1 Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Identified
The Department of Defense is identifying two soldiers that were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday. Officials confirm that Luis DeLeon-Figueroa of Massachusetts and Jose Gonzalez of California were both injured by small arms fire while engaging in combat operations. Officials say the pair were assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and both have been posthumously promoted to the rank of master sergeant. “It was an honor having them serve within the ranks of 7th SFG (A). They were a part of our family, and will not be forgotten,” Col. John W. Sannes, 7th Group commander, says in a statement. “Our priority is to now provide the best possible care to the families of our fallen warriors. We ask that you keep their families and teammates in your thoughts and prayers.” We certainly will.
2 States Support Challenge To Trump Deportation Rule
Nearly 20 states are backing a decision to freeze out the Trump administration's new rule that giving it more authority to quickly deport illegal immigrants. The group of 18 attorneys general says in a court filing that they support a preliminary injunction that blocks the rule from going into effect while it's being challenged in court. The new Trump administration rule gives immigration authorities the ability to quickly deport any illegal immigrant who can't prove they've been in the U.S. for two continuous years. The group says hundreds of thousands of people in their states face serious consequences if the Trump administration proceeds. Meanwhile, a federal judge is granting an emergency order to allow immigration officials to force feed a detainee. The judge in San Diego will let immigration and Customs Enforcement force feed Evgenii Ivanof. They say the Russian national has been refusing food for over two weeks and they fear for his health. The court papers do not say why Ivanof has been refusing food or medical treatments.
3 Officials: Nearly 30 Injured In California Train Derailment
At least 27 people are injured after a light rail train derailed last night in Sacramento. Apparently, the passenger and a maintenance train carrying three employees collided – officials have yet to reveal why. Sacramento Fire officials say that 13 people had moderate injuries and described the others as "walking wounded." Transit officials say the incident remains under investigation.