[Saturday, April 19] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

1. Immigration and Border Security

1.1 Deportation Policies and Legal Challenges

The Supreme Court has ordered a temporary halt to deportations under the 18th century Alien Enemies Act, specifically blocking the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants [1][2]. This follows Federal Judge James Boasberg’s earlier denial of an emergency request to block “imminent” deportation flights under the same act [3]. SCOTUS specifically blocked deportation of alleged Tren De Aragua gang members [4]. In a parallel development, a Biden-appointed judge blocked Trump’s plan for rapid third-country deportations [5].

[1] Supreme Court orders halt of deportations under Alien Enemies Act, https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/041925zr_c18e.pdf
[2] Supreme Court blocks new deportations of Venezuelans in Texas under 18th century Alien Enemies Act, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/supreme-court-blocks-new-deportations-venezuelans-texas-under-18th-century-alien-enemies-act
[3] Federal judge James Boasberg denies emergency request to block ‘imminent’ deportation flights under Alien Enemies Act, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/federal-judge-calls-emergency-hearing-amid-report-trump-administration-plans-imminent-deportations-under-alien-enemies-act/
[4] SCOTUS Blocks Trump From Deporting Alleged Tren De Aragua Gang Members, https://www.dailywire.com/news/scotus-blocks-trump-from-deporting-alleged-tren-de-aragua-gang-members?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Amanda+Prestigiacomo&category=News&elementPosition=2&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=SCOTUS+Blocks+Trump+From+Deporting+Alleged+Tren+De+Aragua+Gang+Members%C2%A0
[5] Biden-Appointed Judge Blocks Trump Plan For Rapid Third-Country Deportations, https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-appointed-judge-blocks-trump-plan-for-rapid-third-country-deportations?author=Nathan+Gay&category=News&elementPosition=5&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Biden-Appointed+Judge+Blocks+Trump+Plan+For+Rapid+Third-Country+Deportations

1.2 Political Responses to Immigration

Vice President JD Vance discussed migration during a Vatican meeting, described as an “exchange of opinions” with top officials [1][2]. California legislators have introduced a bill that would prioritize illegal immigrants for disaster aid [3]. The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has become particularly contentious, with Senator Chris Van Hollen denying that he or other Democratic lawmakers drank margaritas with Garcia during their El Salvador visit [4]. Oversight Chair James Comer criticized Democratic representatives for seeking taxpayer-funded trips to visit the deportee [5]. Stephen Miller characterized Democrats’ immigration stance as viewing Americans as “acceptable collateral damage” in what he called a “war against citizenship” [6].

[1] VP Vance Discusses Migration in Vatican Meeting, but Not With Pope Francis, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/jd-vance-immigration-catholic/2025/04/19/id/1207488/
[2] VP JD Vance Has ‘Exchange Of Opinions’ With Top Vatican Officials Over US Immigration Policies, https://dailyvoice.com/connecticut/fairfield/vp-vance-has-exchange-of-opinions-with-vatican-over-us-deportation-crackdown/?utm_source=reddit-conservative&utm_medium=seed
[3] California bill would prioritize illegal immigrants for disaster aid, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/3385343/california-bill-prioritize-illegal-immigrants-disaster-aid/
[4] Sen. Van Hollen pours cold water on ‘margarita-gate’ photo-op after El Salvador trip: ‘Nobody drank any’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sen-van-hollen-pours-cold-water-margarita-gate-photo-op-el-salvador-trip-nobody-drank
[5] Oversight chair James Comer rips Dem reps for wanting taxpayer-funded trips to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia: “….spend your own money.”, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/james-comer-rips-dem-reps-for-wanting-taxpayer-funded-trips-to-visit-alleged-ms-13-gang-member-kilmar-abrego-garcia/
[6] Stephen Miller: Democrats View Americans as ‘Acceptable Collateral Damage’ in War Against Citizenship, https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2025/04/19/stephen-miller-presser-nationhood-battle-n2411597

1.3 Gang Activity and Criminal Migrants

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, described as an alleged MS-13 gangbanger, is reportedly no longer being held in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT megaprison according to Senator Chris Van Hollen [1]. Debate over Garcia’s tattoos has fueled what some sources call “conspiracy theories” [2]. In Florida, five individuals described as “illegal aliens” and believed to be members of Venezuela’s “Tren de Aragua” gang have been arrested for liquor thefts and robberies [3]. An MS-13 member and Honduran national was sentenced to 147 months in federal prison for kidnapping a former federal witness at gunpoint in Nashville [4]. In New Mexico, a Democratic judge abruptly resigned following the arrest of a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member for firearm possession at the judge’s residence [5].

[1] Alleged MS-13 gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia no longer in notorious CECOT megaprison, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen says, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/alleged-ms-13-member-kilmer-abrego-garcia-no-longer-in-notorious-cecot-megaprison-senator-says/
[2] Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s tattoos explained — as conspiracy theories run wild, https://nypost.com/video/kilmar-abrego-garcias-tattoos-explained-as-conspiracy-theories-run-wild/
[3] Five illegal aliens, believed to be members of the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua,” have been arrested in a string of liquor thefts and robberies in Florida, https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/5-undocumented-immigrants-linked-venezuelan-tren-de-argua-gang-arrested-florida
[4] An MS-13 gangbanger and Honduran national, illegally in the United States, was sentenced today to 147 months in prison for kidnapping a former federal witness at gunpoint in the parking lot of a laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee., https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/doj-ms-13-member-sentenced-after-witness-kidnapped-outside-nashville-laundromat-tortured-with-multiple-weapons/
[5] Democrat Judge from New Mexico Abruptly Resigns After Suspected Tren de Aragua Gang Member Is Arrested for Firearm Possession at His Residence, /r/Conservative/comments/1k3199a/democrat_judge_from_new_mexico_abruptly_resigns/

2. Trump Administration and Governance

2.1 Presidential Authority and Actions

The White House has indicated that President Trump is studying whether he has the authority to dismiss the Federal Reserve chief [1], a move with potential implications for central bank independence. Trump has directed bureaucrats to “follow the law” [2], though specifics of this directive remain unclear. A legal analysis claims “the President has not defied a Supreme Court ruling” [3], though the specific ruling is not identified. Trump has also signed an executive order aimed at boosting the U.S. seafood industry [4].

[1] Donald Trump studying if he can sack Fed chief, says White House, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/04/18/donald-trump-checking-if-he-can-sack-fed-chief-white-house/
[2] Trump to Bureaucrats: Follow the Law, https://www.city-journal.org/article/trump-memo-federal-agencies-supreme-court-rulings
[3] No, the President Has Not Defied a Supreme Court Ruling, https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-supreme-court-deportations?
[4] Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost U.S. Seafood Industry, https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/04/18/trump-signs-executive-order-to-boost-u-s-seafood-industry-and-cut-regulations/

2.2 Administration Personnel

A personnel controversy has emerged involving a top San Diego lawyer who is reportedly collecting full pay during a four-month global cruise [1].

[1] Bon voyage: Top San Diego lawyer collecting full pay during 4-month global cruise, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/13/bon-voyage-top-san-diego-lawyer-collecting-full-pay-during-4-month-global-cruise/

3. Partisan Politics and Legislative Affairs

3.1 Democrat vs Republican Priorities

Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, now at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), is exposing what is described as an “alarming Biden-era ‘domestic terrorism’ strategy” [1]. Republican messaging is highlighting contrasting party priorities, with the White House sharing an image on X comparing Republican versus Democrat priorities, described as having “staggering” optics [2]. Political activist David Hogg has criticized Democrats for championing democracy while claiming it contributed to school shootings [3]. A post-election analysis suggests Democrats’ “disdain for young men backfired in 2024” as Trump “capitalized on new media and turned Gen Z red” [4].

[1] Tulsi Gabbard’s ODNI Exposes Alarming Biden-Era ‘Domestic Terrorism’ Strategy, https://www.odni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/DIG/DIG-Declassified-Strategic-Implementation-Plan-for-CT-April2025.pdf
[2] White House X Shares Striking Republican vs. Democrat Priorities Image and the Optics are Staggering, https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2025/04/18/white-house-meme-we-are-not-the-same-n2411578
[3] David Hogg criticizes Dems for championing democracy, claiming it gave us school shootings | Blaze Media, https://www.theblaze.com/news/david-hogg-criticizes-dems-for-championing-democracy-claiming-it-gave-us-school-shootings
[4] Democrats’ disdain for young men backfired in 2024 – as Trump capitalized on new media and turned Gen Z red, https://nypost.com/2025/03/25/opinion/democrats-disdain-for-young-men-backfired-in-2024-as-trump-capitalized-on-new-media-and-turned-gen-z-red/

3.2 Political Polling and Campaigns

Recent polling data indicates declining public confidence in Democratic leadership, with one poll showing it has reached an “all-time low” [1]. Another poll suggests that Democratic voters want their party to adopt even more radical positions [2]. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has returned to political activities, headlining a Democratic National Committee fundraiser with tickets starting at $25,000 [3]. Former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci’s first year of retirement is characterized as a “money making bonanza” according to documents cited by the Daily Caller [4]. Democrats’ climate lawsuit against oil companies is reportedly threatened by plagiarism accusations [5].

[1] Confidence in Democratic leadership plunges to all-time low: poll, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/confidence-in-democratic-leadership-plunges-to-all-time-low-poll/
[2] Poll: Democrats Want Their Party To Be Even More Radical, https://issuesinsights.com/2025/04/17/democrats-are-now-the-peoples-revolutionary-party/
[3] Kamala Harris returns to politics to headline DNC fundraiser with tickets starting at $25,000, https://www.foxnews.com/media/ex-vp-harris-returns-politics-headline-dnc-fundraiser-tickets-starting-25000
[4] EXCLUSIVE: Fauci’s First Year Of ‘Retirement’ Was A Money Making Bonanza, Docs Show, https://dailycaller.com/2025/04/18/anthony-fauci-retirement-net-worth-congress/
[5] Plagiarism Accusations Threaten To Upend Democrats’ Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Companies, https://freebeacon.com/energy/plagiarism-accusations-threaten-to-upend-democrats-climate-lawsuit-against-oil-companies/

3.3 State Legislation

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed legislation banning the manufacture and “drastically limiting” the sale of many semiautomatic guns in the state [1].

[1] Colorado governor signs bill banning manufacture, drastically limiting sale of many semiautomatic guns, https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/10/colorado-gun-ban-signed-jared-polis/

4. International Relations

4.1 National Security and Global Affairs

A document titled “The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2” appears on the government website covid.gov [1], suggesting continued official attention to the origins of the COVID-19 virus. The Christian Science Monitor has published an analysis examining “how much influence China really has” over the Panama Canal in relation to Trump policies [2]. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary Easter ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine [3]. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has argued against pursuing what he characterizes as a “fake deal with Iran” [4].

[1] “The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2”, http://covid.gov
[2] Panama Canal and Trump: How much influence does China really have?, https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2025/0205/panama-canal-trump-china
[3] Putin declares temporary Easter ceasefire in war with Ukraine | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/putin-announces-temporary-easter-ceasefire-ukraine-war
[4] Mike Pompeo: We Don’t Need a Fake Deal With Iran, https://www.thefp.com/p/we-dont-need-a-fake-iran-deal

5. Crime, Justice and Public Safety

5.1 Violent Crime Incidents

The family home of slain Texas teen Austin Metcalf was reportedly “swatted” following a tense press conference [1]. In a separate incident, a college spring breaker has been charged with firebombing Tesla Cybertrucks at a dealership [2]. An Alabama father, Jacob Couch, died after a hatchet attack in Tucson, with Daniel Michael charged with murder [3]. An instructor was relieved of teaching duties after allegedly assaulting a student wearing a red MAGA hat [4]. Social media has amplified tensions, with a TikTok user threatening white people by referencing the stabbing of Austin Metcalf [5]. Public support for Karmelo Anthony, described as having “allegedly stabbed another teen in the heart,” has drawn criticism [6].

[1] Slain Texas teen Austin Metcalf’s home swatted hours after tense press conference showdown, https://www.foxnews.com/us/slain-texas-teen-austin-metcalf-home-swatted-hours-after-tense-press-conference-showdown
[2] College spring breaker charged in firebombing of Tesla Cybertrucks at dealership, https://www.foxnews.com/us/college-spring-breaker-charged-firebombing-tesla-cybertrucks-dealership
[3] Alabama dad Jacob Couch dies after Tucscon hatchet attack, Daniel Michael charged with murder, https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/us-news/alabama-dad-jacob-couch-dies-after-tucscon-hatchet-attack-daniel-michael-charged-with-murder/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost
[4] Instructor accused of assaulting student wearing red MAGA hat is relieved of his teaching duties, https://www.lmtribune.com/local-news/instructor-accused-of-assaulting-student-wearing-red-maga-hat-19259800
[5] Tiktoker threatens White people that he will stab them in the heart like Austin Metcalf was, /r/Conservative/comments/1k2vwx0/tiktoker_threatens_white_people_that_he_will_stab/
[6] The huge outpouring of support for Karmelo Anthony — who allegedly stabbed another teen in the heart — should scare all of us, https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/opinion/support-for-alleged-stabber-karmelo-anthony-highlights-victim-industrial-complex/

5.2 Law Enforcement and Judicial Decisions

Leaders in what is described as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Red Light district” have called on Kash Patel to address “worsening” gang crime and prostitution issues [1]. A member of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s administration has allegedly caused $20,000 in damage while vandalizing Teslas [2]. A “pro-life father” whose home was raided by the FBI is appealing a ruling by what is described as an “activist” judge, claiming a “faulty investigation” [3]. In a reversal of a Biden administration decision, a child killer whose sentence was commuted by President Biden is reportedly facing the death penalty again just four months later [4].

[1] Leaders in AOC’s ‘Red Light’ district call on Kash Patel to crush ‘worsening’ gang crime and prostitution, https://www.foxnews.com/us/leaders-aocs-red-light-district-call-kash-patel-crush-worsening-gang-crime-prostitution
[2] Member of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s administration allegedly caused $20K in damage while vandalizing Teslas: report, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/member-of-minnesota-gov-tim-walzs-administration-allegedly-caused-20k-in-damage-while-vandalizing-teslas-report/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&utm_source=pasteboard_app
[3] Pro-life father whose home FBI raided appeals ruling by ‘activist’ judge: ‘Faulty investigation’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pro-life-father-whose-home-fbi-raided-appeals-ruling-activist-judge-faulty-investigation
[4] Biden Commuted Child Killer’s Sentence, Four Months Later He’s Facing the Death Penalty Again, https://www.westernjournal.com/biden-commuted-child-killers-sentence-four-months-later-facing-death-penalty/

6. Economy and Technology

6.1 Business and Technological Developments

Sam’s Club is implementing significant technological changes to its retail operations, phasing out traditional checkouts and investing in AI-driven solutions [1]. Los Angeles is facing economic challenges as film and television productions reportedly move out of the city, raising concerns that it could become “the next Detroit” [2].

[1] Sam’s Club phasing out checkouts, betting big on AI shopping, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/sams-club-phasing-out-checkouts-betting-big-ai-shopping
[2] Los Angeles in danger of becoming ’the next Detroit’ as film and TV productions move out, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/real-estate/los-angeles-in-danger-of-becoming-the-next-detroit-as-film-and-tv-productions-move-out/

7. Media and Cultural Issues

7.1 Government Cultural Policies

The Department of Health and Human Services has established a “Whistleblower Tips and Complaints Submission Form Regarding the Chemical and Surgical Mutilation of Children” [1], signaling the administration’s stance on certain medical treatments for minors. Additionally, author J.K. Rowling celebrated a UK Supreme Court ruling that “some ‘women’ aren’t legally women” [2], reflecting ongoing international debate over transgender legal recognition.

[1] Whistleblower Tips and Complaints Submission Form Regarding the Chemical and Surgical Mutilation of Children, https://www.hhs.gov/protect-kids/index.html
[2] JK Rowling does victory lap following UK Supreme Court ruling that some “women” aren’t legally women, https://www.foxnews.com/media/jk-rowling-does-victory-lap-following-uk-ruling-trans-women-arent-legally-women

7.2 Educational and Media Controversies

Harvard University faces criticism for “invoking academic freedom for its resistance to Trump” while allegedly not upholding that principle [1]. A Texas Monthly article examines whether therapists can handle patients’ trauma related to Trump [2]. A hospital where George Floyd was declared dead is requiring staff to watch an “‘N-word’ training video” described as “highly unorthodox” [3]. Media analyst Scott Jennings has had multiple confrontational exchanges with CNN panelists since Trump returned to the White House [4]. Representative James Clyburn defended Democratic messaging, stating, “We Have a Good Message, The Problem Is Most Media Not Like MSNBC Is” [5].

[1] Harvard against America — The college, while invoking academic freedom for its resistance to Trump, is very far from upholding that principle, https://thespectator.com/topic/harvard-against-america-higher-education/
[2] Your Therapist Can Handle Your Trauma—But Can They Handle Trump?, https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/trump-politics-anxiety-therapists/
[3] Hospital where George Floyd was declared dead makes staff watch ‘N-word’ training video: ‘Highly unorthodox’, https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/us-news/george-floyd-minnesota-hospital-makes-staff-watch-wild-n-word-training-video/
[4] ‘Why Would I Trust You?’: 5 Scott Jennings Takedowns Of CNN Panelists Since Trump Returned To White House, https://dailycaller.com/2025/04/18/scott-jennings-smackdowns-since-trump-took-office/
[5] Clyburn: We Have a Good Message, The Problem Is Most Media Not Like MSNBC Is, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/04/19/clyburn-we-have-a-good-message-the-problem-is-most-media-not-like-msnbc-is/

7.3 Historical Commemorations

The 250th anniversary of pivotal events in American Revolutionary history is commemorated in two ways: one article highlights Paul Revere’s famous ride warning colonists that British forces were advancing to take their guns [1], and another revisits the “shot heard ‘round the world’” at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which ignited the revolution [2].

[1] Last night, 250 years ago, Paul Revere warned the colonists at Lexington that the British forces were advancing to take their guns, https://i.redd.it/46hv4q0o9uve1.jpeg
[2] 250 years ago, on April 19, 1775, the ‘shot heard ‘round the world’ echoed at Lexington and Concord, igniting the American Revolution., https://i.redd.it/bwgiaged1uve1.jpeg