Two Democratic lawmakers from the House Intelligence Committee are demanding answers from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard regarding a gap between classified findings and public statements about Venezuela’s alleged links to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua.
The Trump administration had previously claimed that the Venezuelan government was using the gang to conduct “irregular warfare” in the United States—an argument central to invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which grants extraordinary presidential powers during war or foreign invasion.
However, a recently declassified intelligence report contradicts this narrative. It states that Venezuela “probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA operations in the United States.”
Representatives Jim Himes and Joaquin Castro said in a joint statement, “Now that the public can read the IC’s analysis that the Maduro regime does not direct Tren de Aragua, Director Gabbard should explain why her public descriptions failed to match the findings.”
Panama Erupts Over US Military Deal
In Panama City, thousands of students and workers have taken to the streets protesting a new agreement that allows US troops to be stationed near the Panama Canal.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to “take back” control of the canal, built by the US but handed over to Panama in 1999. In a move seen as bowing to US pressure, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino approved US military deployment to Panamanian bases for training and other activities.
The decision has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators accusing Mulino of compromising national sovereignty.
“Since Mulino took office [in July 2024], everything has gone to hell,” said 27-year-old protester Isaac Alba. The rally also targeted plans to reopen a controversial copper mine and proposed social security reforms.
Court Blocks Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act
Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport undocumented immigrants tied to Venezuelan gangs has suffered a major legal blow.
District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled the move unconstitutional, saying the law, dating back to 1798, was intended for wartime use—not criminal matters like narcotics trafficking.
This ruling aligns with a prior decision by another judge in Texas, who also dismissed the administration’s use of the act against Tren de Aragua.
Canada Rethinks Trade Amid US Tariff Threats
Meanwhile, Trump’s tough talk on trade is pushing even close allies like Canada to reconsider their economic relationships.
New trade data shows Canadian exports to the US dropped 6.6 percent in March, while imports from the US fell by 2.9 percent.
As Trump continues to tout America’s market dominance, Canadian officials are quietly exploring more stable trade partnerships with other countries.
