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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Workers Flee Taco Truck In California Amid ICE Raids
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A popular taco truck in Southern California was temporarily abandoned after employees fled the business over fears federal immigration agents were close by, according to NBC4 Los Angeles. Newsweek has contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment. Why It Matters California has become a flashpoint in the nation's immigration debate after protests in opposition to President Donald Trump's immigration agenda. The Trump administration is enacting plans to remove millions of migrants without legal status as part of a strict mass deportation policy. Critics say the raids sow fears within immigrant communities. The policy has raised concerns about its impact on the U.S. economy. The president's mass deportation policy could impose a one-time cost of $315 billion, according to projections by the American Immigration Council. File photo shows tacos being prepared. File photo shows tacos being prepared. Matt York/AP What to Know An employee told NBC 4 Los Angeles that the workers ran off on Saturday after noticing what they described as a suspicious vehicle and receiving a tip about federal immigration agents within the area. "We only saw the car and that's all. Before we could see them, we left," Miguel Romero, a chef at the business, told the outlet. The business was left deserted, with warm plates of food, untouched drinks, and cash still sitting in the register. The name of the business is not known. Four employees were in the truck at the time of the incident before they all ran away. Just hours earlier, the truck had been busy with customers until reports emerged of ICE agents conducting enforcement operations in the area. The business closed for the day following the incident, per NBC4 Los Angeles. None of the employees were detained by ICE agents. "It's getting complicated because we can't work properly," Romero told the outlet. Romero also said that between 30 percent to 40 percent of the businesses lack legal status. It comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in California between Trump's immigration enforcers and immigrant rights groups over the raids. Angel's Tijuana Tacos, a chain in the Los Angeles area, temporarily closed all but one of its locations amid ramped-up enforcement operations earlier this month. Several locations have since reopened following the closure. What People Are Saying Romero told NBC4 Los Angeles: "We are here out of necessity and well, nothing else to do but hide." Ron Davis, a witness, told NBC4 Los Angeles: "It could be anyone's family. They're just trying to make a living. It breaks your heart." Catie Laffoon, a resident of Eagle Rock, told NBC4 Los Angeles: "I can't imagine the terror that you must feel if you leave your house like you have a target." Trump in a post on Truth Social on June 15: "We must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside. These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center."
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Bernie Sanders Warns Establishment 'In Panic' After Zohran Mamdani Win
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democratic Party, warned that establishment lawmakers are "in panic" over Assemblyman and New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's primary win on Tuesday. Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) via email for comment Friday. Why It Matters Mamdani, a democratic socialist, clinched the first-round vote in the New York City mayoral primary race against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—43.5 percent to 36.4 percent. Mamdani's triumph, built on promises like free city bus rides, free childcare, and city-owned grocery stores, has magnified internal rifts within the Democratic Party The assemblyman ultimately landed the backing of key lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, and Sanders but was largely unknown to New Yorkers when he announced his intent to run, per the Associated Press (AP). The assemblyman's win could trigger panic buttons for senators like Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democratic establishment leaders alike, as some pollsters argue that Ocasio-Cortez could potentially challenge Schumer's Senate seat. National implications are profound, as similar progressive insurgencies have reshaped electoral strategies—giving credit to politicians like Ocasio-Cortez who harnessed grassroots support and social media engagement to challenge entrenched powers in the Democratic Party. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, is seen on June 25 in Washington, D.C. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, is seen on June 25 in Washington, To Know Mamdani's stunning win represents a changing of the guard of sorts as establishment Democrats like Schumer highlighted Mamdani's win on social media but did not endorse him. Similarly, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul was asked about backing Mamdani in the general election on Thursday but sidestepped directly endorsing him. The democratic socialist's platform could alienate centrist Democrats and independents critical in pushing him past the finish line in November. Key platform differences represent a glaring elephant in the room—like Mamdani's call to implement the Department of Community Safety, if elected. The department would place outreach workers in subway stations, a stark difference from Hochul's position of partnering with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to ensure safety for New Yorkers. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, Sanders noted the divide within the party and wrote: "Mamdani won. The establishment is in panic. Billionaires are raising money against him; Trump is ranting; Islamophobes are on the loose. They know what we know: Candidates who stand boldly with the working class can win not only in NYC, but anywhere. Let's stand with Zohran." In an opinion piece published in The Guardian on Friday, Sanders took a swipe at Democratic leadership saying in part, "Will the current Democratic party leadership learn the lessons of the Mamdani campaign? Probably not. Too many of them would rather be the captains on a sinking Titanic, rather than change course." Sanders added that the Democrat's future will not be determined by current leadership but by "the working class of this country." New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a New York Democrat, speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24 in Long Island City, New York. New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a New York Democrat, speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24 in Long Island City, New York. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What People Are Saying Grant Reeher, professor of political science at Syracuse University, to Newsweek via email Friday in part: "I'm not sure 'panic' is the right response, but I can see how this could blowback on Democrats at the national level, or in places beyond NYC. I'm surprised just how left these Democratic voters—even granted that they are primary voters in NYC—were willing to go at the ballot box. Republicans can point to this to validate their claims that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted not to lurch too far to the left. 'See what they do when left to their own devices,' that kind of argument." Reeher later added: "If I were a Republican strategist, I'd be telling my clients to soft-pedal their criticism of Mamdani right now—let the process play out and let him get elected. That would help the Republican brand more than anything else." Senator Bernie Sanders in part when asked if older Democrats should be worried about being primaried in a question and answer with Politico Magazine published Wednesday: "I think they have a lesson to learn, and whether or not they will, I have my doubts. If you look at the dynamics of this campaign, what you have is older folks voting for Cuomo, the billionaire class putting in millions of dollars into Cuomo, all of the old-time establishment candidates and politicians supporting Cuomo, and he lost." Sanders added: "So either you learn a lesson that says, hmm, the other guy, Mamdani, got young people excited. He got young men excited. He created a strong grassroots movement." President Donald Trump, a New York native, on Truth Social on Wednesday: "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor." He continued: "We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!" X account "The Democrats" wrote on Wednesday: "Congratulations, @ZohranKMamdani! Onward to November." What Happens Next? The New York City mayoral election will now continue to ranked-choice voting, as no candidate received a majority of the vote earlier this week.
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ted Cruz Trolls 'Fact-Free' Tucker Carlson With 'Objective Fact'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After the heated and combative interview between Republican Senator Ted Cruz and right-wing media host Tucker Carlson went viral online, Cruz accused the conservative commentator of being "utterly fact-free" in his views on Iran and U.S. foreign policy. Why It Matters Cruz's clash with Carlson took place during a two-hour interview that Carlson later posted on X, where the former Fox News host challenged Cruz over his support for regime change in Iran. The two debated a range of issues, focusing on U.S. involvement in Iran and Carlson's claim that Cruz prioritizes Israel too heavily in his foreign policy. Their exchange came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which were sparked when Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military targets, killing several senior scientists and officers. Iran quickly retaliated, most recently hitting a major Israeli hospital in a strike the Israeli government said crossed a "red line." Senator Ted Cruz, chairman Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, leads the committee's questioning of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Chair and CEO Lisa Su, CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator and Microsoft... Senator Ted Cruz, chairman Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, leads the committee's questioning of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Chair and CEO Lisa Su, CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator and Microsoft Corporation President and Vice Chair Brad Smith in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. More Photo byWhat To Know In a post on X on Thursday, responding to commentator Matt Walsh's commentary about the interview, Cruz wrote, "I agree that it was interesting. But it would have more so had Tucker not been utterly fact-free." "'I've never heard of Iran trying to kill [President Donald Trump]!' [high-pitched laughter]," Cruz wrote, mocking the former Fox News host. The Texas senator then brought up a Department of Justice indictment, writing that "it's an objective fact." The indictment charges Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian operative, with plotting to assassinate Trump. 1/x @MattWalshBlog I agree that it was interesting. But it would have more so had Tucker not been utterly fact-free. 'I've never heard of Iran trying to kill Trump!' [high-pitched laughter] It's an objective fact. Here's the DOJ indictment: — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 19, 2025 During the interview, Carlson pressed Cruz on fundamental knowledge of Iran, beginning with a question about the country's population. When Cruz said he didn't know, Carlson replied, "You don't know the population of the country you seek to topple?" The former Fox News host posted the clip online and it quickly went viral, drawing tens of millions of views and sparking widespread debate among those on both sides of the political aisle. Cruz defended his record and turned the conversation toward the threat posed by Iran, citing the DOJ's indictment of Farhad Shakeri. "You're the one who claims they're not trying to murder Donald Trump," Cruz told Carlson, referencing the alleged plot. "You're the one who can't figure out if it was a good idea to kill General Soleimani and you said it was bad," Cruz added. Carlson countered that Cruz was downplaying the implications of advocating for military action without understanding the country in question. "You're a senator who's calling for an overthrow of the government and you don't know anything about the country," Carlson said. In a follow-up exchange, Cruz said the U.S. is currently helping Israel conduct strikes on Iranian targets. "We are carrying out military strikes today," he said. Carlson interrupted to point out that Israel was leading the campaign, to which Cruz replied, "With our help. I said 'we'—Israel is leading but we're supporting them." When Carlson asked if Cruz knew Iran's population, the senator replied that he didn't "sit around memorizing population tables," prompting Carlson to say: "You don't know the population of the country you seek to topple?" Carlson's rhetoric toward Trump has been increasingly critical, with the longtime supporter—who headlined large rallies with the Republican during the 2024 campaign—this week suggesting that the president was breaking his pledge to keep the United States out of foreign entanglements. Trump clapped back at Carlson on social media, calling him "kooky." During an event at the White House later Wednesday, Trump said that Carlson had "called and apologized" for criticizing him, saying Carlson "is a nice guy." What People Are Saying Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday night: "Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, 'IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!'" Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to Donald Trump, said on his show, "The War Room": "Come on, man. We have to have an adult conversation. We're not going to let the shills at Fox—the same exact crowd that said the same thing about the Iraq War—force the President of the United States into a corner. He needs a range of options." Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show, commented on his weekly podcast: "You've got Tucker Carlson going, 'Why are we going to war with Iran again?' And I'm like, 'Yeah, you tell him, brother!' That's how f---ing upside down we are right now." What Happens Next White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump will make a decision on whether or not to have the United States join Israel's war with Iran "within the next two weeks."
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Kroger Responds After Georgia Juneteenth Cakes Go Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Kroger spokesperson responded to viral backlash over Juneteenth cakes sold in one Georgia grocery store in a statement to Newsweek on Thursday. Why It Matters Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, became an official federal holiday in 2021, though it has been celebrated in African American communities since the 1860s. It marks the date on which Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and officially freed slaves from the westernmost part of the Confederacy. What To Know Kroger, a popular grocery store chain, drew backlash after a viral video showed what many viewed as poorly decorated cakes for the Juneteenth holiday. The video, posted to TikTok on Thursday by @ had been viewed seven million times by Thursday and garnered over 850,000 likes on the social media platform. "This is some bulls***," she said in the video. "Who the hell made these ugly-a** s***? I wish there was a manager here because ya'll decorate everything else around here cute. Everything else around here cute, but for Juneteenth you want to just throw something on a freaking cookie cake and expect someone to buy it? That's bulls***." The video showed several cookie cakes with minimal decoration and sloppy piping, featuring text such as "Free @ Last" or "June 19 FREE." One cake simply read, "FREE." @ Kroger count your days. Why even bother if you're going to lack creativity. This is Kroger on Howell mill rd, Atlanta Ga. This is a mockery! Am I tripping, someone let me know! ♬ original sound - blaq monalisa In a statement to Newsweek, a Kroger spokesperson addressed the backlash. "The cakes and cookies that were featured in the video were inconsistent with our provided guidance and not of the quality we would expect to see from our stores. The products have been removed, and we've addressed this directly with the store teams and the customer who took the initial video," the statement reads. The cakes drew a mix of criticism and ridicule on TikTok, with some users describing the lazy nature of the designs as offensive. Others, however, found a bit of humor in the situation. What People Are Saying @Rosegotsoul commented on TikTok: "This is funny but NOT funny. I'm highly disappointed in Kroger." TikTok user Savannah Bryant commented: "ATP fire the whole bakery cuz that's deliberate." @MINA commented on TikTok: "Bc yk when 4th of July comes its finna be america's next top chef designs up in there." @L'lori made a video responding to the cakes: "This is a beautiful find of just absolute laziness. Absolute laziness. To be honest, you could have did absolutely nothing and the people would have been just as fine. Cause just slapping s*** to make a buck is like, come on now. It's very tone deaf, Kroger, and I'm very disappointed." @itskylahh commented on TikTok: "This shouldn't be this funny." Main: A customer walks into a Kroger grocery store in Houston, Texas, on September 9, 2022. Inset: A Juneteenth flag flying in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 2024. Main: A customer walks into a Kroger grocery store in Houston, Texas, on September 9, 2022. Inset: A Juneteenth flag flying in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 2024.; MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images On Reddit, u/massive_chem commented: "They don't decorate everything else there cute. She goes over and shows cakes that come in pre decorated. Everything she thinks is 'cute' came in the store looking like that. It looks like they don't have an experienced cake decorator." Reddit user u/Mrs_hippiequeen commented: "i mean, i don't think it's racially motivated or anything. looks like someone told the closer (non-decorator) to fill a table at the end of the night. they are really bad. we haven't been instructed to do anything for juneteenth at my store, so it's possible it was a last minute thing." What Happens Next The original poster shared an update on TikTok showing that the cookie cakes had been removed from the grocery store. She added, "I still feel some type of way that they didn't replace it with better Juneteenth cakes."
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Fundraiser for Killed 'No Kings' Protester Jumps $300K in One Day
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An online donations page set up to raise money for the family of a protester killed by a stray bullet during a "No Kings" demonstration received more than a quarter of a million dollars in just one day. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old celebrity fashion designer and dad who once featured as a contestant on the Project Runway TV show, was an "innocent bystander" caught in the crossfire when police attempted to subdue a suspected gunman, police said. A fundraiser set up for his loved ones has seen an outpouring of support for Ah Loo's family, who were plunged into mourning after his death on Saturday evening. As news of the tragedy spread, the GoFundMe page saw an influx of donations to help his widow and two children, with more than $323,000 donated in just 24 hours. Newsweek has reached out to the GoFundMe organizer, Lindsey Olson, seeking comment. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was known as Afa to his friends, was hit by a stray bullet at a "No Kings" protest. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was known as Afa to his friends, was hit by a stray bullet at a "No Kings" protest. GoFundMe Why It Matters Ah Loo, who was known as Afa to his friends, had been part of the 10,000-strong march against Donald Trump in Salt Lake City, Utah, which was part of a nationwide "No Kings" protest against President Donald Trump on Saturday. But the protester was stuck by one of three bullets fired by one of the event's "peacekeepers," who was aiming at a suspected gunman allegedly carrying a rifle nearby. Although Ah Loo was rushed to the hospital by paramedics, doctors were unable to save him, and he later died from his injuries. The suspected gunman, Arturo Gamboa, 24, was shot twice and wounded. He was later arrested on suspicion of murder. The peacekeeper shooter, who has not yet been publicly identified, was also detained along with another member of the team. "Detectives are still actively investigating this case, to include the actions of the peacekeepers," Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement published on Sunday. "Detectives have developed probable cause that Gamboa acted under circumstances that showed a depraved indifference to human life, knowingly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death and ultimately caused the death of an innocent community member." Many "No Kings" protests were held across the country, including this one outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, on June 14, 2025. Many "No Kings" protests were held across the country, including this one outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, on June 14, 2025. JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Ah Loo ran his own fashion brand called Afa Ah Loo, and he had dressed several celebrities, including Moana star Auli'i Cravalho and the cast of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, according to NBC News. The GoFundMe goal was initially set at $45,000, and early on Monday, the total stood at a little more than $35,000. But as donations continued to pour in from well-wishers, the target was raised to $370,000, and more than $358,000 has been donated so far. It means the site saw a 10-fold jump in financial support and received some $323,000 worth of donations in just 24 hours. The site reveals that the figure has been reached thanks to 8,600 individual donations, with payments ranging from $10 to $5,000. Several donors also left messages on the site. One wrote: "So many millions behind you, loving you, in this horrible time." Another added: "I was there like many others who have donated. When I heard about Afa, I cried for hours. I'm sorry this happened." What People Are Saying The GoFundMe page set up for Ah Loo's family paid tribute to him, saying: "Afa was a proud Samoan, deeply connected to his culture and community. Through his work with the nonprofit Creative Pacific and his incredible talent as a fashion designer, he shared his heritage with passion and creativity. But more than anything, Afa was proud of the life he built with his wife, Laura, and their two beautiful children, Vera and Isaac. "This unimaginable loss has left a profound void in their lives. Family and friends are coming together to raise funds to help Laura with funeral expenses and to ease the immediate financial burdens she now faces. Funds raised will be sent directly to Laura via the GoFundMe transfer. "Any donation, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. Please keep Laura, Vera, and Isaac in your thoughts and prayers as they begin to navigate life without Afa." Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said on Sunday: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident. When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated [...] Our detectives are now working to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident." What Happens Next The GoFundMe page looks almost certain to reach its new $370,000 goal and has currently achieved 97 percent of its target. In the meantime, police will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ah Loo's death, while his grieving family must now try to come to terms with a future that no longer includes him.
