Jim Kouri

Judicial Watch Lawsuit: No Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Aliens

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced that it filed a lawsuit on behalf of a New York taxpayer in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against New York Governor Eliot Spitzer over a new policy implemented on September 21, 2007 that will

Two Dozen Arrested for Narcotics Distribution and ‘Taxation’ of Drug Dealers

The man who allegedly oversaw drug-dealing and other activities of the largest "clique" of the 18th Street Gang was among 12 people arrested on charges that include the distribution of crack cocaine.

Secure Border Initiative: GAO Observations

In November 2005, the Department of Homeland Security established the Secure Border Initiative (SBI), a multiyear, multibillion dollar program to secure U.S. borders.

MS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty in Racketeering Conspiracy

James Guillen, also known as Toro, age 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty last week -- after a jury was selected -- to conspiracy to conduct and participate in racketeering enterprise activities of a branch of the MS-13 gang, announced U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division.

Securing and Rebuilding Iraq

Since 2003, the Congress has obligated nearly $400 billion for US efforts in Iraq, of which about $40 billion has supported reconstruction and stabilization efforts. Congressional oversight of this substantial investment is crucial as the Bush Administration requests additional military and economic funds for Iraq. The results of recent General Accounting Office audit work proposes three areas for which continued oversight is needed: (1) progress in improving security and national reconciliation, (2) efforts to develop clear US strategies, and (3) Iraqi and international contributions to economic development.

Mexican Mafia Leader Arrested and Extradited to US

A man alleged to be the second-highest ranking member of the Mexican Mafia's criminal enterprise in the Coachella Valley was arrested by law enforcement authorities in Mexico at the request of the FBI, announced Eric Velez, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles.

Suspect Admits Supplying Guns and Ammo to Illegal Alien Terrorists

Agron Abdullahu pleaded guilty on Halloween to conspiring to provide firearms and ammunition to illegal aliens who allegedly plotted to kill U.S. soldiers at various installations, including the Fort Dix Army base in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced in Camden, New Jersey.

Three SUR-13 Gang Members Found Guilty of Violent Crimes

After a trial lasting about two weeks, a jury in federal district court returned guilty verdicts against Freddie Sandoval, 23, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Angel Mazariegos, 24, of Doraville, Georgia, and Luis Nandy, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, on federal charges relating to their violent criminal activity as members of a street gang known as "Surenos-13," or "SUR-13."

Challenges Remain for Airport Security

Within the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration's mission is to protect the nation's transportation network.

Terrorist Watch List Screening

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) maintains a consolidated watch list of known or appropriately suspected terrorists and sends records from the list to agencies to support terrorism-related screening.

Chinese Woman Nabbed in Conspiracy to Export Military Equipment to China

A Chinese national, who lives in Connecticut, has been indicted by a San Diego federal grand jury for conspiring to purchase and export military-grade accelerometers used in "smart bombs" and missiles from the United States to the People's Republic of China.

Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea by Foreign Terrorists

(This article is based on a report received by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.) Two South American men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary Julie Myers, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth L. Wainstein of the National Security Division announced at a press conference.

Government Probe Signals Need to Improve Controls for Alien Removal

(The following is based on a report obtained by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.) Officers with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigate violations of immigration laws and identify aliens who are removable from the United States.

Feds and North Carolina Sheriffs Work Together to Capture Criminal Aliens

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) representatives today presented a proposed statewide partnership plan to the sheriffs in attendance at the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association's (NCSA) fall meeting. This is the first in many conversations between federal and local officers aimed at affording every area of North Carolina increased use of the unique authorities of ICE.

Afghan Drug Kingpin Baz Mohammad Extradited to New York

Baz Mohammad, 51, an Afghan heroin kingpin who is the first defendant ever extradited to the US from Afghanistan, was sentenced this week to 16 years imprisonment for managing an international narcotics-trafficking organization that imported millions of dollars of heroin into the US, according to the US Attorney's Office in New York City.

GAO: Attacks in Iraq Should Be Reported to Congress and American Public

In January 2007, President George W. Bush stated that the high levels of violence in Iraq had overwhelmed the political gains that the Iraqis had made and required a new US strategy for stabilizing the country.

Security Vulnerabilities at Unmanned and Unmonitored US Border Locations

The possibility that terrorists and criminals might exploit border vulnerabilities and enter the United States poses a serious security risk, especially if they were to bring radioactive material or other contraband with them.

Feds Partner with Local Cops to Capture Alien Street Gang Members

BOSTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) partnered with Boston-area law enforcement officers to arrest fifty nine foreign nationals who now face federal criminal charges or deportation, as part of Operation Community Shield, a nationwide effort to combat violent street gang activity.

Oregon Church Sets Example for Christian Capitalism

When Pastor Eric Bahme and his wife left his church and home in Seattle, where he served as pastor for close to 15 years, and settled in the Portland, Oregon, he took a giant step in faith.

Feds Nail Over 1,300 Criminal Aliens and Immigration Fugitives

More than 1,300 criminal aliens, immigration fugitives, and immigration violators have been removed from the United States or are facing deportation following the largest special enforcement action ever carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fugitive Operations Teams anywhere in the nation.