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Anna Delvey, Convicted Fraudster, Awaits Imminent Deportation

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Anna Sorokin, the notorious fraudster who once captivated the public with her audacious persona as a wealthy German heiress, may soon face deportation from the United States. Federal officials assert that Sorokin has treated the U.S. legal system and immigration laws with disdain, and they are eager to expedite her return to Germany.

Originally from Russia, the 35-year-old entered the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa. Instead of leaving when her visa expired, she assumed the identity of “Anna Delvey,” a fictional German heiress, to infiltrate New York’s elite social circles and elevate her status.

During her time masquerading as “Delvey,” Sorokin managed to con banks, luxury hotels, and individuals, amassing approximately $275,000 through elaborate schemes. Her criminal activities have led authorities to label her as a “criminal illegal alien,” a term underscoring the severity of her offenses, as reported by the New York Post.

Now, U.S. immigration officials are determined to see her removed from the country. “For years, she has made a mockery of the United States court system and its immigration laws,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated. Despite being released under electronic monitoring while her deportation appeal is underway, the authorities are confident they will soon send her back to Germany.

‘For years, she has made a mockery of the United States court system and its immigration laws. She has been released on an ankle monitor while her appeal of removal is heard,’ a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told the Post.

‘We look forward to sending her home soon,’ the spokesperson added. 

Sorokin grew up in a working class suburb of Moscow, the daughter of a truck driver whose mother ran a small convenience store. The family emigrated to Germany when she was 16.   

She did not have a college degree or a substantial amount of wealth.

Convicted fraudster Anna Sorokin may soon be deported from the United States

Convicted fraudster Anna Sorokin may soon be deported from the United States 

Sorokin is a Russian native who once posed as a German heiress named 'Anna Delvey'

She has shown off her court-ordered ankle monitor over the years

Sorokin, a Russian native who once posed as a German heiress named ‘Anna Delvey,’ has shown off her court-ordered ankle monitor over the years 

But in 2013, Sorokin traveled to New York City to attend New York Fashion Week, and ultimately stayed, pretending to be ‘Anna Delvey’ – an heiress with a $60m trust fund in Europe – as she scammed her way to expensive trips and hotel stays, ripping off her best friend along the way. 

She was first arrested in July 2017, A&E reports, after she skipped out on thousands of dollars in unpaid bills at two New York City hotels – the Beekman and the W New York – and dined and dashed after eating lunch at Le Parker Meridien hotel.

Sorokin was scheduled to appear in court in September that year, but never showed up.

A few months later, in October, the Manhattan District Attorney set up a sting operation with the Los Angeles Police Department and arrested her again. 

According to the indictment, City National Bank allowed Sorokin to overdraft her account by $100,000. 

She managed to keep $55,000 in the account but ‘frittered away these funds on personal expenses in about one month’s time’ with fancy hotel stays, high-end fashion purchases and sessions with a personal trainer.

In 2019, she was convicted of second-degree larceny, theft of services and first-degree attempted larceny.

Sorokin was first arrested in July 2017, A&E reports, after she skipped out on thousands of dollars in unpaid bills at two New York City hotels - the Beekman and the W New York - and dined and dashed after eating lunch at Le Parker Meridien hotel

Sorokin was first arrested in July 2017, A&E reports, after she skipped out on thousands of dollars in unpaid bills at two New York City hotels – the Beekman and the W New York – and dined and dashed after eating lunch at Le Parker Meridien hotel

She was acquitted of stealing from her friend, Rachel DeLoache Williams (pictured), who she brought to a $7,000-a-night Morocco villa, claiming she would pay

She was acquitted of stealing from her friend, Rachel DeLoache Williams (pictured), who she brought to a $7,000-a-night Morocco villa, claiming she would pay

Sorokin, however, was acquitted of the most serious charge – attempted grand larceny in the first degree, in connection with a $22 million loan she tried to obtain from City National Bank.

She was also acquitted of stealing from her friend, Rachel DeLoache Williams, who worked in the photo department of Vanity Fair magazine and was scammed out of $62,000.

The two, and a group of other friends, went on a $7,000-a-night villa trip to Morocco in 2017. Sorokin had vowed to pay for the trip, but never did. 

For her crimes, Sorokin was sentenced to four to 12 years behind bars – but she was released early, in February 2021.

Six weeks later, though, after bragging in a TV interview that ‘crime pays, in a way’ she was once again arrested by immigration agents for allegedly overstaying her visa.

Sorokin then faced deportation in March 2022, but was released from ICE custody in October of that year and was placed under electronic monitoring.

In the years since, Delvey has continued to appear at major events showing off her ankle monitor – which she would sometimes bedazzle – and has even appeared on Dancing with the Stars. 

At the same time, Netflix paid the fraudster $320,000 for the rights to tell her story in the show ‘Inventing Anna.’

Sorokin is pictured donning her ankle monitor as she walked the runway at New York Fashion Week in September 2025

Sorokin is pictured donning her ankle monitor as she walked the runway at New York Fashion Week in September 2025

Sorokin appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars

Sorokin appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars

But the fake heiress was unable to watch the docuseries about her life when it came out, as she was still behind bars at the time.

She then told the Daily Mail she wanted to tell her own story. 

‘I’m the only person who can tell my story. No one else was with me the whole time, when all those things were happening,’ Sorokin said at the time.

She is now putting together a memoir and her own companion documentary chronicling her past and present, which she told TMZ will start long before she was caught up in the fake heiress scandal.

Sorokin said a ‘significant part’ of her memoir has already been developed, as she noted that she is not trying to make it ‘another “crime story” packaged for entertainment.’

Instead, she said her memoir would explore themes including ‘media, perception, ambition, reputation and the economics of attention.

‘There’s this assumption that life freezes at the moment the Internet decides who you are, but in reality, you still have to keep evolving while everyone else keeps projecting an outdated version of you onto the screen,’ she said.

Sorokin added that she believes she is now ‘rebuilding my life in spite of my past, not because of it.’ 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment. 

Southern California Residents Safely Return Home Following Aerospace Plant Chemical Tank Resolution

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Thousands of Southern California residents were allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday night after officials lifted all evacuation orders related to a hazardous materials incident at an aerospace facility.

The final evacuation order was removed for those living near GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems in Garden Grove. This decision came after concerns about a damaged chemical tank potentially exploding were resolved.

The incident had initially prompted the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents in and around the Orange County area. The evacuation was due to a tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA), a highly flammable substance, which had overheated and was considered a threat.

“All residents will go home,” announced Craig Covey, Division Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, during a community meeting.

Despite the shrinking evacuation zone, Disneyland Remains Open Amid Chemical Tank Concerns

Water spraying on an overheated tank at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove, Calif.

Water is sprayed on a tank that overheated at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove, Calif., on May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Over Memorial Day weekend, a crack unexpectedly formed in the tank, relieving pressure and helping avert a catastrophic explosion, allowing most evacuees to return home. Still, roughly 16,000 residents remained under evacuation orders heading into Tuesday.

Crews continued spraying water on the tank until the interior temperature stabilized at 92 degrees, down from 100 degrees over the weekend.

A sprinkler system also doused the tank while company specialists and firefighters removed insulation to help cool it.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING EXPLODES IN NEW JERSEY, MULTIPLE PEOPLE INJURED AND REMAIN IN CRITICAL CONDITION

A tank being sprayed with water at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove, Calif.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Orange County as California continues to respond to the hazardous chemical incident in Garden Grove. (Ethan Swope/AP)

Authorities said evacuation orders were lifted after the tank’s temperature remained stable for four hours without assistance from the sprinkler system.

While health officials have assured residents that monitoring had not detected hazardous levels of contamination or fumes, authorities said they will continue monitoring air quality, sewer systems and storm drains for several months.

Exposure to MMA can cause serious respiratory problems, neurological issues, and irritation to the skin, eyes and throat, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

WORKERS KILLED AND MANY TREATED AFTER REFINERY CHEMICAL RELEASE AS INVESTIGATORS PROBE CAUSE

Evacuees moving to another shelter after aerospace chemical plant tank leak in Garden Grove Calif

Evacuees move to another shelter after an aerospace chemical plant tank leak forced the closure of the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center in Garden Grove, Calif., on May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein said she plans to hold the company accountable.

GKN said in a statement Tuesday that it was continuing to work closely with authorities.

“We apologize for the ongoing disruption this incident is causing, and our priority remains the safety of our neighbors and our community,” the statement said.

Residents at the meeting questioned why large quantities of the chemical were stored near homes and urged city officials to scrutinize the company’s safety practices.

SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS GIANT BLACK PLUME OF SMOKE RISING FROM TENNESSEE PLASTIC RECYCLING FACILITY FIRE

A damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, Calif.

Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, Calif., on Sunday, May 24, 2026, after the tank containing a chemical used to make plastic parts overheated Thursday. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Crews had been racing to prevent a catastrophic failure since Thursday, when officials responded to vapor releasing from a in a storage tank at the facility, which manufactures engine structures and products for commercial and military aircraft.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday as crews shifted from defensive containment operations to high-risk offensive actions aimed at preventing an explosion.

Orange County Fire Authority Chief TJ McGovern told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday the crisis was likely caused by the failure of a cooling system designed to regulate the temperature inside the chemical tanks, though officials were still investigating.

He said the malfunction may have caused heat to build inside a pressurized tank containing 7,000 gallons of MMA.

“We don’t know why, but it stopped cooling,” McGovern said. “So that’s what started this event, to where the product heated up … and that’s how this whole response started. We’re just now being able to get to the tanks, so there’s definitely more to come of what caused it.”

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ABC News President Abruptly Resigns After Nearly Two Decades of Leadership

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The ABC’s news director, Justin Stevens, has resigned after almost 20 years with the national broadcaster.

Stevens, who previously served as the executive producer for 7.30 and stepped into the role of director of news, analysis, and investigations in 2022, has announced his departure from the organization. His decision comes as a result of both professional and personal considerations.

In his statement, the seasoned journalist reflected on his journey, calling it “incredibly tough but immensely rewarding.”

ABC News Director, Justin Stevens, in Sydney. 29th July 2022 Photo: Janie Barrett
ABC’s director of news Justin Stevens has resigned. (Janie Barrett)

“Considering both professional and personal factors, I believe this is the right moment for me to step aside and allow someone new to lead the country’s finest news team,” Stevens stated.

Throughout his leadership, Stevens navigated significant changes, including the arrival of two managing directors and two chairs.

His tenure was also marked by several controversies that surfaced during his time in charge.

In September 2025, the ABC was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine to journalist Antoinette Lattouf for her unlawful termination after she was sacked over a Gaza post. Stevens was not involved in the decision to terminate Lattouf.

Stevens joined the ABC in 2006 and worked for its flagship current affairs program, 7.30, for eight years.

He also served as a Four Corners producer before being appointed news director.

It is understood Stevens will leave the ABC entirely.

The ABC offices in Ultimo, Sydney. (AAP)

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks thanked Stevens for his contribution and said he had achieved outstanding results in the role.

”Justin has achieved this through a period of significant change and challenges across the media landscape, both internationally and in Australia,” Marks said in a statement.

“‌I am grateful to have seen the strength of Justin’s editorial instincts and to have observed his commitment to the ABC and audiences.

“I wish him every success in the future.”

ABC head of regional, rural and metro news Donna Field will serve as acting news director until a replacement is appointed.

Tesla Driver Sentenced to Seven Years for Hawaii Road Rage Incident Involving Mother and Teen

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In a case involving a notorious road rage incident, a man known as the “Tesla Road Rage Driver” received a seven-year prison sentence in Hawaii. This judgment follows a violent confrontation that took place in Honolulu.

The individual, Nathaniel Radimak, was sentenced on Thursday for an attack that occurred in 2025, targeting a woman and her 18-year-old daughter. This was not Radimak’s first offense; he has a history of road rage-related convictions.

During the sentencing, Radimak expressed remorse for his actions, admitting his wrongdoing. “I take accountability. I just feel bad about it,” he stated, as reported by Hawaii News Now.

He further added, “It shouldn’t have happened, but I really need a specific type of treatment that is being delayed and out of reach. It’s not helping me, but I take accountability.”

“It shouldn’t have happened, but I really need a certain kind of treatment that is being prolonged and farther away. It’s not helping me, but I take accountability.”

Radimak was charged with one count of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and two counts of third-degree assault. He pleaded no contest earlier this year.

Judge Clarissa Malinao said during sentencing that Radimak had failed to seek necessary medical care and continued using illegal substances while on parole for previous convictions.

“His history of violence is propensity for violence, and defendant’s voluntary intoxication and discontinuation of medication increase the risk of his dangerousness to self and to the public,” Malinao said.

“These findings also demonstrate and reinforce that the defendant is indeed a danger to the safety of the public.”

Radimak, 39, was charged after allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old woman and her 35-year-old mother during an incident on May 7, 2025, according to the Honolulu Police Department.

Police said the teen was parking downtown when she saw a gray Tesla drive past her.

The two allegedly exchanged words before Radimak got out of the vehicle and assaulted both victims before fleeing the scene, police said. Authorities said he was driving a 2022 gray Tesla with Oregon license plates.

Radimak was arrested by Honolulu police the following day.

The arrest came just months after Radimak was released from prison after serving less than a year of a five-year sentence tied to a series of violent road rage attacks in Southern California.

He was sentenced in 2023 after pleading guilty to assault, vandalism, elder abuse and making criminal threats.

Fox News Digital previously reported that Radimak was known for driving a Tesla and using a pipe to attack the vehicles of his victims, including multiple women.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation previously said Radimak received 424 days of credit for time served while awaiting sentencing in the earlier case.

Tom Jones Reveals the Woman Who Captured His Heart in the ’70s




Tom Jones shared a lifelong bond with his wife, Linda, whom he married in 1957. Their marriage endured until 2016 when Linda succumbed to lung cancer. Despite nearly six decades of marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Jones was not without his share of romantic escapades. As he rose to fame in the 1970s, the Welsh singer not only captured the adoration of fans worldwide but also became known for his numerous romantic entanglements. Yet, Jones has often professed that Linda was his one and only true love.

Even during the peak of his career, when his exploits were well-publicized, Jones maintained that he had never loved anyone else like he loved Linda. In a heartfelt revelation on “The Joe Wicks Podcast” in 2021, he confessed, “I’ll never love again.” After Linda’s passing, rumors swirled about a possible romance with Priscilla Presley, a longtime family friend. However, those close to Presley dispelled the speculation, with one insider humorously noting Jones’s flirtatious nature. “Tom does get naughty sometimes and jokes about romancing Priscilla, but she couldn’t,” the insider shared with Closer Weekly in 2019.

Jones has openly expressed his enduring grief over his wife’s absence, emphasizing his wish that they could have grown old together. “I’m glad we had our lives together, but I wish she was here now; we would be old together,” he reflected during his conversation with Joe Wicks. Since the 2010s, aside from the Priscilla rumors, Jones appears to have embraced solitude, a stark contrast to his youthful lifestyle.

During his nearly 60-year marriage to Linda, Jones was infamous for his numerous high-profile affairs. He was candid about his infidelities, famously claiming to sleep with 250 groupies annually. On tour, he would often request two dressing rooms to accommodate his social endeavors. Beyond fleeting encounters, Jones also engaged in several notable relationships.

One of the most renowned was his affair with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, which spanned from 1968 to 1970. This relationship came to an abrupt end when Linda confronted her husband. Despite the confrontation, Jones downplayed the seriousness of his dalliances. In 1991, he remarked, “I never had a serious affair,” as reported by Express. He asserted he never considered leaving Linda, saying, “It’s out of the question, so whatever has happened has always been casual.” However, for Wilson, the connection was significant. “I was in love with Tom Jones, I will say that, I cannot not say that because it is very true,” she admitted.

Tom Jones was involved in some high-profile affairs

Throughout his 59-year marriage to Linda (seen above), Tom Jones was involved in numerous high-profile affairs. He didn’t pretend to be faithful, either. In his heyday, the Welsh singer boasted about sleeping with 250 groupies a year, even requesting two dressing rooms while on tour to have a dedicated space for the lady friends he made along the way. But beyond the one-night stands, Jones also racked up plenty of affairs.

Among the most notorious was his relationship with Mary Wilson of The Supremes between 1968 and 1970. The affair ended when Linda confronted — and threatened — her husband about it. In 1991, Jones played down the relationship. “[I] never had a serious affair,” he said (via Express). He added that he never considered leaving Linda. “It’s out of the question, so whatever has happened has always been causal,” he said. To Wilson, on the other hand, the affair had been real. “I was in love with Tom Jones, I will say that, I cannot not say that because it is very true,” she said.

Besides Wilson, Jones also had an affair with Marjorie Wallace, the first American to ever win Miss World in 1973, a title she later lost precisely because she had been caught with Jones while she was engaged to race car driver Peter Revson. Perhaps the affair with the most damning consequence was the one with American model Katherine Berkery in 1987, because it made him join the list of celebrities who had a love child with their mistresses. Linda stood by Jones through all of that and more, proving her endless loyalty to the singer. 



Why This Woman Turned Down a Proposal After One Shocking Answer from His Mother

A captivating story from Nigeria has been making waves on social media, capturing attention with its dramatic recount of a marriage proposal gone awry. The tale, shared on the platform X, details how a woman supposedly declined a marriage proposal due to the unexpected actions of the groom’s mother during what was meant to be a special engagement moment.

The groom-to-be had meticulously orchestrated a romantic surprise proposal, intending to pop the question following a church Bible study session. In a setting filled with anticipation, he presented a ring to his beloved in front of the congregation after the fellowship gathering.

As the scene unfolded, everything seemed to be playing out perfectly. The man, brimming with hope, asked the pivotal question that would change their lives. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when his mother unexpectedly interrupted.

Before the potential bride could articulate her response, the man’s mother allegedly intervened, answering on the woman’s behalf, which led to the proposal ending on an awkward note. This incident has sparked various reactions online, with many discussing the boundaries of parental involvement in such personal moments.

However, before the lady could give her response, the man’s mother allegedly stepped in and answered on her behalf.

The X user wrote: “A lady in my church rejected a proposal because the man’s mother answered the question before she could speak.”

He further explained that the woman loudly declared that the proposal had been accepted, causing people around to begin clapping immediately.

According to the narration, the mother allegedly collected the engagement ring first and even attempted to help the lady wear it herself.

The unexpected action reportedly left the woman uncomfortable and alarmed.

The narrator added: “She said that was when fear entered her body.”

After the incident, the storyteller said he later asked the woman why she eventually turned down the proposal despite the public celebration.

In response, the lady reportedly expressed concern over what she believed could become excessive interference from the man’s mother after marriage.

She said: “If the mother is answering proposal questions now, what will happen after marriage?”

Unraveling the Crime: Tom Selleck Impersonator Scam Leads to Shocking Murder-Suicide Investigation

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Authorities are uncovering new details in the heartbreaking case of an elderly couple found deceased in their California residence. This couple had been entangled in a romance scam connected to the name of famed actor Tom Selleck.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has announced that the deaths of 80-year-old Donald Whitaker and his 79-year-old wife, Karen Whitaker, which occurred on May 15, are currently being treated as a murder-suicide.

It has been revealed that Karen Whitaker was subjected to financial elder abuse, a grim reality that highlights the vulnerability of seniors to such scams.

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Karen Whitaker seen standing for a photo

Karen was known for her community involvement as a volunteer with the East Valley Republican Women Patriots in California, adding a layer of tragedy to her story through her positive community connections.

A close friend of the Whitakers disclosed to Fox News Digital that an individual impersonating the well-known actor Tom Selleck deceived Karen, ultimately convincing her to hand over several hundred dollars over time. This revelation sheds light on the manipulative tactics used to exploit her trust.

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In a Facebook post following the deaths of her parents, Rachel Whitaker Maw said in part, “You were so loved and will be missed dearly by so many.”

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In another post she said in part, “It has been overwhelming and devastating, but we are taking it one moment at a time.”

Donald and Karen Whitaker sitting at a table

Donald and Karen Whitaker were found dead in their California home Friday, May 15. (Joy Meidecke)

The sheriff’s office said, “Currently, there is no evidence to indicate that the unknown suspect(s) who were involved in the financial abuse are directly involved in the couple’s death.”

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“At this time, the Riverside Sheriff’s homicide investigators continue to investigate and exhaust all leads in this homicide,” RCSO said.

The agency went on to say, “Homicide investigators are still actively investigating the incident and will complete a thorough investigation before releasing a final disposition.”

Karen Whitaker standing with Charlie Kirk

Karen Whitaker seen standing with Charlie Kirk. (Joy Miedecke)

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Riverside Sheriff’s homicide investigators confirmed there is no threat to the public following the deaths.

Illegal Immigrant Michael Rosario Cruz Faces Charges in Fatal Oklahoma DUI Crash Killing Four

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In a tragic incident in Oklahoma, a man accused of being in the United States illegally is facing serious charges following a fatal crash that claimed four lives. The accident occurred when the suspect allegedly drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated, according to state authorities.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Michael Rosario-Cruz, was taken into custody after being discharged from a hospital. He is now held at the Canadian County Jail, facing multiple charges. These include four counts of second-degree murder, two counts of DUI resulting in significant bodily injury, as well as charges related to carrying an open container, firearm possession, and driving under the influence while armed. Additionally, Rosario-Cruz is charged with driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that the devastating collision occurred on Friday morning. Rosario-Cruz was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 in Canadian County when he collided head-on with another vehicle.

Tragically, all four occupants of the second vehicle died in the crash, which caused the car to burst into flames. The victims were young adults, aged between 18 and 20, authorities confirmed.

They ranged in age from 18 to 20, authorities said.

The victims were identified as Kiercey Hickson, 20, Quincy Jones, 19, and Haliegh Salazar and Brad Palmer, both 18.

“Driving impaired is a reckless, life-changing decision,” the Highway Patrol said in a social media post announcing the charges. “The loss of these young lives will have a lasting impact on countless family members, friends, and communities.”

A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol told Fox News Digital that Rosario-Cruz is the subject of a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer request, meaning ICE has asked to be notified when he is released from custody so they can arrest him and begin deportation proceedings.

It was not clear when Rosario-Cruz entered the US, nor his country of origin.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The four victims were recently remembered at a vigil at El Reno High School, where three of them had recently graduated, News9 reported.

Nancy Salsman, a retired teacher, said three of the victims were once students in her second-grade classroom.

“You just make that connection that never goes away,” she told the news outlet. “They’re always your kids. And when something like this happens we come together.”

Outrage Erupts in Forest Town Over Planned Toxic Spraying: Thousands of Acres at Risk

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Residents of a picturesque forest community in California are up in arms following the federal government’s decision to deploy a contentious herbicide across thousands of acres scarred by the 2021 Caldor Fire. This move by the U.S. Forest Service is part of a large-scale reforestation effort, featuring glyphosate—a potent weed killer associated with Roundup, a product that has long been at the center of environmental and health debates.

The plan has ignited significant opposition among locals, environmentalists, and wellness advocates. Their primary concern is the potential for this chemical to taint the pristine alpine watershed that feeds into the renowned Lake Tahoe Basin. The thought of such an impact on their cherished natural surroundings has left many residents deeply unsettled.

Adding to their alarm is the sheer magnitude of the proposed spraying operation. Federal authorities have sanctioned the use of this herbicide over more than 46,000 acres within the Caldor Fire’s burn area, with an estimated 2,400 to 3,600 acres directly within the sensitive Tahoe Basin.

The scale of the spraying operation has alarmed many locals.

Federal plans approve herbicide use across more than 46,000 acres within the Caldor Fire burn scar, including between 2,400 and 3,600 acres inside the Tahoe Basin itself.

Critics say the government is preparing to spread a ‘toxic’ chemical near hiking trails, streams and neighborhoods while offering few specifics about exactly where the spraying will happen or when it will begin.

The outrage intensified after an investigation published by Mother Jones reported that the Forest Service dramatically increased its use of glyphosate across California forests in recent years.

According to the report, the agency sprayed around 266,000 pounds of glyphosate in California forests in 2023 – roughly five times the amount used two decades ago.

The US Forest Service has approved  plans to use glyphosate across more than 46,000 acres inside the Caldor Fire burn scar, including thousands of acres within the Lake Tahoe Basin

The US Forest Service has approved  plans to use glyphosate across more than 46,000 acres inside the Caldor Fire burn scar, including thousands of acres within the Lake Tahoe Basin

Glyphosate is the key ingredient in Roundup, the weed killer first introduced by Monsanto in 1974 and widely used across agriculture and forestry projects

Glyphosate is the key ingredient in Roundup, the weed killer first introduced by Monsanto in 1974 and widely used across agriculture and forestry projects

Glyphosate, first sold by Monsanto as Roundup in 1974, has long been controversial.

Environmentalists say it harms pollinators including bees and monarch butterflies. 

In 2015, the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm classified glyphosate as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans,’ helping trigger more than 100,000 lawsuits from people who claimed Roundup exposure caused cancers including non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Forest Service insists the chemical is necessary to restore forests destroyed by the 2021 Caldor Fire, which burned more than 221,000 acres.

Officials say herbicides help remove competing shrubs and weeds so newly planted native tree seedlings have a better chance of survival in the fire-ravaged landscape.

But opposition is growing rapidly.

More than 15,000 people had signed a petition protesting the spraying plans as of Wednesday morning.

The petition warns glyphosate ‘has been linked to serious environmental harm, including the decline of crucial pollinators like bees, contamination of water sources, and risks to human health.’

The Caldor Fire became one of California¿s most destructive wildfires in 2021, forcing evacuations around South Lake Tahoe and burning through forests with such intensity that officials say many trees will not grow back without human intervention

The Caldor Fire became one of California’s most destructive wildfires in 2021, forcing evacuations around South Lake Tahoe and burning through forests with such intensity that officials say many trees will not grow back without human intervention

The Caldor Fire tore through more than 221,000 acres in 2021, destroying vast stretches of forest and leaving some areas unable to naturally regenerate

The Caldor Fire tore through more than 221,000 acres in 2021, destroying vast stretches of forest and leaving some areas unable to naturally regenerate

Last month the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could lead to the dismissal of tens of thousands of lawsuits against Bayer, the pharmaceutical and biotech giant, that claim the weedkiller Roundup, made by Monsanto, caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Last month the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could lead to the dismissal of tens of thousands of lawsuits against Bayer, the pharmaceutical and biotech giant, that claim the weedkiller Roundup, made by Monsanto, caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma

‘It could have devastating effects on our local wildlife, flora, and the crystal-clear waters that have earned Tahoe its nickname, ‘The Jewel of the Sierra,’ the petition states.

Federal officials maintain the fears are misplaced.

In statements, the Forest Service said herbicides would be used ‘selectively’ and insisted no chemicals would enter Lake Tahoe, which is federally protected under the Clean Water Act.

The agency said most spraying would be carried out manually using backpacks and handheld wands rather than aerial spraying. 

However, officials are also considering truck-mounted and all-terrain vehicle spraying systems along some forest roadsides outside the basin.

It has done little to calm residents already suspicious of the project.

Tobi Tyler, vice chair of the Sierra Club’s Tahoe Area Group, said she wants clearer answers from federal officials about where the herbicides will ultimately be used.

‘I would love to get a phone call back and know what their plans are,’ Tyler told  SFGate.

Tyler, a retired water quality expert, strongly disputed claims that glyphosate would stay out of Tahoe’s watershed.

More than 100,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto by people who claimed exposure to Roundup caused cancers including non-Hodgkin lymphoma

More than 100,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto by people who claimed exposure to Roundup caused cancers including non-Hodgkin lymphoma

A petition described Lake Tahoe as 'The Jewel of the Sierra' and warned glyphosate use could threaten its famously clear waters

A petition described Lake Tahoe as ‘The Jewel of the Sierra’ and warned glyphosate use could threaten its famously clear waters

‘It will get into the water, the streams,’ she said. ‘They say it breaks down. Well, it could definitely go into the air or the water before it breaks down. All the water that falls in the basin all goes to Lake Tahoe, eventually.’

Environmental nonprofit Keep Tahoe Blue is also demanding more transparency from the Forest Service, saying residents have been left with few details beyond broad environmental assessment documents.

‘The lack of publicly available information … has understandably raised concern and questions from groups like ours and the broader community,’ the organization said in a statement.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency spokesperson Jeff Cowen said confusion online has fueled public fears about the project.

‘It seems like the lack of understanding of the different watersheds and project plans … isn’t giving people a good basis from which to express their concerns,’ Cowen stated to SFGate.

Cowen stressed that most of the spraying would occur outside the Tahoe Basin in Eldorado National Forest.

Smoke rises as the Caldor fire raged around Lake Tahoe in September 2021

 Smoke rises as the Caldor fire raged around Lake Tahoe in September 2021

The wildfire left behind enormous stretches of dead trees and unstable terrain that federal agencies now say require years of restoration work

The wildfire left behind enormous stretches of dead trees and unstable terrain that federal agencies now say require years of restoration work

But some critics remain unconvinced. Maps from previous spraying operations show glyphosate use near recreation areas, including around the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort. Federal officials also plan to use herbicides near campgrounds, hiking trails and off-highway vehicle routes.

For many residents, the controversy has become about far more than forest management.

Comments on the anti-spraying petition reveal a growing fear that one of America’s most famous natural landscapes could be exposed to a chemical still being debated decades after it first entered the market.

One El Dorado County nurse wrote that she cares for patients exposed to glyphosate who later suffered from ‘blood cancers, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other serious illnesses.’

‘Spraying glyphosate in the Lake Tahoe Basin risks contaminating one of the clearest alpine watersheds in the world,’ another commenter warned.

U.S. Targets Iranian Missile Bases Amidst Trump’s Contentious Peace Negotiation Efforts

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The United States launched what officials described as narrowly targeted 'self-defense strikes' inside Iran on Monday night, escalating tensions in the region even as diplomats continued to push for a fragile ceasefire and broader peace talks. According to US Central Command, American forces targeted missile launch sites in southern Iran as well as Iranian vessels attempting to lay naval mines in strategic waterways used by military and commercial ships. 'US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,' CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins told Fox News in a statement. 'Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.'

The United States executed what it termed “self-defense strikes” within Iran on Monday night, intensifying regional tensions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a tenuous ceasefire and advance peace talks. According to U.S. Central Command, American military forces targeted specific missile launch sites in southern Iran, as well as Iranian vessels attempting to deploy naval mines in critical shipping lanes used by both military and commercial vessels. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” stated Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for CENTCOM, in a statement to Fox News. “The targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to place mines. U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”

Stalemate in Doha 

Top Iranian negotiators were in Doha Monday for talks to end the war with the United States, even as both sides downplayed prospects of an imminent deal. The US and Iran have held a fragile ceasefire since April 7. The stalemate has seen few small attacks since last month, though none have violated the ceasefire’s terms. The hope of an accord in recent days was dealt a fresh blow when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to 'crush' Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Donald Trump made demands for a broad accord across the Middle East, involving normalization of ties with Israel, as part of any agreement with Iran. Amid fresh threats and hurdles from the US-Israeli side, Trump enumerated pathways for Iran's enriched uranium, a key sticking point in efforts to end the war, in a post to his Truth Social platform. 'The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event,' Trump wrote.

On the same day, senior Iranian negotiators were in Doha to discuss ending hostilities with the United States. However, both parties have expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a breakthrough deal. Since April 7, a fragile ceasefire has been in place, with only minor skirmishes reported that have not breached the ceasefire terms. Recent hopes for a resolution were dimmed following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to “crush” Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has insisted on a comprehensive agreement involving the normalization of relations with Israel as part of any deal with Iran. Adding to the complexity, Trump proposed specific measures for handling Iran’s enriched uranium, a major obstacle in peace negotiations, via his Truth Social platform. He suggested that the uranium should either be transferred to the U.S. for destruction or be destroyed in coordination with Iran at an agreed location, with oversight by the Atomic Energy Commission or a similar entity.

The Saturday Calls 

It was not clear if he meant this is part of an emerging accord with Iran. The Atomic Energy Commission that Trump cited was abolished in 1974 and its functions were divided between two successor bodies. Earlier on Monday, Trump said it should be mandatory for Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Bahrain and Jordan to sign up to the Abraham Accords, a set of agreements brokered in 2020 with nations historically hostile to Israel. Trump said he had spoken to the leaders of those countries Saturday about efforts to end the war with Iran. Bahrain and the UAE have already signed the accords, along with Morocco and Sudan. US and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while diplomats push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the US Navy has sought to blockade Iran's ports. Trump said earlier on Monday that a deal with Iran would either be 'great and meaningful' or there would be 'no deal.'

It remains unclear whether this proposal is part of any emerging agreement with Iran. Notably, the Atomic Energy Commission, mentioned by Trump, was disbanded in 1974, with its responsibilities reassigned to other agencies. Earlier on Monday, Trump asserted that several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Bahrain, and Jordan, should join the Abraham Accords—agreements established in 2020 to normalize relations with Israel. Trump claimed he had spoken with these nations’ leaders on Saturday about efforts to end the conflict with Iran. Bahrain and the UAE have already signed the accords, alongside Morocco and Sudan. As U.S. and Iranian forces adhere to the ceasefire since April 8, diplomats continue to advocate for a negotiated resolution. However, Iran maintains control over Gulf shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. Navy attempts to blockade Iranian ports. Trump emphasized that any deal with Iran would be either “great and meaningful” or there would be “no deal” at all.

But while the accords were welcomed by some, they remain deeply unpopular in many parts of the Middle East - in part because they fail to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gulf heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have said they will never normalize ties with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is created. Saudi Arabia's position on the Palestinian issue remains unchanged, a Saudi source told Riyadh-based broadcaster Al Arabiya on Monday, adding that 'there needs to be an irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.' Anna Jacobs of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington said Trump's latest demand added to the disaster that has been the war on all fronts for Gulf nations.

But while the accords were welcomed by some, they remain deeply unpopular in many parts of the Middle East – in part because they fail to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gulf heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have said they will never normalize ties with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is created. Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian issue remains unchanged, a Saudi source told Riyadh-based broadcaster Al Arabiya on Monday, adding that ‘there needs to be an irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.’ Anna Jacobs of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington said Trump’s latest demand added to the disaster that has been the war on all fronts for Gulf nations.

'The national security of the Gulf states has been threatened more than ever before because of President Trump's reckless decisions, and he expects Arab states to thank him and to normalize relations with Israel, which they will not do at this stage,' she said. 'These expectations and assumptions from this US administration shows how little they understand the Middle East.' Trump's maximalist demand came after top US diplomat Marco Rubio suggested a deal could be reached within the day, causing world oil prices to tumble based on renewed optimism about an agreement. 'We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today,' Secretary of State Rubio told reporters during a visit to New Delhi, referring to hopes for a deal.

‘The national security of the Gulf states has been threatened more than ever before because of President Trump’s reckless decisions, and he expects Arab states to thank him and to normalize relations with Israel, which they will not do at this stage,’ she said. ‘These expectations and assumptions from this US administration shows how little they understand the Middle East.’ Trump’s maximalist demand came after top US diplomat Marco Rubio suggested a deal could be reached within the day, causing world oil prices to tumble based on renewed optimism about an agreement. ‘We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today,’ Secretary of State Rubio told reporters during a visit to New Delhi, referring to hopes for a deal.