Today’s read: 5 min 40 sec

Good morning. Studies suggest illegal immigrants aren't linked to crime. The media loves to highlight these studies, especially during spikes in migrant crime, even though the studies have flaws.

But many Americans believe that debating academic research misses the point. They feel that every life lost due to illegal immigration is inexcusable. Meanwhile, others make excuses.

This is the situation during the recent wave of migrant crime.

First time here? I’m Ari, and this is Upward News. Every day, we scour 100s of sources to bring you need-to-know news and insights you won’t see in the MSM. Sign up here.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

💻 The CIA colluded with the Biden campaign to discredit the Hunter laptop story. A congressional report revealed that CIA contractors colluded with the Biden campaign to label the Hunter Biden laptop story as "Russian disinformation." The report goes so far as to state, “High ranking CIA officials, up to and including then-CIA Director Gina Haspel, were made aware of the Hunter Biden statement [discrediting the story] prior to its approval and publication.”

🏆 George Latimer defeated Jamaal Bowman in the primary race. Progressive House Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) was handily defeated in his Democratic primary election yesterday, losing out to the pro-Israel, former state legislator George Latimer. After his loss, Bowman lamented that his political movement “has always been about justice … it has always been about our collective liberation.”

🏛 The Julian Assange saga is winding to a close. 10 years ago, the WikiLeaks founder faced charges from the United States relating to classified documents he illegally accessed that revealed American military misconduct during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Now, he has agreed to a plea deal with the Biden administration in which he gain his freedom and will be permitted to return to his home country of Australia.

🇺🇦 American military contractors could be deployed to Ukraine. The Biden administration is reportedly working to lift a de facto ban enabling military contractors to repair and maintain U.S.-supplied weapons systems in Ukraine. If the change is implemented, it would mark the first time Americans would be permitted to work inside the country since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

WHAT WE’RE HEARING

• The House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at preventing countries that receive U.S. foreign aid from sending money to the Taliban.

• President Biden is prepping for his Thursday night debate at Camp David, using an airplane hanger “outfitted with lights and production equipment” along with 16 aides to help.

• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) asserted that the Chinese are buying farmland near U.S. military bases “that allows them to install tracking technology, to use radar, to use infrared scanning, … and engage in surveillance.”

IN THE LOOP

• House Republicans are trying to pass three government funding bills to advance conservative priorities on abortion, DEI, and drag shows.

• The Biden administration will appeal two court orders that blocked critical parts of its SAVE student loan plan.

• Oklahoma's Supreme Court blocked the opening of a religious charter school, which would have been the nation’s first.

• Judge Juan Merchan partially lifted Donald Trump’s gag order, now allowing

• The country of Georgia is battling media scrutiny and Western influence, and the press coverage is not good. (Member-only)

• Get your FREE PragerU e-books on history, immigration, climate change, and more. With over 10 to choose from, select your favorite (or collect them all), and we'll send your e-book to your inbox, for free!*

• Make a statement on your next vacation with Kenny Flowers. From beach clubs to rooftop bars, their pieces are designed for modern travelers. Made in boutique factories with sustainable practices, you’ll not only look great in your new pieces but feel good about them too. Plus, readers can get 10% off their first order. Shop now and get 10% off with code FLOWERS10*

*This is sponsored content

INSIDE AMERICA

Recent migrant murders ignite bipartisan fury

• A 12-year-old girl and 37-year-old mother were brutalized and killed at the hands of illegal migrants

• Americans are appalled and outraged by the trend and are demanding more radical political solutions

• Democrats are increasingly joining Republicans in backing tough measures, while President Biden sends mixed signals

The story

Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was brutally beaten, raped, killed, and left for dead in a tunnel off the Maryland hiking trail where she was working out last August. Finally — using DNA evidence — two weeks ago police arrested Morin’s killer, an illegal migrant and known gang member from El Salvador.

Last week in Texas, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was physically and sexually assaulted for more than two hours before being tied up, killed, and thrown into the bayou. Her killers both illegally entered the United States from Venezuela.

While the nation mourns these lives, and seemingly countless others taken at the hands of illegal migrants, the political tenor surrounding migrant crime and border policy has shifted in recent months.

With 62 percent of registered voters supporting a mass deportation program, even Democrats are advocating for stricter border measures. Republicans, guided by Donald Trump, are responding to public sentiment by pushing for military-led mass deportations.

The politics

Americans, regardless of political affiliation are voicing deep concern about illegal migration and resultant crime.

Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, said, "They’re pretending these immigration problems don’t exist and people aren’t being harmed and killed by their policies. The victims are those that are being killed but also their loved ones that they've left behind. It's devastating to the community.”

Ms. Morin speaks for many who want to live in a safe community and who are sick of politicians sweeping migrant crime under the rug. Following the arrest of Rachel’s killer, former president Trump called Patty, who was "deeply touched by President Trump's kindness and concern.”

As expected, Republicans lambasted President Biden and Democrats for their failure to adequately secure the southern border and deport violent migrants. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said, “Yet another American family is destroyed by Joe Biden’s open border. We MUST secure our border NOW.”

The Biden White House issued brief statements on the deaths of Morin and Nungaray, extending “deepest condolences to the family and loved ones” of the slain. Neither statement noted that both murder suspects entered the country illegally.

The governor of Maryland, where Rachel Morin was murdered, shifted blame to congressional Republicans for failing to take action, stating, “You had President Trump who said [the bipartisan congressional border bill] was not advantageous politically, that the deal was killed.”

Beyond the headlines

Though the overwhelming majority of illegal migrants are not violent criminals, the not infrequent-violent crimes they commit make U.S. citizens feel unsafe in their own country. Because Americans are experiencing such crimes in communities nationwide, they are increasingly supportive of stricter policies to combat it.

In March, 26 Democrats banded together to form the “Democrats for Border Security” task force to correct the party’s sharp left turn on immigration, beginning in the Obama administration. Border district Rep. Henry Cuellar commented, “Don’t cede the narrative to Republicans when it comes to border security. It doesn’t matter if we’re Hispanics. We want to see order. We want to see security.”

In response to President Biden’s contradictory border policies — restricting asylum claims via executive order while simultaneously granting mass amnesty to hundreds of thousands of migrants — down-ballot Democrats appear to be adopting a more assertive stance, aligning with Republican counterparts.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), a member of Democrats for Border Security, was victorious in his February special election partly due to his willingness to embrace tougher border policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said of Suozzi, "He sounded like a Republican talking about the border." Pre-November, Democrats may adopt rhetoric and policy positions similar to Republicans to address migrant crime and the vast influx of illegal migrants.

Why it matters

While the horrific deaths of innocents at the hands of illegal migrants shock Americans, they are responding by demanding stronger political solutions to scale back the damage done in the past several years.

President Biden is reaping the consequences of his soft border policy and of repealing successful Trump-era provisions like Remain in Mexico and Title 42. Now, Biden is shifting his stance on border security, as is presidential rival RFK Jr., who recently adopted a tone as tough as Donald Trump's.

Cracking down on migrant crime and illegal entry is popular across the political spectrum. It remains to be seen whether voters trust Democrats' claims of supporting stricter enforcement or prefer the GOP's approach — a border wall and mass deportations.

A MESSAGE FROM COZY EARTH

Upgrade Your Sanctuary with Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set

After a busy day, there's nothing better than unwinding in bed, catching up on your favorite show, and simply chilling out. But for true relaxation, ordinary sheets just won't cut it - you deserve the pinnacle of luxury.

Introducing Cozy Earth sheets.

Crafted from 100% premium bamboo viscose, a soft and sustainable fabric, these sheets offer unrivaled softness that will make it hard to leave your bed in the morning. Plus, they're designed to become even cozier with every wash, ensuring years of blissful sleep.

Experience the height of comfort with Cozy Earth sheets, and with their 100-night risk-free trial, you can try them out with complete peace of mind.

Please support our sponsors!

OUR QUESTION TO YOU

POLL RESULTS FROM YESTERDAY

Do you think Trump's mass deportation plan is feasible?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 👍 Yes (449)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 👎 No (115)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🤔 Unsure (113)