DICKINSON COUNTY —Sheriff's deputies in central Kansas are investigating a woman on multiple drug allegations.

On January 31, deputies responded to a call of suspicious activity on W 1st Avenue in Hope, Kansas, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.&nbsp; 

Deputies made contact with woman at the residence and began investigating the suspicious activity. During the investigation, deputies developed probable cause that illegal drugs were present in the residence.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit was contacted to assist. Investigators applied for a search warrant which was granted and executed at the residence. While conducting the search, deputies located Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested 48-year-old Beverly Lynette Hall and booked her into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738610022383.png" alt="Hall-photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Hall-photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Sheriff's deputies in central Kansas are investigating a woman on multiple drug allegations.On January 31, deputies responded to a call of suspicious activity on W 1st Avenue in Hope, Kansas, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.&nbsp; Deputies made contact with woman at the residence and began investigating the suspicious activity. During the investigation, deputies developed probable cause that illegal drugs were present in the residence.The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit was contacted to assist. Investigators applied for a search warrant which was granted and executed at the residence. While conducting the search, deputies located Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested 48-year-old Beverly Lynette Hall and booked her into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Search warrant led to drug bust at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A a trial is scheduled to begin Monday for a Kansas man accused in the death of a toddler at a Wichita apartment complex last year..

K’Veion Richard, 25, Wichita, is scheduled to face a jury in Judge Jeff Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.

Richard, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and a 17-year-old, all of Wichita were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two woman were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.

Investigators with the WPD homicide section have been diligently working this case since the shooting occurred. That work has included follow-up on leads, utilizing technology and executing search warrants. Through the investigation, three suspects were identified.

Three days later, the Wichita arrested&nbsp;Richard,&nbsp;Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;and the teen.

At the time of the crime,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650349815.png" alt="Richard photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Richard photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A a trial is scheduled to begin Monday for a Kansas man accused in the death of a toddler at a Wichita apartment complex last year..K’Veion Richard, 25, Wichita, is scheduled to face a jury in Judge Jeff Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.Richard, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and a 17-year-old, all of Wichita were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two woman were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708454643255.png" alt="Police on the scene of the February 2024 shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the February 2024 shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators with the WPD homicide section have been diligently working this case since the shooting occurred. That work has included follow-up on leads, utilizing technology and executing search warrants. Through the investigation, three suspects were identified.Three days later, the Wichita arrested&nbsp;Richard,&nbsp;Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;and the teen.At the time of the crime,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the child.

Trial  to begin for Kansas man in death of toddler

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a triple-homicide at a Kansas City home have identified the victims and made an arrest.

According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina the victims are 73-year-old Sherri Duncan; 49-year-old Jodie Hopcus and 24-year-old Hailey Hopcus.

Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street, according to Becchina.

First responders were directed to a residence there. Inside that home officers located the three shooting victims unresponsive.

Officers summoned EMS who declared all three deceased at the scene.

Detectives and crime scene personnel processed the scene for evidence, canvassed for witnesses and identified a person of interest. Late Sunday police reported the person of interest in custody.&nbsp;Detectives will be working with prosecutors to present investigative findings for determination of applicable charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738545218577.png" alt="Police on the scene of the homicide investigation-Photo KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the homicide investigation-Photo KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a triple-homicide at a Kansas City home have identified the victims and made an arrest.According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina the victims are 73-year-old Sherri Duncan; 49-year-old Jodie Hopcus and 24-year-old Hailey Hopcus.Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street, according to Becchina.First responders were directed to a residence there. Inside that home officers located the three shooting victims unresponsive.Officers summoned EMS who declared all three deceased at the scene.Detectives and crime scene personnel processed the scene for evidence, canvassed for witnesses and identified a person of interest. Late Sunday police reported the person of interest in custody.&nbsp;Detectives will be working with prosecutors to present investigative findings for determination of applicable charges.

Homicide: Police ID 3 women found dead in Kansas City home

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement and school district officials investigating an alleged school threat have made an arrest.

On Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of a threat made on social media against the USD 421 Lyndon School District, which was posted on social media, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified and taken into custody&nbsp;

The sheriff's office assured the public that law enforcement and the school district take all threats very seriously. The sheriff's office is&nbsp; working closely with the school district to ensure a thorough investigation.

According to a statement from the school district, "We were made aware of the threat through some vigilant parents who reported the threat to us and reported the threat to the Osage County Sheriff."&nbsp; 

"The sheriff’s department immediately began to investigate the threat and by Saturday evening they had tracked down a suspect and made an arrest." The district is in school on a regular schedule on Monday. They will have some additional law enforcement at the schools and will be extra vigilant in safety measures. The district will also have additional counselors at the school Monday in case any students or staff may need their help. We will continue to communicate as needed. Please call your child’s school if you have questions.

"We do not believe there is any immediate danger at this time, but we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office."

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement and school district officials investigating an alleged school threat have made an arrest.On Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of a threat made on social media against the USD 421 Lyndon School District, which was posted on social media, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified and taken into custody&nbsp;The sheriff's office assured the public that law enforcement and the school district take all threats very seriously. The sheriff's office is&nbsp; working closely with the school district to ensure a thorough investigation.According to a statement from the school district, "We were made aware of the threat through some vigilant parents who reported the threat to us and reported the threat to the Osage County Sheriff."&nbsp; "The sheriff’s department immediately began to investigate the threat and by Saturday evening they had tracked down a suspect and made an arrest." The district is in school on a regular schedule on Monday. They will have some additional law enforcement at the schools and will be extra vigilant in safety measures. The district will also have additional counselors at the school Monday in case any students or staff may need their help. We will continue to communicate as needed. Please call your child’s school if you have questions."We do not believe there is any immediate danger at this time, but we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office."

Sheriff: Suspect in custody for threat against Kan. school district

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase with a stolen car.

Just after 5a.m. Friday, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies were notified of a stolen vehicle in Harrisonville, according to a media release from the Cass County Sheriff.&nbsp; Deputies located the vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 49 near 163rd Street in Belton. 

When deputies activated their emergency lights and siren to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee. Less than a minute later, the vehicle struck a concrete divider near the 155th Street exit in Belton and the driver was placed into custody.

The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Candida Delaney of Kansas City, Missouri. 

Delaney has a warrant from the Claycomo Police Department and four warrants from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Charges from this incident are still pending while she’s in custody. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeltonPD?__cft__[0]=AZUDLzanFD_ucRPMF421oUXQ68jCKF7bVehEtfN4Hdi5uwoL_VYYCA8hEWIDHSw-LJE5QAyCPVvbTAi_dYPuhnbst-UvPCGjROKaT9bucdDc0sBLMYWBDssXBRQZY9-dKCaZqblVnPttk4WYm6JTPvhC7JmzICmUFmyRYU2YWryNspEqrx3fgp-x9KNDRMxiIzw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Belton Missouri Police Department</a> assisted with this pursuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738424169442.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS&nbsp; CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase with a stolen car.Just after 5a.m. Friday, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies were notified of a stolen vehicle in Harrisonville, according to a media release from the Cass County Sheriff.&nbsp; Deputies located the vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 49 near 163rd Street in Belton. When deputies activated their emergency lights and siren to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee. Less than a minute later, the vehicle struck a concrete divider near the 155th Street exit in Belton and the driver was placed into custody.The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Candida Delaney of Kansas City, Missouri. Delaney has a warrant from the Claycomo Police Department and four warrants from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Charges from this incident are still pending while she’s in custody. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeltonPD?__cft__[0]=AZUDLzanFD_ucRPMF421oUXQ68jCKF7bVehEtfN4Hdi5uwoL_VYYCA8hEWIDHSw-LJE5QAyCPVvbTAi_dYPuhnbst-UvPCGjROKaT9bucdDc0sBLMYWBDssXBRQZY9-dKCaZqblVnPttk4WYm6JTPvhC7JmzICmUFmyRYU2YWryNspEqrx3fgp-x9KNDRMxiIzw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Belton Missouri Police Department</a> assisted with this pursuit.

Wanted KC woman arrested after stolen car crash during chase

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

Just after 11p.m. January 30, a sheriff's deputy with the Shawnee County conducted a traffic stop on a white 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 1300 block of NW Van Buren Street, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

It was discovered that the driver had a revoked driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver ran from the deputy and was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.

Trever J. Fanshier, 33, of Hoyt, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Interference with law enforcement. Fanshier also had a misdemeanor warrant for a probation violation through Shawnee County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738360669392.png" alt="Fanshier-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Fanshier-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11p.m. January 30, a sheriff's deputy with the Shawnee County conducted a traffic stop on a white 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 1300 block of NW Van Buren Street, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.It was discovered that the driver had a revoked driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver ran from the deputy and was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.Trever J. Fanshier, 33, of Hoyt, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Interference with law enforcement. Fanshier also had a misdemeanor warrant for a probation violation through Shawnee County.

Wanted Kansas drug suspect ran from traffic stop

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegaions.

Just before midnight January 25, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Toyota Corolla on U.S. Hwy 75, near 118th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp; During the traffic stop, a Police Service Dog (PSD) Duke was deployed to conduct a free-air sniff of the vehicle.&nbsp; Duke alerted and indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.&nbsp; During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, THC, &amp; drug paraphernalia were located.

The driver, Kaley Rae Lindberg, 32, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and violations of driver’s license restrictions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738165796421.png" alt="Lindberg photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lindberg photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegaions.Just before midnight January 25, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Toyota Corolla on U.S. Hwy 75, near 118th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; During the traffic stop, a Police Service Dog (PSD) Duke was deployed to conduct a free-air sniff of the vehicle.&nbsp; Duke alerted and indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.&nbsp; During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, THC, &amp; drug paraphernalia were located.The driver, Kaley Rae Lindberg, 32, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and violations of driver’s license restrictions.

Sheriff's K9 helped catch Kansas woman transporting drugs

Junction City police responded to the 900 block of Kramer Court early Saturday afternoon . They reported that a 22 year old Junction City man, Carron D. Carter, was found suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled later this week.

According to Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell, authorities responded to the scene at 12:48 p.m. Police conducted an investigation and arrested Jonathan M. Lee, 27, Fort Riley on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. Lee was taken to the Geary County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

This was an isolated incident and Odell confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Junction City Police Department thanked the Geary County Sheriff’s Office (GESO), Fort Riley Police Department, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for their assistance in this investigation.

This remains an active investigation, and no further details are available at this time. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 785-762-8477 (TIPS).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738460887904.png" alt="Lee-photo Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Lee-photo Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City police responded to the 900 block of Kramer Court early Saturday afternoon . They reported that a 22 year old Junction City man, Carron D. Carter, was found suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled later this week.According to Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell, authorities responded to the scene at 12:48 p.m. Police conducted an investigation and arrested Jonathan M. Lee, 27, Fort Riley on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. Lee was taken to the Geary County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.This was an isolated incident and Odell confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.The Junction City Police Department thanked the Geary County Sheriff’s Office (GESO), Fort Riley Police Department, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for their assistance in this investigation.This remains an active investigation, and no further details are available at this time. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 785-762-8477 (TIPS).

Police confirm a shooting occurred in Junction City

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Six Americans who had been detained in Venezuela in recent months were freed by the government of President Nicolás Maduro after he met Friday with a Trump administration official tasked with urging the authoritarian leader to take back deported migrants who have committed crimes in the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump and his envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, announced the release of the six men on social media. The visit by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richard-grenell-secretary-of-state-trump-5e7410edd659870307a5eba762f8136c">Grenell</a>&nbsp;came as a shock to many Venezuelans who hoped that Trump would continue the “maximum pressure” campaign he pursued against Maduro during his first term.

Grenell’s hours long trip to Venezuela, according to the White House, was focused on Trump’s efforts to deport Venezuelans back to their home country, which currently does not accept them, and on the release of the detained Americans.

“We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens,” Grenell posted on X along with a photo showing him and the men aboard an aircraft. “They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and they couldn’t stop thanking him.”

The meeting in Venezuela's capital took place less than a month after Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term despite credible evidence that he lost last year's election. The U.S. government, along with several other Western nations, does not recognize Maduro's claim to victory and instead points to tally sheets collected by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-machado-biden-gonzalez-a625eb01979bc9cf5570d03242f198b1">opposition coalition</a>&nbsp;showing that its candidate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-edmundo-opposition-presidential-election-reward-arrest-5b6bf23e53642db059304bef14d2f4ff">Edmundo González</a>, won by a more than a two-to-one margin.

Venezuelan state television aired footage of Grenell and Maduro speaking in the Miraflores Palace and said the meeting had been requested by the U.S. government.

Signing an executive order in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump was asked if Grenell being filmed meeting with Maduro lent legitimacy to a government that the Trump White House does not officially recognize.

“No. We want to do something with Venezuela. I’ve been a very big opponent of Venezuela and Maduro,” Trump responded. “They’ve treated us not so good, but they’ve treated, more importantly, the Venezuelan people, very badly."

Maduro, appearing on state television after Grenell had left Venezuela, said the visit yielded “initial agreements” but did not provide any details.

“I have seen three U.S. presidents pass before me," Maduro said. "This is the fourth term, and our message has been one: We want to build relationships of respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty, for Venezuela’s democratic life, for international law and for our Latin American region.”

“This is terrible timing," said Elliott Abrams, who served as special envoy to Venezuela and Iran during the first Trump administration. "A meeting with Maduro will be used by him to legitimize his rule and show that the Americans recognize him as president. If the purpose is to deliver a tough message about migration issues, the president could’ve done that himself. There was no need to send someone to Caracas.”

The dispute over the election results sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-machado-biden-gonzalez-elections-protests-d6e70bd88ee9511298a4850c224a12e2">nationwide protests</a>. More than 2,200 people were arrested during and after the demonstrations.

Among those detained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-detained-americans-maduro-inauguration-trump-e53e88838f5f06a7f207d0d090d5212b">are as many as 10 Americans</a>&nbsp;who the government has linked to alleged plots to destabilize the country. Neither the White House nor Maduro's government immediately released the names of the six who were freed Friday.

A nonprofit group that had advocated for the release of a detainee said David Estrella, a 62-yer-old who was last heard from in September, was among those on their way back to the U.S. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello had accused Estrella of being part of an alleged plot to assassinate Maduro.

The Trump administration has taken a slew of actions to make good on promises to crack down on illegal immigration and carry out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">largest mass deportation effort</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history.

Those measures include the revocation earlier this week of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-tps-biden-immigration-temporary-protected-status-f423f4f3cdbac535af35337ebda314f0">a Biden administration decision</a>&nbsp;that would have protected roughly 600,000 people from Venezuela from deportation, putting some at risk of being removed from the country in about two months.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Friday that Trump had instructed Grenell to “identify a place and ensure that repatriation flights" carrying Venezuelans, including members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, "land in Venezuela.” She said Trump also ordered Grenell to “ensure that all U.S. detainees in Venezuela are returned home.”

More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their home country since 2013, when its economy unraveled and Maduro first took office. Most settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, but after the pandemic, migrants increasingly set their sights on the U.S.

Venezuelans’ desire for better living conditions and their rejection of Maduro are expected to keep pushing people to emigrate.

Ahead of the presidential election last year, a nationwide poll by Venezuela-based research firm Delphos showed about a quarter of the population thinking about emigrating if Maduro was re-elected.

Grenell has reached out to Maduro before on Trump’s behalf to secure the release of imprisoned Americans only to come home empty handed.

In 2020, he traveled with Erik Prince, the founder of controversial security firm Blackwater, to Mexico City for a secret meeting with a top Maduro aide. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-venezuela-miami-arrests-mexico-city-080bf19aa627f731c065a33a410ae2f1">backchannel talks</a>&nbsp;centered on Maduro’s offer to swap eight Americans then imprisoned in Venezuela for businessman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-colombia-caribbean-miami-nicolas-maduro-f6d107240cd8085f54d192b9f7b549f3">Alex Saab</a>, a close ally of the president charged in the U.S. with money laundering, The Associated Press previously reported.

No deal was struck and Grenell’s demand that Maduro step down was dismissed by the Venezuelan president’s envoy. Grenell has always denied he was negotiating a hostage swap.

Later, in December 2023, the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-saab-detained-americans-biden-d7148a34dd009d5bab3d5f50c28ed93e">exchanged Saab for 10 Americans</a>&nbsp;as part of a policy to re-engage Maduro ahead of presidential elections.

Goodman reported from Miami. Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report from Washington.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Six Americans who had been detained in Venezuela in recent months were freed by the government of President Nicolás Maduro after he met Friday with a Trump administration official tasked with urging the authoritarian leader to take back deported migrants who have committed crimes in the United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are home. 🇺🇸 God bless these Americans. <a href="https://t.co/L36mNkvEom">pic.twitter.com/L36mNkvEom</a>&mdash; Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/1885567024795132035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. President Donald Trump and his envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, announced the release of the six men on social media. The visit by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richard-grenell-secretary-of-state-trump-5e7410edd659870307a5eba762f8136c">Grenell</a>&nbsp;came as a shock to many Venezuelans who hoped that Trump would continue the “maximum pressure” campaign he pursued against Maduro during his first term.Grenell’s hours long trip to Venezuela, according to the White House, was focused on Trump’s efforts to deport Venezuelans back to their home country, which currently does not accept them, and on the release of the detained Americans.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ltyGcGiiKR">pic.twitter.com/ltyGcGiiKR</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1885740072705650821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens,” Grenell posted on X along with a photo showing him and the men aboard an aircraft. “They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and they couldn’t stop thanking him.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens. They just spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and they couldn’t stop thanking him. <a href="https://t.co/sCvCO4HQQv">pic.twitter.com/sCvCO4HQQv</a>&mdash; Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/1885482064050610536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Hello. I’m an American diplomat sent by President Trump and I’m here to bring you home.” <a href="https://t.co/mMJ7nDu88s">pic.twitter.com/mMJ7nDu88s</a>&mdash; Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/1885540197879714064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The meeting in Venezuela's capital took place less than a month after Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term despite credible evidence that he lost last year's election. The U.S. government, along with several other Western nations, does not recognize Maduro's claim to victory and instead points to tally sheets collected by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-machado-biden-gonzalez-a625eb01979bc9cf5570d03242f198b1">opposition coalition</a>&nbsp;showing that its candidate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-edmundo-opposition-presidential-election-reward-arrest-5b6bf23e53642db059304bef14d2f4ff">Edmundo González</a>, won by a more than a two-to-one margin.Venezuelan state television aired footage of Grenell and Maduro speaking in the Miraflores Palace and said the meeting had been requested by the U.S. government.Signing an executive order in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump was asked if Grenell being filmed meeting with Maduro lent legitimacy to a government that the Trump White House does not officially recognize.“No. We want to do something with Venezuela. I’ve been a very big opponent of Venezuela and Maduro,” Trump responded. “They’ve treated us not so good, but they’ve treated, more importantly, the Venezuelan people, very badly."Maduro, appearing on state television after Grenell had left Venezuela, said the visit yielded “initial agreements” but did not provide any details.“I have seen three U.S. presidents pass before me," Maduro said. "This is the fourth term, and our message has been one: We want to build relationships of respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty, for Venezuela’s democratic life, for international law and for our Latin American region.”Some Republicans criticized the visit.“This is terrible timing," said Elliott Abrams, who served as special envoy to Venezuela and Iran during the first Trump administration. "A meeting with Maduro will be used by him to legitimize his rule and show that the Americans recognize him as president. If the purpose is to deliver a tough message about migration issues, the president could’ve done that himself. There was no need to send someone to Caracas.”The dispute over the election results sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-machado-biden-gonzalez-elections-protests-d6e70bd88ee9511298a4850c224a12e2">nationwide protests</a>. More than 2,200 people were arrested during and after the demonstrations.Among those detained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-detained-americans-maduro-inauguration-trump-e53e88838f5f06a7f207d0d090d5212b">are as many as 10 Americans</a>&nbsp;who the government has linked to alleged plots to destabilize the country. Neither the White House nor Maduro's government immediately released the names of the six who were freed Friday.A nonprofit group that had advocated for the release of a detainee said David Estrella, a 62-yer-old who was last heard from in September, was among those on their way back to the U.S. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello had accused Estrella of being part of an alleged plot to assassinate Maduro.The Trump administration has taken a slew of actions to make good on promises to crack down on illegal immigration and carry out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">largest mass deportation effort</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history.Those measures include the revocation earlier this week of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-tps-biden-immigration-temporary-protected-status-f423f4f3cdbac535af35337ebda314f0">a Biden administration decision</a>&nbsp;that would have protected roughly 600,000 people from Venezuela from deportation, putting some at risk of being removed from the country in about two months.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Friday that Trump had instructed Grenell to “identify a place and ensure that repatriation flights" carrying Venezuelans, including members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, "land in Venezuela.” She said Trump also ordered Grenell to “ensure that all U.S. detainees in Venezuela are returned home.”More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their home country since 2013, when its economy unraveled and Maduro first took office. Most settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, but after the pandemic, migrants increasingly set their sights on the U.S.Venezuelans’ desire for better living conditions and their rejection of Maduro are expected to keep pushing people to emigrate.Ahead of the presidential election last year, a nationwide poll by Venezuela-based research firm Delphos showed about a quarter of the population thinking about emigrating if Maduro was re-elected.Grenell has reached out to Maduro before on Trump’s behalf to secure the release of imprisoned Americans only to come home empty handed.In 2020, he traveled with Erik Prince, the founder of controversial security firm Blackwater, to Mexico City for a secret meeting with a top Maduro aide. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-venezuela-miami-arrests-mexico-city-080bf19aa627f731c065a33a410ae2f1">backchannel talks</a>&nbsp;centered on Maduro’s offer to swap eight Americans then imprisoned in Venezuela for businessman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-colombia-caribbean-miami-nicolas-maduro-f6d107240cd8085f54d192b9f7b549f3">Alex Saab</a>, a close ally of the president charged in the U.S. with money laundering, The Associated Press previously reported.No deal was struck and Grenell’s demand that Maduro step down was dismissed by the Venezuelan president’s envoy. Grenell has always denied he was negotiating a hostage swap.Later, in December 2023, the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-saab-detained-americans-biden-d7148a34dd009d5bab3d5f50c28ed93e">exchanged Saab for 10 Americans</a>&nbsp;as part of a policy to re-engage Maduro ahead of presidential elections.___Goodman reported from Miami. Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report from Washington.

Trump envoy brings home 6 Americans detained in Venezuela for months

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas militants freed three male hostages held for more than a year in the Gaza Strip on Saturday and Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in the fourth such exchange of a ceasefire deal that has halted 15 months of intense fighting.

Militants handed Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon to Red Cross officials in the southern city of Khan Younis, while American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel, looking pale and thin, was released to the Red Cross later Saturday morning in Gaza City to the north.

All three were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war. Their release brings to 18 the number of hostages released since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19.

The releases were quick and orderly, in contrast to chaotic scenes that unfolded on Thursday when armed militants appeared to struggle to hold back a crowd during a hostage release. In both of Saturday’s releases, masked and armed militants stood in lines as the hostages walked onto a stage and waved before being led off and handed over to the Red Cross.

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, thousands of people gathered to watch the releases being transmitted live on a large screen, waving signs and cheering.

Shortly after Siegel arrived in Israel, a bus departed Ofer Military Prison with some 32 prisoners bound for the West Bank. Crowds of well-wishers greeted the bus, cheering and hoisting the released prisoners on their shoulders in scenes of jubilation.

The Israeli Prison Authority said all 183 Palestinian prisoners slated for release Saturday had been freed. Most, including 111 arrested after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, were released to Gaza. Just over two dozen returned to cheering crowds in the occupied West Bank. Another seven serving life sentences were transferred to Egypt ahead of their deportation.

Ceasefire brings respite to battered Gaza

The ceasefire is aimed at winding down the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">deadliest and most destructive war</a>&nbsp;ever fought between Israel and Hamas. The deal has held for two weeks, allowing for increased aid to flow into the tiny coastal territory and for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the remnants of their homes in the north of the strip.

During the truce's six-week first phase, a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says it has received information from Hamas that eight of those hostages were either killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack or have died in captivity.

Also on Saturday, a group of 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7330b0f2a30855cd5ae69b5a32b218df">left Gaza for treatment</a>&nbsp;through the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, in the first opening of the enclave's sole exit since Israel captured it nine months ago. A European Union civilian mission was deployed Friday to prepare for the reopening.

The reopening of Rafah marked another key step in the first phase of the ceasefire.

Israel and Hamas are set next week to begin negotiating a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-war-cb56a3da64e144492decfffc40c589cf">second phase</a>&nbsp;of the ceasefire, which calls for releasing the remaining hostages and extending the truce indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-militants-rule-93da074c251d0fcaa395503749e2849e">reasserted its rule over Gaza</a>&nbsp;within hours of the latest ceasefire. A key far-right partner in Netanyahu’s coalition is calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire’s first phase.

Hamas says it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Families and neighbors celebrate return of hostages

Siegel, 65, originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, along with his wife, Aviva Siegel. She was released during a brief 2023 ceasefire and has waged a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-gaza-tunnels-hamas-israel-war-d8ecb415268e911cea09518acdaf7ba2">high-profile campaign</a>&nbsp;to free Keith and other hostages.

There were sighs of relief and cheers in a living room where members of the kibbutz watched Siegel's release. Many of those in the room were family friends, who applauded upon seeing Siegel, while some teared up.

Meanwhile, the release of Bibas, 35, brought renewed attention to the fate of his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were 4 years old and 9 months old when they were abducted. All four were captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Kfir was the youngest of about 250 people taken captive on Oct. 7, and his plight quickly came to represent the helplessness and anger the hostage-taking stirred in Israel, where the Bibas family has become a household name.

Hamas has said Shiri and her sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but Israel has not confirmed that. Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s special coordinator for returning the hostages, said Israel has “grave concern for the lives” of Shiri and her sons, and pleaded with negotiators to provide information on their situation.

Kalderon, 54, was also captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

In Kfar Saba, north of Tel Aviv, Kalderon's family hugged and cheered as they saw the images of him climbing onto the stage in Khan Younis and being transferred to the Red Cross.

“Ofer is coming home!” they said, arms lifted to the sky.

Kalderon’s two children, Erez and Sahar, were abducted alongside him and released during the November 2023 ceasefire. Family members said they weren’t able to recover from their ordeal until their father returned.

“We are sorry it took so long, Ofer,” said Eyal Kalderon. “We will soon be a whole family again. We hope other families will soon feel like this, until the last family.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said France “shares in the relief and joy” of Kalderon's return after 483 days of “unimaginable hell,” adding that France would continue doing all it can to secure the release of another French Israeli hostage still being held in Gaza.

More than 100 of the hostages abducted on Oct. 7 were released during the weeklong Nov. 2023 ceasefire. About 80 more remain in Gaza, at least a third of them believed dead.

In the Oct. 7 attack that started the war, some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory air and ground war, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in residential neighborhoods.

Isseid contributed from Beitunia, West Bank. Moshe Edri at Reim military base, Israel and Paz Bar in Kfar Saba, Israel, contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738411065227.png" alt="Siegel is 64 and a native of North Carolina-photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum." />
 <figcaption>Siegel is 64 and a native of North Carolina-photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum.</figcaption>
 </figure>KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas militants freed three male hostages held for more than a year in the Gaza Strip on Saturday and Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in the fourth such exchange of a ceasefire deal that has halted 15 months of intense fighting.Militants handed Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon to Red Cross officials in the southern city of Khan Younis, while American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel, looking pale and thin, was released to the Red Cross later Saturday morning in Gaza City to the north.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/drmrdSVrfZ">pic.twitter.com/drmrdSVrfZ</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1885735692321292408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>All three were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war. Their release brings to 18 the number of hostages released since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19.The releases were quick and orderly, in contrast to chaotic scenes that unfolded on Thursday when armed militants appeared to struggle to hold back a crowd during a hostage release. In both of Saturday’s releases, masked and armed militants stood in lines as the hostages walked onto a stage and waved before being led off and handed over to the Red Cross.In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, thousands of people gathered to watch the releases being transmitted live on a large screen, waving signs and cheering.Shortly after Siegel arrived in Israel, a bus departed Ofer Military Prison with some 32 prisoners bound for the West Bank. Crowds of well-wishers greeted the bus, cheering and hoisting the released prisoners on their shoulders in scenes of jubilation.The Israeli Prison Authority said all 183 Palestinian prisoners slated for release Saturday had been freed. Most, including 111 arrested after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, were released to Gaza. Just over two dozen returned to cheering crowds in the occupied West Bank. Another seven serving life sentences were transferred to Egypt ahead of their deportation.<h2>Ceasefire brings respite to battered Gaza</h2>The ceasefire is aimed at winding down the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">deadliest and most destructive war</a>&nbsp;ever fought between Israel and Hamas. The deal has held for two weeks, allowing for increased aid to flow into the tiny coastal territory and for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the remnants of their homes in the north of the strip.During the truce's six-week first phase, a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says it has received information from Hamas that eight of those hostages were either killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack or have died in captivity.Also on Saturday, a group of 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7330b0f2a30855cd5ae69b5a32b218df">left Gaza for treatment</a>&nbsp;through the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, in the first opening of the enclave's sole exit since Israel captured it nine months ago. A European Union civilian mission was deployed Friday to prepare for the reopening.The reopening of Rafah marked another key step in the first phase of the ceasefire.Israel and Hamas are set next week to begin negotiating a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-war-cb56a3da64e144492decfffc40c589cf">second phase</a>&nbsp;of the ceasefire, which calls for releasing the remaining hostages and extending the truce indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-militants-rule-93da074c251d0fcaa395503749e2849e">reasserted its rule over Gaza</a>&nbsp;within hours of the latest ceasefire. A key far-right partner in Netanyahu’s coalition is calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire’s first phase.Hamas says it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.<h2>Families and neighbors celebrate return of hostages</h2>Siegel, 65, originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, along with his wife, Aviva Siegel. She was released during a brief 2023 ceasefire and has waged a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-gaza-tunnels-hamas-israel-war-d8ecb415268e911cea09518acdaf7ba2">high-profile campaign</a>&nbsp;to free Keith and other hostages.There were sighs of relief and cheers in a living room where members of the kibbutz watched Siegel's release. Many of those in the room were family friends, who applauded upon seeing Siegel, while some teared up.Meanwhile, the release of Bibas, 35, brought renewed attention to the fate of his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were 4 years old and 9 months old when they were abducted. All four were captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz.Kfir was the youngest of about 250 people taken captive on Oct. 7, and his plight quickly came to represent the helplessness and anger the hostage-taking stirred in Israel, where the Bibas family has become a household name.Hamas has said Shiri and her sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but Israel has not confirmed that. Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s special coordinator for returning the hostages, said Israel has “grave concern for the lives” of Shiri and her sons, and pleaded with negotiators to provide information on their situation.Kalderon, 54, was also captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz.In Kfar Saba, north of Tel Aviv, Kalderon's family hugged and cheered as they saw the images of him climbing onto the stage in Khan Younis and being transferred to the Red Cross.“Ofer is coming home!” they said, arms lifted to the sky.Kalderon’s two children, Erez and Sahar, were abducted alongside him and released during the November 2023 ceasefire. Family members said they weren’t able to recover from their ordeal until their father returned.“We are sorry it took so long, Ofer,” said Eyal Kalderon. “We will soon be a whole family again. We hope other families will soon feel like this, until the last family.”French President Emmanuel Macron said France “shares in the relief and joy” of Kalderon's return after 483 days of “unimaginable hell,” adding that France would continue doing all it can to secure the release of another French Israeli hostage still being held in Gaza.More than 100 of the hostages abducted on Oct. 7 were released during the weeklong Nov. 2023 ceasefire. About 80 more remain in Gaza, at least a third of them believed dead.In the Oct. 7 attack that started the war, some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory air and ground war, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in residential neighborhoods.___Isseid contributed from Beitunia, West Bank. Moshe Edri at Reim military base, Israel and Paz Bar in Kfar Saba, Israel, contributed.

After 484 days Hamas releases American hostage Keith Siegel

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a residence in Dickinson County.

On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant in relation to a narcotics investigation, at a residence in the 200 Block of West 6th Street in Chapman, according to a media release from the sheriff.

The Chapman Police Department and Junction City Police Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant. While conducting the search warrant, deputies located Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia and firearms.

As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 40-year-old James Angelo Demaroney III of Milford and booked him into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon and Defacing Identification Marks on Firearm.&nbsp; He has four previous drug convictions in Geary County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738352660216.png" alt="Demaroney photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Demaroney photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a residence in Dickinson County.On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant in relation to a narcotics investigation, at a residence in the 200 Block of West 6th Street in Chapman, according to a media release from the sheriff.The Chapman Police Department and Junction City Police Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant. While conducting the search warrant, deputies located Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia and firearms.As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 40-year-old James Angelo Demaroney III of Milford and booked him into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon and Defacing Identification Marks on Firearm.&nbsp; He has four previous drug convictions in Geary County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Milford man with previous drug conviction accused of selling meth

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an investigation at a CBD business in Manhattan.

On Thursday, the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant at CBD American Shaman, in the 700 block of N. 11th Street in Manhattan, according to a media release. The warrant was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of products containing THC levels exceeding the legal limit under the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act.

Just after 10a.m. police arrested Donald Ince, 46, of Manhattan, on requested charges that include of three counts of distribution of marijuana (less than 25 grams) and one count of failure to appear. His total bond was set at $15,060. He is no longer in custody.

Understanding the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act

In recent months, RCPD has encountered numerous cases where individuals were cited for possession of marijuana after purchasing what they believed to be legal CBD products from local businesses, including CBD American Shaman. Many of these individuals expressed confusion, as they believed the products they purchased were legal under Kansas law. To clarify, the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901) defines industrial hemp as any part of the cannabis plant containing a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Any product derived from industrial hemp must also adhere to this 0.3% THC limit. Products exceeding this threshold are classified as marijuana under Kansas law and are considered a controlled substance, making their distribution and possession illegal.

1. THC Limits Matter: Any product containing more than 0.3% THC is considered marijuana under Kansas law, regardless of where it is purchased.

2. Know the Source: Consumers should ensure that the CBD products they purchase are compliant with Kansas law and contain no more than 0.3% THC.

3. Business Responsibility: Businesses selling CBD or hemp products must verify that their products meet the legal THC threshold. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges and harm to consumers who may unknowingly purchase illegal substances. RCPD encourages all businesses to thoroughly review the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act and ensure compliance with state laws.

4. Certain Products Are Explicitly Prohibited: K.S.A. 2-3908 outlines six (6) hemp products that are explicitly prohibited from being manufactured, marketed, sold, or distributed in Kansas. These include cigarettes, cigars, smokeless materials, teas, and liquids or gases for vaporizing devices that contain industrial hemp. Additionally, any hemp product intended for human or animal consumption that contains ingredients prohibited under the Kansas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Commercial Feeding Stuffs Act is unlawful. Businesses must ensure their products comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

Additionally, under the same Kansas law, it is unlawful to market, sell, or distribute certain hemp products—including industrial hemp buds, ground hemp floral or leaf material, and hemp extracts with a delta-9 THC concentration exceeding 0.3%—to anyone not registered as a hemp processor under K.S.A. 2-3907 or licensed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture under a commercial plan (K.S.A. 2-3906) or research program (K.S.A. 2-3902). Transportation of these products between licensed hemp producers and processors is permitted without additional licensing, subject to state fire marshal regulations. Violations are punishable as a class A nonperson misdemeanor for a first offense and a severity level 9 nonperson felony for subsequent offenses. Exceptions allow for research by state educational institutions and the production, use, or sale of hemp products not prohibited by state or federal law. This provision supplements the Kansas Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq.)

We urge consumers to be vigilant when purchasing CBD products and to seek out reputable sources that adhere to legal standards. For more information on the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act, please visit the Kansas Legislature’s website or contact the Riley County Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738339454153.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an investigation at a CBD business in Manhattan.On Thursday, the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant at CBD American Shaman, in the 700 block of N. 11th Street in Manhattan, according to a media release. The warrant was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of products containing THC levels exceeding the legal limit under the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act.Just after 10a.m. police arrested Donald Ince, 46, of Manhattan, on requested charges that include of three counts of distribution of marijuana (less than 25 grams) and one count of failure to appear. His total bond was set at $15,060. He is no longer in custody.Understanding the Kansas Industrial Hemp ActIn recent months, RCPD has encountered numerous cases where individuals were cited for possession of marijuana after purchasing what they believed to be legal CBD products from local businesses, including CBD American Shaman. Many of these individuals expressed confusion, as they believed the products they purchased were legal under Kansas law. To clarify, the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901) defines industrial hemp as any part of the cannabis plant containing a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Any product derived from industrial hemp must also adhere to this 0.3% THC limit. Products exceeding this threshold are classified as marijuana under Kansas law and are considered a controlled substance, making their distribution and possession illegal.Key Points for Consumers and Businesses:1. THC Limits Matter: Any product containing more than 0.3% THC is considered marijuana under Kansas law, regardless of where it is purchased.2. Know the Source: Consumers should ensure that the CBD products they purchase are compliant with Kansas law and contain no more than 0.3% THC.3. Business Responsibility: Businesses selling CBD or hemp products must verify that their products meet the legal THC threshold. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges and harm to consumers who may unknowingly purchase illegal substances. RCPD encourages all businesses to thoroughly review the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act and ensure compliance with state laws.4. Certain Products Are Explicitly Prohibited: K.S.A. 2-3908 outlines six (6) hemp products that are explicitly prohibited from being manufactured, marketed, sold, or distributed in Kansas. These include cigarettes, cigars, smokeless materials, teas, and liquids or gases for vaporizing devices that contain industrial hemp. Additionally, any hemp product intended for human or animal consumption that contains ingredients prohibited under the Kansas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Commercial Feeding Stuffs Act is unlawful. Businesses must ensure their products comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.Additionally, under the same Kansas law, it is unlawful to market, sell, or distribute certain hemp products—including industrial hemp buds, ground hemp floral or leaf material, and hemp extracts with a delta-9 THC concentration exceeding 0.3%—to anyone not registered as a hemp processor under K.S.A. 2-3907 or licensed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture under a commercial plan (K.S.A. 2-3906) or research program (K.S.A. 2-3902). Transportation of these products between licensed hemp producers and processors is permitted without additional licensing, subject to state fire marshal regulations. Violations are punishable as a class A nonperson misdemeanor for a first offense and a severity level 9 nonperson felony for subsequent offenses. Exceptions allow for research by state educational institutions and the production, use, or sale of hemp products not prohibited by state or federal law. This provision supplements the Kansas Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq.)We urge consumers to be vigilant when purchasing CBD products and to seek out reputable sources that adhere to legal standards. For more information on the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act, please visit the Kansas Legislature’s website or contact the Riley County Police Department.

Police make arrest at CBD business in Manhattan

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.

Just after 8a.m. January 28, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a rolling domestic incident traveling northbound on S. Road near 142nd Road in a Chevy Impala, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies located the vehicle headed westbound on 150th Road west of Q.4 Road. The passenger of the vehicle, Feliciano Jose Anguiano III, 41, of Mayetta, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship and criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738166011351.png" alt="Anguiano-photo Jackson County." />
 <figcaption>Anguiano-photo Jackson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.Just after 8a.m. January 28, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a rolling domestic incident traveling northbound on S. Road near 142nd Road in a Chevy Impala, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies located the vehicle headed westbound on 150th Road west of Q.4 Road. The passenger of the vehicle, Feliciano Jose Anguiano III, 41, of Mayetta, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship and criminal damage to property.

Kan. man accused of violence while passenger in vehicle 

KANSAS CITY —Prosecutors secured a guilty plea from a Kansas City man who shot at a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper during a high-speed pursuit in 2022, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Christopher Northcutt, 23, pleaded guilty to Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Tampering with Evidence.&nbsp;

According to court records, on Nov. 19, 2022, a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper was conducting a traffic stop on a pickup truck that had been traveling 92 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone.

The stop was attempted on Interstate 70 at Grain Valley. The driver of the truck briefly pulled over then accelerated away at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The trooper pursued and a passenger in the vehicle emerged from the passenger side and fired several shots at the trooper. Shell casings were recovered.

Video surveillance showed three suspects in the vehicle, when the vehicle was abandoned at a motel. The suspects entered a hotel laundry room and rented a room. The suspect used an ID identifying him as John Glock. The investigation of this incident resulted in a cell phone video showing that Northcutt was in the vehicle involved in fleeing the trooper.&nbsp;

Northcutt will be sentenced on April 17 at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670013867051.png" alt="Northcutt -photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Northcutt -photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Prosecutors secured a guilty plea from a Kansas City man who shot at a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper during a high-speed pursuit in 2022, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Christopher Northcutt, 23, pleaded guilty to Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Tampering with Evidence.&nbsp;According to court records, on Nov. 19, 2022, a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper was conducting a traffic stop on a pickup truck that had been traveling 92 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone.The stop was attempted on Interstate 70 at Grain Valley. The driver of the truck briefly pulled over then accelerated away at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The trooper pursued and a passenger in the vehicle emerged from the passenger side and fired several shots at the trooper. Shell casings were recovered.Video surveillance showed three suspects in the vehicle, when the vehicle was abandoned at a motel. The suspects entered a hotel laundry room and rented a room. The suspect used an ID identifying him as John Glock. The investigation of this incident resulted in a cell phone video showing that Northcutt was in the vehicle involved in fleeing the trooper.&nbsp;Northcutt will be sentenced on April 17 at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;

Man admits role in shooting at State Trooper after I-70 traffic stop

RILEY COUNTY —A Riley County man was hospitalized and later arrested after a Wednesday afternoon crash.

Just after 5p.m., Rontavius Banks, 28, Ogden, lost control of a vehicle&nbsp;due to unsafe speed for road conditions in the 700 block of Wildcat Creek Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

EMS transported Banks to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Banks was later arrested for driving while suspended.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —A Riley County man was hospitalized and later arrested after a Wednesday afternoon crash.Just after 5p.m., Rontavius Banks, 28, Ogden, lost control of a vehicle&nbsp;due to unsafe speed for road conditions in the 700 block of Wildcat Creek Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;EMS transported Banks to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Banks was later arrested for driving while suspended.&nbsp;

Riley County man arrested after crash

KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.

Two men identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;Jose Trinidad-Diaz of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Shelby of Kansas City, Kan. &nbsp;have been charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex.

 It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message. 

At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy operation at a Clay County hotel. They had posted an online ad purportedly soliciting sex, knowing that many sex workers are victims of human trafficking. Twenty-seven sex workers responded to the hotel, and 13 agreed to accept services to leave a life of sex trafficking and/or sex work. Advocates from the organizations Value Unconditional and Relentless Pursuit met with them to begin giving them resources for their journeys.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738161592950.png" alt="Trinidad-Diaz-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Trinidad-Diaz-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.Two men identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;Jose Trinidad-Diaz of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Shelby of Kansas City, Kan. &nbsp;have been charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message. At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy operation at a Clay County hotel. They had posted an online ad purportedly soliciting sex, knowing that many sex workers are victims of human trafficking. Twenty-seven sex workers responded to the hotel, and 13 agreed to accept services to leave a life of sex trafficking and/or sex work. Advocates from the organizations Value Unconditional and Relentless Pursuit met with them to begin giving them resources for their journeys.

Kan. man arrested after human trafficking, child sexual abuse sting

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 9:30p.m. Jan. 23, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2021 Nissan Altima for an alleged traffic violation on 150th Road near Q. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Brandon Michael Oliver, 39, and Amberle Clare Harrington, 33, both of Topeka.

After a probable cause search of the vehicle, Oliver and Harrington were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail.&nbsp; Oliver was booked on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and driving while suspended. 

Harrington was booked into jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement conceal/alter/destroy evidence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738164693942.png" alt="Oliver-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Oliver-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 9:30p.m. Jan. 23, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2021 Nissan Altima for an alleged traffic violation on 150th Road near Q. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Brandon Michael Oliver, 39, and Amberle Clare Harrington, 33, both of Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738164726507.png" alt="Harrington-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Harrington-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>After a probable cause search of the vehicle, Oliver and Harrington were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail.&nbsp; Oliver was booked on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and driving while suspended. Harrington was booked into jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement conceal/alter/destroy evidence.

Sheriff: Kan. woman accused of hiding evidence during traffic stop

&nbsp;Riley County police say Clayson Joyce, 22, of Manhattan was arrested on Tuesday at approximately 8:25 PM in the 400 block of N Main Street in Riley, Kansas.

The arrest is connected to a shooting that occurred on December 1, 2024, at approximately 5:47 a.m. in the 1800 block of Claflin Road. During the incident, three people sustained gunshot injuries.

Riley County Police Department’s (RCPD) License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras played a critical role in identifying Joyce’s vehicle, which was linked to the shooting. Officers located and apprehended Joyce without incident during the arrest.

Joyce was arrested on the probable cause offenses of twelve (12) counts of attempted murder in the 1st degree, two (2) counts of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling, criminal damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in city limits.

Total bond was set at&nbsp;$2,000,000. Joyce is currently confined at the Riley County Jail.

This is an ongoing investigation and police said that they will release additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information can contact the RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

&nbsp;Riley County police say Clayson Joyce, 22, of Manhattan was arrested on Tuesday at approximately 8:25 PM in the 400 block of N Main Street in Riley, Kansas.The arrest is connected to a shooting that occurred on December 1, 2024, at approximately 5:47 a.m. in the 1800 block of Claflin Road. During the incident, three people sustained gunshot injuries.Riley County Police Department’s (RCPD) License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras played a critical role in identifying Joyce’s vehicle, which was linked to the shooting. Officers located and apprehended Joyce without incident during the arrest.Joyce was arrested on the probable cause offenses of twelve (12) counts of attempted murder in the 1st degree, two (2) counts of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling, criminal damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in city limits.Total bond was set at&nbsp;$2,000,000. Joyce is currently confined at the Riley County Jail.This is an ongoing investigation and police said that they will release additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information can contact the RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.<figure>
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RCPD reports an arrest in connection with a shooting 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-laken-riley-act-trump-immigration-2667d626139ddf5a16d1533516eab18f">Laken Riley Act</a>&nbsp;into law, giving federal authorities broader power to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally who have been accused of crimes. He also announced at the ceremony that his administration planned to send the “worst criminal aliens” to a detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The bipartisan act, the first piece of legislation approved during Trump’s second term, was named for Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was slain last year by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally.

“She was a light of warmth and kindness,” Trump said during a ceremony that included Riley’s parents and sister. “It’s a tremendous tribute to your daughter what’s taking place today, that’s all I can say. It’s so sad we have to be doing it.”

Trump has promised to drastically increase deportations, but he also said at the signing that some of the people being sent back to their home countries couldn't be counted on to stay there.

“Some of them are so bad that we don’t even trust the countries to hold them because we don’t want them coming back, so we’re gonna send ’em out to Guantanamo,” Trump said. He said that he'd direct federal officials to get facilities in Cuba ready to receive immigrant criminals.

“We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal aliens threatening the American people,” the president said.

The White House announced a short time later that Trump had signed a presidential memorandum on Guantanamo. Migrant rights groups quickly expressed dismay.

“Guantanamo Bay’s abusive history speaks for itself and in no uncertain terms will put people’s physical and mental health in jeopardy,” Stacy Suh, program director of Detention Watch Network, said in a statement.

Trump said the move would double U.S. detention lockup capacities, and Guantanamo is “a tough place to get out of.”

The Guantanamo facility could hold “dangerous criminals” and people who are “hard to deport,” said a Trump administration official speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration would seek funding via spending bills Congress will eventually consider. The administration’s border czar, Tom Homan, said U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement would run the facility in Cuba and that the “the worst of the worst" could go there.

The U.S. military base has been used to house detainees from the U.S. war on terrorism for years. But authorities have also detained migrants at sea at a facility known as the Migrant Operations Center on Guantanamo, a site the U.S. has long leased from the Cuban government. Many of those housed there have been migrants from Haiti and Cuba.

The U.S. has leased Guantanamo land from Cuba for more than a century. Cuba opposes the lease and typically rejects the nominal U.S. rent payments. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Trump wanting to ship immigrants to the island is “an act of brutality.”

“The US government’s decision to imprison migrants at the Guantanamo Naval Base, in an enclave where it created torture and indefinite detention centers, shows contempt for the human condition and international law,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez wrote in a post on X.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that enemy combatants in the war on terror held without charge at the military prison at Guantanamo had the right to challenge their detention in federal court. But the justices did not decide whether the president had the authority to detain people at all.

Before Trump took office, the Democratic administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden worked to reduce the number of terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo.

Laken Riley was out for a run in February 2024 when she was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally. Ibarra&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-nursing-student-laken-riley-immigrant-d8d75ccc6d81e7a88eb7890829d9fc9c">was found guilty in November</a>&nbsp;and sentenced to life without parole.

Ibarra had been arrested for illegal entry in September 2022 near El Paso, Texas, and released to pursue his case in immigration court. Federal officials say he was arrested by New York police in August 2023 for child endangerment and released. Police say he was also issued a citation for shoplifting in Georgia in October 2023.

The act quickly passed the newly Republican-controlled Congress with some Democratic support even though opponents said it possibly could lead to large roundups of people for offenses as minor as shoplifting.

The swift passage, and Trump’s quickly signing it, adds to the potent symbolism for conservatives. To critics, the measure has taken advantage of a tragedy and could lead to chaos and cruelty while doing little to fight crime or overhaul the immigration system.

Riley’s mother thanked Trump while holding back tears.

“He said he would secure our borders and he would never forget about Laken and he hasn’t,” she said.

Several top Republican lawmakers and Noem attended the signing ceremony, as did Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a cosponsor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738075679736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-laken-riley-act-trump-immigration-2667d626139ddf5a16d1533516eab18f">Laken Riley Act</a>&nbsp;into law, giving federal authorities broader power to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally who have been accused of crimes. He also announced at the ceremony that his administration planned to send the “worst criminal aliens” to a detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today I&#39;m also signing an executive order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000 person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay. Most people don&#39;t even know about it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/su3eu24J1Z">pic.twitter.com/su3eu24J1Z</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884690347474727404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The bipartisan act, the first piece of legislation approved during Trump’s second term, was named for Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was slain last year by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump signs Laken Riley Act <a href="https://t.co/8DEIJdzZN5">pic.twitter.com/8DEIJdzZN5</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884692201273163874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“She was a light of warmth and kindness,” Trump said during a ceremony that included Riley’s parents and sister. “It’s a tremendous tribute to your daughter what’s taking place today, that’s all I can say. It’s so sad we have to be doing it.”Trump has promised to drastically increase deportations, but he also said at the signing that some of the people being sent back to their home countries couldn't be counted on to stay there.“Some of them are so bad that we don’t even trust the countries to hold them because we don’t want them coming back, so we’re gonna send ’em out to Guantanamo,” Trump said. He said that he'd direct federal officials to get facilities in Cuba ready to receive immigrant criminals.“We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal aliens threatening the American people,” the president said.The White House announced a short time later that Trump had signed a presidential memorandum on Guantanamo. Migrant rights groups quickly expressed dismay.“Guantanamo Bay’s abusive history speaks for itself and in no uncertain terms will put people’s physical and mental health in jeopardy,” Stacy Suh, program director of Detention Watch Network, said in a statement.Trump said the move would double U.S. detention lockup capacities, and Guantanamo is “a tough place to get out of.”The Guantanamo facility could hold “dangerous criminals” and people who are “hard to deport,” said a Trump administration official speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration would seek funding via spending bills Congress will eventually consider. The administration’s border czar, Tom Homan, said U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement would run the facility in Cuba and that the “the worst of the worst" could go there.The U.S. military base has been used to house detainees from the U.S. war on terrorism for years. But authorities have also detained migrants at sea at a facility known as the Migrant Operations Center on Guantanamo, a site the U.S. has long leased from the Cuban government. Many of those housed there have been migrants from Haiti and Cuba.The U.S. has leased Guantanamo land from Cuba for more than a century. Cuba opposes the lease and typically rejects the nominal U.S. rent payments. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Trump wanting to ship immigrants to the island is “an act of brutality.”“The US government’s decision to imprison migrants at the Guantanamo Naval Base, in an enclave where it created torture and indefinite detention centers, shows contempt for the human condition and international law,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez wrote in a post on X.The Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that enemy combatants in the war on terror held without charge at the military prison at Guantanamo had the right to challenge their detention in federal court. But the justices did not decide whether the president had the authority to detain people at all.Before Trump took office, the Democratic administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden worked to reduce the number of terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo.Laken Riley was out for a run in February 2024 when she was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally. Ibarra&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-nursing-student-laken-riley-immigrant-d8d75ccc6d81e7a88eb7890829d9fc9c">was found guilty in November</a>&nbsp;and sentenced to life without parole.Ibarra had been arrested for illegal entry in September 2022 near El Paso, Texas, and released to pursue his case in immigration court. Federal officials say he was arrested by New York police in August 2023 for child endangerment and released. Police say he was also issued a citation for shoplifting in Georgia in October 2023.The act quickly passed the newly Republican-controlled Congress with some Democratic support even though opponents said it possibly could lead to large roundups of people for offenses as minor as shoplifting.The swift passage, and Trump’s quickly signing it, adds to the potent symbolism for conservatives. To critics, the measure has taken advantage of a tragedy and could lead to chaos and cruelty while doing little to fight crime or overhaul the immigration system.Riley’s mother thanked Trump while holding back tears.“He said he would secure our borders and he would never forget about Laken and he hasn’t,” she said.Several top Republican lawmakers and Noem attended the signing ceremony, as did Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a cosponsor.Under the new law, federal officials would have to detain any immigrant arrested or charged with crimes such as theft or assaulting a police officer, or offenses that injure or kill someone. State attorneys general could sue the U.S. government for harm caused by federal immigration decisions — potentially allowing the leaders of conservative states to help dictate immigration policy set by Washington.Some Democrats have questioned whether it is constitutional. The ALCU says the law can allow people to be “mandatorily locked up — potentially for years — because at some point in their lives, perhaps decades ago, they were accused of nonviolent offenses.”Hannah Flamm, interim senior director of policy at the International Refugee Assistance Project, said the measure violates immigrants’ basic rights by allowing for detaining people who have not been charged with wrongdoing, much less convicted.“The latent fear from the election cycle of looking soft on crime snowballed into aiding and abetting Trump’s total conflation of immigration with crime,” Flamm said.She also noted, “I think it is pivotal to understand: This bill, framed as connected to a tragic death, is pretext to fortify a mass deportation system."___Associated Press writer Rebecca Santana contributed to this repWASHINGTON (AP) — At the signing of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-laken-riley-act-trump-immigration-2667d626139ddf5a16d1533516eab18f">Laken Riley Act</a>, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that he is directing the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 migrants who are living illegally in the United States and cannot be deported to their home countries.Trump made the announcement just before he signed the immigrant detention measure, the first law of his new administration.“We’re going to send them out to Guantanamo," the president said in the White House East Room. He did not elaborate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a> and Acting ICE Director Tom Homan speak to reporters at the White House about Migrant Facility at Guantanamo Bay. <a href="https://t.co/Z3Vjk9U06x">pic.twitter.com/Z3Vjk9U06x</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884713500091539629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. military base has been used to house detainees from the U.S. war on terrorism.The Laken Riley Act was described by Trump as a “landmark law” and “tremendous tribute” to the slain Georgia nursing student for whom it is named. The law mandates that people in the U.S. illegally who are accused of theft and violent crimes be detained and potentially deported, even before a conviction.Laken Riley, 22, went out for a run in February 2024 and was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally. Ibarra&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-nursing-student-laken-riley-immigrant-d8d75ccc6d81e7a88eb7890829d9fc9c">was found guilty in November</a>&nbsp;and sentenced to life without parole.“She was a light of warmth and kindness,” Trump said during a signing ceremony that included Riley's parents and sister. “It’s a tremendous tribute to your daughter what’s taking place today, that’s all I can say. It’s so sad we have to be doing it.”He added, “It’s a landmark law that we’re doing today. It’s going to save countless lives”