Newark Curfew Imposed After Clashes at Immigration Detention Center
The mayor of Newark imposed a curfew early Sunday around Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in New Jersey, after a series of intense clashes between protesters and police. The curfew around the facility will remain in effect between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice. The move followed another night of confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, with videos showing protesters struggling over barricades while officers used riot shields and mounted units to disperse crowds. The demonstrations began earlier this month after advocates said detainees launched a hunger strike over poor living conditions at the 1,000-bed facility. New Jersey state police recently replaced federal immigration agents who had been facing off with protesters. Governor Mikie Sherrill said some masked individuals attacked barriers, threw projectiles, used barriers as weapons and set tires on fire. While condemning the violence, she urged attention to detainee welfare and announced that family visitation resumed after being temporarily suspended during the unrest.
Democrats Confront DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Over Immigration Policies
Democrats sharply criticized Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during a Senate hearing, focusing on immigration enforcement, detention conditions and spending priorities. Senator Patty Murray condemned suggestions that Customs and Border Protection officers could be removed from airports in sanctuary cities, warning of economic and travel disruptions. Senator Chris Murphy questioned the department's commitment to constitutional principles and raised concerns about conditions at Delaney Hall, including allegations of spoiled food and delayed medical care. Mullin rejected the accusations, saying inspections found no violations and emphasizing that officers had been assaulted during demonstrations. He also defended the administration's broader immigration policies and denied allegations that enforcement decisions or disaster aid were being politicized.
NTSB Examines Missed Warning Signs Before Deadly UPS Crash
Federal investigators say years of warning signs may have been overlooked before a UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, killed 15 people last November. The National Transportation Safety Board revealed that after an engine separated from an MD-11 aircraft during takeoff, investigators found cracks in critical engine mount components. Similar flaws had been identified on 10 other aircraft over the previous 15 years, but only four cases were reported to the Federal Aviation Administration. Investigators questioned why regulators and industry officials failed to identify a broader safety pattern. UPS maintenance executives testified that manufacturer guidance portrayed the issue as relatively minor and did not adequately communicate the risk of catastrophic damage. The crash killed all three crew members aboard the aircraft and 12 people on the ground. Following the disaster, inspections uncovered similar defects on other cargo aircraft, leading to temporary fleet groundings and new maintenance requirements.
Susan Ballabina Confirmed as Texas A&M President
Regents unanimously appointed Susan Ballabina as president of Texas A&M University, placing her in charge of the state's largest public university during a period of political and administrative transition. Ballabina previously served as executive vice chancellor for the Texas A&M University System and will officially assume the presidency on May 11. Her appointment follows significant leadership turnover, including the resignation of former president Mark A. Welsh III amid controversy surrounding classroom discussions of gender identity and broader debates over academic governance. Texas universities continue adapting to state laws that have expanded regents' authority, limited diversity initiatives and imposed new restrictions on campus activities. Faculty reactions to Ballabina's appointment were mixed, with supporters praising her experience and critics questioning whether she will strongly defend academic freedom and faculty interests.
Sierra Leone Receives Deportees Under U.S. Third-Country Arrangement
Nine migrants deported from the United States arrived in Sierra Leone under a new third-country deportation agreement. According to Sierra Leone's government, the group included migrants from Ghana, Guinea, Senegal and Nigeria. Officials said the deportees were placed in temporary facilities where they would receive housing, food, healthcare and other support. Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba said the agreement applies only to West African nationals and is supported by a $1.5 million U.S. grant. Authorities expect deportees to be repatriated or transferred elsewhere within 14 days, with extensions allowed only in exceptional circumstances. The arrangement is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to secure agreements with countries willing to accept third-country deportees. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about legal protections and the ability of receiving countries to ensure deportees' safety and well-being.
