Category: Security Intelligence

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DHS Debunks Alligator Alcatraz Hoaxes

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The media is desperate for allegations of inhumane conditions at this facility to be true, so they can slow down President Trump’s partnerships with States to turbocharge efforts to remove the worst of the worst

“Nearly every single day, my office responds to media questions on FALSE allegations about Alligator Alcatraz. The media is clearly desperate for these allegations of inhumane conditions at this facility to be true,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “No feces are overflowing from toilets. Just like no one has died. Incinerators are not being used for nefarious purposes. These types of smears are directly contributing to our ICE officers facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them. Here are the facts: Alligator Alcatraz does meet federal detention standards. All detainee facilities are clean. Any allegations of inhumane conditions are FALSE. When will the media stop peddling hoaxes about illegal alien detention centers and start focusing on American victims of illegal alien crime?”

CLAIM: Detainees have died at Alligator Alcatraz.

REALITY: No one has died. 

CLAIM: Incinerators are being used for nefarious purposes. 

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REALITY: FALSE. Beyond disgusting: From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi Gestapo to now implying incinerators are being used at Alligator Alcatraz for nefarious purposes, the vilification of ICE must stop

CLAIM:  Detainee Luis Manuel Rivas Velasquez became unconscious and needed CPR.

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REALITY: Luis Manuel Rivas Velasquez, a criminal illegal alien with a rap sheet that includes an arrest for robbery in Miami, fainted and was taken to the hospital out of precaution. All detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have access to proper medical care.

CLAIM: There are worms in the food and toilets are flooding the floors with fecal waste.

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REALITY: Any allegations of “inhumane” conditions at Alligator Alcatraz are false. No food is infested with worms. No feces are overflowing from toilets. Alligator Alcatraz does meet federal detention standards. All detainee facilities are clean.

CLAIM: Detainees don’t have access to lawyers at Alligator Alcatraz.

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REALITY: Any allegation illegal aliens at Alligator Alcatraz do not have access to attorneys is FALSE. The facility maintains a physical space for attorneys to meet with their clients. Additionally, Florida established an email address for attorneys to submit requests to speak to the specific illegal aliens.

CLAIM: There was a hunger strike at Alligator Alcatraz.

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REALITY: FALSE. There was no hunger strike at Alligator Alcatraz. This lie was spread by criminal illegal alien Pedro Lorenzo-Concepcion—a convicted drug trafficker. Here are the facts: there was no hunger strike at Alligator Alcatraz. 

CLAIM: At Alligator Alcatraz, detainees claim there is an unchecked spread of illness and flooding.

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REALITY: There is no wide-spread disease circulating at Alligator Alcatraz. There are no cases of COVID and no cases of Tuberculosis. There is no flooding in the facility.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last time, the media repeats unsubstantiated, inaccurate allegations about illegal alien detention facilities.

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Operation Memphis Streets Aims to Reduce Gang Violence

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Memphis led a two-week, gang violence reduction initiative dubbed, Operation Memphis Streets, resulting in the arrest of 141 violent fugitives, including 14 wanted for homicide, and clearing 163 arrest warrants in Memphis.

From July 14 to July 25, 2025, the USMS assembled and deployed six arrest teams, deputizing other law enforcement officers as Special Deputy Marshals, when necessary, with a goal of targeting gang members and others with violent felony arrest warrants.

In addition to the 14 homicide fugitives, other arrests included 67 aggravated assaults, 16 sex-related crimes, and 16 robberies. Five firearms were also recovered, three of which were stolen. Of the fugitives arrested, 31 were known or suspected gang members.

“Every day the goal of the U.S. Marshals Service and Department of Justice is to make our streets safer and our communities stronger,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. “Operation Memphis Streets may have concluded, but our commitment to the Memphis community and Memphis Police Department remains steadfast as collectively, we work toward a safer Memphis.”

“Collaborative efforts such as Operation Memphis Streets are critical to building a Stronger, Safer Memphis,” said MPD Police Chief CJ Davis. “By working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and our federal partners, we are able to remove dangerous criminals from our streets and protect the people we serve.”

Notable Arrests:

Victor Peeler – 12 Counts of Attempted Murder for shooting at MPD Officers on Independence Day.

Talia Jones – Facilitation of First-Degree Murder. Arrested in Minneapolis, MN.

Travis Boyd – First-Degree Murder warrant out of West Memphis, AR. Arrested in Memphis.

Derrion Taylor – First-Degree Murder and 2 Counts of Attempted Murder. Homicide victim aged 93.

Photos of Operation Memphis Streets

Agencies joining the USMS for Operation Memphis Streets include the FBI, DEA, ATF, Memphis and Jackson Police Departments, Shelby, Fayette, Gibson, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Offices, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Department of Correction, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Tennessee Department of Homeland Security.

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Nomination of the new IBAN Chair – Mr Sébastien Lepers

Source: NATO

The North Atlantic Council has appointed Mr. Sébastien Lepers as Chair of the NATO International Board of Auditors (IBAN) for a two-year mandate, effective 1 August 2025. Born in 1973 in Nouméa, New Caledonia (France), Mr. Lepers brings to this role a distinguished career in public administration, defence operations, and international auditing.

After completing academic studies in public administration and in economic and social sciences, Mr. Lepers served from 1999 to 2016 in the French Ministry of Defence, assuming responsibilities of increasing scope and complexity. His assignments covered audit, internal control, general administration, public procurement, finance and logistics, complemented by secondments abroad in support of external operations. From 2016 to 2023, he continued his professional path at the French Supreme Audit Institution (SAI), la Cour des comptes, where he conducted control, peer review and international cooperation activities. Throughout these roles, he managed the entire process of service delivery – from the design of work programmes to their operational implementation and follow-up – ensuring both rigor and efficiency.

Mr. Lepers began his career as Deputy Head of Infrastructure at Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base 126, an advanced base in Corsica dedicated to tactical training and NATO aircraft deployments. He then served for four years as Head of administrative, financial and logistical support at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Air Base 943. These responsibilities enabled him to develop strong leadership skills and contribute to strategic initiatives for pooling support services, while also taking part in major national operations such as the Maritime Pollution Plan (POLMAR), forest fire control under the Adapted Monitoring Module (MAS), disaster relief following the Lothar and Martin storms, and the VIGIPIRATE enhanced security system at Nice International Airport. He also participated in large-scale exercises, including OPÉRA at Creil Air Base 110 and EOLO in Portugal and Spain, and obtained specialist qualifications in explosive ordnance reconnaissance (Reco NEDEX) and in the command of measures against nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical threats (NRBC).

He subsequently served at the Central Directorate of the Air Commissariat in Paris, where he combined staff officer functions with operational deployments to Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Lebanon and India. In these complex multinational environments, he successfully led administrative, financial and logistical teams, demonstrating both adaptability and authority.

In 2016, Mr. Lepers was appointed financial magistrate at the Cour des comptes, where he carried out performance, financial and jurisdictional audits in critical sectors including environment, agriculture, energy and transport. From 2018 to 2023, he held the position of Deputy Director – and twice acted as Director – of the Directorate of International Relations, External Audit and Francophonie. In this capacity, he coordinated multilateral and bilateral cooperation initiatives with prominent international organisations such as the Forum of SAIs with jurisdiction, AISCCUF, INTOSAI, EUROSAI and the EU SAI Contact Committee. His responsibilities also encompassed supporting the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, overseeing projects financed by multiple donors, and contributing to the development of international audit standards.

Mr. Lepers holds several internationally recognised professional certifications, including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS). His extensive experience in both internal and external audit, combined with his operational expertise and managerial acumen, ensures that the IBAN will continue to operate in full alignment with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and good governan

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Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar Commissions New Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Earl Cunningham in Kodiak, Alaska

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

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The vessel is the Coast Guard’s latest addition to its force after receiving a $25 billion investment from President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill 

KODIAK, ALASKA – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar attended the commissioning of the USCG Earl Cunningham, the service’s newest Fast Response Cutter (FRC).

The FRC program is a cornerstone of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and President Trump’s efforts to transform the U.S. Coast Guard into a more agile, responsive, and capable fighting force. 

“The Cunningham will play a crucial role in keeping our country safe in a uniquely important region of the world,” said Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar. “In the 20th century, security and prosperity were largely defined by the arms race and the space race. Now, in the 21st century, our security and prosperity will be defined by the race to the arctic. State-of-the art vessels like this one will ensure the Coast Guard is ready to take on this generational challenge.” 

“Commissioning the USCGC Earl Cunningham strengthens our ability to control, secure, and defend Alaska’s U.S. border and maritime approaches, protect resources vital to our economic prosperity, and respond to crises throughout the Aleutian Islands,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard. “This crew will honor the heroic legacy and selfless devotion to duty exemplified by Petty Officer Cunningham in the years ahead.”

Sentinel-class FRCs like the Earl Cunningham are advanced patrol boats at the front line of the service. They are designed for multiple missions, including coastal security, national defense, search and rescue, and drug and migrant interdiction.  

The Cunningham is the second FRC to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak, enhancing American presence in the Arctic. It will be the first of many more FRCs that will strengthen our foothold in the Arctic, keep our homeland safe, and keep our enemies at bay. 

Now, thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and Force Design 2028  – a massive injection of $25 billion is coming for the U.S. Coast Guard to protect this region, including:  

  • $4.3 Billion for Polar Security Cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic.
  • $3.5 Billion for three Arctic Security Cutters,  
  • $816 Million for light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters,
  • & $300 Million for USCGC homeporting in Juneau 

The Cunningham was accepted by the Coast Guard on March 6, 2025, in Key West, Florida. It is the 58th of 67 FRCs that have been ordered that is in service.  

It is named after enlisted Coast Guard Hero Earl Cunningham, a World War I veteran and father of three who sacrificed his life during a search and rescue operation on Lake Michigan in February 1936.  

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Update 309 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The IAEA team at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) yesterday observed smoke while in the plant’s administrative building where its office is located, following reports of fire near the cooling towers, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

There was no impact to nuclear safety at the plant, no casualties were reported and, using IAEA monitoring equipment, the team members found no increase in radiation levels. During a walkdown today, the team observed burnt trees close to the cooling towers.

The team continues to investigate the event as part of its ongoing monitoring of nuclear safety and security at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant (NPP).

The IAEA team has been informed of multiple instances of shelling in the industrial zone next to the plant over the past week. The shelling was reported to have occurred close to the ZNPP, approximately 1.2 kilometres away from the site perimeter. While it did not have any direct impact on nuclear safety of the plant, the IAEA team at the ZNPP continue to hear military activities every day.

Over the past two weeks, the IAEA staff at the ZNPP have continued to monitor the site’s cooling water systems. The ZNPP’s six reactors have been in cold shutdown since spring 2024 but still require cooling water for their safety systems, reactor cores, and spent fuel pools. The ZNPP’s external power situation remains vulnerable, with the plant having lost the connection to its last remaining 330 kV back-up power line on 7 May, leaving it dependent on its sole 750 kV line.

The team received technical updates on water distribution across the site, including how water is fed to its nuclear safety and support systems. The team noted the increasing challenges of ensuring a reliable cooling water supply for the six reactors and their safety systems in their cold shutdown state, especially under current hot weather conditions, when the evaporation rate is high.

During the week, the ZNPP updated the IAEA team on maintenance activities at the plant. While no maintenance work is currently taking place inside the containment of any of the plant’s six reactors, the ZNPP said routine servicing is being carried out in non-reactor areas, including the turbine halls and transformers. Maintenance on two safety trains from different units is also ongoing.

Separately, the IAEA teams present to monitor nuclear safety and security at Ukraine’s operating NPPs — Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs – and the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week. At the Khmelnytskyy NPP, the team had to shelter on Monday.

Three of the total nine units at Ukraine’s operating NPPs at Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine remain in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance, including necessary maintenance on off-site power lines.

The IAEA team at the Chornobyl NPP was informed that the site plans to start temporary repair work on the New Safe Confinement (NSC) in autumn 2025. The NSC, built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4 destroyed in the 1986 accident and to protect it from external hazards, was severely damaged by a drone in February 2025. The IAEA team was informed that the Ukrainian State regulator, SNRIU, is reviewing the documentation related to the repairs. The IAEA will support Ukraine’s efforts to repair the NSC, under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, held in Rome at the beginning of July 2025.

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DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking Releases Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

DHS is taking a sledgehammer to human trafficking 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) Annual Report today, outlining the Department’s achievements in combating human trafficking during fiscal year 2024. 

As a global leader in the fight against human trafficking, DHS works to end sex trafficking and forced labor through a wide range of efforts including victim identification and assistance, criminal investigations, civil enforcement actions, intelligence and analysis, training and external outreach.   

 In FY 2024, DHS agencies assisted more than 800 human trafficking victims; granted protections to more than 24,000 victims and their family members; and made more than 2,500 trafficking-related arrests. DHS personnel supported 914 human trafficking-related indictments and 405 convictions, and trained thousands of DHS employees, law enforcement, and private-sector personnel in recognizing and reporting suspected cases of human trafficking.  

“The CCHT Annual Report represents far more than the accomplishments of each DHS Component,” said CCHT Director James C. Harris. “This report reflects the continuous commitment of DHS as a whole, and our ongoing collaboration with partners to advance counter-human trafficking law enforcement operations, protect victims and enhance prevention efforts through training and outreach.” 

 Annual Report highlights include the following:   

 Homeland Security Investigations initiated 1,686 criminal investigations related to sex trafficking and forced labor, leading to 2,545 arrests. The HSI-led CCHT also supported 246 HSI investigations of sex trafficking and forced labor through funding, intelligence, and subject matter expertise.  

The Blue Campaign, part of the CCHT, conducted 170 trainings on the indicators of human trafficking and how to report suspected cases, reaching more than 23,000 individuals, and more than 280,000 individuals were trained through Blue Lightning Initiative partnerships. Online Blue Campaign resources received more than 3.7 million clicks, and the Blue Campaign shipped more than 2.2 million pieces of outreach materials to requestors across the United States.   

U.S. Customs and Border Protection continued to enforce the prohibition on the importation of goods made with forced labor throughout the year. In FY 2024, CBP stopped 231 shipments with a value of more than 12 million dollars based on Withhold Release Orders.  

The U.S. Secret Service increased the size of its Childhood Smart Ambassador program in FY 2024, bringing the total to 275 Ambassadors. USSS Ambassadors are trained to educate and bring awareness to children and adults on personal and internet safety, including topics related to the prevention of child sex trafficking. Ambassadors made 1,108 presentations during FY 2024, reaching more than 81,000 stakeholders — an increase of 84% over FY 2023.  

Launched in 2020, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking coordinates the efforts of  DHS offices and components to combat human trafficking through law enforcement operations, victim protection and assistance, intelligence and analysis, partnership and engagement, and public education and training programs.   

 Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to report it to law enforcement — tips can be submitted anonymously online or by calling 866-347-2423. Individuals can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or humantraffickinghotline.org.  

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ICE Deports Heinous Criminal Illegal Aliens Including a Gang Member, Pedophiles, and Drug Traffickers

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

All had final orders of removal from an immigration judge, some as early as 2003

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the deportation of Laotian criminal illegal aliens, including a gang member who obstructed a murder investigation, pedophiles, and drug traffickers, back to Laos.  

All have been ordered removed by a federal immigration judge, some for decades.  

“Obstructing a murder investigation, child sex crimes, and drug trafficking: These were just a few of the crimes these heinous illegal aliens committed in our country. Now—thanks to the brave men and women of ICE law enforcement—these barbaric criminals are OUT of our county and can no longer prey on American citizens,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, America is no longer a safe haven for the world’s criminals. Despite a historic number of injunctions from activist judges, ICE continues to remove criminal illegal aliens from America’s streets.” 

A list of the heinous criminal illegal aliens removed from our country and returned to Laos is below:  

Sai Vang, a 39-year-old illegal alien convicted of aiding and obstructing an investigation of first-degree murder. Known gang member of the “Masters of Destruction.” 

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Sokhorn Ngem, a 56-year-old illegal alien convicted of first degree criminal sexual conduct and distributing sexually explicit material to a minor. 

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Lue Kong, a 43-year-old illegal alien, convicted for first-degree criminal sexual conduct (person under 13). 

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Seng Khang, a 38-year-old illegal alien, convicted for third-degree criminal sexual conduct (person 13-15).

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Wa Kong Lor, 44-year-old illegal alien convicted for breaking and entering vehicle to steal property; controlled substance-deliver/manufacture (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) less than 50 grams; weapons felony firearm; and weapons — dangerous weapon — carrying with unlawful intent.

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Su Yang, a 47-year-old illegal alien. convicted of robbery in Toledo, Ohio. 

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Fue Yang, a 45-year-old illegal alien, convicted for breaking and entering vehicle to steal property, second-degree home invasion, unlawful driving away motor vehicle, and receiving and concealing stolen property.  

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Soun Vongrasamy, a 64-year-old illegal alien convicted for manufacture/deliver cocaine distribute/possess with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a park. 

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Bounthavy Phenglavanh, a 45-year-old illegal alien convicted for controlled substance — delivery/manufacture — ecstasy.

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Pang Ngia Hang, 53-year-old illegal alien, convicted for bank fraud. 

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Sengaroun Phenglavanh, a 47-year-old illegal alien, convicted for controlled substance delivery/manufacture — ecstasy/MDMA, weapons felony firearm, and controlled substance-possess (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) less than 25 grams.

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Phouvanh Manivong, 51-year-old illegal alien, convicted for felony attempted larceny and felony grand larceny.

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Members of the public can report immigration crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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U.S. Marshals Arrest Mississippi Murder Suspect in Memphis

Source: US Marshals Service

Memphis, TN – Mississippi homicide fugitive, Malcolm Kohn, was arrested today by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Memphis. He was wanted out of Leflore County for Murder.

On August 4, 2025, Joshua Brewer was shot in front of a business in Greenwood, Mississippi. He was transported to a local hospital but died from his wounds. The next day, a warrant for the arrest of Malcolm Kohn was issued for this crime. The case was adopted for a fugitive investigation by the USMS Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

The Gulf Coast Task Force developed information that Kohn was at a residence in Memphis. The USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis was brought into the investigation.

On August 13, 2025, the TRVFTF, assisted by the Memphis Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Team, went to an address in the 900 block of Greer Street in Memphis. Kohn was located at the residence, hiding under a bed, and refusing to submit to arrest.

Marshals utilized its K-9 Marko resulting in Kohn’s surrender. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he awaits extradition to Mississippi.

The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

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DEADLINE EXTENDED: IAEA Youth Infographic Contest on Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Entries for the IAEA infographic design contest for young professionals aged 18 to 35 to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and response  in nuclear and radiological contexts can now be submitted until 31 August 2025.

Submissions should be compelling, original infographics inspired by the IAEA’s emergency preparedness and response (EPR) publications. Participating youth are encouraged to turn complex EPR concepts into engaging visuals to enhance public understanding and policy dialogue on EPR. Submissions will be judged on visual clarity, technical accuracy, originality, relevance to the conference themes, and overall impact.

“Explore IAEA’s EPR publications, which are filled with essential guidance for emergency professionals and the public. Unleash your creativity, win prizes, and gain recognition by joining our Youth Infographic Contest for EPR2025,” advised Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre and Scientific Secretary of the Conference, to young people seeking to enter the contest.

“We want to see how this knowledge can be brought to life—taken off the page and transformed into clear, accessible visuals that help people understand the principles of emergency preparedness and response. This supports the aim of the EPR2025 conference: to ensure that emergency preparedness is ready to meet the evolving challenges of the future,” he added.

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Germany to fund $500m PURL package for Ukraine

Source: NATO

Germany announced today (13 August 2025) that it will fund a $500 million package of military equipment and munitions for Ukraine sourced from the United States, under NATO’s new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement as a strong demonstration of Germany’s enduring commitment to Ukraine’s defence.

“I commend Germany for stepping up once again. This delivery will help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression,” said the Secretary General. “Germany is the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine, and today’s announcement further underlines its commitment to help the Ukrainian people defend their freedom and sovereignty,” he added.

Germany’s contribution under the PURL initiative follows earlier announcements by the Netherlands, and a joint pledge from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Each package is valued at around $500 million, and is designed to meet Ukraine’s most urgent operational requirements with equipment and munitions sourced from U.S. stockpiles.