By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips">WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-obrien">MATT O’BRIEN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kelvin-chan">KELVIN CHAN</a> Associated Press

Apple and Google blocked downloads of phone apps that flag sightings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/portland-chicago-memphis-federal-crackdowns-trump-7a45dcf0e7e2bd7debb38603e5b4f660">U.S. immigration agents</a>, just hours after the Trump administration demanded that one particularly popular iPhone app be taken down.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said such tracking puts Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at risk. But users and developers of the apps say it’s their First Amendment right to capture what ICE is doing in their neighborhoods — and maintain that most users turn to these platforms in an effort to protect their own safety as President Donald Trump steps up aggressive immigration enforcement across the country.

ICEBlock, the most widely used of the ICE-tracking apps in Apple’s app store, is among the apps that have been taken down. Bondi said her office reached out to Apple on Thursday “demanding that they remove ICEBlock” and claiming that it “is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs.”

Apple soon complied, sending an email Thursday to the app’s creator, Joshua Aaron, that said it would block further downloads of the app because new information “provided to Apple by law enforcement” showed the app broke the app store rules.

According to the email, which Aaron shared with The Associated Press, Apple said the app violated the company’s policies “because its purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers that can be used to harm such officers individually or as a group.”

In a Friday interview, Aaron decried the company for bending to what he described as “an authoritarian regime.” And immigration rights advocates like Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, added that these actions marked “a disturbing example of how tech companies are capitulating to Trump.”

“These apps are a lifeline for communities living in uncertainty and fear of when ICE might show up to tear their families apart,” Matos said in a statement.

Downloads of apps like ICEBlock have surged since Trump took office for his second term earlier this year. Aaron said he launched the app in April as a way to help immigrant communities protect themselves from surprise raids or potential harassment. It had more than 1 million users, he said.

While not specifying details on the total number of platforms removed, Apple confirmed to the AP on Friday that they removed “similar apps” due to potential safety risks that were raised by law enforcement. Google followed their move, saying that several similar apps violated their policies for Android platforms.

While some advocates don’t find all of these apps particularly useful — pointing to potential misinformation and false alarms — they echoed criticism of moves to suppress them.

“What really worries me is the kind of precedent that this sets” where the government can “basically dictate what kinds of apps people have on their phones,” said civil rights attorney Alejandra Caraballo, who works at Harvard University’s Cyberlaw Clinic.

Caraballo said outside the U.S., government pressure to block apps has been “kind of a hallmark of an authoritarian regime,” such as when Chinese pressure in 2019 led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5fb64c1137ad45f284dc605ca7f9c321">Apple to remove an app</a>&nbsp;that enabled Hong Kong protesters to track police.

Bondi warned over the summer against apps that allow people to communicate about the location of law enforcement officers and specifically called out ICEBlock’s Aaron.

“We are looking at him and he better watch out because that’s not a protected speech,” Bondi said in a July interview on Fox News.

Those warnings escalated last month after a gunman opened fire on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-ice-shooting-update-immigration-0631d82e4fd0b1f6e3309e6e8aa83d1e">ICE facility</a>&nbsp;in Dallas. Officials including FBI Director Kash Patel said the gunman had searched for apps that tracked the presence of ICE agents, though they haven’t said if he actually used one of the apps or whether any of them played a role in the attack.

Aaron said tying the gunman to the apps made little sense because the app only works if somebody else is reporting ICE activity within a 5-mile radius of another iPhone user.

“You don’t need an app to know that ICE agents are at an ICE detention facility,” he said. “This is just an easy excuse for them to use their power and leverage to take down something that was exposing what they are doing — and that is the terror that they are invoking on the people of this nation every single day.”

He also said the app worked similarly to popular navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps and Apple’s own Maps app, which allow users to report police speed traps.

It’s “not illegal in any way, shape or form, nor does it dox anybody,” he said, adding that ICEBlock is similarly “an early warning system for people.”

Those who use the apps or other online methods to monitor ICE activity say most people who use them do so for their own safety or out of concern for their loved ones.

“People are extremely scared right now,” said Sherman Austin, who founded Stop ICE Raids Alert Network in February. He pointed to rising fears around racial profiling and violent arrests impacting families.

“They want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood and what’s going on in their community,” Austin said, describing people getting violently thrown to the ground by ICE agents in broad daylight.

Also known as StopICE.Net, Austin’s platform similarly uses crowdsourcing, but instead allows its users to track ICE activity more broadly online or through text alerts, without the need to download a separate app. Austin says the platform has reached more than 500,000 subscribers as of Friday.

The group has similarly criticized the Trump administration for what it says are retaliatory attacks targeting those who are exercising their First Amendment rights. Last month, the platform said it learned that the Department of Homeland Security has subpoenaed Meta for data on StopICE.Net’s Instagram account.

Austin said StopICE.Net immediately challenged the action, adding on Friday that the subpoena is now temporarily blocked and pending a hearing with a judge.

Meta declined comment Friday. DHS did not directly respond to a request for comment about the subpoena on Friday, instead directing the AP to a statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who reiterated that “ICE tracking apps put the lives of the men and women of law enforcement in danger” and criticized media outlets for framing Apple’s “correct decision” to remove apps like ICEBlock as “caving to pressure instead of preventing further bloodshed.”

Developers like Austin, meanwhile, say removals of these apps and other federal threats should alarm everyone.

“We’re up against a regime, an administration that’s going to operate any way it wants to — and threatens whoever it wants in order to get its way, in order to control information and in order to control a narrative,” he said. “We have to challenge this and fight this any way we can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759508859916.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips">WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-obrien">MATT O’BRIEN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kelvin-chan">KELVIN CHAN</a> Associated PressApple and Google blocked downloads of phone apps that flag sightings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/portland-chicago-memphis-federal-crackdowns-trump-7a45dcf0e7e2bd7debb38603e5b4f660">U.S. immigration agents</a>, just hours after the Trump administration demanded that one particularly popular iPhone app be taken down.U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said such tracking puts Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at risk. But users and developers of the apps say it’s their First Amendment right to capture what ICE is doing in their neighborhoods — and maintain that most users turn to these platforms in an effort to protect their own safety as President Donald Trump steps up aggressive immigration enforcement across the country.ICEBlock, the most widely used of the ICE-tracking apps in Apple’s app store, is among the apps that have been taken down. Bondi said her office reached out to Apple on Thursday “demanding that they remove ICEBlock” and claiming that it “is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs.”Apple soon complied, sending an email Thursday to the app’s creator, Joshua Aaron, that said it would block further downloads of the app because new information “provided to Apple by law enforcement” showed the app broke the app store rules.According to the email, which Aaron shared with The Associated Press, Apple said the app violated the company’s policies “because its purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers that can be used to harm such officers individually or as a group.”In a Friday interview, Aaron decried the company for bending to what he described as “an authoritarian regime.” And immigration rights advocates like Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, added that these actions marked “a disturbing example of how tech companies are capitulating to Trump.”“These apps are a lifeline for communities living in uncertainty and fear of when ICE might show up to tear their families apart,” Matos said in a statement.Downloads of apps like ICEBlock have surged since Trump took office for his second term earlier this year. Aaron said he launched the app in April as a way to help immigrant communities protect themselves from surprise raids or potential harassment. It had more than 1 million users, he said.While not specifying details on the total number of platforms removed, Apple confirmed to the AP on Friday that they removed “similar apps” due to potential safety risks that were raised by law enforcement. Google followed their move, saying that several similar apps violated their policies for Android platforms.While some advocates don’t find all of these apps particularly useful — pointing to potential misinformation and false alarms — they echoed criticism of moves to suppress them.“What really worries me is the kind of precedent that this sets” where the government can “basically dictate what kinds of apps people have on their phones,” said civil rights attorney Alejandra Caraballo, who works at Harvard University’s Cyberlaw Clinic.Caraballo said outside the U.S., government pressure to block apps has been “kind of a hallmark of an authoritarian regime,” such as when Chinese pressure in 2019 led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5fb64c1137ad45f284dc605ca7f9c321">Apple to remove an app</a>&nbsp;that enabled Hong Kong protesters to track police.Bondi warned over the summer against apps that allow people to communicate about the location of law enforcement officers and specifically called out ICEBlock’s Aaron.“We are looking at him and he better watch out because that’s not a protected speech,” Bondi said in a July interview on Fox News.Those warnings escalated last month after a gunman opened fire on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-ice-shooting-update-immigration-0631d82e4fd0b1f6e3309e6e8aa83d1e">ICE facility</a>&nbsp;in Dallas. Officials including FBI Director Kash Patel said the gunman had searched for apps that tracked the presence of ICE agents, though they haven’t said if he actually used one of the apps or whether any of them played a role in the attack.Aaron said tying the gunman to the apps made little sense because the app only works if somebody else is reporting ICE activity within a 5-mile radius of another iPhone user.“You don’t need an app to know that ICE agents are at an ICE detention facility,” he said. “This is just an easy excuse for them to use their power and leverage to take down something that was exposing what they are doing — and that is the terror that they are invoking on the people of this nation every single day.”He also said the app worked similarly to popular navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps and Apple’s own Maps app, which allow users to report police speed traps.It’s “not illegal in any way, shape or form, nor does it dox anybody,” he said, adding that ICEBlock is similarly “an early warning system for people.”Those who use the apps or other online methods to monitor ICE activity say most people who use them do so for their own safety or out of concern for their loved ones.“People are extremely scared right now,” said Sherman Austin, who founded Stop ICE Raids Alert Network in February. He pointed to rising fears around racial profiling and violent arrests impacting families.“They want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood and what’s going on in their community,” Austin said, describing people getting violently thrown to the ground by ICE agents in broad daylight.Also known as StopICE.Net, Austin’s platform similarly uses crowdsourcing, but instead allows its users to track ICE activity more broadly online or through text alerts, without the need to download a separate app. Austin says the platform has reached more than 500,000 subscribers as of Friday.The group has similarly criticized the Trump administration for what it says are retaliatory attacks targeting those who are exercising their First Amendment rights. Last month, the platform said it learned that the Department of Homeland Security has subpoenaed Meta for data on StopICE.Net’s Instagram account.Austin said StopICE.Net immediately challenged the action, adding on Friday that the subpoena is now temporarily blocked and pending a hearing with a judge.Meta declined comment Friday. DHS did not directly respond to a request for comment about the subpoena on Friday, instead directing the AP to a statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who reiterated that “ICE tracking apps put the lives of the men and women of law enforcement in danger” and criticized media outlets for framing Apple’s “correct decision” to remove apps like ICEBlock as “caving to pressure instead of preventing further bloodshed.”Developers like Austin, meanwhile, say removals of these apps and other federal threats should alarm everyone.“We’re up against a regime, an administration that’s going to operate any way it wants to — and threatens whoever it wants in order to get its way, in order to control information and in order to control a narrative,” he said. “We have to challenge this and fight this any way we can.”

Apple and Google block downloads of phone apps that track ICE agents

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.

Just before 8:30p.m. a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicycle without a headlamp near NW Taylor Street and NW Grant Street, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, it was discovered that the individual had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Joshua M. Fisher, 20, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested charges Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Bicycle not equipped with a lamp when in use at night. Fisher also had a Topeka bench warrant for his arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759437720479.png" alt="Fisher-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fisher-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.Just before 8:30p.m. a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicycle without a headlamp near NW Taylor Street and NW Grant Street, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, it was discovered that the individual had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Joshua M. Fisher, 20, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested charges Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Bicycle not equipped with a lamp when in use at night. Fisher also had a Topeka bench warrant for his arrest.

Sheriff: Wanted Kan. drug suspect was riding bicycle in the dark

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Friday to four years and two months in a federal criminal case that exposed the hip-hop mogul’s use of paid sex workers for drug-fueled, sometimes violent sex parties he called “freak-offs.”

Combs, 55, was convicted in July of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters.

He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, but the sentence will nonetheless keep one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-timeline-e3cc5f3211880b4bfb0903bc4ad77c61">biggest names in music</a>&nbsp;out of the limelight and behind bars for years to come. Prosecutors had sought an 11-year sentence.

In a final word before the judge issued a sentence, Combs called his past behavior “disgusting, shameful” and “sick,” while apologizing to the people he hurt physically and mentally, as well as his children in the audience. He said his acts of domestic violence are a burden he will have to carry for the rest of his life.

Combs' defense lawyers have argued the sexual encounters were consensual and wanted Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-sentencing-letter-ae8002a02642483a39ff7667b5bc3192">freed immediately</a>&nbsp;after more than a year in detention, which forced him to get sober and fueled his remorse. They played an 11-minute video in court Friday portraying Combs’ family life, career and philanthropy before his arrest.

At one point during the video, Combs put a hand on his face and began to cry, his shoulders at times heaving. Combs was expected to speak in court later Friday.

The video was part of an atypical presentation by the defense team, reflecting Combs' unique status as a wealthy celebrity client who’s well-versed in shaping his image.

His nearly two-month trial in a federal court in Manhattan featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-trial-witnesses-ecc690df5453d98a1ed54a89fd70c41a">testimony from women</a>&nbsp;who said Combs beat, threatened, sexually assaulted and blackmailed them. Prosecutor Christy Slavik told the judge that sparing Combs serious prison time would excuse years of violence.

“It’s a case about a man who did horrible things to real people to satisfy his own sexual gratification,” she said. “He didn’t need the money. His currency was control.”

Slavik also blasted Combs for allegedly booking speaking gig in South Florida next week, calling it “the height of hubris.” Defense lawyer Xavier Donaldson later said the proposed community events were meant to show what the business mogul could be doing “if the court let Mr. Combs out.”

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who has twice denied bail, has already signaled Combs is unlikely to leave custody soon. He said acquittals did not absolve the music mogul of underlying conduct, including violence and coercion.

Several of Combs children pleaded with him for leniency.

His daughters Chance and D’Lila Combs cried as they spoke, with D’Lila saying she feared losing her father after the death of their mother, Kim Porter, in 2018. Six of Combs’ seven children addressed the judge.

"Please, your honor, please,” D’Lila said through tears, “give our family the chance to heal together, to rebuild, to change, to move forward, not as a headline, but as human beings.”

Outside the courthouse, journalists and onlookers swarmed the sidewalks as TV crews stood in a long row across the street, echoing scenes from Combs’ trial.

Combs was convicted under the Mann Act, which bans transporting people across state lines for prostitution. Defense attorney Jason Driscoll argued the law was misapplied.

During testimony at the trial, former girlfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sex-trafficking-freak-offs-cassie-f61773689c057e0264d5a755b40b825a">Casandra “Cassie” Ventura</a>&nbsp;told jurors that Combs ordered her to have “disgusting” sex with strangers hundreds of times during their decade Jong relationship. Jurors saw video of him dragging and beating her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway after one such multiday “freak-off.

Another woman, identified as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-trial-cassie-jane-aad8d02031e67364d84843d20efbe390">Jane</a>,” testified she was pressured into sex with male workers during drug-fueled “hotel nights” while Combs watched and sometimes filmed.

The only accuser scheduled to speak Friday, a former assistant known as “Mia,” withdrew after defense objections. She has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-trial-cassie-mia-3134e4be64b95457d0f999e284bf2527">accused Combs of raping her</a>&nbsp;in 2010 and asked the judge for a sentence that reflects “the ongoing danger my abuser poses.”

Prosecutors also introduced testimony at the trial about other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-trial-sean-combs-cassie-witnesses-9ebf9c4108cc322d660235c648ee40dd">alleged violence</a>. One of Cassie’s friends said Combs dangled her from 17th-floor balcony. Rapper Kid Cudi said Combs broke into his home after learning he was dating Cassie.

Another lawyer for Combs, Brian Steel, urged the judge to see the case through the prism of the “untreated trauma” and “ferocious drug addiction” that he says contributed to the hip-hop mogul’s misconduct.

“His good outweighs his bad, by far,” Steel said.

In a letter to the judge Thursday, Combs wrote: “The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn,” promising he would never commit another crime.

Cassie, in her own letter, described him as an abuser who “will always be the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man that he is.”

At a hearing last week, Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sentencing-9f464d3ce7804efb305d3d55bf2c6865">told his mother</a>&nbsp;and children he was “getting closer to going home.”

Associated Press writers Liseberth Guillaume in New York and Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751300290551.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Friday to four years and two months in a federal criminal case that exposed the hip-hop mogul’s use of paid sex workers for drug-fueled, sometimes violent sex parties he called “freak-offs.”Combs, 55, was convicted in July of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters.He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, but the sentence will nonetheless keep one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-timeline-e3cc5f3211880b4bfb0903bc4ad77c61">biggest names in music</a>&nbsp;out of the limelight and behind bars for years to come. Prosecutors had sought an 11-year sentence.In a final word before the judge issued a sentence, Combs called his past behavior “disgusting, shameful” and “sick,” while apologizing to the people he hurt physically and mentally, as well as his children in the audience. He said his acts of domestic violence are a burden he will have to carry for the rest of his life.Combs' defense lawyers have argued the sexual encounters were consensual and wanted Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-sentencing-letter-ae8002a02642483a39ff7667b5bc3192">freed immediately</a>&nbsp;after more than a year in detention, which forced him to get sober and fueled his remorse. They played an 11-minute video in court Friday portraying Combs’ family life, career and philanthropy before his arrest.At one point during the video, Combs put a hand on his face and began to cry, his shoulders at times heaving. Combs was expected to speak in court later Friday.The video was part of an atypical presentation by the defense team, reflecting Combs' unique status as a wealthy celebrity client who’s well-versed in shaping his image.His nearly two-month trial in a federal court in Manhattan featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-trial-witnesses-ecc690df5453d98a1ed54a89fd70c41a">testimony from women</a>&nbsp;who said Combs beat, threatened, sexually assaulted and blackmailed them. Prosecutor Christy Slavik told the judge that sparing Combs serious prison time would excuse years of violence.“It’s a case about a man who did horrible things to real people to satisfy his own sexual gratification,” she said. “He didn’t need the money. His currency was control.”Slavik also blasted Combs for allegedly booking speaking gig in South Florida next week, calling it “the height of hubris.” Defense lawyer Xavier Donaldson later said the proposed community events were meant to show what the business mogul could be doing “if the court let Mr. Combs out.”U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who has twice denied bail, has already signaled Combs is unlikely to leave custody soon. He said acquittals did not absolve the music mogul of underlying conduct, including violence and coercion.Several of Combs children pleaded with him for leniency.His daughters Chance and D’Lila Combs cried as they spoke, with D’Lila saying she feared losing her father after the death of their mother, Kim Porter, in 2018. Six of Combs’ seven children addressed the judge."Please, your honor, please,” D’Lila said through tears, “give our family the chance to heal together, to rebuild, to change, to move forward, not as a headline, but as human beings.”Outside the courthouse, journalists and onlookers swarmed the sidewalks as TV crews stood in a long row across the street, echoing scenes from Combs’ trial.Combs was convicted under the Mann Act, which bans transporting people across state lines for prostitution. Defense attorney Jason Driscoll argued the law was misapplied.During testimony at the trial, former girlfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sex-trafficking-freak-offs-cassie-f61773689c057e0264d5a755b40b825a">Casandra “Cassie” Ventura</a>&nbsp;told jurors that Combs ordered her to have “disgusting” sex with strangers hundreds of times during their decade Jong relationship. Jurors saw video of him dragging and beating her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway after one such multiday “freak-off.Another woman, identified as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-trial-cassie-jane-aad8d02031e67364d84843d20efbe390">Jane</a>,” testified she was pressured into sex with male workers during drug-fueled “hotel nights” while Combs watched and sometimes filmed.The only accuser scheduled to speak Friday, a former assistant known as “Mia,” withdrew after defense objections. She has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-trial-cassie-mia-3134e4be64b95457d0f999e284bf2527">accused Combs of raping her</a>&nbsp;in 2010 and asked the judge for a sentence that reflects “the ongoing danger my abuser poses.”Prosecutors also introduced testimony at the trial about other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-trial-sean-combs-cassie-witnesses-9ebf9c4108cc322d660235c648ee40dd">alleged violence</a>. One of Cassie’s friends said Combs dangled her from 17th-floor balcony. Rapper Kid Cudi said Combs broke into his home after learning he was dating Cassie.Another lawyer for Combs, Brian Steel, urged the judge to see the case through the prism of the “untreated trauma” and “ferocious drug addiction” that he says contributed to the hip-hop mogul’s misconduct.“His good outweighs his bad, by far,” Steel said.In a letter to the judge Thursday, Combs wrote: “The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn,” promising he would never commit another crime.Cassie, in her own letter, described him as an abuser who “will always be the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man that he is.”At a hearing last week, Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sentencing-9f464d3ce7804efb305d3d55bf2c6865">told his mother</a>&nbsp;and children he was “getting closer to going home.”___Associated Press writers Liseberth Guillaume in New York and Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs learns his fate in case involving sex workers

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Wichita police determined a reported kidnapping was unfounded but uncovered threats to a local school that resulted in two arrests and the recovery of three firearms.

Just before noon Thursday, police received information about a possible kidnapping involving a 16-year-old girl, according to a statement from Wichita police.&nbsp; Initial reports claimed a male suspect had taken her by force and was armed.

Investigators later learned the juvenile was not kidnapped but was a reported runaway who returned home. When officers contacted her at her residence, they obtained information about threats to harm individuals at a Wichita area school. The threats involved armed suspects believed to be traveling in stolen vehicles.

Using Flock technology, officers located one of the vehicles. When they attempted a traffic stop, the suspects fled, crashed and ran from the vehicles. One suspect was arrested immediately. The second was located with assistance from a Wichita police drone and the Kansas Highway Patrol’s air unit.

Both suspects were taken into custody. Three firearms were seized.

The case remains under investigation. Reference case number 25C182494.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759439773743.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Wichita police determined a reported kidnapping was unfounded but uncovered threats to a local school that resulted in two arrests and the recovery of three firearms.Just before noon Thursday, police received information about a possible kidnapping involving a 16-year-old girl, according to a statement from Wichita police.&nbsp; Initial reports claimed a male suspect had taken her by force and was armed.Investigators later learned the juvenile was not kidnapped but was a reported runaway who returned home. When officers contacted her at her residence, they obtained information about threats to harm individuals at a Wichita area school. The threats involved armed suspects believed to be traveling in stolen vehicles.Using Flock technology, officers located one of the vehicles. When they attempted a traffic stop, the suspects fled, crashed and ran from the vehicles. One suspect was arrested immediately. The second was located with assistance from a Wichita police drone and the Kansas Highway Patrol’s air unit.Both suspects were taken into custody. Three firearms were seized.The case remains under investigation. Reference case number 25C182494.

Reported kidnapping led to Kan. school-threat investigation

KANSAS CITY — A suspect who hid from law enforcement for nearly a month after running from a high speed chase in custody.

Just after 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Unit and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force arrested 28-year-old Dylan Lancaster of Kansas City, according to a media release.

Lancaster is charged with three felonies and two misdemeanors related to a pursuit last month.

On September 3, he <a href="https://www.facebook.com/motrooper?__cft__[0]=AZXrQ9Uw9SMFyuuSIYWHuEU3nXYds1Qb86PoXXD9k3KeZm04fHmNnICwGErtCW7oCdIdRXBbBAdKW3t0eAXnegJC0mNsgZBWftdM0TGni3_E8hz3QuOXMRwBqLXxpwNuNYhyUy1VJy_rtEWhZBt_ia9qV3YVEj47KCezRNnEdAEBvN82sYNhgADzl6bgrTt8FTE&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Missouri State Highway Patrol</a> identified the vehicle Lancaster was driving as stolen. This initiated a pursuit which ended near E 219th Street and State Route YY in Belton, where Lancaster ran from the vehicle.

 Deputies were unable to locate him that day. Then on Wednesday, deputies and U.S. Marshals arrested him at a hotel near N. Corrington Avenue and 43rd Steet in Kansas City. 

&nbsp;Lancaster is being held on without bond on charges of Tampering With Motor Vehicle - 1st Degree; Aggravated Fleeing A Stop Or Detention and Property Damage. 

The misdemeanors are Operating A Motor Vehicle In A Careless And Imprudent Manner and Leaving the Scene Of Accident (Class A).

Lancaster also violated his parole in Missouri. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcpolice?__cft__[0]=AZXrQ9Uw9SMFyuuSIYWHuEU3nXYds1Qb86PoXXD9k3KeZm04fHmNnICwGErtCW7oCdIdRXBbBAdKW3t0eAXnegJC0mNsgZBWftdM0TGni3_E8hz3QuOXMRwBqLXxpwNuNYhyUy1VJy_rtEWhZBt_ia9qV3YVEj47KCezRNnEdAEBvN82sYNhgADzl6bgrTt8FTE&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Missouri Police Department</a> and the Jackson County Drug Task Force assisted with the apprehension of Lancaster as well.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759399354566.png" alt="Lancaster photo Cass Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Lancaster photo Cass Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A suspect who hid from law enforcement for nearly a month after running from a high speed chase in custody.Just after 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Unit and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force arrested 28-year-old Dylan Lancaster of Kansas City, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759399335584.png" alt="Lancaster photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Lancaster photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>Lancaster is charged with three felonies and two misdemeanors related to a pursuit last month. On September 3, he <a href="https://www.facebook.com/motrooper?__cft__[0]=AZXrQ9Uw9SMFyuuSIYWHuEU3nXYds1Qb86PoXXD9k3KeZm04fHmNnICwGErtCW7oCdIdRXBbBAdKW3t0eAXnegJC0mNsgZBWftdM0TGni3_E8hz3QuOXMRwBqLXxpwNuNYhyUy1VJy_rtEWhZBt_ia9qV3YVEj47KCezRNnEdAEBvN82sYNhgADzl6bgrTt8FTE&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Missouri State Highway Patrol</a> identified the vehicle Lancaster was driving as stolen. This initiated a pursuit which ended near E 219th Street and State Route YY in Belton, where Lancaster ran from the vehicle. Deputies were unable to locate him that day. Then on Wednesday, deputies and U.S. Marshals arrested him at a hotel near N. Corrington Avenue and 43rd Steet in Kansas City. &nbsp;Lancaster is being held on without bond on charges of Tampering With Motor Vehicle - 1st Degree; Aggravated Fleeing A Stop Or Detention and Property Damage. The misdemeanors are Operating A Motor Vehicle In A Careless And Imprudent Manner and Leaving the Scene Of Accident (Class A). Lancaster also violated his parole in Missouri. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcpolice?__cft__[0]=AZXrQ9Uw9SMFyuuSIYWHuEU3nXYds1Qb86PoXXD9k3KeZm04fHmNnICwGErtCW7oCdIdRXBbBAdKW3t0eAXnegJC0mNsgZBWftdM0TGni3_E8hz3QuOXMRwBqLXxpwNuNYhyUy1VJy_rtEWhZBt_ia9qV3YVEj47KCezRNnEdAEBvN82sYNhgADzl6bgrTt8FTE&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Missouri Police Department</a> and the Jackson County Drug Task Force assisted with the apprehension of Lancaster as well.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Wanted suspect caught at KC hotel after hiding for weeks

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30a.m. September 27,&nbsp; a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a gray 2009 Nissan Titan for speeding in the 3000 block of South Kansas Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the driver, later identified as&nbsp;Raul I. J. Galvan-Romero, 40, of Topeka appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and illegal narcotics were located.

Deputies arrested Galvan-Romero and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections&nbsp; on the requested charges Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, Speeding and Transporting an open container of liquor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759439022550.png" alt="Galvan-Romero photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Galvan-Romero photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30a.m. September 27,&nbsp; a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a gray 2009 Nissan Titan for speeding in the 3000 block of South Kansas Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, the driver, later identified as&nbsp;Raul I. J. Galvan-Romero, 40, of Topeka appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and illegal narcotics were located.Deputies arrested Galvan-Romero and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections&nbsp; on the requested charges Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, Speeding and Transporting an open container of liquor.

Sheriff: Kansas driver was speeding and transporting illegal drugs

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Zane Thornton, Failure to appear, arrested 10/01

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759434113674.jpeg" alt="Cody Allen, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 10/01" />
 <figcaption>Cody Allen, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 10/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759434151747.jpeg" alt="James Gayle, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 10/01" />
 <figcaption>James Gayle, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 10/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759434189501.jpeg" alt="Randy Thrasher, Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical contact to corrections/CRT services officer on duty (Two counts); Aggravated battery; Aggravated assault on LEO, arrested 10/01" />
 <figcaption>Randy Thrasher, Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical contact to corrections/CRT services officer on duty (Two counts); Aggravated battery; Aggravated assault on LEO, arrested 10/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759434281290.jpeg" alt="Matthew Giosano, Outside warrant, arrested 10/01" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Giosano, Outside warrant, arrested 10/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759434308332.jpeg" alt="Raymundo Martinez, Failure to appear, arrested 10/02" />
 <figcaption>Raymundo Martinez, Failure to appear, arrested 10/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759434379360.jpeg" alt="Rex Wagner, Transporting of alcoholic beverage; Purchase, consumption or possession of alcoholic liquor or cereal malt by a minor; DUI - Liquor or Drugs, arrested 10/02" />
 <figcaption>Rex Wagner, Transporting of alcoholic beverage; Purchase, consumption or possession of alcoholic liquor or cereal malt by a minor; DUI - Liquor or Drugs, arrested 10/02</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Zane Thornton, Failure to appear, arrested 10/01Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Oct. 2

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes was due back in court Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

A hearing for 31-year-old Savana King in Judge William Wooley's courtroom was delayed,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; There were set to determine if there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. A new date for the hearing has not been scheduled.

On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.

<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739222315038.png" alt="King photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>King photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes was due back in court Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;A hearing for 31-year-old Savana King in Judge William Wooley's courtroom was delayed,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; There were set to determine if there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. A new date for the hearing has not been scheduled.On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.

Hearing delayed: Former coach in Kan. accused of sex assault of player

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City have identified the victims as 25-year-old Lashon L. Campbell, according to Police Sgt. Phil DiMartino.

Just after 11:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 5200 block of Winner Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported sound of shots, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

While canvassing the area, officers located security personnel who advised a shooting had occurred and directed officers to a crime scene. While officers were on scene, dispatch advised a private vehicle had transported an adult male shooting victim, later identified as Campbell, to an area hospital. He was later pronounced&nbsp;deceased. 

An additional adult male shooting victim arrived at a separate hospital in stable condition. 

Preliminary investigations indicates an interaction between a group of individuals took place and escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not released suspect information or reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City have identified the victims as 25-year-old Lashon L. Campbell, according to Police Sgt. Phil DiMartino.Just after 11:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 5200 block of Winner Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported sound of shots, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.While canvassing the area, officers located security personnel who advised a shooting had occurred and directed officers to a crime scene. While officers were on scene, dispatch advised a private vehicle had transported an adult male shooting victim, later identified as Campbell, to an area hospital. He was later pronounced&nbsp;deceased. An additional adult male shooting victim arrived at a separate hospital in stable condition. Preliminary investigations indicates an interaction between a group of individuals took place and escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not released suspect information or reported an arrest.

KCPD: Group fight led to shooting death of 25-year-old

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759326515206.jpeg" alt="Paul Arcuri, Failure to appear, arrested 09/30" />
 <figcaption>Paul Arcuri, Failure to appear, arrested 09/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759326525790.jpeg" alt="Justin Kendrick,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 09/30" />
 <figcaption>Justin Kendrick,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 09/30</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Oct. 1

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Des Moines public schools superintendent who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ian-roberts-des-moines-schools-ice-arrest-510efff3950a1890a384e1b3e0c8b5a3">detained by immigration authorities</a>&nbsp;submitted his resignation Tuesday while he focuses on challenging his looming deportation, his lawyer said.

Ian Roberts had been under the impression from a prior attorney that his immigration case was “resolved successfully,” said attorney Alfredo Parrish. His law firm filed a request to stay Roberts’ deportation with an immigration court in Omaha, Nebraska, and was working on another motion to reopen the educator’s immigration proceedings.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-b52a9ea28d002d27832c67513403368e">detained Roberts last week</a>, saying the Guyana native and former Olympic runner was living and working in the country illegally. A state board stripped Roberts’ license to be superintendent.

The Des Moines school board voted Monday to put Roberts on unpaid leave from his job leading the district, which has more than 30,000 students.

Roberts submitted a letter through his attorney announcing his immediate resignation Tuesday, saying he did not want to distract the district’s leaders and teachers from focusing on educating students.

Board chair Jackie Norris had given Roberts until noon Tuesday to provide documentation showing he can legally work in the U.S., or face dismissal proceedings. The board plans to hold a special meeting Tuesday night to consider whether to accept the resignation.

The backlash from the arrest was far from over.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced Tuesday that it would investigate whether the district has engaged in racial discrimination by favoring non-white applicants as part of a plan to “increase the number of teachers of color.” A district spokesperson said the matter was under review.

Roberts, 54, is being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Des Moines.

Parrish described Roberts as a “tremendous advocate to this community” who was an inspiration to students, and he thanked the public for an outpouring of support. Parrish said he and other lawyers spoke with Roberts for hours Tuesday and “his spirits are high.”

Parrish cautioned that it was a “very complex case” that will take time to investigate. He acknowledged Roberts could face deportation at any moment and it was uncertain whether his new appeals would be considered by the court.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also investigating how Roberts obtained a handgun that was allegedly found in his district vehicle during last week’s arrest. That case could lead to federal charges.

The office of U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents the Des Moines area, released a redacted excerpt of Roberts’ May 2024 removal order Tuesday after obtaining the document through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The document alleges that Roberts was provided notice to appear at a removal hearing but failed to show up or otherwise apply for other relief.

An immigration judge found the Department of Homeland Security had submitted evidence to support its allegations that Roberts was subject to removal. The judge ordered Roberts to make arrangements to voluntarily leave the U.S. or face deportation.

Parrish affirmed his client was born in Guyana but did not say whether he’d ever applied for U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, when his work authorization may have expired, and what happened during the removal proceedings last year.

However, he released a letter dated March 2025 that he said was from Roberts’ prior attorney in Texas informing her client the case had been closed in his favor.

“It has been my pleasure to represent you throughout this process, and I am pleased to report that your case has reached a successful resolution,” Texas attorney Jackeline Gonzalez wrote.

An aide to Gonzalez confirmed the law firm had represented Roberts but gave no immediate comment.

Norris, the school board chair, said the district had not been notified of the removal order until it received a copy Monday.

She said Roberts signed a form attesting that he was a U.S. citizen when he was hired in 2023, and submitted a Social Security card and a driver’s license as verification.

When Roberts was cited for traffic violations in the Des Moines area in 2023 and 2024, he presented a Maryland driver’s license in each case, the tickets show. But the licenses listed different addresses.

Roberts has been registered to vote at one of the addresses since at least 2017, according to a Maryland voter registration database. The Maryland Board of Elections said Roberts’ registration may have been unintentional, and a review “did not show any voting history.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925503158.png" alt="Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE" />
 <figcaption>Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Des Moines public schools superintendent who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ian-roberts-des-moines-schools-ice-arrest-510efff3950a1890a384e1b3e0c8b5a3">detained by immigration authorities</a>&nbsp;submitted his resignation Tuesday while he focuses on challenging his looming deportation, his lawyer said.Ian Roberts had been under the impression from a prior attorney that his immigration case was “resolved successfully,” said attorney Alfredo Parrish. His law firm filed a request to stay Roberts’ deportation with an immigration court in Omaha, Nebraska, and was working on another motion to reopen the educator’s immigration proceedings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759275598772.png" alt="Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts made remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lincoln High School’s new athletic complex Aug. 21, 2025 in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools)" />
 <figcaption>Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts made remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lincoln High School’s new athletic complex Aug. 21, 2025 in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools)</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-b52a9ea28d002d27832c67513403368e">detained Roberts last week</a>, saying the Guyana native and former Olympic runner was living and working in the country illegally. A state board stripped Roberts’ license to be superintendent.The Des Moines school board voted Monday to put Roberts on unpaid leave from his job leading the district, which has more than 30,000 students.Roberts submitted a letter through his attorney announcing his immediate resignation Tuesday, saying he did not want to distract the district’s leaders and teachers from focusing on educating students.Board chair Jackie Norris had given Roberts until noon Tuesday to provide documentation showing he can legally work in the U.S., or face dismissal proceedings. The board plans to hold a special meeting Tuesday night to consider whether to accept the resignation.The backlash from the arrest was far from over.The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced Tuesday that it would investigate whether the district has engaged in racial discrimination by favoring non-white applicants as part of a plan to “increase the number of teachers of color.” A district spokesperson said the matter was under review.Roberts, 54, is being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Des Moines.Parrish described Roberts as a “tremendous advocate to this community” who was an inspiration to students, and he thanked the public for an outpouring of support. Parrish said he and other lawyers spoke with Roberts for hours Tuesday and “his spirits are high.”Parrish cautioned that it was a “very complex case” that will take time to investigate. He acknowledged Roberts could face deportation at any moment and it was uncertain whether his new appeals would be considered by the court.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also investigating how Roberts obtained a handgun that was allegedly found in his district vehicle during last week’s arrest. That case could lead to federal charges.The office of U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents the Des Moines area, released a redacted excerpt of Roberts’ May 2024 removal order Tuesday after obtaining the document through a Freedom of Information Act request.The document alleges that Roberts was provided notice to appear at a removal hearing but failed to show up or otherwise apply for other relief.An immigration judge found the Department of Homeland Security had submitted evidence to support its allegations that Roberts was subject to removal. The judge ordered Roberts to make arrangements to voluntarily leave the U.S. or face deportation.Parrish affirmed his client was born in Guyana but did not say whether he’d ever applied for U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, when his work authorization may have expired, and what happened during the removal proceedings last year.However, he released a letter dated March 2025 that he said was from Roberts’ prior attorney in Texas informing her client the case had been closed in his favor.“It has been my pleasure to represent you throughout this process, and I am pleased to report that your case has reached a successful resolution,” Texas attorney Jackeline Gonzalez wrote.An aide to Gonzalez confirmed the law firm had represented Roberts but gave no immediate comment.Norris, the school board chair, said the district had not been notified of the removal order until it received a copy Monday.She said Roberts signed a form attesting that he was a U.S. citizen when he was hired in 2023, and submitted a Social Security card and a driver’s license as verification.When Roberts was cited for traffic violations in the Des Moines area in 2023 and 2024, he presented a Maryland driver’s license in each case, the tickets show. But the licenses listed different addresses.Roberts has been registered to vote at one of the addresses since at least 2017, according to a Maryland voter registration database. The Maryland Board of Elections said Roberts’ registration may have been unintentional, and a review “did not show any voting history.”___

Iowa school leader resigns while he challenges deportation order

Hector Cardiel, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 09/26

Ozzy Fred, DUI-Liquor/Drugs; Racing on highways/exhibition of speed, arrested 09/27

Osvaldo Bigas, Probation violation, arrested 09/27

Christian Washington, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Abuse of a child; Knowingly cause great bodily harm/abusive head trauma/permanent disable/disfigure, arrested 09/27

Jahari Johnson, Failure to appear, arrested 09/28

Latreya Gray, Transporting an open container; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 09/28

Adam Collinge, Outside warrant, arrested 09/29

Ignacio Rafael Ramirez, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 09/30

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759262450959.jpeg" alt="Anthony George, Failure to appear; Violate offender registration act, arrested 09/26" />
 <figcaption>Anthony George, Failure to appear; Violate offender registration act, arrested 09/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759262490745.jpeg" alt="Auston Korszeniewski, Probation violation, arrested 09/26" />
 <figcaption>Auston Korszeniewski, Probation violation, arrested 09/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759262521106.jpeg" alt="Bryant Shull, Interference with LEO; Falsely report a crime intending to obstruct (Two counts); Lewd and Lascivious behavior, arrested 09/28" />
 <figcaption>Bryant Shull, Interference with LEO; Falsely report a crime intending to obstruct (Two counts); Lewd and Lascivious behavior, arrested 09/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759262675939.jpeg" alt="Antonio Cecena, Aggravated Assault, arrested 09/29" />
 <figcaption>Antonio Cecena, Aggravated Assault, arrested 09/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759262686405.jpeg" alt="Alejandra Salas, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 09/29" />
 <figcaption>Alejandra Salas, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 09/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759262698700.jpeg" alt="Sara Burgess, Domestic battery, arrested 09/29" />
 <figcaption>Sara Burgess, Domestic battery, arrested 09/29</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Hector Cardiel, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 09/26Ozzy Fred, DUI-Liquor/Drugs; Racing on highways/exhibition of speed, arrested 09/27Osvaldo Bigas, Probation violation, arrested 09/27Christian Washington, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Abuse of a child; Knowingly cause great bodily harm/abusive head trauma/permanent disable/disfigure, arrested 09/27Jahari Johnson, Failure to appear, arrested 09/28Latreya Gray, Transporting an open container; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 09/28Adam Collinge, Outside warrant, arrested 09/29Ignacio Rafael Ramirez, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 09/30Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Sept. 26-30

SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.

Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.

Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;

Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163504048.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
 <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163443530.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
 <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

Still hiding: Man in U.S. illegally is wanted for child sex crimes in Kansas

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Two days after four teenage girls were found murdered in a burning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-yogurt-shop-1991-murders-solved-1bc45a19a8fe021bde015794de9a5865">Austin yogurt shop</a>&nbsp;in 1991, a man with a pistol in a stolen car was arrested at a border checkpoint west of El Paso.

Nearly 34 years later, cold case detectives have now connected that man and the weapon to the horrific killings that stunned Texas’ capital city. The case frustrated investigators for decades and previously led to the convictions of two men who were sent to prison, one of them to death row.

Investigators on Monday outlined how advanced DNA testing technology and a fresh look at old ballistics testing from the crime scene, led them to to identify Robert Eugene Brashers as the likely killer. Brashers, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-f713abeb28824e1d89a66459da465972">died in 1999</a>&nbsp;when he shot himself in a standoff with police in 1999, has been linked to similar violent crimes in multiple other states.

“Austin lost its innocence the night those young souls became victims. ... Today was a long time coming,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at a news conference attended by several members of the victims’ families, where police outlined the rapid cascade of new evidence that developed over the past few months.

The announcement that Brashers was the suspect came amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-yogurt-shop-1991-murders-solved-fc86a1997a8895224f6cd213be3f4321">renewed attention</a>&nbsp;on the case with the release last month of “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” an HBO documentary series.

On Dec. 6, 1991, Amy Ayers, 13; Eliza Thomas, 17; and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, ages 17 and 15, were bound, gagged and shot in the head at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store where two of them worked. The building was then set on fire.

Investigators have said that around closing time, someone was either in the store or entered through the back door, attacked the girls and set the fire. The bodies were found by firefighters who were still battling the blaze, and the efforts to put out the fire badly damaged the crime scene.

Detectives chased thousands of leads, including multiple confessions, before the case went cold for years. Then in 1999, police arrested four men who were juveniles at the time of the crime. Two of them, Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, confessed and implicated each other, but later recanted and said their statements were coerced by police.

Springsteen and Scott were convicted. Springsteen was sent to death row before the sentence was reduced to life in prison. Both convictions were later overturned, and the charges were dropped in 2009 when new DNA evidence told detectives they were looking for a previously unknown male at the crime scene.

Authorities had identified Brashers as a killer who left a deadly trail across several states before he was connected to the yogurt shop murders.

In 2018, Missouri authorities said DNA evidence linked him to the strangulation of a South Carolina woman in 1990, and the shooting of a mother and daughter in Missouri in 1998. The evidence also connected Brashers to the 1997 rape of a 14-year-old girl in Tennessee.

In June, Austin cold case detective Daniel Jackson resubmitted to a federal system the ballistics findings on a shell casing from a .380 caliber handgun taken from the yogurt shop that was used to kill Ayers. It came back as a match to an unsolved 1998 crime in Kentucky. Jackson would not detail the Kentucky case but said it has similarities to the crime in Austin.

And in August, South Carolina officials told Austin detectives that advanced DNA tests on a sample taken from under Ayers’ fingernail came back as a match to Brashers from the 1990 murder in South Carolina.

“Amy’s final moments on this Earth were to solve this case for us,” Jackson said. “It’s because of her fighting back.”

Police said they don’t know why Brashers would have been in Austin the night of the murders but noted the stop near El Paso just two days later. He was driving to visit his father in Arizona in a truck reported stolen in Georgia. He tried to flee when stopped, but was eventually detained and arrested on charges of auto theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The gun found on Brashers that day was confiscated, but it was eventually returned to his father, who may have given it back to him. Jackson said the gun is the same .380 caliber make and model Brashers used it to kill himself in the standoff with police in 1999 in Missouri.

Prosecutor says evidence points to 1 killer

Police said the case remains open for now and asked for help from anyone who could connect Brashers to Austin at the time. Brashers could be a suspect in other unsolved killings, Jackson said.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said the “overwhelming weight of the evidence points to the guilt of one man” and the innocence of the men previously arrested and convicted.

“If the conclusions of APD’s investigation are confirmed, as it appears that they will be, I will say: I am sorry, though I know that that will never be enough,” Garza said.

“This case stole decades of my life, but the truth has finally come to light,” Scott said in a statement issued by his attorney, who said Scott deserves a full exoneration.

“It must happen very soon. This is a long, hard battle for justice,” attorney Tony Diaz said. Springsteen’s trial attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

“We never wanted anyone to go to jail or be charged with anything that they didn’t do,” said Barbara Wilson, mothers of the Harbison sisters. “Vengeance was never it. It was always the truth.”

Police noted similarities in the yogurt shop case to Brasher’s other crimes — including that the victims were tied up with their own clothing, sexually assaulted and some crime scenes were set on fire. Jackson also noted Brashers was known to carry multiple weapons and act alone.

“At this point there is no evidence he had an accomplice,” in the Austin killings, Jackson said.

Sonora Thomas, sister of Eliza Thomas, said she thought she would die not knowing what happened and had to come to terms with that.

“I now know what happened, and that does ease my suffering,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759190702804.png" alt="Brashers photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Brashers photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Two days after four teenage girls were found murdered in a burning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-yogurt-shop-1991-murders-solved-1bc45a19a8fe021bde015794de9a5865">Austin yogurt shop</a>&nbsp;in 1991, a man with a pistol in a stolen car was arrested at a border checkpoint west of El Paso.Nearly 34 years later, cold case detectives have now connected that man and the weapon to the horrific killings that stunned Texas’ capital city. The case frustrated investigators for decades and previously led to the convictions of two men who were sent to prison, one of them to death row.Investigators on Monday outlined how advanced DNA testing technology and a fresh look at old ballistics testing from the crime scene, led them to to identify Robert Eugene Brashers as the likely killer. Brashers, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-f713abeb28824e1d89a66459da465972">died in 1999</a>&nbsp;when he shot himself in a standoff with police in 1999, has been linked to similar violent crimes in multiple other states.“Austin lost its innocence the night those young souls became victims. ... Today was a long time coming,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at a news conference attended by several members of the victims’ families, where police outlined the rapid cascade of new evidence that developed over the past few months.The announcement that Brashers was the suspect came amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-yogurt-shop-1991-murders-solved-fc86a1997a8895224f6cd213be3f4321">renewed attention</a>&nbsp;on the case with the release last month of “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” an HBO documentary series.<h2>The crime shocked the city</h2>On Dec. 6, 1991, Amy Ayers, 13; Eliza Thomas, 17; and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, ages 17 and 15, were bound, gagged and shot in the head at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store where two of them worked. The building was then set on fire.Investigators have said that around closing time, someone was either in the store or entered through the back door, attacked the girls and set the fire. The bodies were found by firefighters who were still battling the blaze, and the efforts to put out the fire badly damaged the crime scene.Detectives chased thousands of leads, including multiple confessions, before the case went cold for years. Then in 1999, police arrested four men who were juveniles at the time of the crime. Two of them, Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott, confessed and implicated each other, but later recanted and said their statements were coerced by police.Springsteen and Scott were convicted. Springsteen was sent to death row before the sentence was reduced to life in prison. Both convictions were later overturned, and the charges were dropped in 2009 when new DNA evidence told detectives they were looking for a previously unknown male at the crime scene.<h2>New connections to Brashers</h2>Authorities had identified Brashers as a killer who left a deadly trail across several states before he was connected to the yogurt shop murders.In 2018, Missouri authorities said DNA evidence linked him to the strangulation of a South Carolina woman in 1990, and the shooting of a mother and daughter in Missouri in 1998. The evidence also connected Brashers to the 1997 rape of a 14-year-old girl in Tennessee.In June, Austin cold case detective Daniel Jackson resubmitted to a federal system the ballistics findings on a shell casing from a .380 caliber handgun taken from the yogurt shop that was used to kill Ayers. It came back as a match to an unsolved 1998 crime in Kentucky. Jackson would not detail the Kentucky case but said it has similarities to the crime in Austin.And in August, South Carolina officials told Austin detectives that advanced DNA tests on a sample taken from under Ayers’ fingernail came back as a match to Brashers from the 1990 murder in South Carolina.“Amy’s final moments on this Earth were to solve this case for us,” Jackson said. “It’s because of her fighting back.”Police said they don’t know why Brashers would have been in Austin the night of the murders but noted the stop near El Paso just two days later. He was driving to visit his father in Arizona in a truck reported stolen in Georgia. He tried to flee when stopped, but was eventually detained and arrested on charges of auto theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm.The gun found on Brashers that day was confiscated, but it was eventually returned to his father, who may have given it back to him. Jackson said the gun is the same .380 caliber make and model Brashers used it to kill himself in the standoff with police in 1999 in Missouri.<h2>Prosecutor says evidence points to 1 killer</h2>Police said the case remains open for now and asked for help from anyone who could connect Brashers to Austin at the time. Brashers could be a suspect in other unsolved killings, Jackson said.Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said the “overwhelming weight of the evidence points to the guilt of one man” and the innocence of the men previously arrested and convicted.“If the conclusions of APD’s investigation are confirmed, as it appears that they will be, I will say: I am sorry, though I know that that will never be enough,” Garza said.“This case stole decades of my life, but the truth has finally come to light,” Scott said in a statement issued by his attorney, who said Scott deserves a full exoneration.“It must happen very soon. This is a long, hard battle for justice,” attorney Tony Diaz said. Springsteen’s trial attorney did not respond to requests for comment.“We never wanted anyone to go to jail or be charged with anything that they didn’t do,” said Barbara Wilson, mothers of the Harbison sisters. “Vengeance was never it. It was always the truth.”Police noted similarities in the yogurt shop case to Brasher’s other crimes — including that the victims were tied up with their own clothing, sexually assaulted and some crime scenes were set on fire. Jackson also noted Brashers was known to carry multiple weapons and act alone.“At this point there is no evidence he had an accomplice,” in the Austin killings, Jackson said.Sonora Thomas, sister of Eliza Thomas, said she thought she would die not knowing what happened and had to come to terms with that.“I now know what happened, and that does ease my suffering,” she said.

Serial killer with Missouri victims linked to 30-year-old cold case

WASHINGTON (AP) —Hamas said Tuesday it will discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza</a>&nbsp;within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already thrown his support behind it but it’s unclear whether Hamas will agree and when it would give its response.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">proposal demands that Hamas effectively surrender</a>&nbsp;and disarm in return for an end to fighting, humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the promise of reconstruction in Gaza — all desperately hoped for by the population in the devastated territory where the death toll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;has topped 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, backing and support were pouring in for the proposal from the international community. Trump and Netanyahu said after talks Monday in the White House that they had agreed on the plan.

Israeli foreign minister says it's now up to Hamas

Gideon Saar said that his country has accepted Trump’s "plan for ending the war in Gaza and for a better future" that it is now up to Hamas to announce its position.

“We will now see if Hamas accepts the president’s plan,” Saar said during a visit to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital.

He accused Hamas of trying in the past to change the terms or avoid implementing any past agreements. “We will see," he said.

“We want to see our hostages come home after two years … Alive and dead,” Saar said. “We also want to see a different Gaza: deradicalized, demilitarized and no longer posing a threat to Israel and its citizens.”

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Belgrade also backs the peace proposal and demands the release of the hostages held in Gaza, one of whom holds dual Israeli-Serbian citizenship.

The Kremlin says Russia hopes Trump's plan for Gaza succeeds

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters that Russia welcomes Trump's efforts aimed at "ending the ongoing tragedy” and that Moscow officials "certainly wish that this plan is implemented and helps achieve peace in the Middle East.”

Peskov noted that Russia has maintained contacts with all parties to the conflict and stands ready to take efforts to help the settlement if asked to do so.

The UN, though not involved in Trump's plan, says it's ready to step up Gaza aid

The United Nations says it's prepared to increase aid deliveries into Gaza whenever possible. Deliveries by U.N. agencies and its partners have been largely limited in recent months as Israel has allowed a separate organization — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — to ferry in aid.

Trump's plan says that aid entries will proceed “without interference” by Israel or Hamas “through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent” in addition to other international institutions “not associated in any manner with either party.”

Alessandra Vellucci, a U.N. Geneva spokesperson, said the world body is in contact “with the various parties about the peace efforts ... we welcome all the mediation.”

Jens Laerke, a spokesman for U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the U.N. stands "ready and prepared and capable to increase aid deliveries inside Gaza, whenever the opportunity is such that we are allowed to do so and the ... safety and security of doing so is there indeed.”

China reiterates its support for a 2-state solution

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing calls “on all relevant parties” to “immediately achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, release all detainees and alleviate the humanitarian disaster in the region as soon as possible.”

China supports a two-state solution and is willing to work with the international community for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue,” Guo added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Hamas said Tuesday it will discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza</a>&nbsp;within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already thrown his support behind it but it’s unclear whether Hamas will agree and when it would give its response.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict: 1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors. 2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough. 3. If… <a href="https://t.co/veqhr9MW28">pic.twitter.com/veqhr9MW28</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972726021196562494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">proposal demands that Hamas effectively surrender</a>&nbsp;and disarm in return for an end to fighting, humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the promise of reconstruction in Gaza — all desperately hoped for by the population in the devastated territory where the death toll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;has topped 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.Meanwhile, backing and support were pouring in for the proposal from the international community. Trump and Netanyahu said after talks Monday in the White House that they had agreed on the plan.Here's the latest:<h2>Israeli foreign minister says it's now up to Hamas</h2>Gideon Saar said that his country has accepted Trump’s "plan for ending the war in Gaza and for a better future" that it is now up to Hamas to announce its position.“We will now see if Hamas accepts the president’s plan,” Saar said during a visit to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital.He accused Hamas of trying in the past to change the terms or avoid implementing any past agreements. “We will see," he said.“We want to see our hostages come home after two years … Alive and dead,” Saar said. “We also want to see a different Gaza: deradicalized, demilitarized and no longer posing a threat to Israel and its citizens.”Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Belgrade also backs the peace proposal and demands the release of the hostages held in Gaza, one of whom holds dual Israeli-Serbian citizenship.<h2>The Kremlin says Russia hopes Trump's plan for Gaza succeeds</h2>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters that Russia welcomes Trump's efforts aimed at "ending the ongoing tragedy” and that Moscow officials "certainly wish that this plan is implemented and helps achieve peace in the Middle East.”Peskov noted that Russia has maintained contacts with all parties to the conflict and stands ready to take efforts to help the settlement if asked to do so.<h2>The UN, though not involved in Trump's plan, says it's ready to step up Gaza aid</h2>The United Nations says it's prepared to increase aid deliveries into Gaza whenever possible. Deliveries by U.N. agencies and its partners have been largely limited in recent months as Israel has allowed a separate organization — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — to ferry in aid.Trump's plan says that aid entries will proceed “without interference” by Israel or Hamas “through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent” in addition to other international institutions “not associated in any manner with either party.”Alessandra Vellucci, a U.N. Geneva spokesperson, said the world body is in contact “with the various parties about the peace efforts ... we welcome all the mediation.”Jens Laerke, a spokesman for U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the U.N. stands "ready and prepared and capable to increase aid deliveries inside Gaza, whenever the opportunity is such that we are allowed to do so and the ... safety and security of doing so is there indeed.”<h2>China reiterates its support for a 2-state solution</h2>Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing calls “on all relevant parties” to “immediately achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, release all detainees and alleviate the humanitarian disaster in the region as soon as possible.”China supports a two-state solution and is willing to work with the international community for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue,” Guo added.<h2>Germany's chancellor says Trump's plan is ‘best chance for ending the war’</h2>Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked Trump for his “persistent efforts” and Arab and Muslim countries in the Middle East for their “influence” with Hamas. He said Germany remained in close contact with its European neighbors and the United States on the issue.Merz's came shortly after Merz on Tuesday hosted relatives of German hostages of Hamas. During the meeting, he said the suffering of the hostages “must end now,” and called on Hamas to release all hostages, according to the statement.<h2>Spain says a 2-state solution is the ‘only possible one’ for Israel and the Palestinians</h2>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the U.S. peace proposal and said a two-state solution was “the only possible one” for the Middle East.“It is time for the violence to cease, for the immediate release of all the hostages to take place, and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilian population,” Sánchez wrote on X.Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, with Sánchez earlier this month calling Israel’s conduct a genocide.<h2>Turkey ready to help the Gaza flotilla with humanitarian needs</h2>Turkey’s defense ministry says it's closely monitoring the eastern Mediterranean and that its ships in the region are prepared to assist “humanitarian missions if needed” — a reference to the Gaza-bound&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-flotilla-italy-spain-000441922caa2c88cf73203e83d3e6e2">Global Sumud Flotilla</a>&nbsp;seeking to break the Israeli blockade of the territory.A day earlier, Turkish navy helped evacuate activists on board Johnny M, one of the flotilla vessels — after it began taking in water in an area off the coast of Crete, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.Meanwhile, at least three activists working with the flotilla from Egypt were arrested in Cairo, the flotilla committee said. It's unclear where they are being detained.Some of the activists in Egypt plan to join the group of more than 50 small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries attempting to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza.The flotilla includes 52 mostly small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries and a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, mainly food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza.<h2>‘Hamas has no choice’ but to release hostages and accept the peace plan, Macron says</h2>French President Emmanuel Macron says he welcomes Trump’s “commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.”“I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan,” Macron posted on X.“These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution,” he wrote. “France stands ready to contribute. It will remain vigilant regarding the commitments of each party.”