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DOJ Civil Rights Division Faces New Wave of Resignations After Decision Not to Probe Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Indira Zaldivar
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DOJ Civil Rights Division Faces New Wave of Resignations After Decision Not to Probe Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Several career prosecutors in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are leaving their posts, sources told NBC News, marking another wave of departures from a division that has already seen steep staffing losses over the past year.

Decision Tied to Minneapolis Shooting Case

At least six prosecutors, most of them supervisors in the division’s criminal section, announced their exits during a staff meeting Monday. The move followed reports that the Justice Department would not pursue a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a federal immigration agent.

Shift in Investigation Approach

Sources said career prosecutors had offered to pause other work to assist with the case, which was initially considered as a possible “color of law” excessive-force investigation. That approach was later abandoned, with the case instead treated as an assault on a federal officer, framing the agent as the victim.

Disputes Over Accountability

Video from the scene shows the agent firing at the woman’s vehicle as it drove away and officers appearing not to provide immediate medical aid afterward. Senior Trump administration officials have publicly blamed the woman, while some legal experts argue the footage warrants a full civil rights probe.

Official Response and Retirements

A Justice Department official said leadership in the criminal section is leaving under an early retirement program and insisted plans to retire predated the Minneapolis case. Several sources, however, said the handling of the shooting factored into the timing of this week’s announcement.

Broader Exodus and Internal Frustration

The Civil Rights Division has lost roughly 75% of its staff across sections in 2025, amid complaints that political leadership has narrowed the division’s traditional mission. Prosecutors have also cited past interventions in high-profile cases, including civil rights prosecutions involving police misconduct, as contributing to morale issues.

Role of the Civil Rights Division

The criminal section handles hate crimes and cases involving law enforcement abuse, including excessive force and denial of medical care. Civil rights advocates warn that declining to investigate highly visible cases could discourage accountability and allow abuses to go unaddressed.

For more on the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Iran Protest Death Toll Climbs to 2,000

Edward Saenz
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Iran Protest Death Toll Climbs to 2,000

At least 2,000 people have been killed during widespread anti-government protests in Iran over the past 16 days, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The group reports demonstrations in more than 600 locations nationwide, with over 10,700 arrests and at least nine children among the dead. The figures could not be independently verified, and Iranian authorities have not released official totals.

Trump Urges Americans to Leave Iran

President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested Americans evacuate Iran, calling it “a good idea” as violence intensifies. The State Department echoed the warning, urging U.S. citizens to consider departing by land amid internet shutdowns and escalating security measures.

White House Signals Possible Action

Trump said his administration would act once it receives “accurate numbers” on the death toll, adding that any number of deaths is “too many.” He also posted messages encouraging protesters and warning Iranian officials to halt the crackdown. While Trump did not attend, senior members of his national security team met Tuesday to discuss Iran, with military options remaining on the table.

Sanctions and Tariff Pressure

On Monday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, escalating economic pressure on Tehran. China, a key Iranian trading partner, criticized the move and warned against what it called interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

Government Response and Internet Shutdown

Iranian leaders have framed the unrest as a foreign-backed “terrorist war,” while security forces have reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition. A nationwide internet shutdown has stretched beyond four days, according to monitoring groups.

International Concern Grows

The United Nations’ human rights chief said he was horrified by the mounting violence and urged Iran to end repression and restore communications. Protests that began over inflation and currency collapse have increasingly taken on an openly anti-government tone, with exiled opposition figures calling for international support.

For more on the growing tensions in Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

U.S. Sees First Negative Net Migration in 50 Years

Que Onda Editorial
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U.S. Sees First Negative Net Migration in 50 Years

The United States experienced negative net migration in 2025 for the first time in at least half a century, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution. Researchers attribute the shift largely to a sharp decline in people entering the country.

Drop in Entries Drives Decline

While the Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement, the report says the negative migration balance was driven mostly by fewer arrivals rather than removals alone. Brookings estimates net migration ranged from a loss of 295,000 people to as few as 10,000 in 2025, with continued losses likely in 2026.

Policy Changes and Enforcement

The study points to a combination of reduced entries, increased enforcement, and voluntary departures. It also cites the suspension of many humanitarian programs, including most refugee admissions, and a decline in temporary visas as major contributors.

Removals Lower Than Claimed

Brookings estimates between 310,000 and 315,000 removals in 2025, slightly higher than 2024 but far below the more than 600,000 removals claimed by the Department of Homeland Security. Most removals last year were initiated by Customs and Border Protection rather than Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the report said.

Economic Impact Expected

Researchers warn the migration loss could weaken economic activity in sectors that rely on immigrant communities. The report projects slower employment and GDP growth, with consumer spending expected to fall by $60 billion to $110 billion across 2025 and 2026.

The authors predict removals will rise in 2026 following new funding under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which they say will likely expand enforcement staffing and infrastructure.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Busfield Turns Himself In on Abuse Charges

Indira Zaldivar
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Busfield Turns Himself In on Abuse Charges

Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield turned himself in to Albuquerque authorities Tuesday to face child sex abuse charges tied to allegations involving a minor on the set of a television series filmed in New Mexico.

Charges Linked to TV Set Allegations

Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. According to a criminal complaint, the alleged incidents occurred while he was directing the Fox series The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque. A warrant for his arrest was issued last week.

Actor Denies Claims

Timothy Busfield. Screenshot via AP News.

Authorities say Busfield denied the allegations during a prior interview, suggesting the children’s mother was motivated by resentment after her sons were replaced on the show. He also described the set as playful, saying he may have tickled the boys. In a video obtained by TMZ after his arrival in Albuquerque, Busfield called the accusations “lies.”

Details From the Complaint

The complaint alleges one of the twins reported inappropriate touching over clothing when he was 7 and 8 years old. The child reportedly feared speaking up because Busfield was the director. The boy’s twin told investigators he was also touched but did not give details. The mother reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, saying it occurred between late 2022 and spring 2024.

Industry and Legal Fallout

NBC has shelved an upcoming episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit featuring Busfield in a guest role. His attorney did not immediately comment. Busfield was booked by Albuquerque police after a search involving the U.S. Marshals that extended beyond New Mexico.

Family and Investigation Context

Busfield’s wife, actor Melissa Gilbert, said through a publicist that she will not comment publicly during the legal process and is focused on family matters. The investigation began in late 2024 following a report from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. One of the children has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety, according to the complaint.

The Cleaning Lady aired for four seasons on Fox and ended in 2025. Warner Bros., which produced the show, conducted its own investigation but said it could not corroborate the allegations.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texans Dominate in Playoff Rout

Michael Esparza
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Texans Dominate in Playoff Rout

The Houston Texans delivered a commanding 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, opening the AFC wild-card round with a statement win on the road at Acrisure Stadium.

Defense Sets the Tone

Houston’s top-ranked defense powered the blowout, scoring two defensive touchdowns and sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers four times. The Texans overwhelmed Pittsburgh from the start, limiting the Steelers to just 175 total yards of offense while forcing three turnovers.

Statement Win for Houston

The performance underscored the Texans’ rise as a serious postseason contender. Their defense dictated the game, silencing a Steelers team that entered with a strong home-field reputation and a long-standing “Monday Night Football” winning streak.

Historic Night in Pittsburgh

Houston’s win snapped Pittsburgh’s 23-game home winning streak on Monday Night Football and marked the first such home loss of head coach Mike Tomlin’s career. The defeat also extended the Steelers’ playoff drought, while Houston advanced with confidence.

Momentum Moving Forward

With a dominant defense and balanced execution, the Texans now carry momentum into the next round of the playoffs, reinforcing their status as one of the most dangerous teams remaining in the postseason.

Follow every update on the Houston sports teams with Que Onda Magazine.

Iran Protests Death Toll Rises

Edward Saenz
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Iran Protests Death Toll Rises

At least 646 people have been killed during widespread anti-government protests in Iran over the past 16 days, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The group reports more than 10,700 arrests across 606 locations in all 31 provinces. The Iranian government has not released official casualty figures.

Conflicting Accounts of Violence

HRANA says most of the dead are protesters, including children, while Iranian state-aligned media claims more than 100 security personnel have also been killed. The protests, which began in late December over economic grievances, have increasingly taken on an anti-government tone.

Trump Weighs Response

President Donald Trump is considering possible military and economic actions against Iran as his national security team prepares to meet Tuesday. The White House has said all options remain on the table, though diplomacy is preferred.

New Tariff Announcement

On Monday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, warning Tehran against using force to suppress protests. China criticized the move, saying tariff wars have no winners and reaffirming its support for Iran’s stability.

International Concern Grows

The U.S. State Department urged Americans to leave Iran amid internet shutdowns and escalating violence. The United Nations’ human rights chief said he was alarmed by the killings and mass arrests, calling on Iranian authorities to halt repression and restore internet access.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Meta Cuts Jobs in Reality Labs

Indira Zaldivar
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Meta Cuts Jobs in Reality Labs

Meta Platforms Inc. is laying off more than 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division as it shifts resources away from virtual reality and metaverse projects and toward AI-powered wearables and mobile features.

Layoffs Affect About 10% of Division

According to an internal memo from Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, employees began receiving layoff notifications Tuesday morning. The cuts represent roughly 10% of Reality Labs’ workforce, which totals about 15,000 employees.

Shift From Metaverse to Wearables and Mobile

Bosworth said the company is refocusing its metaverse strategy on mobile devices and scaling back VR investments to make the business more sustainable. Meta confirmed it is redirecting funding from metaverse projects to support growth in AI wearables this year.

Costly Division With Limited Returns

Reality Labs oversees Meta’s experimental and hardware efforts, including VR headsets, AI glasses and virtual world products. Since 2021, the division has lost more than $70 billion, as many of its products have yet to generate significant revenue.

Metaverse Vision Scaled Back

The metaverse has proven especially expensive, with Meta pouring resources into advanced VR headsets and digital features in anticipation of competition that never fully emerged. Adoption has also lagged behind the ambitious vision laid out by CEO Mark Zuckerberg when Facebook rebranded as Meta in 2021.

AI Glasses Gain Momentum

Executives have discussed budget cuts of up to 30% for the metaverse group, while increasing investment in AI glasses. Meta has partnered with EssilorLuxottica to develop smart glasses under brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, which Zuckerberg has said are performing better than expected.

Focus on Mobile Experiences

Meta plans to continue developing metaverse software, now branded as Horizon, with a strong emphasis on mobile platforms rather than fully immersive VR. Teams are being shifted to prioritize mobile growth, which the company views as offering a larger and faster-growing user base.

VR to Operate as Leaner Unit

While Meta will continue investing in VR headsets, it will do so less aggressively. Bosworth said the VR group will move forward as a leaner organization with a more focused roadmap aimed at long-term sustainability.

For more business trends and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

HFD investigating cause of church fire near the North Freeway, searching for person of interest

ABC13 Houston
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HFD investigating cause of church fire near the North Freeway, searching for person of interest

By Daniela Hurtado, ABC13 Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Firefighters worked to put out a fire in north Houston on Monday afternoon.

The Houston Fire Department said more than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze at a church in the 5600 block of the North Freeway near W. Parker.

SkyEye flew over the very active scene as crews were working to contain the fire, and heavy smoke could be seen covering the area.

HFD said units were dispatched at 12:40 p.m. to the three-alarm fire. In an update, HFD Senior Capt. Raul Reyes said no injuries or fatalities were reported and that no one was inside the building at the time.

Reyes added that there are multiple buildings on the property that are on fire.

ABC13 spoke with church staff, with Assistant Pastor Benjamin Cowpersmith saying that the building was bought by TxDOT in April 2025. According to Cowpersmith, the agency purchased the property for future freeway expansion. Cowpersmith added that the church stood for 24 years.

TxDOT gave ABC13 the following statement:

“Currently, we have purchased about 200 properties for the future I-45 expansion. We fence these properties and make sure they are secure as we work towards getting them demolished. We were working through the process to get this building demolished.

We had not received any reports of unhoused folks breaching the property.

We will continue to work with fire officials to address the current emergency situation, and address the demolition and removal of what remains at a later time.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Seasonably cool weather continues this week with two more cold fronts on the way

ABC13 Houston
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Seasonably cool weather continues this week with two more cold fronts on the way

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It will feel like winter in Houston all week long, and even colder air is coming by MLK weekend that could bring the first frost of 2026 to parts of Southeast Texas.

While most of the week will be sunny, a cloudy weather disturbance is rolling in Tuesday that also brings a small chance for rain. While dry air will remain in the lower levels, moisture aloft will eventually allow some light rain to fall down to the ground. Your chance of getting measurable rain is just 30%, and if you do get rain, it will probably be less than a tenth of an inch.

With more clouds than sunshine, temperatures will have a tough time climbing out of the 50s.

How long does the cold weather stick around?

For all of this week…and beyond! In fact, two more cold fronts are coming this week, the first late Wednesday, the second late Friday. We are expecting mostly seasonal temperatures with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s most days this week, but the front coming MLK Day weekend will push our lows down into the 30s.

Are any freezing temperatures possible with these cold fronts?

It now looks like a freeze is possible with the cold front coming in MLK Day weekend. A high pressure cell from western Canada will move all the way down to Southeast Texas by Sunday morning, and with a clear sky and very dry air, a light freeze and frost are possible. Beyond that, signals are growing that a colder pattern will develop across Canada and the United States near the end of January, but it remains to be seen if any of that arctic air will make a move down to Texas.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Mamdani Condemns ICE Detention of City Council Staffer

Edward Saenz
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Mamdani Condemns ICE Detention of City Council Staffer

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “outraged” after a City Council employee was detained by ICE during what officials described as a routine immigration appointment on Long Island.

Detained During Court Visit

According to City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the employee was taken into custody Monday in Bethpage, Nassau County, despite having legal authorization to remain in the U.S. until October. The council learned of the detention after the employee used his one phone call to contact the council’s human resources department.

City Officials Demand Release

Mamdani called the arrest “an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values,” and demanded the employee’s immediate release. Menin said DHS confirmed the worker attended a required court appointment and offered no further justification for the detention.

Lawmakers Push Back

Rep. Dan Goldman identified the employee as a Venezuelan-born, law-abiding immigrant with work authorization and said there was no indication the arrest was based on anything beyond immigration status. New York Attorney General Letitia James also called for the staffer’s release, pledging to oppose what she described as attacks on city workers and residents.

Ongoing Case

The employee, a data analyst who has worked for the council for about a year, has since been transferred to a detention facility in Manhattan as city and federal officials continue to press ICE for answers.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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