This is not our America.
Federal agents grabbed a five-year-old in his own driveway after preschool and used him to lure his family outside. His father crossed at a port of entry, filed for asylum through CBP’s own app, and had no criminal record or deportation order. This is exactly the kind of person Trump said would be left alone.
Liam Conejo Ramos spent 11 days in a jail 1,300 miles from home. The government calls it a “family detention center,” which is one of those phrases designed to make you forget that it is a jail for children and their families.
Today a federal judge ordered Liam and his father released. He called it an “ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented” quota system. Then he put Liam’s photo in the order. He added two Bible verses and quoted the Declaration of Independence. Because no matter who won or who voted for whom, you don’t jail a five-year-old in a bunny hat to reach a quota.
People are in the streets because this is not our America.
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Car displaying Trump flag hits student at anti-ICE protest outside Nebraska high school after circling multiple times and revving engine; girl was alert and talking afterward.
Today’s GovBrief News
Trump instructs Noem via Truth Social that federal forces won't help "Democrat Cities" with protests unless local leaders say "please," warns of "equal, or more, consequence."
Source: Newsweek
January 31, 2026
At least 10,000 Danish veterans march silently through subzero cold to U.S. embassy in Copenhagen after Trump said NATO allies hid from frontlines in Afghanistan and embassy staff removed 44 flags honoring Danish war dead.
Source: Deutsche Welle
January 31, 2026
New U.S. chargé d'affaires arrives in Caracas to reopen diplomatic mission one month after American military operation captured Maduro, as interim government announces amnesty bill for political prisoners.
Source: The Associated Press
January 31, 2026
Trump says U.S. is 'starting to talk to Cuba' after signing executive order tariffing countries that sell oil to the island, cutting off supplies routed through Venezuela and Mexico.
Source: NBC News
January 31, 2026
Federal appeals judge dismisses DOJ misconduct complaint against Judge Boasberg, ruling that even if he warned of a constitutional crisis at a Judicial Conference meeting, that would not violate ethics rules.
Source: Reuters
January 31, 2026
Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to halt Operation Metro Surge but acknowledges "profound and even heartbreaking" consequences including two shootings by federal agents.
Source: KSTP St. Paul
January 31, 2026
Federal judge orders 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father released from Texas detention center, calling their arrest part of "ill-conceived" deportation quota system.
Source: CBS News
January 31, 2026
Utah governor signs bill expanding state Supreme Court from five to seven justices after legislature suffered court defeats on redistricting, abortion and school vouchers, giving him five of seven appointments.
Source: Desert News
January 31, 2026
Border Patrol leader Bovino mocked federal prosecutor's Jewish faith on conference call, asking "Do Orthodox criminals also take off on Saturday?" weeks before being reassigned over a separate fatal shooting.
Source: CBS News
January 31, 2026
Trump pushes for 250-foot permanent triumphal arch near the Potomac that would dwarf the Lincoln Memorial and obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery.
Source: The Independent
January 31, 2026
TSA begins charging $45 per person for travelers without Real ID or passport starting Sunday, with no guarantee the identity check will clear in time to board.
Source: The Associated Press
January 31, 2026
Democrat Christian Menefee wins Houston special election to fill seat vacant nearly a year after Gov. Abbott delayed scheduling, narrowing Republicans' House majority to 218-214.
Source: KHOU Houston
January 31, 2026
House Democrats tell Speaker Johnson they won't help pass funding bill, extending partial shutdown as party demands ICE body cameras and warrant restrictions.
Source: CNN
January 31, 2026
Kennedy Center lists no Black History Month events for the first time after Trump-installed board renamed venue, drove out artists and lost its programming chief in under two weeks.
Source: The Washington Post
January 31, 2026
Wired publishes a free guide on how to film ICE agents, protect your phone, and preserve footage for courts and investigators, warning there is no way to do it safely.
Source: Wired
January 31, 2026