Category: Fox News
Biden judge sides with Democrats against ICE restricting surprise ‘oversight’ visits from Congress members
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb issued a temporary restraining order requested by 12 Democratic lawmakers to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials from blocking surprise oversight visits by members of Congress.
Democrats have claimed the surprise visits are part of the oversight function granted to Congress, but the Trump administration has resisted the claims and tried to restrict their visits.
‘The decision is a victory for accountability, congressional oversight and for the American people.’
The Department of Homeland Security issued policy guidelines that required seven days’ notice before such a visit to detention facilities, but Cobb struck those down.
Cobb previously ordered that specific funds could not be used to shut out the oversight visits, but DHS issued a new policy that depended on funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress. They argued that this allowed them to circumvent the original finding.
The judge disagreed.
Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado, who is one of the lawmakers who sued the government, praised the ruling on social media.
“The Court just granted a restraining order against the Trump administration in my lawsuit, Neguse et al. v. ICE et al.,” he wrote. “The decision is a victory for accountability, congressional oversight and for the American people. I’ll keep fighting to ensure the rule of law prevails.”
One such visit to the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, in May led to the arrest of a Democratic mayor who was charged with trespassing. That charge was later dropped, and the mayor is now suing the interim U.S. attorney in New Jersey.
However, federal interference charges against Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey in the same incident went forward after she was accused of shoving an ICE officer. She faces 17 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the charges against McIver on social media and denied allegations that they were politically motivated.
“Give me a break. Did you see her?” Trump wrote. “She was out of control! She was shoving federal agents. The days of that crap are over! We’re going to have law and order!”
Cobb was appointed to the court by former President Joe Biden.
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‘Melania’ soars: Audiences love first lady’s documentary while the usual haters hate
Audiences rave and critics sneer as the documentary “Melania” exceeds industry expectations in its opening weekend.
The opening gross domestic ticket sales reached $7 million, placing the film third overall at the domestic box office behind two major studio releases.
‘To say that “Melania” is a hagiography would be an insult to hagiographies.’
The film, which chronicles first lady Melania Trump in the weeks leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, debuted in 1,778 theaters nationwide, an unusually wide release for a documentary.
Prerelease projections published by entertainment outlets such as People magazine estimated the film would earn between $3 million and $5 million.
RELATED: New ‘Melania’ documentary blends unprecedented access with subtle, profound message
Brooks Kraft/Getty Images
While the film did not screen in advance for critics, reviews published after release were largely unfavorable.
Critics from the Guardian, Variety, and the Hollywood Reporter described the documentary as politically one-sided and overly sympathetic.
Xan Brooks of the Guardian compared the film to a “medieval tribute to placate the greedy king on his throne.” Owen Gleiberman of Variety described it as a “cheese ball infomercial of staggering inertia.” Frank Scheck of the Hollywood Reporter wrote, “To say that ‘Melania’ is a hagiography would be an insult to hagiographies.”
Audiences reacted differently.
Opening-night viewers awarded the film an “A” at CinemaScore, a metric based on verified exit polling conducted at theaters nationwide.
Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images
The film was distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, which reportedly paid $40 million for distribution rights and spent an additional $35 million on marketing.
The total investment made the project the most expensive documentary release to date.
Despite the high cost, box-office analysts interviewed by AP noted that political documentaries are often evaluated based on visibility and audience engagement rather than traditional profitability.
The film premiered at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., with attendance from members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and business executives.
Following its theatrical run, “Melania” is scheduled to stream on Prime Video. International theatrical distribution is expected to be limited.
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Costa Rica swings right as voters embrace tough-on-crime leader amid surging violence
Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party wins Costa Rica’s presidential election as chosen successor of President Rodrigo Chaves, promising to continue his agenda.
Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick gives Sam Darnold edge over Drake Maye for Super Bowl LX
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick gave Sam Darnold the edge over Drake Maye at the position heading into Super Bowl LX, citing the Seattle Seahawks star’s impressive hot streak.
NFL releases statement on Giants co-owner’s emails with Jeffrey Epstein
The NFL released a statement on New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch’s email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein ahead of Roger Goodell’s pre-Super Bowl press conference.
DOJ removes Ed Martin from Trump admin’s Weaponization Working Group amid increased activity
Ed Martin was removed from the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group despite the panel meeting more frequently. He will continue as a pardon attorney for President Trump.
Weekend Roundup: Convicted murderers, child sex abusers among illegal aliens nabbed by ICE across US
Department of Homeland Security says its weekend ICE roundup targeted the “worst of the worst,” including repeat pedophiles and people convicted of deadly conduct and aggravated assault.
Kristi Noem orders immediate body camera deployment for Minneapolis federal officers after deadly shootings
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced immediate body camera deployment for all federal Minneapolis officers, with nationwide expansion planned as funding allows.
Fox News Poll: Too Fast, Too Unchecked? Voters sound off on rapid AI use & government regulation
A new Fox News poll reveals 60% of voters think artificial intelligence is advancing too quickly, while 63% lack confidence in the federal government’s regulation of AI.
Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy possibly abducted from her home, authorities say
Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother Nancy was possibly kidnapped from her Arizona home. The sheriff confirmed a crime scene was found, and believes she was taken against her will.
