Kansas
‘Mass Deportation Now’ plans fall apart under scrutiny, for Kansas and U.S. That’s not the point. • Kansas Reflector
He wouldn’t say the name.
Surrounded by delegates waving “Mass Deportation Now” signs during the Republican National Convention, NBC reporter Jacob Soboroff — winner of several awards for his reporting, as well as his book on immigration policy — refused to repeat the name of the Eisenhower Administration program upon which former President Trump models his “largest deportation program in American history.”
It’s an offensive name, and racist, Soboroff told his colleagues in the studio.
Ike’s effort flopped. It repatriated only a scant faction of targeted immigrants.
Scores died in hell-hole ships returning them to Mexico. Corrupt growers thwarted attempts to detain workers. Its leader, who had been convicted years earlier of killing a Latino man, folded the program after a year.
Trump’s proposal is destined to the same fate, but that doesn’t matter to him or his followers.
The mass deportation pledge of 2024 is this year’s wall: Trump’s shorthand to incite his followers. The wall became the signature issue in his 2016 campaign. In his acceptance speech, Trump falsely claimed that most of it is finished.
The U.S.-Mexico border is 2,000 miles long. During his administration, the United States constructed just 50 miles of new border wall.
And Mexico didn’t pay.
But a real wall was not the goal, just as a legislative solution to border security was never the point. Trump told us so. He demanded his congressional allies oppose a bipartisan border bill so he could campaign on the issue. They did, and they don’t have a solution.
Now his supporters are waving Mass Deportation Now signs but know nothing about the proposal. It is devoid of detail, cost estimates and without regard for the consequences.
How would Kansas find the personnel and money for Trump’s plan? The state’s comparatively small population of undocumented migrants outnumbers — by nearly eight to one — its law enforcement force. Kansas would have to detail every single law enforcement officer — state, county, and local — solely to the door-to-door sweeps, traffic stops and detention activities the program would require.
It could easily cost as much as $770 million in Kansas alone.
Who would be detained? The French native who overstayed her visa by two years to live with her law firm partner boyfriend in Overland Park, or the undocumented Honduran working construction in Pratt, married, with children, and in the country for 15 years?
Nearly two-thirds of the undocumented migrants in Kansas have been here longer than 10 years; only an extremely small proportion have arrived in the last five years. The same share is married, more than 10% of them to U.S. citizens. More than half own their homes.
Which families will be torn apart? Who makes those decisions?
There aren’t enough lawyers and courts in Kansas to handle the inevitable avalanche of legal challenges.
Which buildings would go unbuilt, which factories would close, which farms and restaurants would limp along understaffed?
For every two unfilled jobs in Kansas, there is only one available worker, a ratio that would balloon to crippling levels. National studies suggest a drastic drop in growth if immigrants are removed from the work force; the Kansas economy is not immune.
What about the downstream costs?
The state and local budgets would suffer an immediate shock of lost revenues. Contrary to what Trump said at his convention, undocumented migrants cannot receive Social Security or Medicare, but the taxes they pay on their wages help finance these programs. They pay state and local taxes, too — taxes that help pay for the salaries of the public officials who would remove them.
Wouldn’t the crime rate fall?
The crime rate is already falling. It has dropped sharply in the last few years. Native U.S. citizens are far more likely to commit crimes than immigrants, far more. So, no.
The answers to these questions, the details, and fallout don’t matter to Trump and his followers, including most Kansas Republican office holders and candidates. They are irrelevant to the real point.
The attack on the other, the retrograde false dream of a country of white, Anglo-Saxon Christians, is being unleashed solely to get votes.
“Mass Deportation Now?” It’s a base appeal to the worst in politics.
If Ike’s program is the proposal’s model, its demagogic forebearers are Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare; Alabama Gov. George Wallace’s “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever;” President Reagan’s “welfare queens” and President George H.W. Bush’s Willie Horton; and even Trump’s own Muslim ban. It sits with them in the abyss of political rhetoric.
Soboroff was right.
The name of the Trump model is offensive, degrading, and, thankfully, disappeared from contemporary discourse. But it’s important to know it — and say it, once — to understand the depths of the division Trump is sowing: Operation W–back.
We banished that racist term from our lexicon, as we should have. Its 2024 descendant deserves the same fate.
Raised in McPherson, Greg Frazier served in high-level positions at the USDA and Office of the United States Trade Representative, as well as on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He has extensive experience dealing with the Chinese government. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Kansas
Tyler Reddick needs OT at Kansas to claim fifth win of NASCAR season
It’s still more than a week until May, but Tyler Reddick already has racked up a fistful of wins.
The 23XI Racing hotshoe passed Kyle Larson in overtime to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ AdventHealth 400 on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, for his fifth victory in nine races.
After Cody Ware spun while leader Denny Hamlin and second-place Reddick were coming to the white flag for the race’s only caution for cause, the field pitted to set up a green-white-checker finish in overtime at Kansas Speedway.
From third, Larson charged past Hamlin on the restart to claim the lead. But second-place Reddick used his No. 45 Toyota to fly by Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet in Turn 1 after the white flag.
He held on to beat the Hendrick Motorsports driver by 0.118 seconds for his 13th career win and become the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to claim five of a season’s first nine races.
Reddick also won for the fourth time in a row when being the polesitter — a run that began Feb. 22 in Atlanta and included victories at Circuit of The Americas and Darlington.
Reddick appeared doomed with a few laps left when he screamed over the radio that he was out of gas, which allowed Hamlin to make what appeared to be the winning pass for the lead.
However, Ware’s spin sent the cars to pit road one last time.
“Just really blessed with the late caution,” said Reddick, who led only 10 laps and spun a Toyota stablemate in overtime’s frantic finish. “Not thrilled that I got Christopher Bell. … These late-race restarts get really crazy. Obviously, I had a run on the 5, and I was just shocked to get to his inside.”
Larson’s car would not turn in the corners.
“It all worked out great, but I was plowing in (Turns) 3 and 4,” said Larson, the race’s defending winner who became the track’s all-time lap leader — he paced 78 of them — but had his winless streak stretch to 33 races. “Reddick was really good there (at the end).”
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin and Bubba Wallace completed the first five finishers.
A Toyota won for the sixth time in the past 11 races at the Midwest speedway.
Polesitter Reddick, Hamlin and Briscoe showed Toyota supremacy early with the first two drivers swapping the lead. Then Hamlin stormed away to a 1.25-second lead 15 circuits into the 267-lap race.
Hamlin lapped up to the 21st-place car — Todd Gilliland — as drivers such as Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain all were put a lap down. Larson was able to pass Reddick, but Hamlin claimed the 80-lap Stage 1 over Larson followed by Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell.
In the second segment, Larson began to assert himself. He immediately snatched the point from Hamlin and led until Lap 125 when he, Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Reddick pitted to split Stage 2’s 85 laps.
The completion of the second stage also was rather tame. Larson claimed the segment followed by Hamlin, Reddick, Elliot and Bell as the only problems were drivers having minor setbacks with tires.
The only cautions through the first two stages were for stage-breaks, not incidents.
On Lap 175 shortly after the restart for the run to the race’s end, Bell maneuvered by Hamlin for the lead. Wallace and Reddick rounded out a four-car Camry train with six of the top nine being Toyotas.
Running third to leader Bell and Reddick, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Briscoe began the cycle of pits with 52 laps remaining to set up the finish while Reddick and Bell waited five more circuits for service.
Kansas
Kansas Governor signs Caleb’s Law, targeting online sextortion of minors
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
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