Monday, February 3, 2025: A whirlwind of events unfolded today as the U.S. government addressed an emotional Instagram video posted by Selena Gomez concerning immigration. Additionally, the USAID has come under the jurisdiction of the State Department following a major overhaul. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has once again voiced his plan to "reclaim the Panama Canal" amidst international tensions. Below, we delve into the day's most significant news stories.
White House Responds to Selena Gomez's Deportation Video
The Trump administration issued a strong response to a video by Selena Gomez where she expressed her distress over ICE raids. The White House released a counter-video featuring testimonies from three mothers who criticized Gomez's message, emphasizing the tragedy of their daughters' murders by undocumented immigrants. Gomez's contentious video, which was initially shared on Instagram, was later removed following backlash for allegedly downplaying national security and a subsequent loss of social media followers.
State Department Takes Over USAID Operations
The Trump administration has dismantled USAID, integrating it into the State Department, significantly impacting independent media and NGOs that advocated for democracy in Cuba and previously received USAID funding. Journalist Walter Curt confirmed via social media platform X that USAID has been absorbed, rendering its official website offline. An executive order has also frozen foreign aid for 90 days, jeopardizing key projects on the island. This restructuring aims to align international aid with U.S. interests, sparking concern due to its effect on Cuban organizations.
Trump's Stance on Panama Canal and National Security
President Trump has reiterated his ambition to regain control of the Panama Canal, warning of potential consequences if not achieved. He accuses Panama of breaching historical agreements and points to the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the canal's management, a claim refuted by Panamanian authorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Panama to ensure U.S. interests are safeguarded against increasing Chinese presence. Trump underscores the canal's vital role in U.S. national and economic security.
Venezuelan TPS Revocation Sparks Uncertainty
The Trump administration has rescinded the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelans residing in the United States, exposing them to potential deportations. This shift, reported by the New York Times, affects those who secured protection in 2023. TPS allows individuals to live and work legally in the U.S., but does not offer a path to citizenship. The decision mirrors Trump's previous immigration policies, creating uncertainty in the Venezuelan community, many of whom fled their country's crisis. Although Joe Biden had extended TPS for 18 more months, this revocation marks a significant change in current immigration policy. Furthermore, Venezuela has agreed to accept deported citizens, facilitating repatriation.
Miami Residents Arrested for Luxury Eyewear Heist
Three Cuban residents of Miami, named Alexander Trujillo Gomez, Xavier Perez, and Lazaro Salazar Hechavarria, were apprehended in Tennessee for allegedly participating in a luxury eyewear theft ring valued at over a million dollars. Accused of burglarizing Sunglass Hut locations across several states, they face charges including burglary, using a 2022 Pacifica minivan tracked through a multi-agency police effort. They are currently held on a million-dollar bond each in Rutherford County.
U.S. Marines Deploy to Guantánamo for Migrant Center
A unit of U.S. Marines has arrived at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba as part of President Trump's administration's preparations to establish a migrant detention center. This initiative aims to assist the Department of Defense and Homeland Security in expanding the Migratory Operations Center. The plan, which includes up to 30,000 beds, seeks to protect Americans and manage illegal immigration. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem highlighted the strategic advantage of these facilities in an interview, while the operation presents unprecedented logistical and legal challenges.
Mexico's Military Deployment and U.S. Tariff Pause
In response to migration pressures and trade threats, Mexico has deployed 10,000 soldiers to its northern border. This agreement followed a conversation between President Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump, who announced on Truth Social that new tariffs will be paused for a month. Both nations are focusing on curbing the flow of fentanyl and migrants into the United States while negotiating security and trade issues. Sheinbaum emphasized respect for sovereignty during the dialogue, and Trump also criticized Canada, highlighting the fight against drugs as a priority.
Emergency Evacuation of United Airlines Flight
A United Airlines flight bound for New York from Houston was evacuated in an emergency this Sunday after an engine failure before takeoff. The incident, reported by the Federal Aviation Administration, occurred at 8:35 a.m., necessitating the use of slides and emergency stairs to disembark 104 passengers and five crew members without injuries. The Houston Fire Department assisted with the evacuation, and passengers were rebooked on another flight. A video showed smoke and flames from the plane's wing.
Potential Gas Price Spike Due to Trump's Oil Tariffs
Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on oil imports from Canada and Mexico could drive up gasoline prices in the U.S. Analysts warn that new taxes of 10% on Canadian energy products and 25% on Mexican ones will increase production costs, affecting consumers. The North American oil trade structure might face significant disruptions, with Midwest and East Coast refineries potentially experiencing varying impacts due to their reliance on Canadian crude. The volatility in the oil market remains a challenge, highlighting reactions from players like OPEC+ and potential global economic repercussions.
Homeland Security Secretary Endorses Strict Immigration Policies
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem supports the Trump administration's tough stance on immigration, stressing the expansion of the Guantánamo naval base to accommodate up to 30,000 undocumented immigrants deemed dangerous. The arrival of U.S. Marines at the Cuban base bolsters this measure, aligned with the president's goal to protect Americans. Noem assured that appropriate facilities will be used for each individual, detailing that the priority is the detention of foreign criminals. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly has described the decision as "alarming."
Key Questions about U.S. Immigration and Policy Changes
What was the White House's response to Selena Gomez's video?
The White House released a video with testimonies from mothers questioning Gomez's message, emphasizing security concerns and the impact of crimes by undocumented immigrants.
Why was USAID integrated into the State Department?
The integration aimed to align international aid with U.S. interests, affecting funding for independent media and NGOs advocating democracy in Cuba.
What are the implications of revoking TPS for Venezuelans?
Revoking TPS exposes over 300,000 Venezuelans to potential deportations, creating uncertainty in the community and reversing Biden's previous extension of the status.
How might Trump's oil tariffs affect gasoline prices?
The tariffs on Canadian and Mexican oil could increase production costs, leading to higher gasoline prices for U.S. consumers and potential disruptions in the oil trade structure.