United States: Crime

A Texas appellate court upheld terrorism charges against a woman whose only alleged contribution was sewing a Faraday bag used to block cell phone signals. This case illustrates how federal and state material support statutes can impose life sentences for seemingly trivial assistance, with no requirement to prove intent to further terrorist activity or any de minimis exception for minor contributions.

The Trump administration is deploying US military forces directly into Latin American counternarcotics operations, marking a significant shift from historical intelligence-sharing roles to boots-on-the-ground combat involvement. Recent joint operations in Ecuador, featuring 50 US troops working alongside local forces to dismantle cartel networks, are establishing a new model that Washington seeks to replicate across the Western Hemisphere.

The DEA's marijuana rescheduling hearing has been unexpectedly stayed following a motion to admit a new GAO report examining agency scheduling procedures. With the proceeding on hold and the medical marijuana Schedule III order facing legal challenges in the D.C. Circuit, the cannabis industry's path to federal tax relief through rescheduling has become increasingly uncertain.

President Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum establishes a groundbreaking program authorizing vetted private US companies to conduct cyber surveillance and offensive operations against foreign cybercrime organizations under federal government direction. The initiative creates a National Coordination Center to oversee these operations while requiring rigorous vetting, legal compliance safeguards, and coordination across intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Massachusetts has enacted a new law criminalizing sexual conduct between mandated reporters and minors aged 16-17 over whom they exercise supervisory authority, carrying penalties up to 20 years in prison. The legislation addresses power imbalances in relationships between minors and adults in positions of authority such as teachers, coaches, and healthcare providers, even after formal supervisory roles have ended. Employers of mandated reporters must now update policies, training programs, and codes of con

Louisiana's Behind the Counter Protection Act, effective August 1, 2026, strengthens criminal penalties for workplace violence against retail, restaurant, and customer-facing employees. While the law doesn't mandate new compliance programs, businesses should understand how enhanced penalties for assault and battery apply to their workforce and consider integrating these protections into existing safety practices.

In Blanche v. Lau, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) held, in a 6-3 decision, that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not require CBP officers to have “clear and convincing evidence” ...

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Blanche v. Lau fundamentally changes how border officers may treat lawful permanent residents with criminal histories when returning from international travel. While not every green-card holder faces immediate concern, those with pending charges, prior convictions, or unresolved criminal matters now face heightened scrutiny that could affect their reentry rights. Understanding the distinction between being treated as a returning resident versus an applicant for admission

You need to know! These are some of the laws that go into effect on July 1, 2026. On rare occasions, a law goes into effect immediately upon being enacted (as is the case with some of the new gun safety laws)...