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Cornell University Reaches Agreement with Trump Administration

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The Trump-Bondi Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached an agreement with Cornell University to unfreeze federal funds in exchange for significant reforms at the institution. The agreement includes a substantial investment in agricultural research and financial payouts to the federal government. Additionally, Cornell will be required to provide all employees with guidelines prohibiting discrimination related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

“The Trump Administration has secured another transformative commitment from an Ivy League institution to end divisive DEI policies,” declared U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a press release on Friday. “Thanks to this deal with Cornell and the ongoing work of DOJ, HHS, and the team at ED, U.S. universities are refocusing their attention on merit, rigor, and truth-seeking—not ideology. These reforms are a huge win in the fight to restore excellence to American higher education and make our schools the greatest in the world.”

As part of the agreement, Cornell University will invest $30 million through 2028 in research programs related to agriculture and farming. According to the DOJ press release, this investment will support American farmers by helping reduce production costs and increase efficiency. Additionally, Cornell will pay $30 million to the United States over the next three years.

The university has agreed to provide the Department of Justice’s “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination” as a training resource for faculty and staff. Cornell will also conduct annual surveys to evaluate the campus climate for students and comply with lawful requests from the United States related to foreign funding sources.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also involved in the agreement. “The Trump Administration is actively dismantling the ability of elite universities to discriminate based on race or religion,” stated HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “The DOJ’s agreement with Cornell strengthens protections for students against antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination.”

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ Civil Rights Division celebrated the deal as a victory for fairness and civil rights. “As a result of securing this groundbreaking settlement between the United States and Cornell, applicants and students will receive fair and equal treatment as required by our civil rights laws, and American farmers will have expanded opportunity for agricultural development and productivity,” said Dhillon.

She added, “The Cornell agreement exhibits this administration’s deep commitment to vigilantly enforce our federal civil rights laws on college campuses and ensure that American universities manage taxpayer dollars responsibly.”

Cornell had faced significant cutbacks in hiring and budgeting in August amid the loss of federal funding, as the university delayed implementing required reforms. In October, the university’s student newspaper sparked controversy by publishing a professor’s artwork containing Nazi imagery.

It appears that since then, Cornell has recognized the need to prioritize federal funding over controversial ideologies. One hopes the university will now uphold its commitments under this agreement.

—

*For Our VIPs:*
**Trans Teacher Makes Death Threat Over Pronouns as Court Rules Against Forced Use**
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2025/11/08/cornell-university-reaches-agreement-with-trump-admin-n4945764

Flying soon? What you need to know as Trump admin creates holiday travel chaos

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While nonessential employees were furloughed during the recent government shutdown, workers deemed essential—such as air traffic controllers—have continued their jobs. But what does this mean for the millions of Americans who take to the skies every day? To find out, The Conversation U.S. spoke with Laurie A. Garrow, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

### What Do We Know About the FAA’s Plans So Far?

The first thing to note is that the situation can change rapidly. However, as of this morning, about 4% of flights are being canceled across 40 “high-volume” airports. This list is publicly available and includes most of the major hubs in the United States such as Atlanta, New York’s airports, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

The plan is to increase cancellations to 10% by November 14 if the shutdown continues that long. The FAA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the airlines are working together to decide which flights and routes will be affected. This will undoubtedly be monitored closely in the coming days, with efforts made to minimize disruption for customers.

Currently, cuts are focused on domestic flights only. International flights across the Atlantic, Pacific, and to Latin America are not subject to cuts for now. The 4% cancellations mainly target high-frequency routes to help lessen the overall impact.

For example, American Airlines typically flies nine flights a day from Miami to Orlando but plans to reduce that to eight flights this weekend. Regional flights may also see reductions; a typical route such as Erie, Pennsylvania, to Charlotte might drop from three daily flights to one or two. However, the FAA has made it clear that they will not cut flights to markets entirely, only reduce the number.

### What Will This Mean for Existing Flights?

Passengers can expect more people on the flights that continue to operate. Fortunately, we are currently in the lull before the Thanksgiving travel rush, so there is more slack in the system and extra seats available. If a flight is canceled on a busy route, it should be relatively easy to accommodate passengers on another flight.

Customers are also likely to be advised to arrive at airports earlier than usual. More delays on existing flights are expected because of safety measures.

Air traffic control can only safely manage a certain number of flights at any one time. With fewer controllers available or working reduced hours, the number of airplanes in the sky must be limited. Controllers cannot safely monitor double the usual number of flights.

To manage this, more ground delay programs will be implemented to limit aircraft movements into or out of airports, especially during peak periods. While this causes delays, it is a necessary safety measure.

### What Impact Will This Have on Airlines?

At a 4% cancellation rate, the impact on airlines is expected to be relatively minor. The affected airports are major hubs, and the reduction in flights is balanced across all U.S. carriers.

However, the broader impact may ripple across industries that depend on air transportation. According to the International Air Transport Association, the U.S. air transport sector contributes $3 trillion—about 4.7%—to GDP and supports approximately 7.6 million jobs.

If the shutdown and resulting disruptions continue, especially into the holiday season, the economic impact could be more severe.

### What If the Shutdown Continues Into the Holiday Season?

If flight reductions rise to 10% by the holidays, with added delays, carriers will likely experience significant challenges. The holiday season is a peak travel time, so disruptions during this period will be especially painful for airlines and passengers alike.

### Will This Affect How Americans Choose to Travel?

Air travel is often an emotional choice—used for significant life events like family reunions, holidays, or important business meetings. Difficulty in securing timely flights could influence travel decisions this holiday season.

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, noted on November 7 that the airline is already seeing an impact on bookings, with people postponing or rescheduling trips. For journeys of around 500 to 600 miles, traveling by car is becoming a more attractive option for many.

### Will Passengers Be Compensated for Canceled Flights?

Passenger compensation for delays and cancellations usually depends on whether the issue was within the airline’s control. The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a dashboard detailing airline policies for mitigating passenger inconvenience in such cases.

However, flight disruptions caused by air traffic control staffing shortages are not considered within the airline’s control. Therefore, compensation policies vary by airline.

As of November 7, many carriers have allowed customers to change flights or request refunds without penalties, even for nonrefundable fares like basic economy. Airlines recognize the importance of maintaining customer loyalty during these disruptions.

Generally, major carriers offer more compensation for delays and cancellations within their control compared to low-cost airlines.

### Is There Any Precedent for This Situation?

There is no exact precedent for a 4% to 10% across-the-board reduction in flights caused by a government shutdown.

However, major disruptions have occurred before, such as after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when illness among flight attendants and pilots caused cancellations and delays before the holidays.

Historically, consumers have temporarily altered their travel behavior under such circumstances. After 9/11, for example, some travelers shifted to automobile travel for shorter journeys of 500 to 600 miles due to increased airport hassle.

### What Advice Would You Give to Would-Be Flyers Now?

1. **Download Apps:** Get the airport and airline apps for the latest, reliable information.
2. **Book Early:** For major events, consider booking flights a day earlier than usual to provide a buffer in case of delays or cancellations.
3. **Avoid Connections:** The fewer flight legs, the less chance for complications.
4. **Travel Light:** Avoid checking bags if possible to avoid dealing with luggage delays if your flight is canceled.

By taking these precautions, travelers can reduce some of the stress associated with current flight disruptions.

—

*Laurie A. Garrow, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology*
https://www.alternet.org/travel-chaos-trump/

21Shares XRP ETF Nears Launch as SEC Timer Starts

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The long-awaited debut of a U.S. spot XRP ETF could arrive sooner than expected. Crypto-focused asset manager 21Shares has filed a new document with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that activates a 20-day countdown for automatic approval—unless the regulator steps in.

The filing, known as Form 8(a), was submitted on Friday and sets the clock ticking toward a potential listing date around November 27. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas confirmed the development, noting that the process now depends entirely on whether the SEC intervenes before the timer expires.

### How the 21RP ETF Works

At the heart of the proposal lies the 21 Exchange. Unlike actively managed crypto funds, this structure focuses purely on exposure to XRP’s value. The 21RP ETF shares are held by designated custodians. Once trading begins, these shares can later be sold or redeemed to help establish market liquidity.

### 21Shares Expands Its ETF Pipeline

The 21RP ETF is not the only product in 21Shares’ pipeline. The company has also submitted an application for an ETF tracking Hyperliquid’s HYPE token—a fund tied to one of the leading decentralized perpetual trading protocols.

If approved, this would mark the first leveraged ETF based on a DeFi platform’s performance, signaling a broader shift toward on-chain assets entering traditional markets. The Zurich- and New York-based firm’s latest filings suggest an aggressive expansion strategy designed to capitalize on the SEC’s faster approval framework introduced earlier this fall.

### ETF Filings Surge as Asset Managers Race Ahead

Alongside 21Shares’ filings, Bitwise recently made headlines for submitting its own Form 8(a) for a spot Dogecoin ETF, just months after the SEC delayed its earlier application.

According to Balchunas, both the Bitwise DOGE fund and 21RP ETF could theoretically begin trading before the month ends if the automatic approval process runs its course.

### A Different SEC, A Faster Rulebook

This current wave of filings reflects a significant shift in the regulatory climate under SEC Chair Paul Atkins, who replaced Gary Gensler earlier this year.

In September, the SEC introduced new listing standards that shortened crypto ETF reviews from 240 days to 75 days, creating a friendlier environment for token-based funds. These reforms align with the Trump administration’s broader pro-crypto policies, aimed at positioning the U.S. as a hub for regulated digital-asset investment vehicles.

Under Gensler, only Bitcoin and Ethereum had secured spot ETF approval. Now, issuers are testing the limits with XRP, Solana, and even DeFi-linked assets like HYPE.

### Market Response

The market appears to be responding positively to the news. XRP climbed 4.2% over the last 24 hours to trade at $2.32 on Bitstamp, based on CoinGecko data.

Despite the daily gain, the token remains about 7% lower on the week as traders navigate broader market volatility.

—

*The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.*

—

**Author**
Alex is a reporter at Coindoo and an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. Alex’s approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
https://coindoo.com/21shares-xrp-etf-nears-launch-as-sec-timer-starts/

Federal judge rules Trump’s Portland National Guard deployment unconstitutional in permanent injunction

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A federal judge on Friday ruled that the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, was unconstitutional.

On Sunday, U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, temporarily extended an order blocking the administration from sending troops to The Rose City, stating that the government failed to justify the move.

In her Sunday evening order, Immergut temporarily blocked “Defendant Secretary of Defense [Pete] Hegseth from implementing” memorandums that authorized the federalization and deployment of National Guard members from Oregon, Texas, and California into Portland. This injunction remained in effect until Friday.

Friday’s 106-page ruling made that order permanent. The decision came after a three-day trial examining whether protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland warranted the use of the military domestically under federal law. The administration argued that the troops were necessary to protect federal personnel and property.

However, Judge Immergut wrote in the ruling that the “evidence demonstrates that these deployments, which were objected to by Oregon’s governor and not requested by the federal officials in charge of protection of the ICE building, exceeded the President’s authority.” She noted that the President failed to demonstrate there was a rebellion or threat of rebellion that could not be controlled without military intervention.

The judge added, “Even giving great deference to the President’s determination, the President did not have a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard.”

Immergut further declared the order unconstitutional, citing that it violated the 10th Amendment. This amendment “reserves to the States any powers not expressly delegated to the federal government in the Constitution.”

The city of Portland and the state of Oregon sued the administration over the deployment in September, after Secretary Hegseth sent 200 troops to the city.

The administration has the option to appeal the decision. It also faces a temporary injunction in Chicago, where a judge has barred similar troop deployments.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/08/us-news/trump-admin-permanently-blocked-from-deploying-national-guard-on-portland-oregon-federal-judge/

Republican US Rep. Elise Stefanik is running for governor of New York

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NEW YORK (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik officially announced her candidacy for governor of New York on Friday.

In a video shared on social media, Stefanik called Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul “the worst governor in America” and described New York as “the most unaffordable state in the nation.” Representing a solidly red congressional district in upstate New York, Stefanik has been hinting at a gubernatorial run for months, frequently criticizing Hochul and more recently targeting Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City.

Last year, former President Donald Trump selected Stefanik, a staunch ally, to serve as the administration’s ambassador to the United Nations. However, he rescinded the nomination months later due to concerns about tight Republican margins in the House.

Although any Republican candidate faces long odds in the New York governor’s race, Stefanik brings strong name recognition, fundraising capability, and deep ties to the Trump White House. The Republican primary field for the 2026 race remains uncertain. U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, once viewed as a potential strong contender, opted earlier this year to seek reelection in his competitive House district in the Hudson Valley instead.

On the Democratic side, Gov. Hochul is expected to face a contested primary, with her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, challenging her for the nomination.

Stefanik, a Harvard graduate, was 30 years old when first elected to the House in 2014. She initially entered Congress as a moderate Republican but quickly aligned herself with Trump, reshaping her image into a brash, outspoken MAGA supporter. Her national profile rose significantly after she aggressively questioned university presidents about antisemitism on their campuses, an effort that led to two resignations and earned praise from the Republican president.

Democrats maintain a significant voter registration advantage in New York. The last Republican governor was George Pataki, who left office about two decades ago. Nonetheless, Republican Lee Zeldin, a former Long Island congressman and current head of the Environmental Protection Agency, mounted a serious challenge in 2022, coming close to defeating Hochul.

Stefanik’s entry into the race marks a new chapter in what is expected to be a highly contested 2026 gubernatorial election in New York.
https://whdh.com/news/republican-us-rep-elise-stefanik-is-running-for-governor-of-new-york/

How to complete A Balanced Harvest quest in Arc Raiders

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A Balanced Harvest Quest Guide in Arc Raiders

The A Balanced Harvest quest in Arc Raiders takes you to one of the most heavily populated buildings on the Dam Battlegrounds map. This mission is assigned to you by Celeste, who asks you to find some research notes from that site. Although the quest seems straightforward, you will face many challenges along the way.

Additionally, the building is huge, and without knowing the exact location, finding the notes can become frustrating. This article provides a detailed guide to help you complete the A Balanced Harvest quest efficiently.

A Balanced Harvest Quest Walkthrough

The quest description states:

“Our food production is finally enough to meet our basic needs, but what we really need now is variety. I have a lead on some agricultural research from before the First Wave. Are you in?”

Here are the objectives you need to complete:

  • Go to the Research & Administration building.
  • Locate Lab 1 on the upper floor above the reception.
  • Search for any traces of the agricultural research project.

Location of the Research & Administration Building

If you’ve spent time playing the game, you might already be familiar with this area. For those who aren’t, the Research & Administration building is a popular looting site located on the eastern side of the Dam Battlegrounds map, near the Control Tower building.

This building is densely populated with both ARCs and human enemies because it has a high loot probability that attracts many players.

Where to Find Traces of the Agricultural Research Project

When you arrive at the Research & Administration building, you have two options to reach the upper floor where Lab 1 is located: using the zipline or the blue stairs.

Using the Zipline

If you choose the zipline, once you reach the top, go straight and take a right turn. Continue straight, then take a left turn onto a long pathway. On your left side, you will see the entrance to Lab 1.

Using the Stairs

If you take the blue stairs, when you reach the top floor, you will find another door. Open it and turn left to enter a long passageway. Be cautious here, as a turret is nearby. Make sure to destroy the turret so you can proceed safely.

After clearing the path, go straight until you find the Lab 1 gate with “LAB 1” written on the wall. Enter the lab, where you will find a note placed on a desk, highlighted in yellow. Collect this note to complete the objective.

Completing the Quest

Once you have the research notes, head to the nearest extraction point, which is the Swampside Elevator. Use it to return to Speranza and conclude the A Balanced Harvest mission.

Rewards for Completing A Balanced Harvest Quest

After completing the quest, you will receive the following rewards:

  • 3 x Sterilized Bandages
  • 14,000 XP

Additional Guides

Looking for more help with Arc Raiders? Check out these guides:

Are you stuck on today’s Wordle? Use our Wordle Solver to help find the answer!

https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/how-complete-a-balanced-harvest-quest-arc-raiders

The FAA’s order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is set to take effect

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected 40 airports across more than two dozen states for schedule reductions, according to a recent order. Major hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina are among those affected. In metropolitan areas including New York, Houston, Chicago, and Washington, multiple airports will feel the impact. The ripple effects could even extend to smaller regional airports.

As the FAA’s official order approaches, airlines have scrambled to adjust their schedules and began canceling flights as early as Thursday. Travelers with weekend and future plans are now nervously waiting to see if their flights will take off as scheduled.

According to FlightAware, more than 780 flights have already been canceled nationwide. Delta Air Lines announced plans to cancel around 170 flights on Friday, while American Airlines said it would cut 220 flights daily through Monday.

The FAA stated that reductions will begin at 4% and could ramp up to 10% by November 14. These cutbacks, impacting all commercial airlines, will be in effect between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The agency asserts that these measures are necessary to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay for over a month. Many controllers are working six-day weeks with mandatory overtime, and an increasing number have started calling out, citing exhaustion and financial strain.

“You can’t expect people to go in to work when they’re not getting a paycheck,” said Kelly Matthews of Flat Rock, Michigan, a frequent business traveler who has canceled most of her upcoming trips. “It’s not a matter of them not wanting to do the job, but you can’t afford to pay for gas, your day care, and everything else.”

This order coincides with the Trump administration ramping up pressure on Democrats in Congress to end the government shutdown. Airlines have said they will strive to minimize the impact on customers, with some planning to focus on reducing routes to and from small and medium-sized cities.

According to the Department of Transportation, carriers must refund customers whose flights are canceled, but are not required to cover secondary costs such as food and hotel accommodations unless the delay or cancellation was within the airline’s control.

Industry analyst Henry Harteveldt warned that the reductions will “have a noticeable impact across the U.S. air transportation system.” The cuts could also affect package delivery services, as both Memphis, Tennessee (FedEx hub) and Louisville, Kentucky (UPS hub and site of this week’s deadly cargo plane crash) are among the airports facing reductions.

*Associated Press journalists Hallie Golden in Seattle, Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, and Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York contributed to this report.*
https://ktar.com/national-news/the-faas-order-to-cut-flights-nationwide-due-to-the-government-shutdown-is-set-to-take-effect/5771934/

Florida university leaders eye H-1B visas

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State university leaders in January will address Governor Ron DeSantis’ directive to end the use of H-1B visas for hiring foreign faculty, according to Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System.

Rodrigues informed the Board of Governors on Thursday that discussions with university presidents are already underway. “We’ve heard the call to address it and we will continue to work with our universities and staff to answer the call,” Rodrigues said during a meeting at the University of South Florida.

Governor DeSantis raised the issue during an appearance at the school on October 29. His proposal comes on the heels of a restriction from former President Donald Trump’s administration that would require foreign-born individuals to pay a $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa—a cost expected to be covered by the hiring institution.

DeSantis has criticized the use of H-1B employees, stating that they are often used as “cheap labor” to reduce costs. “When you see in the news all these people being laid off by Amazon, UPS, all these companies, we need to make sure our citizens here in Florida are first in line for job opportunities,” the governor said last week.

“We can do it with our residents in Florida or with Americans, and if we can’t do it, then, man, we need to really look deeply about what is going on with this situation,” DeSantis added.

The Florida Board of Governors is scheduled to meet January 28-29 at Florida State University to further discuss the matter.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/2025/11/07/florida-university-leaders-eye-h-1b-visas/

Questions remain why ICE targeted day care teacher who was detained in North Center facility

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Following widespread backlash over the arrest of a Chicago day care teacher this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement on Thursday alleging that the teacher had illegally crossed the southern border in 2023 and, last month, paid a smuggler to bring her teenage children into the U.S. as well.

In the statement, DHS said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents targeted Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano, of Colombia, during a traffic stop early Wednesday while she and an unidentified male passenger were driving. According to DHS, Santillana illegally entered the U.S. on June 26, 2023, where she was initially encountered by Border Patrol. The statement added that the Biden administration released her into the country.

Questions remain, however, about whether Santillana had been targeted prior to the traffic stop. School officials confirmed that Santillana had authorization to work at the day care and had undergone a background check. DHS did not respond to further questions beyond its statement, which also mentioned that Santillana and the male driver were in a vehicle registered to a “female illegal alien.”

The arrest, which was widely circulated on social media, showed agents pulling a screaming Santillana from the vestibule of Rayito de Sol, an early learning center and Spanish immersion school in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. In the video, Santillana is heard saying “I have papers” in Spanish as agents pinned her against their vehicle.

News outlets around the world covered the confrontation, marking an unprecedented step by agents under President Donald Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz — an immigration crackdown in Chicago that included entering a school to detain an individual.

DHS emphasized in its statement that “work authorization does NOT confer any type of legal status to be in the U.S.” The department criticized the Biden administration, claiming it “exploited this loophole to help facilitate the invasion of our country.”

Santillana’s attorney, Naiara Testai, filed a habeas corpus petition on Wednesday. She said Santillana is expected to have a court hearing next week but declined to provide further details.

The Colombian Consulate confirmed that it is aware of the situation and is working to provide assistance.

### Context and Community Response

The years around 2023, when DHS said Santillana crossed the border, saw record numbers of people traveling from South America to the United States. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent migrants by bus and train to Chicago and other interior U.S. cities perceived as immigration-friendly, a political move aimed at highlighting strained resources at border cities.

At a Thursday news conference, Maria Guzman, a parent of a child at Rayito de Sol, described the arrest as “something that is out of a terror movie.” She said, “I could not sleep last night thinking about the safety of my children. This is deeply, deeply personal.”

While parents did not have specifics about Santillana’s immigration status, they expressed strong support for her, affectionately calling her “Miss Diana.”

“Our experience with her has been absolutely amazing,” said Sara Nepomuceno, 29, whose 5-month-old daughter has been attending Santillana’s class for about two months. “I’m a first-time mom,” she added, “and going back to work can be a really hard experience, but Diana made it so easy.”

### Details of the Arrest

The arrest occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, shortly after the school opened, according to officials, witnesses, and school staff. Agents reportedly followed Santillana and the male passenger into the school parking lot at 2550 W. Addison St., near Lane Tech College Prep High School.

School staff told the Chicago Tribune that agents entered the school without presenting a warrant before pulling Santillana outside. Elected officials, including U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D), confirmed seeing agents inside the school.

“They went inside the day care center, questioned and took someone to her locker room to prove she had papers. We saw them run in and out,” Ramirez said Wednesday following the arrest.

DHS accused Santillana of “barricading” herself inside the daycare with the male passenger, allegedly “recklessly endangering the children inside.” The department also claimed she paid smugglers last month to bring her two children, ages 16 and 17, across the border through El Paso, Texas, to a Chicago-area shelter as unaccompanied minors.

According to DHS, “Facilitating human smuggling is a crime.”

### Questions About Family Reunification

While parents knew Santillana had children, it remains unclear whether she has been reunited with them, and if so, how.

Julie Contreras, a pastor and immigrant advocate at United Giving Hope, who has over 30 years of experience reuniting unaccompanied children with their families and helping them seek asylum, said unaccompanied minors are typically first apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Border Patrol.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement, also under DHS, then vets reunification with parents or guardians.

Contreras said it is unusual to accuse a biological mother of trafficking or smuggling her own children. “Trafficking involves forced exploitation, and smuggling requires physically transporting someone illegally, which the mother could not have done if already in the U.S.,” she explained.

“I don’t know her personally or the children, but how horrific this would be because she is only guilty of being a mother who loved her children and wanted to be reunited with them,” Contreras added.

### A Teacher Beloved by the Community

Parents at Rayito de Sol described Santillana as caring for about six infants, someone who “always willing to go above and beyond” for the school community.

“She would dress up in silly hats and unicorn costumes to entertain the children,” said Laura Tober, whose 14-month-old child has been in Santillana’s class since July.

A “Meet the Teacher” brochure shared by a parent revealed that Santillana has two children and has been working with children in schools and kindergartens for 10 years. She holds a degree in early childhood education from San Buenaventura University in Medellin, Colombia, where she is originally from.

“She is someone who likes to nurture and leave a mark on young ones,” the brochure stated.

—

The arrest of Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano has ignited a complex debate about immigration enforcement, community trust, and the rights of families amid ongoing border challenges. The coming court proceedings and community response will likely continue to shape the conversation around such cases in Chicago and beyond.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/06/ice-day-care-teacher-arrest-questions/

Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump’s ability to attack Venezuela

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted Thursday to reject legislation that would have placed limits on President Donald Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela. Democrats have been pressing Congress to take a stronger role in overseeing Trump’s high-stakes campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Lawmakers, including top Republicans, have demanded that the Trump administration provide more information on the U.S. military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. However, Thursday’s vote—on legislation that would essentially prevent an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization—suggests Republicans are willing to give Trump leeway to continue his buildup of naval forces in the region.

“President Trump has taken decisive action to protect thousands of Americans from lethal narcotics,” said Sen. Jim Risch, the Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Still, the vote allowed Democrats to press their GOP colleagues on Trump’s threats against Venezuela. The legislation failed to advance by a 49-51 margin, with Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska the only Republicans voting in favor.

The U.S. is assembling an unusually large force in the Caribbean Sea, including its most advanced aircraft carrier, leading many to conclude that Trump intends to go beyond intercepting cocaine-running boats. The campaign so far has killed at least 66 people in 16 known strikes.

“It’s really an open secret that this is much more about potential regime change,” said Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who pushed the resolution. “If that’s where the administration is headed, if that’s what we’re risking involvement in a war, then Congress needs to be heard on this.”

### Some Republicans Uneasy With Caribbean Campaign

Republican leadership pressed Thursday to ensure the legislation’s failure, but several senators carefully considered their votes. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who voted against the resolution, expressed doubts about the campaign.

He pointed out the expense involved in redeploying an aircraft carrier and questioned whether those funds could be better used securing the U.S.-Mexico border to stop fentanyl trafficking. Tillis added, “If the campaign continues for several months more, then we have to have a real discussion about whether or not we’re engaging in some sort of hybrid war.”

Sen. Todd Young of Indiana stated he voted against the legislation because he did not believe it was “necessary or appropriate at this time.” However, he said he was “troubled by many aspects and assumptions of this operation” and believed it conflicted with the majority of Americans who want the U.S. military less entangled in international conflicts.

### The Push for Congressional Oversight

As the Trump administration reconfigures U.S. priorities overseas, frustration among lawmakers—including some Republicans—has been growing over recent Pentagon actions.

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing earlier Thursday, Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair, acknowledged that many senators have “serious concerns about the Pentagon’s policy office,” and that Congress was not being adequately consulted on actions such as pausing Ukraine security assistance, reducing U.S. troop numbers in Romania, and formulating the National Defense Strategy.

Several GOP senators have directed criticism toward the Department of Defense’s policy office, led by Elbridge Colby, who has advocated for the U.S. to reduce its involvement in international alliances.

“It just seems like there’s this pigpen-like mess coming out of the policy shop,” Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said during another Armed Services hearing earlier this week.

### Administration Outreach and Continued Congressional Tensions

In response to mounting pushback on Capitol Hill, the Trump administration has stepped up outreach efforts to lawmakers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a classified briefing for congressional leaders Wednesday.

The officials provided details on the intelligence used to target the boats and allowed senators to review the legal rationale for the attacks but did not discuss whether they planned a direct attack against Venezuela, according to lawmakers present.

Despite this, Democrats have continued to test Republican unease by forcing votes on the potential for an attack on Venezuela under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was intended to reassert congressional authority over declarations of war.

A previous War Powers vote related to strikes against boats in international waters also failed last month by a narrow margin of 48-51. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who pushed the legislation, said he plans to force more votes.

“We should not be going to war without a vote of Congress. The lives of our troops are at stake,” Kaine said in a floor speech.

### Democratic Criticism of the Military Campaign

Democrats also argue that the Trump administration is using a weak legal justification for an expansive military campaign that endangers U.S. troops and the nation’s reputation.

Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services panel, accused President Trump of engaging in “violence without a strategic objective” while failing to take necessary actions to address fentanyl smuggling.

“You cannot bomb your way out of a drug crisis,” Reed said.

© Associated Press 2024
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