolerated," Emmer said in a statement on Thursday. "Tim Walz should resign, effective immediately. The safety of Minnesotans depends on it."

OMAR, DEMS DEMAND NOEM IMPEACHMENT, PAINT MINNESOTA WOMAN SHOT BY ICE AS 'POET' WHO CHOSE 'LOVE'

Protests have erupted in Minneapolis in the wake of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this month.

Dueling narratives over who is at fault have been almost completely divided along partisan lines. Republicans argued that the ICE agent was acting in self-defense after Good hit him with her car following a day of attempting to obstruct ICE activity in the city.

Democrats have largely accused the agent of acting recklessly when he shot at Good three times while she was in her car, arguing that video shows she was attempting to adhere to officers' demands to leave the scene.

Another ICE agent allegedly shot an illegal immigrant in the leg on Wednesday during an arrest attempt, further fueling tensions.

WOMAN SEEN ON VIDEO ALLEGEDLY BLOCKING MINNESOTA ICE OPERATION WITH CAR AS AGITATORS SURROUND AGENTS

Activists used horns and whistles to make noise during demonstrations, while federal officers deployed tear gas and pepper balls in attempts to disperse demonstrators.

"Unfortunately, our state leaders’ inaction and support of these violent riots are failing every Minnesotan and putting law enforcement’s lives at risk," Emmer said. 

"It’s past time for Governor Tim Walz to take accountability for his sanctuary-state policies that got us here in the first place and lower the temperature. But last night’s embarrassing and inflammatory speech once again proved he is incapable of leading."

Walz said during a speech on Wednesday evening that the federal government was "raining down upon" Minnesota communities.

"As bad as it's been, Donald Trump intends for it to get worse. This week, he went online to promise that, quote, the day of retribution and reckoning is coming," Walz said. "That's a direct threat against the people of this state who dared to vote against him. Three times, and who continue to stand up for freedom with courage and empathy and profound grace."

New Dem bill would force schools to label Jan 6 Capitol breach as ‘unprecedented, violent attack’

A new bill introduced in Virginia would prohibit public schools in the state from describing the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., as a "peaceful protest." 

Democrat Virginia Delegate Dan Helmer of Fairfax pre-filed House Bill No. 333 ahead of the start of this year's legislative session that began Wednesday. 

The bill, if passed, would require any public school district that wants to teach about Jan. 6 to describe the event "as an unprecedented, violent attack on United States democratic institutions, infrastructure, and representatives for the purpose of overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election."

Meanwhile, the bill would also prohibit schools from teaching students that the events of Jan. 6, 2021, were justified due to allegations of election fraud or from describing the incident as a "peaceful protest."

SMITHSONIAN REPLACES TRUMP PORTRAIT DISPLAY, STRIPS JAN 6 AND IMPEACHMENT REFERENCES FROM ACCOMPANYING TEXT

Helmer's bill would only apply to public schools, and it does not compel any schools to teach about it in the first place. However, if they do, then they would have to follow H.B. 333's guidelines.

Fox News Digital reached out to Helmer for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.  

"The attempted violent overthrow of our elected government on January 6th, 2021, was a tragedy with no precedent in American history. Trump and MAGA Republicans across the country are trying to rewrite this history — turning traitors into patriots," Helmer said in a press release announcing the new bill. "But Virginians remember our history. We remember the Virginia State Police and National Guard who protected our democracy as Donald Trump egged on a violent mob." 

DEMS WHO PRAISED COP FOR KILLING J6 PROTESTER NOW CONDEMN ICE FOR SHOOTING MN AGITATOR

Helmer described the bill as an effort to "make sure that our history is protected" in Virginia. 

In 2023, on the second anniversary of the Jan. 6 capitol riot, Helmer also introduced legislation aimed at banning anyone convicted of a crime related to the riot from serving in public office. The bill never gained enough support to make it out of committee, however. 

Helmer, a Democrat who oversees Northern Virginia's Fairfax County, also pre-filed a bill that would impose an assault weapons ban ahead of this year's legislative session in the state.

Omar, Dems demand Noem impeachment, paint Minnesota woman shot by ICE as ‘poet’ who chose ‘love’

Several Democratic lawmakers gathered on Wednesday, one week after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, for a news conference in which they slammed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The conference was orchestrated by Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and included several high-profile Democrats.

On Jan. 7, Good was fatally shot during an interaction with an ICE agent. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and protests against federal immigration enforcement.

"Renee Good was a mother of three children. She was a wife, a writer, a poet, a devoted Christian and a U.S. citizen," Thompson said at the opening of the news conference.

The ranking member then said that the Trump administration's actions following the shooting had been "hateful" and "harmful." He singled out Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in particular, accusing her of telling "lies" about the situation. Thompson claimed that Noem's "disgusting response set the stage for a brazenly political federal investigation," decrying the alleged exclusion of state and local officials from the probe, saying it was "clearly intended to shield the shooter from prosecution."

MINNESOTA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER SWEEPING IMMIGRATION RAIDS IN TWIN CITIES

"Kristi Noem has plainly tried to signal to ICE that they are free to act with impunity, to personally manufacture and escalate confrontations and even execute whomever they please," Thompson said. "She has unleashed ICE and other federal law enforcement officers upon American communities, not to protect them, but to attack them and to sow fear violence and chaos."

While Thompson did not go so far as to call for Noem's impeachment, other lawmakers at the news conference were not shy about the matter. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was one of the lawmakers who explicitly called for Noem to be impeached.

"ICE's reckless actions have taken a mother from three children, a partner from a wife and inflicted unfathomable pain on our community... We will not stop fighting until we achieve real justice and accountability. That must begin with impeaching Kristi Noem and ensuring no federal agent can act as a judge, jury and executioner on our streets. It must also include full and transparent investigation and legal action against ICE," Omar said on Wednesday.

JD VANCE, ICE FLIP SCRIPT ON SANCTUARY CITY LEADERS AS 'CHAOS' ERUPTS ACROSS MN: 'THIS IS DANGEROUS'

Rather than speak about the circumstances that led to the shooting, Omar instead said that Good died "because she chose love and solidarity over fear."

Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., called for an "immediate and independent investigation, including the release of all video footage" of the fatal shooting. She also said that the lawmakers were calling on ICE to suspend operations in Minnesota "to de-escalate the situation," referring to protests that have erupted in the wake of the deadly shooting.

During the news conference, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., not only called for Noem's impeachment but also abolition of ICE.

REP RO KHANNA DEMANDS PROSECUTION OF ICE AGENT IN MINNEAPOLIS FATAL SHOOTING

Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., took to the microphone to address Noem personally, taking swipes at the secretary.

"You are terrible at doing your job. You are incompetent. You are shameless. But most of all, you are cruel," McIver said. "The American people do not want you. We do not want you. And we will do whatever we need to do to make sure you will not hold that post soon. God will judge you and Democrats are going to remove you from office that you never deserved to hold in the first place."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stood by the agent's conduct and labeled Good a "domestic terrorist."

"Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them—an act of domestic terrorism," DHS wrote on X. "An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers."

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other members of the administration have made statements backing the ICE officer involved in the shooting.

Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for comment.

Sanders-backed bill jabs Trump’s ‘narcissism’ with ban on self-named federal buildings

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is leading legislation aimed at what Democrats describe as President Donald Trump’s "narcissism," seeking to bar sitting presidents from putting their own names on federal buildings. 

"For Trump to put his name on federal buildings is arrogant, and it is illegal," Sanders said in a press release Tuesday. "We must put an end to this narcissism — and that’s what this bill does.

"It’s no secret that President Trump is undermining democracy and moving this country toward authoritarianism," Sanders added. "Part of that strategy is to create the myth of the ‘Great Leader’ by naming public buildings after himself — something that dictators have done throughout history." 

Sanders was joined by Democratic Maryland senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks in introducing the Stop Executive Renaming for Vanity and Ego Act Tuesday, which would "prohibit the naming, renaming, designating, or redesignating of any Federal building, land, or other asset in the name of a sitting President, and for other purposes," according to text of the bill. 

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If the legislation should pass, a federal building, piece of land or other federal asset that is currently named after a sitting president must be reverted to the name established by federal law before that president took office, according to the text of the bill. 

The legislation follows Democratic outrage over the renaming of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. to The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in December 2025. 

When asked about the senators' remarks and legislation, the White House told Fox News Digital the Trump administration isn't focused on "branding." 

"Overdue upgrades of national landmarks and lasting peace deals are historic initiatives that would not have been possible without President Trump’s bold leadership," White House spokeswoman Elizabeth Huston told Fox News Digital Wednesday. "The administration’s focus isn’t on smart branding, but delivering on President Trump’s goal of Making America Great Again."

Previous presidents have had their names etched into the nation’s landmarks and institutions while still in office. Washington, D.C., for example, was named in 1791 while George Washington was serving as president as the new federal capital took shape. And, in 1930, Interior Secretary Ray Lyman Wilbur said the Boulder Canyon Project’s dam would be called the Hoover Dam during Herbert Hoover’s presidency. 

The Trump administration announced in December 2025 that the center's board of trustees unanimously voted to rename the center, saying Trump saved the institution from financial ruin during his second term. 

Presidents appoint the majority of the board's trustees, and Trump dismissed the previously appointed Board of Trustees "who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture" in the early weeks of his second administration. Trump also serves as the center's chairman of the board, the first president to fill the position. 

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When asked about the legislation, Trump–Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi underscored Trump's work to revitalize the center after "years of neglect." 

"President Trump deserves credit for saving America’s cultural center after years of neglect — as the very legislators attacking him now sat idly by while the center fell into disrepair," Daravi said. "Thanks to the chairman’s leadership and record-breaking fundraising, the Trump Kennedy Center is a thriving, bipartisan institution that welcomes patrons of all backgrounds — even those peddling baseless legislation to score political points." 

President of the Trump–Kennedy Center Richard Grenell told Fox News Tuesday that "President Trump has saved the arts institution," noting that when he was tapped to lead the center, it was relying on debt reserves to pay staff. 

"The board put President Trump forward, because President Trump saved the Kennedy Center. We have, for decades, watched the Kennedy Center be ignored by the very people now who are standing up and complaining about the rescuer," Grenell said. "They're complaining about the fireman who's come in to literally rescue and put out the fire."

TRUMP SAYS 'TRIUMPHAL ARCH' MONUMENT CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN WITHIN 2 MONTHS IN DC: REPORT

Grenell said in 2025 that he was rolling out a "commonsense plan" to make the center prosperous again, including getting rid of debt, expanding fundraising and its endowment and restoring programming that the administration argues appeals to a broader national audience. Fox News Digital previously reported the center nearly doubled its fundraising during the Kennedy Center Honors awards show in 2025 compared to the Biden administration, raising a record $23 million during the December 2025 event. 

Democrats feverishly came out against the renaming of the iconic cultural center, and Sanders said in December 2025 he would introduce legislation to prevent sitting presidents from renaming federal property after themselves, slamming the Kennedy Center name change as showing Trump's alleged "arrogance" and "narcissism." 

Van Hollen said Tuesday that "Trump doesn’t get to slap his name on any public institution he chooses."

"We don’t have kings or dictators in America, and this legislation stops him or any future sitting president from creating monuments to glorify themselves — because these landmarks belong to the people, not to self-worshipers," the Maryland senator continued. 

The U.S. Institute of Peace also was formally rebranded as the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in December 2025 as the administration continues working to dismantle the agency. 

The institute is an independent, national institution funded by Congress that was established in 1984 under the Reagan administration to promote peace and diplomacy on the international stage. 

The White House defended the rename in a comment to Fox News Digital at the time, saying the agency is a "a bloated, useless entity that blew $50 million per year while delivering no peace," adding that Trump "ended eight wars in less than a year."

Lawmakers filed a lawsuit to remove Trump's name from the Kennedy Center in December 2025, while the shuttering of the Institute of Peace is still embroiled in court battles focused on whether the Trump administration controls the congressionally created agency. 

Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; and Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., joined the trio in co-sponsoring the legislation.