ICE Body Cameras, Lowriders, Free Speech - The News You Need
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What’s New This Morning?
ICE Privacy
Wisconsin
Avocado Crisis
Lowriders
ICE Collects Nearly 1 Million DNA Profiles 🚨
ICE collected DNA from nearly one million people last year, including children, according to a WIRED investigation. The profiles are being uploaded into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, alongside DNA from convicted offenders and crime scenes.
Unlike fingerprints or other records, DNA can potentially identify relatives and remains searchable long after a person’s immigration case is resolved. The development is raising privacy and civil-liberties questions because there is no separate civil-immigration index within CODIS.
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Wisconsin Democrats Face Showdown
Wisconsin Democrats are heading into Tuesday’s gubernatorial primary with a major question hanging over the race: Is Francesca Hong too far left for a general-election fight, or is the party establishment underestimating the appeal of her populist campaign?
Hong has emerged as the leading progressive candidate, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has received backing from outgoing Gov. Tony Evers and other establishment figures. Crowley had previously dropped out before returning to the race after other candidates exited.
U.S. Halts Mexican Imports After Security Threat
The United States has temporarily suspended avocado inspections in Michoacán, effectively stopping avocado exports from Mexico’s largest producing state. The suspension followed what U.S. officials described as a security threat to American personnel. Mexico responded by sending 1,500 additional troops into avocado-producing areas in an effort to restore security and get exports moving again.
The stakes are high on both sides of the border. More than 80% of the avocados consumed in the United States come from Mexico, while the Mexican avocado industry generated about $3.7 billion in sales in 2025.
Lowriders Takeover Portland, Oregon
Portland’s growing connection to Chicano culture was on full display Sunday as more than 500 lowriders filled the Portland Convention Center for a major car show featuring custom builds, classic cruisers and enthusiasts from across the region.
The event comes as Portland has increasingly emerged as a hub for Chicano culture in the Pacific Northwest. In recent years, the city has hosted a growing number of Chicano rap shows, concerts, lowrider events, tattoo artists and cultural gatherings, bringing artists and fans from California, Oregon and beyond.
ICE To Put Body Cameras On Every Field Agent
ICE says every officer and agent working in the field will be equipped with a body-worn camera by the end of August. Acting ICE Director David Venturella announced that the nationwide rollout will be completed ahead of the agency’s original schedule, following mounting pressure over the conduct of immigration officers during enforcement operations.
The push for cameras accelerated after several deadly encounters involving immigration officers and civilians raised questions about the lack of video evidence. ICE policy allows footage to be released more quickly following serious injuries or deaths in custody, but the agency can withhold recordings when officials say doing so could compromise investigations or violate privacy.
Democrats Bet On Winning Back Texas Latinos
A progressive political operation is betting $6 million that Texas Latino voters can be pulled back toward the Democratic Party. Somos Votantes is putting $2 million into statewide voter registration and education efforts, while its affiliated Somos PAC is preparing another $4 million advertising campaign targeting three South Texas congressional districts where Republicans have gained significant ground.
The strategy is focused heavily on economic issues rather than simply trying to revive traditional Democratic messages. The group says Latino voters who moved toward Trump are increasingly dissatisfied with the current political environment, but Democrats still need to give them a reason to vote rather than simply assume they will return.
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