Dozens detained in US immigration raids in New York state, governor says
US immigration agents detained more than 70 people, mostly Mexican workers, in raids on a nutrition bar factory in Cato, New York. Many of those taken were parents, Reuters reported.
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the action, saying it tore families apart without making communities safer. She stressed that New York will support efforts against violent criminals but not the separation of working families by armed agents.
Factory owner Mark Schmidt insisted his employees were legally documented. ICE said the operation was part of a court-authorized investigation but gave no further details.
Trump to rebrand Pentagon as Department of War
President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Defense to adopt “Department of War” as a secondary title, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be called Secretary of War. The executive order aims to emphasize US military readiness and refocus the department on “warfighting” rather than diversity programs, BBC reported.
The Pentagon, successor to the original War Department established in 1789, cannot be permanently renamed without Congress. Hegseth is tasked with proposing measures for a permanent change. Trump cited America’s military legacy and expects congressional support if needed.
The move follows China’s display of new military hardware and marks Trump’s 200th executive order since taking office. Permanent rebranding could cost billions, affecting uniforms, emblems, and agency materials, according to BBC.
Third quake strikes Afghanistan as deaths rise
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit southeastern Afghanistan Thursday night, the third quake in a week, adding to a mounting humanitarian crisis, BBC reported.
Seventeen people were reported injured in Kunar province, while Sunday’s stronger quake has already killed 1,368 and wounded over 2,100. Rescue efforts are slowed by landslides and rugged terrain, with helicopters conducting most operations amid continuing aftershocks.
The Taliban government said emergency tents and aid are being distributed and appealed for international help. The UN has released relief funds, and the UK pledged £1m in aid.
Afghanistan’s location on major fault lines makes it prone to deadly quakes; previous disasters killed thousands in 2022 and 2023, according to BBC.
Rubio says US will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the US is ready to “blow up” foreign crime groups, saying Washington will act with or without allied support. Speaking in Ecuador, he confirmed plans to designate the country’s largest gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as terrorist organisations, BBC reported.
The move follows a US strike in the Caribbean that killed 11 suspected traffickers linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Rubio also announced $19.5m in aid and drones to help Ecuador fight soaring cartel violence.
He said friendly governments would assist in targeting smugglers, while stressing President Trump’s commitment to waging war on cartels that “have been waging war on us for 30 years.”
