Rebecca Santana, The Associated Press

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Rebecca Santana, The Associated Press.

Trump administration speeds up new rules that would make it easier to charge some protesters

Trump administration speeds up new rules that would make it easier to charge some protesters

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is speeding up the implementation of new rules that would give the agency tasked with protecting federal government facilities greater authority to charge people for a broader array of offenses on or off those properties.

ICE arrests nearly 550 in Chicago area as part of 'Midway Blitz'

ICE arrests nearly 550 in Chicago area as part of 'Midway Blitz'

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) -- Immigration enforcement officials have arrested almost 550 people as part of an operation in the Chicago area that launched a little less than two weeks ago, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday.

More than 400 arrests made in Chicago area operation so far, top immigration official says

More than 400 arrests made in Chicago area operation so far, top immigration official says

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Friday that it has made 400 arrests in Chicago since launching "Operation Midway" Blitz" less than two weeks ago, offering an early gauge of what is shaping up as a major enforcement effort similar to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Judge extends temporary measures protecting Guatemalan children from deportation

Judge extends temporary measures protecting Guatemalan children from deportation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge is temporarily keeping in place measures preventing the Trump administration from deporting Guatemalan migrant children in government custody.

Top US immigration official defends rule targeting 'anti-American' views in green card, visa process

Top US immigration official defends rule targeting 'anti-American' views in green card, visa process

CAMP SPRINGS, Maryland (AP) -- A new rule allowing a U.S. immigration agency to scrutinize a person's "anti-American" views when applying for a green card or other benefits isn't designed to target political beliefs, but to identify support for terrorist activity, the organization's director told The Associated Press.

Inside the facility where ICE is training recruits to take on Trump's deportation goals

Inside the facility where ICE is training recruits to take on Trump's deportation goals

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) -- At an obstacle course in the humid Georgia heat, an instructor shows recruits how to pull a wounded partner out of danger. In a classroom with desks cluttered with thick legal books about immigration law, recruits learn about how the Fourth Amendment governs their work. And on a firing range littered with shell casings, new recruits...

DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black to stop people from climbing it

DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black to stop people from climbing it

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that the entire border wall along the southern border with Mexico is going to be painted black to make it hotter and deter illegal immigration -- and she credited President Trump with the idea.

Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits to boost hiring for Trump deportations

Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits to boost hiring for Trump deportations

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to expand hiring after a massive infusion of cash from Congress.

ICE says it has made tentative job offers to more than 1,000 as hiring ramps up

ICE says it has made tentative job offers to more than 1,000 as hiring ramps up

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The agency responsible for carrying out President Donald Trump's mass deportations agenda says it has already made tentative job offers to more than 1,000 people as it ramps up hiring following the passage of legislation earlier this month giving the agency a massive infusion of cash.

Trump administration fires 17 immigration court judges across ten states, union says

Trump administration fires 17 immigration court judges across ten states, union says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Seventeen immigration court judges have been fired in recent days, according to the union that represents them, as the Trump administration pushes forward with its mass deportations of immigrants in the country.

One year after Trump assassination attempt, changes at Secret Service but questions remain

One year after Trump assassination attempt, changes at Secret Service but questions remain

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In many ways, the assassination attempt against Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign stop was a perfect storm of failings coming together that allowed 20-year-old Michael Thomas Crooks to climb on top of a nearby building and take eight shots at the once and future president.

Ex-Homeland Security official Taylor fights back against Trump's 'unprecedented' investigation order

Ex-Homeland Security official Taylor fights back against Trump's 'unprecedented' investigation order

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A former Homeland Security official during President Donald Trump's first administration who authored an anonymous op-ed sharply critical of the president is calling on independent government watchdogs to investigate after Trump ordered the department to look into his government service.

Former Homeland Security official fights back against Trump's 'unprecedented' investigation order

Former Homeland Security official fights back against Trump's 'unprecedented' investigation order

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A former Homeland Security official during President Donald Trump's first administration who authored an anonymous op-ed sharply critical of the president is calling on independent government watchdogs to investigate after Trump ordered the department to look into his government service.

Leadership shakeups at agency tasked with carrying out Trump's mass deportations agenda

Leadership shakeups at agency tasked with carrying out Trump's mass deportations agenda

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The agency tasked with carrying out President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign is undergoing a major staff reorganization.

Trump administration increases pressure on 'sanctuary jurisdictions' with public listing

Trump administration increases pressure on 'sanctuary jurisdictions' with public listing

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Homeland Security is putting more than 500 "sanctuary jurisdictions" across the country on notice that the Trump administration views them as obstructing immigration enforcement as it attempts to increase pressure on communities it believes are standing in the way of the president's mass deportations agenda.

Trump administration uses multiple techniques to encourage and force deportation

Trump administration uses multiple techniques to encourage and force deportation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Carrying out mass deportations was a key rallying cry during Donald Trump's campaign for the presidency. Since the day he was sworn into office, his administration has focused on how to make that rallying cry reality.

Homeland Security chief says travelers with no REAL ID can fly for now, but with likely extra steps

Homeland Security chief says travelers with no REAL ID can fly for now, but with likely extra steps

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Travelers who aren't REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Trump administration says it will pay immigrants in the US illegally $1,000 to leave the country

Trump administration says it will pay immigrants in the US illegally $1,000 to leave the country

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pushing forward with its mass deportation agenda, President Donald Trump's administration said Monday that it would pay $1,000 to immigrants who are in the United States illegally and return to their home country voluntarily.

Judge skeptical of Trump administration argument that federal courts can't review border declaration

Judge skeptical of Trump administration argument that federal courts can't review border declaration

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge Tuesday expressed skepticism over the Trump administration's assertions that its decision to declare an invasion at the U.S.-Mexico border and suspend asylum access was not something courts had the authority to review.

Civil rights groups sue to restore jobs at Homeland Security oversight offices that were gutted

Civil rights groups sue to restore jobs at Homeland Security oversight offices that were gutted

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three advocacy groups are suing the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem, seeking to restore staff jobs at three gutted offices that oversee civil rights protections across the department's broad mission.

New offers for buyouts and early retirement offered to Homeland Security staff

New offers for buyouts and early retirement offered to Homeland Security staff

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Homeland Security is offering buyouts and early retirement options to staffers, as the Trump administration pushes forward with efforts to reduce and reshape the federal workforce, according to an email obtained by The Associated Press.

Homeland Security Secretary visits El Salvador prison where deported Venezuelans are held

Homeland Security Secretary visits El Salvador prison where deported Venezuelans are held

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday will visit the high-security El Salvador prison where Venezuelans who the Trump administration alleges are members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been held since their removal from the U.S.

Homeland Security makes cuts to offices overseeing civil rights protections

Homeland Security makes cuts to offices overseeing civil rights protections

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Homeland Security is making cuts to three key offices that oversee civil rights protections across its broad mission, suggesting that they were impeding immigration enforcement efforts.

Trump administration cuts legal help for migrant children traveling alone

Trump administration cuts legal help for migrant children traveling alone

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration Friday ended a contract that provides legal help to migrant children entering the country without a parent or guardian, raising concerns that children will be forced to navigate the complex legal system alone.

After Trump halted funding for Afghans who helped the US, this group stepped in to help

After Trump halted funding for Afghans who helped the US, this group stepped in to help

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When Andrew Sullivan thinks of the people his organization has helped resettle in America, one particular story comes to mind: an Afghan man in a wheelchair who was shot through the neck by a member of the Taliban for helping the U.S. during its war in Afghanistan.

Top immigration enforcement official reassigned amid frustrations over mass deportation effort

Top immigration enforcement official reassigned amid frustrations over mass deportation effort

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The top official in charge of carrying out President Donald Trump's mass deportations agenda has been reassigned amid concerns that the deportation effort isn't moving fast enough.

Trump administration throws out protections from deportation for roughly half a million Haitians

Trump administration throws out protections from deportation for roughly half a million Haitians

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is throwing out protections for roughly half a million Haitians that had shielded them from deportation. The decision announced Thursday means they would lose their work permits and could be eligible to be removed from the country by August of this year.

In the Trump administration, nearly every major department is an immigration agency

In the Trump administration, nearly every major department is an immigration agency

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Drug Enforcement Administration agents touting immigration arrests, IRS agents poring over documents, the military escorting deportation flights. As the Trump administration works on the president's pledge to crack down on illegal immigration and carry out mass deportations, the flurry of activity has stretched across the federal government -- well beyond the Department of Homeland Security, the traditional...

ACLU sues over Trump shutting down asylum access at the southern border

ACLU sues over Trump shutting down asylum access at the southern border

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Immigration advocacy groups on Monday sued the Trump administration over its ban on asylum access at the southern border, saying the sweeping restrictions illegally put people who are fleeing war and persecution in harm's way.

Trump administration ends temporary deportation protection for 350,000 Venezuelans

Trump administration ends temporary deportation protection for 350,000 Venezuelans

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's administration is ending protections that shielded roughly 350,000 Venezuelans from deportation, leaving them with two months before they lose their right to work in the U.S.

Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?

Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship as soon as he gets into office to make good on campaign promises aiming to restrict immigration and redefining what it means to be American.

What to know about Kristi Noem, Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary

What to know about Kristi Noem, Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security, one of the biggest government agencies that will be integral to his vow to secure the border and carry out a massive deportation operation.

Secret Service report offers new details on failures during Trump assassination attempt

Secret Service report offers new details on failures during Trump assassination attempt

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new Secret Service report into the July assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump said multiple staffers knew about clear line-of-sight risks but found them "acceptable" and that farm equipment intended to obstruct the view from the nearby building where the gunman opened fire was never used.

Migrant families separated under Trump still feel the fallout and they fear his return to office

Migrant families separated under Trump still feel the fallout and they fear his return to office

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sixteen-year-old Billy's friends at his rural high school in the South don't know he was one of thousands of children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border under then-President Donald Trump's zero tolerance immigration policy.

Panel looking into Trump assassination attempt says Secret Service needs 'fundamental reform'

Panel looking into Trump assassination attempt says Secret Service needs 'fundamental reform'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An independent panel investigating the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally faulted the Secret Service for poor communications that day and failing to secure the building where the gunman took his shots. The review also found more systemic issues at the agency such as a failure to understand the unique risks facing Trump...

Federal money to help states hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton nears $2 billion

Federal money to help states hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton nears $2 billion

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal government has approved nearly $2 billion in assistance across six states to help people hit hard by hurricanes Helene and Milton, the White House said Wednesday.

This is FEMA's role in preparing for Hurricane Milton

This is FEMA's role in preparing for Hurricane Milton

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hurricane Milton is set to slam Florida on Wednesday evening -- the second hurricane to strike in two weeks -- and the federal agency tasked with responding to disasters is once again positioning supplies and personnel where they're needed and coordinating with state and local officials.

Biden administration doubles down on tough asylum restrictions at border

Biden administration doubles down on tough asylum restrictions at border

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Biden administration said Monday it is making asylum restrictions at the southern border even tougher, as it's increasingly eager to show voters uneasy over immigration that it is taking a hard stance on border security.

Trump is pointing to new numbers on migrants with criminal pasts. Here's what they show

Trump is pointing to new numbers on migrants with criminal pasts. Here's what they show

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans are pointing to newly released immigration enforcement data to bolster their argument that the Biden administration is letting migrants who have committed serious crimes go free in the U.S. But the numbers have been misconstrued without key context.

Trump warns he'll expel migrants under key Biden immigration programs

Trump warns he'll expel migrants under key Biden immigration programs

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Donald Trump, who has made anti-immigration rhetoric a key part of his reelection campaign, warned Wednesday that he would kick out hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have entered the country under two key Biden administration programs if he's reelected.

The Secret Service again faces scrutiny after another gunman targets Trump

The Secret Service again faces scrutiny after another gunman targets Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) -- For the second time in more than two months, the Secret Service that protects the highest echelon of American leaders is under scrutiny -- this time after a gunman hid in the shrubs along the fence of former President Donald Trump's golf course for 12 hours.

US agency tasked with border security to pay $45 million over pregnancy discrimination, lawyers say

The agency responsible for securing the country's land and air border crossings is settling a case that alleged the agency discriminated against pregnant employees, lawyers for the employees said Tuesday.

Secret Service chief noted a 'zero fail mission.' After Trump rally, she's facing calls to resign

Secret Service chief noted a 'zero fail mission.' After Trump rally, she's facing calls to resign

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When Kimberly Cheatle led the Secret Service's operations to safeguard the American president and other dignitaries, she said she would talk to agents in training about the "awesome responsibility" of their job.

This is how Secret Service protection has changed for presidents over the years

This is how Secret Service protection has changed for presidents over the years

WASHINGTON (AP) -- During Abraham Lincoln's presidency, anyone could come to the White House and see him. Come they did: mothers looking to have their sons released from military service, wives urging that their husbands be freed from prison after resisting the draft, others who simply wanted to meet the president.