House GOP secures four key witnesses in Biden mental-decline probe as former aides agree to talk
Four former Biden aides have agreed to voluntarily testify in House Oversight Republican’s investigation into an alleged cover-up of former President Joe Biden’s mental decline and potentially unauthorized issuance of sweeping pardons and other executive actions. The four voluntary, transcribed interviews, confirmed today by a GOP Oversight Committee aide, will include the director of Biden’s former Domestic Policy Council, Neera Tanden, Biden’s assistant and senior advisor to the first lady, Anthony Bernal, former special assistant to Biden and Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations, Ashley Williams, and Biden’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Annie Tomasini. COMER WIDENS BIDEN ‘COVER-UP’ PROBE, SEEKS INTERVIEWS WITH ANITA DUNN AND RON KLAIN Tanden will appear before the House Oversight Committee on June 24, Bernal two days later on June 26, while Williams will testify July 11 and Tomasini on July 18. News of the voluntary testimonies comes after Biden’s former White House doctor, Kevin O’Connor, declined to sit for a transcribed interview on June 27, according to Oversight Committee Republicans leading the probe. As a result of O’Connor’s refusal to voluntarily testify, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., served him with a subpoena to compel his testimony. BIDEN’S PERSONAL DOCTOR SUMMONED AS REPUBLICANS DIG DEEPER INTO ALLEGED COGNITIVE DECLINE COVER-UP Comer began an investigation into whether those comprising Biden’s inner-circle knowingly colluded to hide the former president’s declining mental acuity and used methods to circumvent the former president when it came to the issuance of important orders, particularly through the use of an autopen tool used to mimic the president’s signature. Last week, President Donald Trump also ordered the Department of Justice to open an investigation into the matter. The president directed Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington to handle the investigation. In response to the Trump administration’s call for an investigation, Biden declared he was the only one who “made the decisions” during his presidency and called Trump’s efforts a “distraction.” “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false,” Biden said. “This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.” Fox News Digital reached out to the former president’s office for comment on this new development, but did not hear back in time for publication.
Reporter’s Notebook: How the House is technically done with the ‘big, beautiful bill’
Expect the House of Representatives to make “technical corrections” to President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” Wednesday. But if you blink, you might miss it. Senate Republicans are now in the middle of the “Byrd Bath” with Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough. This is a process, named after late Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., to exclude provisions from budget reconciliation packages that don’t comport with special Senate budget rules. The Senate must use this special process to avoid a filibuster. TRUMP’S SPENDING BILL HEADS TO SENATE WHERE REPUBLICANS PLAN STRATEGIC ADJUSTMENTS TO KEY PROVISIONS Some items in the House bill don’t fit into the bill under those special budget rules. So, they are tossing them out. But the House must essentially alter the bill and send it back to the Senate. The House will embed those changes into a “rule” Wednesday to tee up the spending cancellations bill to trim money for USAID and public broadcasting for debate and a vote on Friday. POWER PLAYERS OR BASEBALL PLAYERS? THE HISTORY BEHIND THE CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME So, the “altered” bill, with the technical corrections, goes back to the Senate. “I think it’s going to be nothing that was unexpected. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said. “I’m trying to defend my product that was sent over there. As you all know, it took a long time to get that balance.”
Top House Democrat grills Hegseth on submarine spending plans: ‘Give us the details’
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a heated House Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday over years-long lags in the nation’s shipbuilding capacity. The top Appropriations Democrat accused the Defense Department (DOD) of failing to present a clear, transparent plan to ramp up production at a time when China’s shipbuilding capabilities are estimated to be 230 times greater than the U.S.’s. She said the Biden administration had been similarly opaque. DeLauro zeroed in on what she characterized as a troubling shortfall between the Navy’s current production capacity and future strategic needs. “Do you know where our submarine production currently stands and whether current production is sufficient to bridge the gap between current fleet size and projected need?” she asked. HEGSETH DEFENDS NATIONAL GUARD LA DEPLOYMENTS, SAYS ICE AGENTS MUST BE PROTECTED “There is a gap,” Hegseth admitted, “but we believe we are closing it.” But DeLauro wasn’t satisfied, demanding detailed data to back up that claim. “We do not have any information or data that can substantiate what you’re saying,” she shot back. “Give us the details.” “We’ve had difficulty with the prior administration, and I don’t mind calling them out. What is your plan for the future?” Asked what the status is of the department’s investment in submarine programs, Hegseth boasted of a 14% increase in funding in the fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and a “substantial increase” in the Virginia-class fast-attack submarines as well. But the congresswoman raised concerns about reports that the Pentagon plans to shift $3.1 billion in funding for the Columbia-class submarine program from FY2026 to FY2027 and FY2028. “This creates a serious problem for industry in the short term and hampers shipbuilders’ ability to reach an adequate production rate,” DeLauro warned. “Have you been in contact with Electric Boat or Huntington Ingalls about your plans?” Hegseth pushed back, saying top Pentagon officials were in regular communication with shipyards. “Almost every day,” he said. “We’re actively engaged… to make sure their needs are being met and their shortfalls are being addressed so we can close that gap in real time.” DeLauro pointed to a missed deadline for placing key submarine contracts authorized under the December continuing resolution. Congress had approved $5.7 billion for two Block IV and one Block V Virginia-class submarines, with the understanding that contracts would be in place by February 2025. The Defense Department did not finalize the contracts until April 30. “We have made a serious investment,” DeLauro said. “Now we want to know where that is going and what your plan is.” MOVE OVER, BLACK HAWK: ARMY UNVEILS THE MV-75, TILTROTOR AIRCRAFT TO REPLACE ICONIC ASSAULT CHOPPER When pressed for specifics, Hegseth thanked the committee for its flexibility and acknowledged prior mismanagement under previous administrations. But DeLauro cut him off. “I want your plan,” she said. “Can we get that in writing and on paper? Because we don’t have anything today. We have zip, nada.” Hegseth promised to provide the committee with written details of the department’s submarine production plan. “We have the details, and we will provide them,” he said. DeLauro insisted she wanted the information before the committee’s markup later the same day. The U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding capacity has been on the decline since the Cold War. In the 1980s, the U.S. aimed for a 600-ship fleet; today, it struggles to maintain 300 operational vessels. The Navy currently operates under 50 attack submarines, well below the long-term requirement of 66 boats, as outlined by recent Navy force structure assessments. Shipyards like Electric Boat (General Dynamics) in Connecticut and Huntington Ingalls Industries in Virginia and Mississippi are the primary builders of nuclear submarines—but both are operating near maximum capacity and face major workforce and supply chain challenges. Shipbuilders report significant difficulties in hiring, training and retaining welders, pipefitters, engineers and designers. Shipbuilding’s highly specialized supply chain was hit especially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and has been slow to recover.
Moody rolls out bill to allow states to assist in immigration enforcement amid violent LA anti-ICE riots
FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Ashley Moody introduced a measure that would enable states to assist in immigration enforcement by allowing non-federal law enforcement officers to act as a “force multiplier” for federal immigration officers. The bill, called “The Reimbursement Immigration Partnerships with Police to Allow Local Law Enforcement Act,” or the “RIPPLE Act,” is an expansion of the 287 (g) program that enables states to assist in immigration enforcement. FLORIDA SEN MOODY ROLLS OUT MEASURE TO EXPEDITE REMOVAL OF CRIMINAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS The bill would expand eligible reimbursable expenses to state and local law enforcement agencies participating in the 287 (g) program. A Moody aide said the bill would also enable non-federal law enforcement agencies to commit already sworn officers to immigration enforcement so that they can act as a “force multiplier” for federal immigration enforcement in the short term, while hiring, training, and on-boarding new federal officers is underway. The aide said that is a “more time-intense process.” “Expanding the 287(g) program will provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get dangerous criminals out of our communities,” Moody, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. “Right now, we are watching disorder and chaos spread through California. This bill will ensure that our local, state and federal law enforcement have the resources they need to hold those who break the law accountable.” She added: “This lawlessness will not be tolerated.” Moody said that as a U.S. Senator, she will “continue to work with President Trump to not only reverse the failures of the Biden administration but ensure that it can never happen again—the RIPPLE Act and The Stop Government Abandonment and Placement Scandals (Stop GAPS) Act are critical steps.” Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Amid the escalating civil unrest in Los Angeles, our law enforcement officers, with unwavering courage, face life-threatening situations while upholding the rule of law and protecting communities from the chaos of riots,” Lee told Fox News Digital. “Their actions demonstrate a selfless dedication to preserving our nation’s security and values.” Lee said the bill “ensures that local law enforcement officers have the support they need to help enforce immigration laws.” PATEL PROMISES FBI COMING FOR ANYONE ASSAULTING COPS AS LOS ANGELES ERUPTS OVER ICE RAIDS “By covering overtime pay and key personnel costs, this bill ensures that local, state, and federal law enforcement officers can work together to stop the chaos and lawlessness in California, and to ensure our immigration laws are followed across America,” Lee said. The introduction of the legislation comes amid violent riots in Los Angeles, Calif., with demonstrators violently protesting Trump administration immigration enforcement efforts. The president has deployed thousands of National Guardsmen and women to the streets of Los Angeles. The president also authorized 700 Marine officers to help protect federal buildings and federal law enforcement. Meanwhile, Moody also introduced a bill that would strike existing law that allows the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to place unaccompanied children with any adult or entity seeking custody. The bill, called the “Stop Government Abandonment and Placement Scandals Act,” or the “Stop GAPS” Act, would require ORR to work with states to help find homes and proper placements for minors. It would also require ORR to track these children for the duration of their stay in the U.S. while immigration proceedings are ongoing. ORR is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for coordinating the care and placement of refugees—including unaccompanied children who arrive in the United States. FEDERAL OFFICIALS SLAM DEMOCRATS FOR ‘DANGEROUS’ RHETORIC AS ICE AGENTS FACE VIOLENT MOBS IN LA, NYC According to Moody’s office, when children arrive in the United States without a parent or legal guardian, they are initially processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They are then transferred to the custody of the ORR, which is then responsible for their care and placement. A Moody aide told Fox News Digital that the Biden administration “infamously lost track of tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children, many of whom were placed into dangerous situations.” “The Biden administration did historic damage to our country’s immigration and national security structures, putting our nation and unaccompanied children at risk, and turning federal agencies into middlemen for mass human trafficking operations,” Moody told Fox News Digital. “As Florida’s Attorney General I fought constantly in court to stop the intentional destruction of our border and trafficking of minors.”
NY lawmaker lambastes failed commemoration of Oct 7 attack, as Dem leadership accused of ‘antisemitism’
The New York assemblyman behind an effort to formally commemorate the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel lambasted leadership for tanking what was supposed to be a “poignant” bill remembering the tragedy. Assemblyman Lester Chang, R-Brooklyn – one of the few GOP members from New York City in the 103-47 Democratic-majority chamber – said he had been working on a resolution for New York state to officially remember the terror attack since hostage negotiations began a year ago. “I’m a Navy veteran of 24 years and I did a tour in Afghanistan. So I understand what war is all about,” said Chang. “I’ve seen atrocities out there.” Once American figures like then-candidate Donald Trump began helping hostage negotiations, Chang said he directed his staff to craft a message – which he said took more than a month of back-and-forth to make sure it was “balanced” and did not have a partisan streak. HOUSE GOP UNVEILS RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN BOULDER TERROR ATTACK, CALL FOR MASS DEPORTATION OF OVERSTAYED VISAS “We submitted it in January, as a resolution, and it was rejected… because [leadership] said it was ‘controversial,’” Chang said. “We were astounded but not surprised. So we converted it to a bill,” he said, adding that, in the end, a bill would be better because a resolution only commemorates an event for that year, while a bill would codify the remembrance for eternity. With a handful of Democratic co-sponsors, Chang and colleagues believed they had the right balance to attempt to put it up for a vote, but as the New York Post reported, it was reportedly ultimately blocked by House Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, and other top Democrats. Chang said the bill, destined for the smaller governmental operations committee, was redirected to the larger Ways and Means committee, and that four members were “switched out.” The top Republican on that panel, Assemblyman Ed Ra, told the New York Post that remembering Oct. 7 and/or combating antisemitism should never be “political.” Republican Assemblyman Ari Brown, who, like Ra, represents Long Island, accused Albany Democrats of “veiled antisemitism,” telling the Post the legislature is “rotten” with it. MORNING GLORY: THE ISRAEL-IRAN WAR IS CLOSER TO ITS END THAN ITS BEGINNING The assembly also tanked a resolution from Brown that complimented Chang’s bill. Compounding that was, as Chang described, no GOP bills have been successfully put through the process at all this session. “Having me as a Republican [sponsor] – that would [procedurally] choke them – not because of me, the person, but as a member of that party.” Chang said he would just as soon “give this bill to a Democrat” to sponsor if it meant commemorating the Oct. 7 attack. He added that, as a person of Chinese ancestry who represents largely Asian and Italian Bensonhurst, he has no religious horse in the race. “That should make it more poignant as a non-Jewish person pushing this bill in a mostly Christian and Buddhist district,” he said. At least seven Democrats did come out in support of the Oct. 7 remembrance legislation, all of whom hail from New York City. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, R-Niagara Falls, echoed Chang’s concerns in comments to Fox News Digital. “Many New Yorkers had loved ones injured or worse in the terror attacks in Israel on Oct. 7,” Ortt said. “The least we can do is commemorate this tragic day.” “Instead of taking commonsense action, Albany Democrats would rather play politics, and have time and again refused to defend our Jewish brothers and sisters.” Fox News Digital reached out to Heastie for comment and response to the allegations but did not hear back.
Non-citizen LA rioters could be deported under new House bill
FIRST ON FOX: Some House Republicans are now considering whether non-citizens who are found to have participated in violent anti-law enforcement riots have a right to stay in the United States. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, is leading a bill that would make non-U.S. citizens convicted of “actual or attempted assault, battery, or use of force” against any law enforcement officer eligible for deportation. Any immigrants deported under the legislation, if enacted, would be permanently barred from the United States. “The thing about breaking the law is, there’s effectively a waiving of your constitutional rights that’s sort of inherent in our system, right? When you go to prison, you’re losing your liberty,” Crenshaw told Fox News Digital in an interview Tuesday. CALIFORNIA REPUBLICANS SLAM NEWSOM, BASS FOR LETTING LA BURN WITH RIOTS AMID TRUMP IMMIGRATION BLITZ “So this is a very normal thing, and in the case of say, people who are here legally, but then committing acts of violence – in this case, we’re being really specific, during a national emergency, committing assaults against police officers, and destruction of property – that should have an effect and be on the list of things that allows for revocation of your status.” Early bill text obtained by Fox News Digital shows the bill would apply to legal permanent residents, people here illegally, and beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. It would go into effect when presidents, governors or local leaders make emergency or major disaster declarations. It comes amid continued tensions in Los Angeles, where protests against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations turned violent across the city this weekend. Rioters were seen burning American flags and cars stood on the street in flames, while police used pepper spray and rubber bullets on crowds outside federal buildings. President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard despite the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and ordered 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles as well. Those Marines will be training in Seal Beach for a few more days before deployment, a U.S. defense official told Fox News. Democrats have accused the Trump administration of escalating violence in Los Angeles, while Republicans argue that federal action is necessary based on the state’s handling of the situation. Crenshaw said his legislation would help the administration restore order during such times. “What it would do is, it would give the administration the option to say, yeah we’ve rounded all these people up, half of them are U.S. citizens, okay, you’re going to jail for rioting. Maybe another quarter are illegals, well that’s easy you can deport them,” he said. “But what about the other quarter? You know, that might be…a number of legal aliens here rioting against America for enforcing our immigration laws. In our minds, you’ve violated that sort of social contract with the United States at that point.” CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR SAYS LOS ANGELES RIOTS ARE ‘GENERATED BY DONALD TRUMP’ Crenshaw said he spoke with the White House and that officials there were “excited” about the bill. The White House said it would not get in front of the president on legislative matters when reached for comment by Fox News Digital. Currently, legal U.S. residents, including green card holders, can have their status revoked by an immigration judge if they are found guilty of certain crimes or are found to have fraudulently misrepresented themselves in their application for residence. Crimes that would make legal U.S. visa holders and green card holders eligible for deportation currently include murder, drug trafficking and rape.
Trump warns any potential protestors at his military parade will be ‘met with very big force’
President Donald Trump issued a word of caution for anyone who attempts to protest the military parade he is putting on to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday in Washington. “If there’s any protest once they come out, they will be met with very big force,” Trump told reporters Tuesday. “I haven’t even heard about a protest. But people that hate our country … they will be met with very heavy force.” TRUMP TO HOST MILITARY PARADE TO CELEBRATE ARMY’S 250TH BIRTHDAY The event will be held Saturday, and will feature flyovers, historical reenactments, military vehicles and other “moving tributes” honoring service members, according to America250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage Americans in the U.S.’ 250th anniversary. “It’s going to be an amazing day,” Trump said Tuesday. We have planes. We have all sorts of things. And I think it’s going to be great. We’re going to celebrate our country for a change.” FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP WELCOMES MILITARY MOMS TO WHITE HOUSE FOR MOTHER’S DAY “The event is designed not only to showcase the Army’s modern capabilities but also to inspire a new generation to embrace the spirit of service, resilience, and leadership that defines the United States,” the America250 site says. Trump’s comments coincide with massive protests and riots in Los Angeles stemming from recent arrests in the city by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In response, Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to halt the riots and claimed that their presence will prevent the destruction of the city. However, Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom has criticized the Trump administration’s use of troops, and claimed that the move undermines California’s sovereignty. ICE SWEEPS THROUGH LA BUSINESSES AS LOCAL DEMOCRATS CRY FOUL OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS While state governors usually oversee National Guard troops, Trump invoked a law to place the troops under federal command. “I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command,” Newsom wrote on X Sunday. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed.”
Hegseth defends National Guard LA deployments, says ICE agents must be protected
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday forcefully defended the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, accusing California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass of failing to protect ICE agents and citizens from violent rioters — and asserting that Trump is stepping in to do the job. Hegseth sparred with Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., during a heated House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, asserting that the president had the legal authority to deploy the troops since rioters had attacked ICE agents and torched property in parts of the sanctuary city – while waving Mexican flags and flags of other nations. “The governor of California is unable to execute the laws of the United States,” Hegseth said. “The governor of California has failed to protect his people, along with the mayor of Los Angeles and so President Trump has said he will protect our agents and our Guard and Marines are proud to do it.” TRUMP TAKES ACTION AGAINST ‘ORCHESTRATED ATTACK’ ON LAW ENFORCEMENT BY DEPLOYING MARINES TO LA: ASSEMBLYMAN Hegseth justified the decision for the Trump administration to intervene, saying that every American citizen deserves to live in a community that is safe, and that ICE agents need to be able to do their job. The riots broke out on Friday as ICE agents were taking part in deportation raids in the city, fulfilling a key part of Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. “They’re being attacked for doing their job, which is deporting illegal criminals that should happen in any city, Minneapolis or Los Angeles,” Hegseth said. “And if they’re attacked, that’s lawless and President Trump believes in law and order, so he has every authority.” Aguilar questioned whether Trump had the authority to deploy National Guard troops under 10 U.S. Code 12406, citing three examples of when it can be used while also blasting the administration for not consulting with the state before doing so. Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen and around 700 U.S. Marines. CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR SAYS LOS ANGELES RIOTS ARE ‘GENERATED BY DONALD TRUMP’ “Invasion by a foreign nation, rebellion or dangerous rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States, or the president is unable with regular forces to execute the laws of the United States,” Aguilar said. “Which authority is triggered here to justify the use?” But Hegseth fired back and said, “it sounds like all three to me.” “If you’ve got millions of illegals, you don’t know where they’re coming from. They’re waving flags from foreign countries and assaulting police officers and law enforcement officers. You and I both know that President Trump has all the authority necessary, and thankfully, he’s willing to do it on behalf of the citizens of Los Angeles, on behalf of our ICE agents and behalf of our country.” Aguilar also raised concern that the troops were ill-prepared, since pictures were posted of them sleeping on floors in uniform. “That’s a disingenuous attack that misrepresents how much we care about our troops… Nobody cares more about the troops at the top than this secretary and the chairman in our department,” Hegseth said. “The commanders and troops on the field are very well prepared… There are moments where you make do as best you can temporarily, but we are ensuring they’re housed, fed, [and have] water capabilities in real time from my office.” Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Bryn MacDonnell testified that the cost of the deployment is expected to be $134 million, with funds being pulled from regular operational accounts. Elsewhere, Hegseth said the department would need $961.6 billion in the fiscal year 2026 budget, which would be used to rebuild military strength, countering China, border security and funding the new Golden Dome missile defense system. A 10.5% pay raise was also secured for junior enlisted troops.
From Rodney King riots to LA today: When presidents have deployed troops inside the US
President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism from Democrats when he mobilized U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to anti-immigration enforcement riots. The battalion of about 700 Marines has stationed itself near the city, ready to respond but has not yet done so. If called in, they will be armed with shields and batons but will not have the authority to arrest. The move, while rare, is not without precedent. Under the Insurrection Act, presidents have historically deployed active duty forces during moments of national emergency – despite long-standing legal restrictions under the Posse Comitatus Act. Here is a look back at key moments when commanders in chief ordered troops into American cities to restore order. TOM COTTON PUSHES NEW CRACKDOWN ON PRO-IMMIGRATION RIOTERS IN LOS ANGELES, CITING ICE ASSAULTS After a jury acquitted four LAPD officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King, riots erupted across Los Angeles. The chaos prompted then-California Gov. Pete Wilson to request federal assistance. Then-President George H.W. Bush invoked the Insurrection Act, deploying 4,000 U.S. Army soldiers and 1,500 Marines in addition to National Guardsmen. The riots left more than 60 people dead, thousands injured and large swaths of the city burned. Bush condemned the violence in a televised address. “What followed Wednesday’s jury verdict in the Rodney King case was a tragic series of events… nearly 4,000 fires, staggering property damage, hundreds of injuries, and the senseless deaths of over 30 people.” A notable incident underscored the challenges of military-civilian coordination. During a tense exchange, a police officer reportedly yelled “Cover me!” to nearby Marines, asking them to watch his back during a domestic disturbance response. Trained in combat response, they misunderstood the command and fired over 200 rounds into a house, believing they were providing covering fire, according to an article printed in an Army War College publication. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sparked violent unrest in dozens of U.S. cities. The most intense rioting took place in the nation’s capital. Then-President Lyndon B. Johnson deployed 13,000 federal troops, including active duty Army units, to Washington, D.C., on April 5, 1968. Soldiers patrolled streets, enforced curfews and restored calm within days. One of the most violent civil disturbances in U.S. history broke out after a police raid on an unlicensed bar in Detroit. The five-day riot left 43 dead, more than 1,000 injured and 400 buildings destroyed. Then-Michigan Gov. George Romney called in 8,000 National Guardsmen. Johnson followed by deploying 4,700 federal troops from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions to support overwhelmed local forces. POSSE COMITATUS ACT AT CENTER OF TRUMP-NEWSOM NATIONAL GUARD DISPUTE IN LA Three years after Brown v. Board of Education declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, nine Black students attempted to enroll at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. Then-Gov. Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to block their entry. In response, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower federalized the Guard, ordering them instead to protect the children and quell unrest around the school, and dispatched the 101st Airborne Division to escort the students safely into school. It marked the first time since Reconstruction that federal troops were sent to enforce civil rights. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP During the Civil War, the Union’s first draft law allowed wealthy men to pay $300 to avoid military service—sparking resentment among working-class Irish immigrants. The protests quickly descended into four days of racially charged riots, with mobs targeting Black Americans and overwhelming local police. Then-President Abraham Lincoln redirected battle-hardened Union troops from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to quell the violence.
Blue city mayor vows ‘no tolerance’ for anti-ICE violence as LA riots erupt: ‘Unacceptable’
New York City Mayor Eric Adams took a harsh tone against any possibility of anti-ICE riots at a news conference on Monday, as cities around the country gear up for potential unrest. Riots have occurred in Los Angeles in opposition to federal immigration authorities, in addition to demonstrations nationwide. “I believe we must build a system based on trust not fear, but two wrongs do not make it right. I understand that some New Yorkers may be angry, afraid and ready to express that. New York City will always be a place to peacefully protest, we will not allow violence and lawlessness,” Adams said. There have been protests throughout the city in recent days, Fox 5 New York reported. ERIC ADAMS UNFAZED BY RULING AGAINST HIS PLAN TO COMBAT MIGRANT CRIME: ‘ALL PART OF THE PROCESS’ “The escalation of protests in Los Angeles over the last couple of days is unacceptable and would not be tolerated if attempted in our city,” he continued. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that if New York does “experience civil unrest of the sort that we have been witnessing in California, the full resources of the New York City Police Department are available and prepared to respond.” “We will maintain public order and we will do it consistent with the law,” she added. Tisch said the city does not “engage in civil immigration enforcement” but said they have “no tolerance for violence,” “no tolerance for property damage” and “no tolerance” for blockade-style demonstrations. Adams has exhibited a degree of cooperation with the Trump administration on federal immigration law, as a legal battle is underway to allow ICE to have an office on Riker’s Island – a request that Adams supports, but the city council has sued him over in opposition. In February, border czar Tom Homan and Adams said they plan to work together. NYC MAYOR ADAMS, TRUMP BORDER CZAR HOMAN ANNOUNCE ‘GAME CHANGER’ FOR ICE ENFORCEMENT “Getting back in Rikers Island is a game changer. Not only do we get the bad guys really hitting the streets, the intelligence of how [Tren de Aragua] operates, where they’re operating, all this intelligence they gather at Rikers Island, we have access to,” Homan said in a joint interview with Adams on “Fox & Friends” at the time. “The far left has hijacked this narrative [that] ICE is running in our schools, ICE is running in our churches, and they are creating this frenzy. They’re not in the business of just grabbing children. We need to just stop all this noise,” Adams said in the interview. CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE Meanwhile, the Los Angeles area continues to face riots, which has created a standoff between President Donald Trump, who’s ordered troops to the area, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Over 100 people have been arrested, according to USA Today. While there have been anti-ICE demonstrations during the day in Los Angeles and throughout the nation, the cause for concern has largely centered around property damage from agitators and looting businesses, according to Fox 11 LA. NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS PROMISES TO REOPEN ICE OFFICE ON RIKERS ISLAND AFTER MEETING WITH TRUMP BORDER CZAR “If I didn’t ‘SEND IN THE TROOPS’ to Los Angeles the last three nights, that once beautiful and great City would be burning to the ground right now, much like 25,000 houses burned to the ground in L.A. due to an incompetent Governor and Mayor – Incidentally, the much more difficult, time consuming, and stringent FEDERAL PERMITTING PROCESS is virtually complete on these houses, while the easy and simple City and State Permits are disastrously bungled up and WAY BEHIND SCHEDULE!” Trump posted to Truth Social on Tuesday morning. “They are a total mess, and will be for a long time. People want to rebuild their houses. Call your incompetent Governor and Mayor, the Federal permitting is DONE!!!” he continued. Newsom has said the violence has been instigated by the president. “Have no doubt – Violent criminals who take advantage of Trump’s chaos WILL be held accountable. Our number one priority has been and will be keeping LA safe. If you’re protesting peacefully. Stay calm. Look out for one another,” Newsom posted to X on Monday night. The ICE backlash comes as the agency has a goal to arrest a minimum of 3,000 illegal immigrants daily, including those with additional criminal charges or convictions.