Tag: mississippi

Mississippi Governor Set to Sign Bill Making Illegal Immigration a STATE CRIME

Mississippi has just become the latest red state to take immigration enforcement into its own hands.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (R) is expected to sign Senate Bill 2114 (SB 2114), which has passed both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature and is currently heading to his desk.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has adopted a hardline stance on illegal immigration.

He supports making illegal immigration a state crime, has backed the use of bounty hunters for deportations, and signed legislation aimed at tightening voter citizenship verification. 

Under SB 2114, an alien who enters or attempts to enter Mississippi directly from a foreign nation anywhere other than a lawful port of entry now faces state criminal charges, a misdemeanor with a minimum of six months in prison, escalating to felonies with up to two years or more when combined with other offenses.

If these illegal invaders are arrested for additional crimes, they’ll tack on even more serious penalties with no early release, no parole, and no games.

Keep reading

These 4 States Already Enacted SAVE Act Look-Alikes While John Thune Does Failure Theater

While the SAVE America Act continues to languish in the Senate under the supervision of Republican Leader John Thune, leaders and voters in several states have taken it upon themselves to secure their own elections from noncitizen voting.

The overwhelmingly popular SAVE America Act would amend U.S. election law to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote and voter ID when casting a ballot in federal elections. Federal lawmakers in the GOP-led Senate have yet to advance the common-sense legislation or commit to a “talking filibuster” that would allow it to pass with a simple majority. Meanwhile, within recent weeks, several states enacted their own citizenship verification election laws. Others are set to vote on amendment language clarifying that “only” U.S. citizens can vote in elections.

Already Law

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s own version of the SAVE Act into law last week. The law, which requires citizenship verification against REAL ID data when registering to vote, will go into effect in January of next year.

According to DeSantis’ office, the law also allows applicants to present proof confirming their eligibility, “establishes a clear process to identify and remove potentially ineligible noncitizens from voter rolls,” includes “explicit notice that submitting false voter registration information is a felony,” and mandates voting take place on paper ballots.

The state has adopted a number of election reforms since 2020, including stronger vote-by-mail safeguards, more secure ballot drop boxes, and stricter enforcement of election law, as DeSantis’ office noted.

Mississippi

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also signed election integrity legislation into law last week. Named the Safeguard Honesty Integrity in Elections for Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act, the law requires registration officials to check certain applicants’ information against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to determine if they are citizens. This verification is required for registration applicants who are flagged as potential noncitizens or who do not provide their driver’s license number when registering to vote. As in Florida, if an applicant is determined to be a potential noncitizen, he will be given a chance to present documentation that proves citizenship.

The law also requires the registrar to annually report to the secretary of state “[t]he number of registrants flagged by a SAVE system check” and the number taken off the rolls “following confirmation.”

This law will take effect in July, ahead of the 2026 midterms.

South Dakota

Ironically, Thune’s own state has moved faster than he has when it comes to ensuring only Americans vote in American elections. Gov. Larry Rhoden signed South Dakota’s SB 175 into law last month. According to SDPB Radio, the legislation “requires anyone registering to vote for the first time in the state to provide proof of citizenship,” like a driver’s license issued after July 1, 2025 (the state recently enacted a law mandating that citizenship status be denoted on driver’s licenses), or a copy of a birth certificate.

“In South Dakota, we do things right, especially when running our state elections,” Rhoden said in a statement. “This bill ensures only citizens vote in state elections, keeping our elections safe and secure.”

This law went into effect immediately.

Utah

Gov. Spencer Cox signed Utah’s HB 209 into law late last month, and it is set to take effect on May 6 — more than a month before the state’s primary election. The law requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote in state elections. If an applicant registers to vote using a “federal voter registration form” and does not provide documentary proof of citizenship as laid out in the law, that voter can only vote in federal races.

The law also dictates that “a review of voter registration records be conducted by July 1 this year,” as Time summarized it. Voters who are already registered but “whose citizenship cannot be verified in that review will be notified by election officials and have to provide proof of citizenship to stay on the rolls.”

Keep reading

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Arrested Christian Street Preacher

A Mississippi street preacher who sued a community over a law that banned him from preaching near an amphitheater has won his battle to challenge the law.

Gabriel Olivier claimed his arrest under a law passed by Brandon, Mississippi, violated his First Amendment rights, according to the Associated Press.

The city said he had shouted insults, and invoked the law to fine Olivier and slap him with a year of probation. Olivier paid the fine and completed his probation.

The decision allowed Olivier to move forward but does not ensure he will win the suit.

“This is not only a win for the right to share your faith in public, but also a win for every American’s right to have their day in court when their First Amendment rights are violated,” Kelly Shackelford, president, CEO, and chief counsel for First Liberty Institute, said in a news release on First Liberty’s website.

“We’re delighted that the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed Gabe’s right to his day in court. It’s just common sense that a citizen who is arrested under an unconstitutional law should be able to challenge that law. As people of faith, we look to the judiciary to protect our constitutional right to spread the gospel,” Allyson Ho, co-chair of First Liberty’s nationwide Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group, added.

“No American should be criminally charged for sharing their faith in public,” Nate Kellum, senior counsel at First Liberty, remarked. “This is a wonderful day for Gabe and for the First Amendment.”

Olivier himself said that “my goal from the beginning was to be granted my rights as an American citizen under our great Constitution.”

“Now all people with deeply held Christian religious beliefs who are called to share the good news can do so in the public arena.”

As noted by SCOTUSBlog, Olivier was battling an argument from the city that a 1994 ruling, Heck v. Humphrey, should be used to block his lawsuit. The ruling limits challenges convicted criminals can bring against a law under which they were convicted.

Keep reading

ANOTHER state is embroiled in fraud scandal with ‘$77MILLION of taxpayers’ money going missing’… and WWE stars are at the center

Mississippi has joined the list of states embroiled in major fraud scandals, as a welfare scheme trial centered around WWE stars is set to kick off this week. 

The embezzlement scheme saw at least $77 million of taxpayers’ hard-earned money go toward frivolous things instead of helping those in need in America’s poorest state, according to authorities.

Instead of helping the less fortunate, cash was splurged on a lavish home in Jackson, cars, paying off a non-profit leader’s speeding ticket, and funding a new $5 million volleyball stadium at Mississippi University, among other items, authorities said. 

A total of seven people have pleaded guilty to state or federal charges related to the fraud case, but one person, former pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr., has decided to plead not guilty and stand trial. 

His brother, Brett DiBiase, 37, was also charged in the welfare-fraud scandal. Brett, who also wrestled professionally, pleaded guilty to state and federal charges. 

Meanwhile, his older brother, who received the Million Dollar Championship title in 2010 from their wrestler father, Ted DiBiase Sr., is the only person indicted after he chose to fight money laundering, wire fraud, theft, and conspiracy charges. 

The trial, which is set to begin Tuesday, will detail how DiBiase, 43, allegedly pocketed around $4 million in welfare dollars that he used for himself. 

The fraud in Mississippi comes as similar allegations continue to sweep across Minnesota that suggest alleged scammers, most of Somali descent, are said to have spent millions meant to feed hungry children on flashy cars and swanky travels, according to court evidence obtained by CBS. 

According to prosecutors, DiBiase allegedly concealed money through phony contracts with non-profit organizations, including the Mississippi Community Education Center, in a conspiracy to steal funds from welfare programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Prosecutors said DiBiase embezzled around $1.1 million and used the cash to buy luxurious items, including a boat and a vehicle. 

Per the contracts, two companies owned by DiBiase were allegedly supposed to look into the need for emergency food aid, provide leadership outreach to the community, and help inner-city children.

But, according to the indictment reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, the married father-of-two ‘did not provide and did not intend to provide’ those assistance programs to Mississippians. 

Meanwhile, DiBiase said he has brought forward ‘significant evidence that he did perform work under the relevant contracts,’ according to a November court filing obtained by the outlet. 

The only person involved in the scandal who has been sentenced for his crimes is former Department of Human Services Head John Davis. 

A judge decided Davis, the highest-ranking official embroiled in the conspiracy, will spend 32 years in prison for state charges. He has not yet been sentenced for his federal crimes, WLBT reported. 

He was found guilty of having tens of millions of dollars go toward specific non-profits before he took the money for his own personal use.

Keep reading

Professor sues Millsaps College after being fired for ‘racist fascist country’ email

A former Millsaps College professor is suing the institution, alleging his termination for describing America as a “racist fascist country” in an email to students was censorship. 

Professor James Bowley’s complaint, filed in September, alleges that the small Mississippi college breached his tenure and its founding tradition connecting faith to free speech. Bowley taught politics and religion at the college for more than 20 years.

“Millsaps fired a tenured professor because he expressed a political opinion in an email to three like-minded students in a political seminar,” the complaint claims.

However, college spokesperson Joey Lee told The College Fix that the institution is “confident” about defending its actions in the case.

“Millsaps College is dedicated to academic excellence and open inquiry. We are also committed to providing a safe and supportive campus for all,” Lee said in a recent email.

“Due to the pending litigation, we will not go into any further details at this time, but we look forward to the opportunity to tell the whole story,” Lee said. “We believe the facts will speak clearly, and we are confident in our position and in the legal process ahead.”

The college placed Bowley on administrative leave in November 2024. Almost a year later, in September, Bowley was terminated, according to the complaint. Initial reports said Bowley was fired in January, but Lee told The Fix that he was still on administrative leave at the time.

The controversy stems from an email Bowley sent to three students after the 2024 presidential election. Bowley wrote that he was canceling his “Abortion and Religion” class to “mourn and process this racist and fascist country.”

According to the complaint, Bowley’s decision was “rooted in compassion for the emotional distress that he knew his students were going through” due to the election of Donald Trump.

The lawsuit also argues that he was justified in sending the statement because the campus culture was tense after a Millsaps student threatened Kamala Harris voters in a YikYak post. 

Bowley claims that the college violated his tenure when it fired him. “The faculty member’s expression of unpopular political views is not ‘cause for dismissal,’” the lawsuit states. 

The complaint also highlights the Methodist background of the institution.

It quotes Methodist founder John Wesley: “The Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this or that opinion; but they think and let think . … Now, I do not know any other religious society, either ancient or modern, wherein such liberty of conscience is now allowed, or has been allowed, since the age of the apostles.”

The complaint argues that the college’s Methodist background is a foundation for academic freedom: “The requirement that all Methodist colleges respect academic freedom remains enshrined in policies set by the Church, stating that all ‘colleges and universities are to ensure that academic freedom is protected for all members of the academic community and a learning environment is fostered that allows for a free exchange of ideas.’”  

It also connects open inquiry and freedom of speech and expression: “Challenge and discomfort are essential at Millsaps.”

Keep reading

Hawaii Has The Highest Homelessness Rate In America, Mississippi The Lowest

There are around 772,000 homeless Americans (nearly 230 for ever 100,000 Americans), according to the last time a point-in-count assessment was done in 2024.

In this visualization, Visual Capitalist’s Pallavi Rao, take a look at the highest homelessness rates by state, measured per 100,000 residents.

The data for this visualization comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, paired with 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

⚠️ Caveats: Point-in-time counts were conducted in January, 2024 by local Continuums of Care (CoCs), with latitude in methodology. They risk undercounting unsheltered populations, people couch‑surfing, or those avoiding contact.

Keep reading

MS law enforcement officers, deputies indicted in drug conspiracy

Twenty people, including more than a dozen former or current Mississippi law enforcement officers and deputies, were charged in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy on Thursday, according to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Mississippi.

According to court documents, Brandon Addison, Javery Howard, Milton Gaston, Truron Grayson, Bruce Williams, Sean Williams, Dexture Franklin, Wendell Johnson, Marcus Nolan, Aasahn Roach, Jeremy Sallis, Torio Chaz Wiseman, Pierre Lakes, Derrik Wallace, Marquivious Bankhead, Chaka Gaines, Martavis Moore, Jamario Sanford, Marvin Flowers, and Dequarian Smith are all charged with drug distribution.

The indictment showed that several defendants included in the indictment had local addresses, including one with a Southaven address, three in Memphis, and one in Horn Lake.

They said that 14 of these people were Mississippi local law enforcement officials. Two were Mississippi Sheriffs: Milton Gaston of Washington County and Bruce Williams of Humphreys County. And 12 are officers.

The attorney’s office said that if they are convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the sentence.

According to court documents, the defendants were employed by an FBI member who posed as a member of a Mexican drug cartel to protect the transportation of drugs through the Mississippi Delta counties along Highway 61 and would eventually go into Memphis.

“I think you can probably characterize this as a sting, but again the original complaints that began the investigation were from drug dealers,” said Clay Joiner, United States Attorney of Northern District of Mississippi.

Drug dealers, who officials said complained about having to pay bribes. The highest was more than $30,000.

Officials said each defendant thought they were transporting 25 kilograms of cocaine or other drugs.  

Keep reading

Police Hunting For Diseased Primate …Armed With An STD And Dangerous!!!

Mississippi’s got one wild situation — a hostile STD-carrying monkey busted loose from a large trailer truck hauling primates after the semi flipped over on a highway, according to police.

The wreck went down Tuesday in Heidelberg, where the truck, containing several monkeys infected with hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID, crashed en route from Tulane University to a Florida testing lab.

Cops say six monkeys made a break for it — but five were destroyed, and one’s still on the loose. Witnesses shot camera footage that captured the surviving monkey climbing out of the trailer and wandering around in a rural area.

Police warned the public the monkey is super aggressive toward humans. Translation: if you see a monkey on the run, don’t approach it… just call 911.

Mississippi wildlife officials and local cops are already out trying to nab the furry baboon, but can’t seem to find the chimp anywhere.

As for Tulane University, officials tell us — despite what the cops say — the primates in question belong to another entity and are “not infectious,” meaning they don’t have diseases. They add, “We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.”

TMZ also reached out to Tulane National Biomedical Research Center … so far, no word back.

Keep reading

Colin Kaepernick to pay for independent autopsy for Delta State University student found dead on campus

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he will pay for an independent autopsy for the Delta State University (DSU) student who was found dead on campus, civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced Friday. 

The attorney said the second, independent autopsy for Demartravion “Trey” Reed will be sought after the state medical examiner releases his body. 

On Thursday, Cleveland Police Department (CPD) officials said the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Sept. 17 and determined the cause of death was hanging, concluding the action to be suicide. CPD Officials added that final toxicology results are underway and may take two to four weeks to finish. 

According to DSU officials, university police and local authorities were immediately notified after staff found the body hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts at around 7 a.m. on Sept. 15. Classes were canceled for the day.

University officials confirmed the identity of the deceased 21-year-old student to be Reed of Grenada, Mississippi. DSU Police Chief Mike Peeler said that there was no evidence of foul play.

The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office released a statement Monday saying it is conducting a “thorough death investigation,” and an initial examination revealed no evidence to suggest Reed was attacked before his death.

However, Crump said Reed’s family has serious concerns “after receiving conflicting accounts and incomplete information about the circumstances of his death.”

“Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths,” he said in a statement. “Peace will come only by getting to the truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth.”

The second autopsy will be funded by the Colin Kaepernick “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative.”

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), were assisting in the investigation. 

The MBI did not have an official statement on Reed’s death. They also said they would not provide Reed’s autopsy report through a public records request.

CPD officials said investigation materials have been given to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and The U.S. Attorney Office for review. 

Keep reading

Mississippi’s Digital ID Law Hits a Wall with Mastodon

Mississippi’s privacy-ruining online digital ID law is putting pressure on decentralized platforms, and Mastodon says it simply cannot comply.

The organization behind the software states that it lacks the technical ability to verify users’ ages and refuses to implement IP-based restrictions, which it argues would wrongly affect travelers and those temporarily located in the state.

The law, known as the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126), has already led to Bluesky withdrawing its service from Mississippi.

Mastodon is not following that path. Instead, it points to the design of its platform, where individual server administrators are responsible for their own compliance with local laws. Mastodon itself neither collects user data nor maintains centralized control over the network.

Although Mastodon’s nonprofit arm initially declined to comment, it later provided a statement to TechCrunch.

The organization explained that while its own servers require users to be at least 16, it does not “have the means to apply age verification” and that the software does not retain any data collected during sign-up.

A feature added in the July 2025 release of Mastodon 4.4 allows server administrators to set age minimums and manage legal terms, but does not support storing verification data.

Each server in the network operates independently. It is up to those server owners to decide whether to integrate third-party systems to check user ages.

Mastodon confirmed it cannot offer “direct or operational assistance” to these operators and instead points them to resources such as the IFTAS library, which provides guidance on trust and safety practices for federated platforms.

The nonprofit reiterated that it does not track user behavior or enforce policy across the wider ecosystem. Responsibility for legal compliance, it says, belongs to those who host and manage the servers in their own jurisdictions.

Keep reading