Ogles warns of taxpayer resources aiding migrants as GOP shifts attention to unrest in Los Angeles

House Republicans investigating Nashville’s handling of federal immigration enforcement are now expanding their focus to Los Angeles, where violent protests erupted in response to recent ICE raids.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who is helping lead the investigation, briefed senior Trump administration law enforcement officials on Thursday. He raised concerns that taxpayer resources might be indirectly supporting undocumented immigrants through a controversial fund promoted by Nashville’s city government.

Allegations Against Nashville Mayor and the “Belonging Fund”

At the center of the probe is Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the “Belonging Fund,” which Ogles claims is being used to support individuals targeted by ICE — potentially in violation of federal law.

“Although described as privately funded, the Belonging Fund has been promoted through official city platforms and appears to leverage city infrastructure,” Ogles wrote in a letter to Trump-era officials. “Its stated purpose – to provide legal aid, housing, transportation, and other support to individuals arrested or targeted by ICE – raises serious concerns.”

Ogles questioned whether city officials had used federal funds to “harbor or conceal individuals from lawful detention,” which could violate the Anti-Deficiency Act and other federal grant rules.

The fund’s website insists that all donations come from individuals and private organizations, with “no taxpayer dollars” used in its operation.

ICE Raids and Fallout in Tennessee

Tensions escalated after ICE, in coordination with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, arrested nearly 200 individuals in Tennessee — many of whom, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), had gang affiliations or criminal backgrounds.

Following the raids, Mayor O’Connell criticized federal agents and signed an executive order to track local interactions with federal immigration authorities. He also called the process “deeply frustrating” and said it reflected a broader failure.

Ogles, however, said the mayor’s reaction was part of “a deeply troubling pattern of resistance to lawful immigration enforcement.”

Investigation Expands to Los Angeles

Ogles also told Trump officials that House investigators are now “closely reviewing recent events in Los Angeles,” where protests erupted over ICE actions. Those protests have reportedly turned violent, leading President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard — a move sharply criticized by Democrats.

Democratic leaders in California have accused the former president of overstepping his authority and inflaming tensions. Meanwhile, Trump allies defended the move as a necessary step to restore order.

Ogles’ letter suggests House Republicans see a growing national trend of local officials pushing back against federal immigration enforcement — and they intend to dig in.

Official Responses Still Pending

The Department of Justice said it could not confirm whether it had received Ogles’ letter. Fox News Digital also reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the White House, and the mayors’ offices in both Nashville and Los Angeles for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Source: FOX News – Democrat senator forcibly removed after crashing DHS Secretary Noem’s press conference

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Los Angeles is facing a wave of unrest after sweeping ICE raids led to dozens of arrests across the city on Friday. The fallout was swift—by Saturday, protesters filled the streets and President Trump had ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County, citing escalating tensions and violent clashes.

Here’s what you need to know about how the protests started, who was arrested, and what federal and local officials are saying as the situation unfolds.

What Triggered the Protests in L.A.?

The spark came Friday when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers executed search warrants at multiple locations across the city, including a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District. Officials say a judge had found probable cause that some employees were using false documentation.

As agents attempted to leave the area, crowds gathered—many trying to block the vehicles from departing. The tension escalated quickly and spread to a federal building in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators believed detainees were being held in the basement.

By Saturday, protests had erupted in several other locations, including Paramount and Compton, after reports surfaced of additional immigration enforcement activity. Some scenes turned chaotic, with protesters throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles and attempting to block a U.S. Marshals Service bus.

Who Was Arrested During the ICE Raids?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that a total of 118 immigrants were arrested in Los Angeles this week—44 of those on Friday alone. Among those detained were five individuals linked to criminal organizations and others with prior convictions, according to DHS.

One high-profile arrest drew additional attention: David Huerta, the regional president of the Service Employees International Union, was taken into custody during the protests and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Why Did Trump Deploy the National Guard?

On Saturday night, President Donald Trump signed a memo invoking Title 10 authority to deploy at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County. The move allows federal control over National Guard units, bypassing state approval.

“If Governor Gavin Newscum of California and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the deployment was aimed at stopping “RIOTS & LOOTERS.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said troops would be deployed “immediately,” and warned that if unrest continues, active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton could also be mobilized. The Marines, he added, are already on “high alert.”

What’s the Legal Context Behind the Deployment?

Trump’s use of Title 10 authority—which waives restrictions under the Posse Comitatus Act—is the same mechanism he used earlier this year to deploy troops to the southern border. The law typically limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement but allows exceptions when authorized by Congress or the Constitution.

How Have California Officials Responded?

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment as “inflammatory” and said it would only “escalate tensions.” He revealed that he had a 40-minute call with President Trump on Saturday night to discuss the situation.

Newsom said the president’s order threatens public trust and called it “the wrong mission.”

It remains legally murky whether the president can deploy the National Guard without the governor’s approval, especially for operations unrelated to federal property or border enforcement.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city officials are coordinating with Washington and law enforcement to manage the situation while ensuring public safety.

What’s Next for L.A.?

As of Saturday night, protests were still ongoing in several parts of the city. Civil rights groups and immigrant advocates are calling for accountability and demanding the release of detainees. Chants of “Set them free, let them stay!” echoed outside detention centers, with signs and graffiti voicing strong opposition to ICE operations.

What began as an enforcement operation has now spiraled into a broader political and legal battle—with national implications for how immigration policy is enforced and how protests are policed.

Stay with us for continuing updates on the situation in Los Angeles.

Source: CBS News – What to know about the Los Angeles immigration protests after citywide ICE operations

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Federal immigration officers are preparing for a large-scale operation targeting over 300 individuals with violent criminal histories in the Chicago area, set to begin next week following President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This operation marks the first major step of Trump’s administration in fulfilling his campaign promise to carry out mass deportations.

The deportation efforts will focus on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, but officials have indicated that the scope may extend beyond this group. Trump’s administration is expected to cast a broader net compared to the more limited approach of the outgoing Biden administration, which primarily focused on individuals with national security threats or serious criminal histories. Trump’s aides have hinted that even individuals who are not the direct targets, such as spouses or roommates living with the targeted individuals, may be arrested if they are in the country illegally.

Operation Focused in Chicago

The operation will take place primarily in the Chicago area, though other locations across the country are also expected to be targeted. The arrests are scheduled to occur throughout the week, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents making their way through the city.

Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border czar, spoke with Fox News on Friday, emphasizing that ICE agents would be given the green light to enforce immigration laws without hesitation. “We’re going to take the handcuffs off ICE and let them go arrest criminal aliens,” Homan stated. “The worst first, public safety threats first, but no one is off the table.”

Trump has continued to stress that mass deportations will be a top priority for his administration. He told NBC News on Saturday that deportations would begin “very early” and would unfold quickly. However, he did not specify which cities would be the first targets, mentioning only that it would happen soon.

Challenges Amid Weather Concerns

Next week’s operation could face delays due to harsh winter weather, with forecasts predicting bitter cold temperatures in the Chicago area. Despite these challenges, preparations have been underway for months as immigrant advocates anticipate the large-scale deportations promised by Trump during his campaign.

Chicago has long been a sanctuary city, implementing policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. The city has strengthened these protections over the years, particularly after Trump’s first term. Both Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have pledged to uphold these policies and push back against Trump’s deportation efforts. In November, Johnson described Trump’s deportation plans as “small and soft.”

Immigrant Advocates Prepare for Impact

Immigrant advocacy groups have been preparing the community for the possibility of mass arrests. “There has been a level of fear since Election Day,” said Brandon Lee, spokesperson for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “We always assumed Chicago would be targeted early.”

To counteract the fear and uncertainty, advocates are providing resources to help immigrants understand their rights. They have created phone trees to alert the community about ICE activity and have emphasized that ICE often conducts operations during early morning hours. Immigrants are being reminded that officers cannot enter homes without warrants and that they have the right to remain silent when approached.

“We’re just trying to be as ready as we can,” Lee added. “Knowing their rights is empowering for our community.”

Calls for Calm and Resistance

In response to the looming operation, Democratic U.S. Representatives Jesus Garcia and Delia Ramirez urged immigrants to stay calm and exercise their rights. At a news conference, Garcia reminded the community, “We have experience defending our community.” Ramirez echoed these sentiments, reinforcing that immigrants have the legal right to refuse entry to officers without a warrant.

As the operation draws closer, Chicago residents and advocacy groups are bracing for the impact, ready to stand up for immigrant rights and support those affected by the upcoming mass deportation effort.

Source

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