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Coast Guard surges to Rio Grande in new border security mission, Operation River Wall

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The Coast Guard is bolstering its forces along western Texas’ Rio Grande to support President Donald Trump’s border security mission as part of a «surge operation,» according to the service. 

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Trump declared a national emergency at the border in January, and his administration stood up Joint Task Force Southern Border in March to allow troops under the Department of War to assist with the Department of Homeland Security’s border mission. 

Dubbed Operation River Wall, the Coast Guard deployment aims to counter the influx of drugs into the U.S., and to deter and interdict illegal immigrants along the 260-mile stretch of the river that is part of the U.S. border, the service announced Monday. 

The Coast Guard said it is dispatching additional response boats, shallow watercraft, command and control assets, and tactical teams to the area to support the operation. 

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WATCH: COAST GUARD SEIZES COCAINE, SUSPECTED NARCO-TERRORISTS IN PACIFIC VIPER RAID

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, right, pilots a U.S. Coast Guard response boat-small with the Maritime Security Response Team in San Diego, March 16, 2025. (Alex Brandon/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

The service said it is leading operations it is conducting alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of War under U.S. Northern Command to advance Trump’s border priorities. 

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«U.S. Coast Guard is the best in the world at tactical boat operations and maritime interdiction at sea, along our coasts, and in riverine environments,» Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard, said in a Monday statement. «Through Operation River Wall, the Coast Guard is controlling the U.S. southern border along the Rio Grande River in eastern Texas.»

COAST GUARD BURNS, SINKS SUSPECTED ‘DRUG BOAT,’ APPREHENDS 7 ALLEGED DRUG SMUGGLERS: VIDEO

A Coast Guard member seen wrapping bails of illegal drugs on a ship.

A Coast Guard crew member assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Diligence wraps bails of illicit narcotics during a drug offload at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, Sept. 22, 2025. (Petty Officer 1st Class Riley Perkofski/Coast Guard)

It’s unclear exactly how many Coast Guard personnel and assets are involved in Operation River Wall, and the Coast Guard did not provide specifics, citing operational security concerns. 

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«We are deploying a range of assets, personnel, and equipment appropriate to maximize coverage of the Rio Grande River,» Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Steve Roth said in a Tuesday statement to Fox News Digital. «Due to operational security concerns, we cannot provide specific details about deployment numbers or specific locations.» 

However, the Coast Guard announced in March it was beefing up its operational presence along the southwest border for border security operations. Between January and March, the Coast Guard Southwest District announced it tripled its forces there. 

The Pentagon said in July that roughly 8,500 troops are assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border to provide backup to the Coast Guard and Border Patrol, and have been tasked with responding to security threats along the border. 

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COAST GUARD OVERHAUL TAKES OFF AMID TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMMIGRATION, NARCOTICS CRACKDOWN

Operation Pacific Viper

Coast Guard Cutter Seneca interdicted 5,500 pounds of cocaine northeast of the Galápagos Islands on Sept. 10, 2025, as part of Operation Pacific Viper. (Department of Homeland Security)

The Coast Guard has launched several high-profile operations in recent months. For example, the service kicked off Operation Pacific Viper in August — a joint effort between the Coast Guard and Navy aimed at countering the influx of illegal drugs to the U.S. as part of Trump’s larger effort to crack down on drug cartels.

So far, the Coast Guard has confiscated 100,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since August, averaging 1,600 pounds of cocaine daily, according to the service. 

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Walz proposes $10M business relief package as Republicans cry ‘new avenue for fraud’ in Minnesota

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Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz was slammed online by Republicans after proposing a $10 million emergency relief package for small businesses across the state impacted by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

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Walz unveiled the proposal Thursday after Border Czar Tom Homan announced that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota would be ending. The proposal calls for forgivable loans ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to be distributed to eligible businesses that are able to demonstrate «substantial revenue loss» during «specified dates» tied to the operation.

«The campaign of retribution by the federal administration has been more than a short-term disruption; it has inflicted long-term damage on Minnesota communities,» Walz said in a statement. «Recovery will not happen overnight. Families, workers, and business owners are feeling the effects, and our responsibility is clear: we will help rebuild, stabilize these businesses, protect jobs, and ensure Minnesota’s economy can recover and thrive.»

Republicans quickly criticized the proposal as Minnesota continues to face extensive fraud allegations.

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CONVICTED MINNESOTA FRAUDSTER ALLEGES WALZ, ELLISON WERE AWARE OF WIDESPREAD FRAUD

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz proposed a $10 million emergency relief package for small businesses impacted by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. (Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump previously claimed that fraud in Minnesota exceeded $19 billion.

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Dozens of people have been prosecuted in Minnesota in recent years for alleged large-scale welfare fraud schemes involving food assistance and autism services. Federal prosecutors have alleged the schemes stole hundreds of millions of dollars from taxpayer-funded programs, with separate investigations also examining alleged fraud in the state’s daycare system.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. reacted to the governor’s proposal on X, saying, «BREAKING: Tim Walz opens up a new avenue for fraud in Minnesota.»

NOEM HAMMERS WALZ, FREY FOR IGNORING 1,360 ICE DETAINERS FOR CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS

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Tim Walz announces he won't seek reelection

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to reporters after he announced that he would not seek reelection, at the Minnesota State Capitol on Jan. 5, 2026.  (Reuters/Tim Evans)

Minnesota Republican state Sen. Michael Holmstrom said on X that the proposal would be an «immediate NO from me,» adding that Minnesota taxpayers «do not deserve to have more money stolen from them.»

Others referenced fraud related to Minnesota’s daycare system, including Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., who responded to the proposal on X, «Does that include learing centers?»

His post referenced a typo that read «Quality Learing Center,» which was eventually corrected. The Quality Learning Center was infamously featured in a video by YouTuber Nick Shirley, who visited multiple daycare centers across Minnesota that allegedly received public funds but were not providing any services.

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SCOOP: THOUSANDS OF VIOLENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN MINNESOTA AS ADMIN VOWS ‘WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN’

President Donald Trump on Thursday slammed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, calling him "seriously r------d" and accusing him of failing to address crime and immigration concerns in the state.

Gov. Tim Walz unveiled an emergency loan plan tied to the economic impact of federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images and Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)

The governor’s office included a statement from Henry Garnica, the owner of CentroMex in East St. Paul, who said the past few months during the immigration operation have been «some of the hardest I’ve experienced as a business owner.»

«Sales are down, we have limited hours, and we have had to change how we operate,» he stated. That’s not who we are as a neighborhood store. This proposed forgivable loan package would give businesses like mine breathing room — to keep employees on payroll and keep our doors open. For some of us, it could mean the difference between surviving and closing for good.»

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On Thursday, Walz demanded that the federal government «pay for what they broke» after the Trump administration said it would draw down its presence in the Twin Cities.

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Walz said during a news conference that federal law enforcement’s presence in the state was leaving «deep damage» and «generational trauma.»

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Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

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USS Ford ordered to the Middle East, the second aircraft carrier being sent to the region

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The USS Gerald R. Ford has been ordered to move from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump weighs whether to take military action against Iran amid tensions in the region, a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.

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This will put two aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago.

The USS Ford, which set out on deployment in June 2025, was sent from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean last fall as the administration established a significant military presence ahead of the operation to strike Venezuela and capture its president, Nicolás Maduro.

SCOTT BESSENT SAYS IRAN UNDERSTANDS ‘BRUTE FORCE’ AS TRUMP WEIGHS OPTIONS AMID NUCLEAR STANDOFF

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The USS Gerald R. Ford has been ordered to move from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/U.S. Navy via AP)

On Thursday, Trump warned Iran that failure to reach a deal with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program would be «very traumatic» after the two countries held indirect talks in Oman last week.

«It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly,» he told reporters.

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the USS Gerald Ford

The move will put two aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. (Jonathan Klein/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and said he insisted to the Israeli leader that negotiations with Iran must continue.

TRUMP SAYS IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI SHOULD BE ‘VERY WORRIED’ AMID TENSIONS

USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego, California

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

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Netanyahu is calling on the Trump administration to push Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and end its support for terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any deal.

Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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El Partido Nacionalista de Bangladesh se adjudicó una victoria electoral “aplastante” y Tarique Rahman se perfila como primer ministro

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Partidarios del Partido Nacionalista de Bangladesh (BNP) corean consignas mientras celebran la noticia no oficial de la victoria de Tarique Rahman (REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain)

El Partido Nacionalista de Bangladesh (BNP) se adjudicó una victoria contundente en las elecciones parlamentarias celebradas el viernes, la cual marcó el regreso del partido al poder tras el levantamiento de 2024 y el fin de 15 años de gobierno de la jeque y ex primera ministra de Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.

Su líder, Tarique Rahman, está a punto de convertirse en primer ministro, según los resultados provisionales. El líder del BNP, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, declaró una “victoria aplastante” y pidió a sus seguidores celebrar el resultado con oraciones en mezquitas, en vez de manifestaciones en las calles.

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Miles de simpatizantes esperaron los resultados frente a las oficinas del partido durante la noche.

La embajada de Estados Unidos en Dhaka felicitó al vencedor de los comicios y al BNP por lo que calificó como una “victoria histórica”, según un comunicado de la embajada estadounidense en Dhaka.

El primer ministro de India, Narendra Modi, celebró la victoria del partido y congratuló a su líder: “Transmito mis más sinceras felicitaciones al Sr. Tarique Rahman por liderar al BNP hacia una victoria decisiva en las elecciones parlamentarias de Bangladesh. Esta victoria demuestra la confianza del pueblo bangladesí en su liderazgo. La India seguirá apoyando un Bangladesh democrático, progresista e inclusivo

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A las 8:00 am (horario local) del viernes, las proyecciones de medios locales indicaban que el BNP superó el umbral necesario para una clara mayoría en el Parlamento, con el canal Jamuna estimando 212 escaños para el partido.

El presidente del Partido Nacionalista
El presidente del Partido Nacionalista de Bangladesh (BNP), Tarique Rahman, hace un gesto durante un mitin de campaña electoral, antes de las elecciones (REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain)

La coalición islamista liderada por Jamaat-e-Islami, que realizó una campaña centrada en la justicia y la lucha contra la corrupción, alcanzó 70 escaños, un avance significativo respecto a elecciones previas.

La Comisión Electoral, que aún no ha publicado los resultados finales, anunció que el cómputo definitivo se dará a conocer el viernes por la mañana para 299 de los 300 distritos electorales. Otros 50 escaños, reservados a mujeres, serán asignados a partir de listas partidarias.

La votación transcurrió en su mayoría de manera pacífica, aunque la campaña estuvo marcada por enfrentamientos que causaron cinco muertes y más de 600 heridos. Observadores de la ONU advirtieron sobre un clima de intolerancia, desinformación y amenazas durante el proceso electoral.

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El líder interino Muhammad Yunus, quien asumió tras la destitución de Hasina en agosto de 2024 y cuya administración prohibió la participación del parido de la jeque, instó a la calma y a la unidad nacional hasta la transición del poder.

Yunus, Premio Nobel de la Paz, impulsó una carta de reforma democrática que fue sometida a referéndum junto con las elecciones, y las proyecciones apuntan a un respaldo mayoritario del electorado.

Muhammad Yunus, asesor principal del
Muhammad Yunus, asesor principal del gobierno interino de Bangladesh, muestra su papeleta al llegar a un colegio electoral durante las elecciones nacionales en Daca, Bangladesh, el 12 de febrero de 2026 (REUTERS)

Desde su escondite en la India, Hasina, condenada a muerte en ausencia, calificó las elecciones como “ilegales e inconstitucionales”. Entretanto, Rahman y el BNP celebran un triunfo que sus dirigentes interpretan como un mandato para dejar atrás los años de represión y renovar el sistema político bangladesí.

“Esta victoria era esperada. No es de extrañar que el pueblo de Bangladesh haya depositado su confianza en un partido (…) capaz de hacer realidad los sueños que nuestros jóvenes imaginaron durante el levantamiento”, reivindicó este viernes a la agencia AFP Salahuddin Ahmed, miembro destacado del comité del BNP.

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El político eclipsado durante mucho tiempo por sus padres y heredero de una de las dinastías políticas más poderosas de Bangladesh, finalmente saltó a la fama.

A sus 60 años, el líder del Partido Nacionalista de Bangladesh (BNP) se prepara para hacerse cargo de la nación del sur de Asia de 170 millones de habitantes, impulsado por lo que él llama una ambición de “hacerlo mejor”.

El presidente del Partido Nacionalista
El presidente del Partido Nacionalista de Bangladesh (BNP), Tarique Rahman, hace un gesto durante una entrevista con Reuters antes de las elecciones nacionales (REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain)

Su ascenso marca un cambio notable para un hombre que regresó a Bangladesh en diciembre después de 17 años de exilio en Gran Bretaña, lejos de las tormentas políticas de Dhaka.

Ampliamente conocido como Tarique Zia, lleva un nombre político que ha marcado cada etapa de su vida. Tenía 15 años cuando su padre, el presidente Ziaur Rahman, fue asesinado en 1981.

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(Con información de AFP)



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