International

ICE under fire for detaining undocumented teen from Florida foster care

Lawmakers and civil rights organizations condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday for handcuffing and detaining a 17-year-old Honduran teenager who was living with a foster family in Florida, in what they say is a likely violation of long-standing legal protections.

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights accused Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) of violating a 30-year-old policy that prohibits the transfer of undocumented minors to immigration authorities.

“Instead of protecting this young person and keeping him safe from harm, the state of Florida did the opposite by calling ICE—who then cruelly removed him from his foster home in shackles and placed him in immigration detention,” said Kelly Albinak Kribs, co-director of the organization, in a statement.

The group referred to a Miami Herald article published Wednesday, reporting that Florida officials contacted ICE to report the teenager, identified only as Henry, who was subsequently taken from his foster family in Pensacola.

Henry and his mother, who has already been deported, had crossed the border into Texas and later traveled to Florida in search of work after falling victim to labor trafficking.

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In response to the incident, several lawmakers sent a letter on Friday to DCF Secretary Taylor Hatch, demanding an explanation of the department’s collaboration with ICE, calling the incident “unnecessary and unacceptable.”

“It is morally reprehensible to try to meet deportation quotas by targeting vulnerable children under Florida’s protection,” wrote Representative Fentrice Driskell, who shared the letter co-signed by over a dozen colleagues. “Florida is better than this, even if our government isn’t.”

State Senator Ileana García, co-founder of Latinas for Trump, blamed Stephen Miller, senior adviser to President Trump and architect of anti-immigration policies, for these actions.

“Miller has placed undocumented minors—including many trafficking victims—into the foster care system, using it as a tool to meet weekly deportation quotas,” said García on X. “These children are being picked up from foster homes. This is unacceptable, regardless of anyone’s citizenship status.”

The controversy comes as Florida remains a national leader in enforcing Trump’s immigration policies. Governor Ron DeSantis has promoted 287(g) agreements, requiring all 67 counties to cooperate directly with ICE.

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International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.