Midwest
Why won’t the Homeland Security secretary say if DHS funded a terrorist’s travel to Minnesota?
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Is your money funding the transportation of foreign terrorists to Minnesota? Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas won’t answer that question.
In January, reporting revealed that DHS allowed a known terrorist to roam freely throughout the country for almost a year before being arrested in Minnesota after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released him into the United States at our southern border.
This case raised fundamental questions about the Biden administration’s potential use of taxpayer money to transport illegal aliens who pose a threat to national security into communities across the United States.
DHS, led by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, has failed to produce a single document in response to a basic FOIA request.
The American people deserve to know if DHS spent taxpayer dollars to transport a known terrorist across the country – but President Biden’s DHS has refused to answer simple questions about the situation for months.
TOP SENATE REPUBLICANS DEMAND ANSWERS FROM MAYORKAS AFTER SUSPECTED ISIS TERRORISTS RELEASED INTO US AT BORDER
Here’s what we do know, despite stonewalling from Mayorkas: DHS encountered a Somali man at the southern border on March 13, 2023. According to the current administration’s practice, he was promptly released into the United States and somehow made his way to Minnesota.
On Jan. 18, 2024, after the individual had been in the country for more than 10 months, he was deemed “a confirmed member of al-Shabaab,” a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization in Somalia. He was finally arrested two days later in Minneapolis.
In early February, members of Minnesota’s Republican congressional delegation sent a letter directly to Mayorkas seeking answers on how exactly Biden’s DHS allowed a terrorist to enter and remain in the homeland for almost a year. To date, it has gone unanswered.
How was a terrorist who entered the United States as an illegal immigrant able to get to Minnesota, and how was he able to support himself while there?
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According to research published in March by The Heritage Foundation, he may well have been provided a plane ticket and other support by the American taxpayer.
Since 2021, the Biden administration has been using a program called the Emergency Food and Shelter Program-Humanitarian (EFSP-H) to provide long-range transportation, legal services and more to illegal aliens encountered at the southern border.
The money is appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which, in turn, hands it over to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide for illegal aliens. These NGOs have received billions of taxpayer dollars since Biden took office – exploiting our open border to fill their own coffers.
The only clear eligibility requirement for illegal aliens to benefit from the government’s program is that they were encountered and released by DHS at the southern border – meaning that the Somali terrorist arrested in Minnesota was likely eligible.
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According to Heritage’s estimate, as many as two million illegal aliens, some undoubtedly dangerous criminals, may have gained access to long-range transportation through Biden’s EFSP-H program.
The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project submitted a FOIA request for records of travel expenses incurred by the program. Such documentation is required by law.
FEMA, however, responded to the FOIA request by claiming that it was not responsible for holding those documents and did not have any – implying that hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars going toward plane tickets and more for illegal aliens, like that Somali terrorist, were not even being monitored by DHS.
Still seeking answers, members of Minnesota’s Republican congressional delegation again sent a letter to Mayorkas in early April. They hoped the secretary would provide clarity on whether DHS had evidence on how the terrorist traveled to Minnesota, as well as whether an NGO aided in that travel, and if that NGO received federal funding.
That letter was dated April 2, with a request for response by April 17. It has also gone unanswered.
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Not only has the Biden administration failed to answer basic questions about the EFSP-H program, but they’ve also doubled-down by creating the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which will replace EFSP-H and “facilitate more effective support of CBP efforts to efficiently process and humanely treat noncitizens.” In their proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, DHS requested an additional $1.4 billion for the SSP.
Taxpayer dollars have gone to supporting unvetted illegal aliens and transporting as many as two million of them across the country. Among them may have been a known terrorist.
DHS failed to produce a single document in response to a basic FOIA request. They have flatly ignored two letters from Congress. And they expect more of your money – without oversight.
DHS’ abuse of taxpayer dollars while failing to protect the homeland from known terrorists cannot stand. Congress can and must use the power of the purse to defund the SSP and stop hardworking Americans from being forced to foot the bill for President Biden’s unprecedented crisis at our southern border.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration owes it to the American people to provide answers on the dangers it has welcomed to the country.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LORA RIES
Lora Ries is the director of The Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center.
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South Dakota
South Dakota leaders approve funding for projects in Rapid City, Lake County and Sioux Falls
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The South Dakota Board of Economic Development has approved funding for three projects focused on business growth, infrastructure improvements and investment in Rapid City, Lake County and Sioux Falls.
A $7.5 million Revolving Economic Development and Initiative Fund loan was approved for Elevate Rapid City to purchase and develop 128 acres for a new business park. State officials said the project will help meet growing demand for industrial and commercial sites while supporting industries including national defense and advanced manufacturing.
The board also approved a $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program grant for reconstruction of County Road 17 in Lake County. The road serves the Dakota Ethanol facility near Wentworth, which is expanding production by 50% and increasing commercial traffic in the area. Officials said the improvements will support the transportation of agricultural products and accommodate future growth.
In Sioux Falls, Smithfield Packaged Meats Corporation was approved for a reinvestment payment of up to nearly $30 million tied to its planned $1.29 billion meat processing and packaging facility in Foundation Park. The new facility will replace the company’s downtown Sioux Falls operation and is expected to retain more than 3,100 jobs while supporting South Dakota’s agricultural industry.
Gov. Larry Rhoden said the investments reflect the state’s commitment to planning for future economic growth. State officials said the programs are designed to encourage business expansion, infrastructure development and job creation across South Dakota.
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Sunday is Flag Day — and in the small Ozaukee County community of Waubeka, Wisconsin, it is more than just another day on the calendar. It is recognized by Congress as the birthplace of Flag Day.
Neighbors are already getting ready for the big day, cutting grass and touching up fences ahead of the celebration.
John Finch owns the town’s Stony Hill Pub and Grill and knows firsthand how much the day means to the community.
“Flag Day is just a day for the community to all come together,” Finch said.
Watch: Waubeka, Wisconsin, celebrates Flag Day as the birthplace of an American tradition
Waubeka, Wisconsin celebrates Flag Day as the birthplace of an American tradition.
The tradition draws visitors from far beyond Waubeka’s borders.
“People come from all over, and people that used to live here and moved away, they come back every year for it,” Finch said.
It all started at the one-room Stony Hill School, where Bernard J. Cigrand gave his students an assignment on June 14, 1885.
David Janik, President of the National Flag Day Foundation, described how it began.
“He set a 38-star flag, in an inkwell on a desk, and had them write an essay on what the flag means to me, an exercise that we still carry on today,” Janik said.
The birth of the American flag dates back to June 14, 1777. The tradition of honoring the flag is rooted in this rural Ozaukee County community, which is home to a museum that tells the story of those who served and their famous schoolteacher.
June 14 is packed with events, including a parade featuring more than 100 units.
“After the patriotic program, we’ll have over a 100-unit parade go through Waubeka, including our Waubeka Fire Department, which you met earlier today,” Janik said.
The fire department also showed off their 40 by 60 foot flag that will fly on Sunday.
Flag Day kicks off with a military tribute, followed by a patriotic parade at 1:30 p.m. through downtown Waubeka.
Sunday’s celebration will be held at the Flag Day Foundation Americanism Center, 4200 Valley View Drive in Waubeka. Events include:
10:00 a.m. Veteran/Honored Guests Sign In, Welcome Reception, VIP Package, Drawings
Prior to 1:00 p.m. Parade Line-Up – Check in with Parade Team
10:00a.m Food Stands & Trucks (No service during the program)
11:00 a.m. Music Prelude under the Pavilion
11:30 a.m. Uplifting Program, Essay Contest Winners, Guest Speakers, VIP Drawing
1:30 p.m. Patriotic Parade thru Waubeka
3:00 p.m. Family Day Events, Museums Open, Special Displays, Music, Games, Prizes
5:00 p.m. Live Music by “Liquid Crush”
9:00 p.m. Famous Fireworks
This story was reported on-air by Charles Benson and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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An American V-8 will be on the front row of France’s 24 Hours of Le Mans on Sunday. And the roar is about to get louder.
Motor City brands are front-and-center for the Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14 World Endurance Championship epic. A Cadillac Hypercar qualified on the front row for the second year in a row, while Ford announced its Hypercar driver lineup for 2027 as it prepares a sequel to its historic 1966-69 overall wins. That era was immortalized in the 2019 blockbuster film “Ford v Ferrari.”
Cadillac is determined to write its own chapter in the Le Mans history books.
The Detroit brand will be one of the favorites to dethrone defending champion Ferrari with three competitive V-Series.R Hypercars. A year after it won pole, the England-based, #12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R secured second in qualifying behind the #15 BMW M Team car for the world’s premier sportscar race after its sister, #38 Team JOTA Cadillac won pole before being demoted to 10th over a technical infraction. A third, #101 Cadillac entered by U.S.-based Wayne Taylor Racing will start fifth.
“It was a good day for the team,” said #12 Cadillac ace Will Stevens after his 3:23.1 lap around the 8.5-mile track 130 miles west of Paris. “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in improving the package compared to last year. We know we are in a better position. It’s going to be a very exciting race, and I think it will be a battle.”
Also sharing Hypercar headlines this year is Ford, which will bring a thundering, Mustang-based, 5.4-liter Coyote V-8 to Le Mans’ legendary 200-mph Mulsanne straightaway in 2027. The Hypercar class has grown in popularity thanks to its formula of combining a hybrid-electric drivetrain (which dovetails with current production electrification trends) and the gas engine of the manufacturer’s choice.
For Motor City brands, that means earthshaking V-8s.
Ford Racing announced its driver’s lineup at the track for its first entry into top class since it dominated Le Mans six decades ago with the legendary GT40. It will join a packed Hypercar field next year with entries from Cadillac, McLaren, Toyota, Ferrari, Aston Martin, BMW, Peugeot, Alpine and Genesis (which debuts this year).
Motor City makers have ramped up their assault on Le Mans as they have taken their production models to international markets. The Cadillac Hypercar’s hybrid powertrain complements Cadillac’s electrification strategy as it now sells Optiq, Lyriq and Visitq EVs in Europe — including from its flagship showroom in downtown Paris.
The Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang sell in markets across the globe and their GT3 cars — which will be competing for glory in the Le Mans GT3 class — are sold to international racing teams.
Ford will bring a formidable driver lineup in 2027.
IMSA Weathertech Sportscar champion Matt Campbell, Le Mans class-winner Nick Yelloly and IMSA champion and ex-IndyCar racer Tom Blomqvist complete an all-star, six-driver roster that includes the already-announced lineup of IMSA-champ Mike Rockenfeller, ex-Formula One racer Logan Sargeant and GT3-ace Sebastian Priaulx (the latter pair are competing at this year’s Le Mans in Mustangs).
“As America’s Race Team, it is only right we carry the banner ourselves. With the additions of Matt, Nick and Tom alongside Logan, Rocky and Seb, we have finalized a driver lineup capable of winning races,” said Ford Racing Global Director Mark Rushbrook. “We aren’t just returning to Le Mans to participate — we are returning to fight for overall victory.”
Campbell’s presence on the Ford Racing team, however, represents the loss of another Detroit racing brand at Le Mans, Team Penske.
Partnered with Porsche, Penske nearly won in 2025, finishing second to Ferrari. Financial troubles compelled Porsche to pull its Le Mans racing program this year. Campbell’s co-drivers, Yelloly and Blomqvist, are refugees from Acura’s IMSA Weathetech program. Acura pulled the plug after parent Honda, like Porsche, suffered losses related to electrification and Chinese market investments.
The #38 Team JOTA Cadillac celebrated after Hypercar qualifying when ace driver Jack Aitken (who also races for Cadillac in North America’s IMSA series) set a Hypercar-era record lap of 3:22.559 — just five thousandths of a second quicker than the #15 BMW M Team Hybrid V-8.
A pit lane infraction, however, robbed the Caddy of pole glory. BMW won the last WEC race at Spa in Belgium.
Cadillac’s prospects to win this year have improved — not just because of the withdrawal of Porsche Penske — but because its so-called LMDh Hypecar chassis appears to be the quickest design.
Like BMW and the French Alpine team (and Ford next year), Cadillac’s LMDh car was developed using a third-party chassis manufacturer (even as powertrains are homegrown). Cadillac, for example, partners on its chassis with Italy’s Dallara. So-called LMH cars are made in-house — for example, the Ferrari and Toyota teams. This year Cadillac, BMW and Alpine (which qualified third) consistently topped the class of the field in practice and qualifying.
Defending champion Ferrari has entered three Hypercars, with its top qualifier in 8th. The #009 Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie in seventh is the quickest LMH chassis. Toyota’s LMH Hypercar, which has consistently been a threat for overall Le Mans wins, qualified 14th and 15th.
“(Thursday qualifying) we saw there was a two-class qualifying with LMDh on top and LMH behind. That seems to be the picture,” said Toyota Racing technical director David Floury. “We are focused on optimizing our package, and the rest is not in our control.”
In the production-based GT class, V8-powered beasts from Corvette (two entries) and Mustang (two entries) will compete for a class win Sunday as well.
The #77 and #88 Mustang GT3s will start 10th and 11th Sunday while four Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries will start 17th, 23rd, 24th and 25th in class.
The green flag drops at 4 p.m. (10 a.m. EDT) Saturday in France.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.
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Waubeka, Wisconsin, celebrates Flag Day as the birthplace of an American tradition
