A Democratic prosecutor in Fairfax County, Virginia, dropped a felony charge against a twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with strangulation and kidnapping, cutting a plea deal that let him off with a misdemeanor.

According to local outlet ABC7 News, Democrat Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano advertises on his website that "wherever possible, Steve will make charging and plea decisions that limit or avoid immigration consequences."

Guatemalan national Wilmer Osmany Ramos Giron was facing 360 days in prison for a felony charge involving abduction by force, strangulation and assault on a family member.

Ramos Giron was accused of assaulting his ex-wife during an argument. According to the victim’s testimony and court documents, Ramos Giron allegedly took his ex-wife’s keys, keeping her from leaving; placed two hands on her throat, impeding her breathing; and brandished a knife over her legs.  

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT, 21, KILLED IN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVOLVING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT: DHS

After the incident, the victim filed for an emergency protective order against Ramos Giron, which was granted.

Despite this, Descano’s office dropped the felony charge against Ramos Giron and allowed him to plead guilty to brandishing a blade, a misdemeanor.

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According to a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ramos Giron is in the country illegally after previously being deported twice. The ICE statement said Ramos Giron has a prior federal conviction for a gun crime and has an ICE detainer filed against him.

Descano’s move has been harshly criticized by other local leaders who say he is contributing to a two-tiered justice system in favor of illegal immigrants.

TOM HOMAN: PEOPLE WHO TERRORIZE MY FAMILY WILL BE 'HELD ACCOUNTABLE'

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, slammed Descano, saying, "If someone's here illegally and they have committed a violent crime, or they're a drug dealer and you can pick them up on an illegal weapons charge, you shouldn't treat them more leniently than you would an actual U.S. citizen.

"He is willing to treat those that have broken our laws and come here illegally and give them a lenient sentence or plea deal than somebody that's actually a legal citizen of the United States," said Miyares. "That's unconscionable to me that someone would think that is in some way protecting our community."

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Fairfax County Criminal Justice Advisory Board member Sean Kennedy also commented on the case, saying, "It’s appalling that Fairfax’s prosecutor would protect and abet this dangerous, violent offender precisely because he is illegally present.

"How does breaking one set of laws provide you immunity to break more? It shouldn’t, but it does in Fairfax's two-tier justice system." 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, joined Fox News’ "Hannity" to discuss President Donald Trump’s handling of illegal immigration as compared with his predecessor. 

Youngkin’s appearance comes after Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a top MS-13 gang member who’d been in the U.S. for over a decade, was arrested in Virginia. 

Santos was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and was charged with illegal gun possession upon a search of his home. 

Youngkin was instrumental in assisting an interagency task force with the operation, including the FBI and the Department of Justice. 

AG BONDI DETAILS ARREST OF ALLEGED TOP MS-13 LEADER WHO REPORTEDLY JOINED THE VISCIOUS GANG IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

In just a few weeks, the task force has arrested 28 MS-13 gang members, 19 Tren de Aragua gang members, and dozens of other members in trans-organized crime. 

Speaking to "Hannity," Youngkin chastised Biden for having "turned America into a sanctuary state." He then praised President Donald Trump’s leadership for having taken a tougher stance on illegal immigration. 

"Today, this collaboration between state police, our Department of Corrections, Homeland Security, the FBI, ICE, and lots of folks from the U.S. Attorney’s Office – we went to work and they brought down one of the top MS-13 operatives in America," Youngkin said. "And let me tell you, Virginia is safer." 

Youngkin said he did not have this level of cooperation between the state and federal government during the Biden administration. 

"I didn’t have it for three years. And as soon as President Trump showed up, we went to work," Youngkin said. "And we’re making America and Virginia safer." 

EXCLUSIVE: A top DOGE leader in the Senate is trying to reel in a massive federal grant from a nonprofit focused on promoting fishing, boating and outdoors that she alleges is being used to pad executive salaries, a characterization the organization rejected.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and her colleagues have been scouring federal grants for appearances of waste, fraud or abuse of taxpayer funds, and came upon a $27 million grant to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). 

More than $26 million of the grant had been paid out, and long-term figures showed RBFF received $164 million in funding since 2012, with nearly $13 million of that coming in 2024.

From the government website USA Spending, the grant’s purpose highlights RBFF’s "Take Me Fishing" consumer campaign that includes a social and digital media component, as well as ads on Walt Disney Company-branded streaming services and "mobile fishing units" that cater to urban communities and "underserved audiences."

DOGE MADNESS: SWEET-16 BRACKET SET UP FOR CRAZIEST FEDERAL WASTES TO COMPETE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

The Disney contract is worth $1.99 million, and other expenditures included $204,000 in SEO consulting, $5 million to a Minnesota agency for media, creative development and design, and $189,000 to an Atlanta hotel.

The Alexandria, Virginia-based nonprofit recorded six-figure salaries for several top officials, totaling more than $1.5 million. The group’s president is reportedly paid about $318,000 per year. Most others fell in the mid-$100s.

However, RBFF officials defended their work in a statement to Fox News Digital, and suggested government funds are being spent responsibly.

"RBFF has a proud tradition of attracting Americans to the sport of fishing and boating," the statement read.

DOGE CAUCUS SENATOR PUSHES FOR END TO SLUSH FUND FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

"By significantly increasing participation over the past 10 years, local communities, independently-owned businesses and manufacturers have directly benefited from increased spending."

RBFF said American anglers contribute nearly $150 billion in economic output and 1 million jobs nationwide.

"In fact, we know that fishing produces $1,500 in commerce per participant per year – a figure that drives economic activity in every state in the union," the organization said.

"We are wholly funded via a competitive grant that is awarded through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service via the Sport Fish Restoration excise tax, and our organization is supported by state fish and wildlife agencies, as well as industry manufacturers and retailers from Alaska to Florida."

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Ernst was not convinced, telling Fox News Digital that "Washington fell hook, line, and sinker into padding the pockets of overpriced recreational consultants."

She quipped that "special interests" should instead be told "to ‘go fish.’"

"The Department of Interior needs to claw back the remaining $650,000 and tell these consultants that there are other fish in the sea." 

Fox News Digital also reached out to the Interior Department for further comment on the grant, which preceded the current agency leadership.

Vice President JD Vance boasted of "no more quotas" in the military as he visited young Marines at Quantico Wednesday, emphasizing that the previous administration's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are no longer in effect.  

"No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings," he said. "We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation’s wars." 

The vice president claimed he saw a "renewed sense of patriotism" and a "renewed commitment to excellence in the nation’s military youth." 

After addressing a crowd of Marines, Vance briefly served lunch in the chow hall and fired three different guns — an M27, M107 and an M240B — and an inert Howitzer and a drone at a gun range. 

VANCE OFFICE TOUTS US DEFENSE OF GREENLAND FROM NAZIS, SOVIETS, AHEAD OF VP AND WIFE'S VISIT TO SPACE BASE

Arriving three hours late, Vance blamed the delay on an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. 

"I was in the Oval Office talking to the president. I said, ’Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me." 

He said Trump sent his "love" and appreciation.

Lieutenants at Quantico told Fox News Digital they were excited to see a former Marine in the White House. Amid rapid-fire changes in Washington, they said their day-to-day lives hadn't changed much in the military, other than new restrictions about what they were allowed to post on social media.

Wednesday's address included Vance’s first public remarks since a bombshell report emerged of the vice president airing his concerns about Houthi strikes in a group chat on Signal with other top U.S. officials. He did not answer questions from reporters about the leaked discussion. 

JD VANCE RECALLS HIS WIFE TEXTING HIM UNDER TABLE AT SILICON VALLEY DINNER: ‘THESE PEOPLE ARE F---ING CRAZY’

Vance pointed out in messages revealed after The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a high-level Signal chat that Europe’s shipping was far more affected than shipping in the U.S. by Houthi strikes in the Red Sea.

"I think we are making a mistake," Vance said in one message.

"3 percent of US trade runs through the [Suez Canal]. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message."

Hegseth addressed Vance’s hesitance: "VP: I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS. Important considerations, most of which are tough to know how they play out (economy, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc). I think messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded."

Hegseth added, "Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don’t get to start this on our own terms."

Vance replied, "If you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again."

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Hegseth added, "VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes. I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is drawing comparisons to "The Godfather" after vetoing nearly 160 bills from the Democrat-controlled legislature Wednesday.

"You could call him ‘Veto Corleone’," a Republican strategist told Fox News Digital in comments later Wednesday, after 159 bills were killed upon reaching his desk.

Virginia’s General Assembly passed bills this session that would have prevented prayer in front of abortion clinics, required the commonwealth to implement a comprehensive "environmental justice" strategy and adjusted criminal bond policies.

All of those bills were vetoed by Youngkin, and the legislature’s Democratic majority is far from veto-proof – with two-seat margins in each chamber.

YOUNGKIN WALKS POLITICAL TIGHTROPE WITH SUPPORT FOR DOGE, MEGA-JOB FAIR

Other vetoed bills included two pertaining to gun control legislation, restricting the purchase or transfer of firearms and the like.

Ten of the bills were considered "soft on crime" legislation by critics, and about a dozen would have raised costs on Virginians, according to Republicans.

The governor also nixed a proposal to raise the state minimum wage to $13.50 per hour, and later to $15.

In a statement, Youngkin highlighted legislation supported by some in the Trump administration – such as a bill to keep school lunches free of artificial dyes, which he signed and which mirrors an initiative from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

YOUNGKIN INVITES NEW TRUMP ADMIN TO SETTLE IN VA OVER MD, DC; TOUTING OLD DOMINION'S BIGGEST DRAWS

"I have completed my actions on the more than 900 bills sent to me during the 2025 legislative session," Youngkin said.

"The legislation that I’ve signed into law and the budget amendments I’ve put forward this year will go a long way to helping ensure Virginia remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.  

"I have returned many bills with recommended amendments, hoping that we can come together next week with a common purpose to advance these bills," he added.

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Of his veto choices, Youngkin said those bills collectively would "take the commonwealth backward by raising the cost of living, hurting our strong job growth, stifling innovation, undermining our All-American All-of-the-Above Power and Energy Plan or making our communities less safe."

On X, formerly Twitter, observers contrasted Youngkin’s veto prowess with his predecessors.

The incumbent is one veto away from hitting 400, while Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat, only vetoed 18 bills in his four years as governor.

Fellow Republican Bob McDonnell vetoed a similar amount to Warner, while the nearest governor of the 21st century in veto usage was Democrat Terry McAuliffe, with more than 110 vetoes.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, is threatening to withhold state funding from local governments if they do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officials.

The proposal comes as the governor seeks to eliminate the Commonwealth's "sanctuary cities," which are areas that choose to protect migrants without legal status rather than cooperate with federal officials to enforce immigration law.

Youngkin first floated the idea of withholding funding in December. The governor has now proposed it as an amendment to the state budget passed by the General Assembly, according to Fox 5 DC.

YOUNGKIN TO DRAFT SANCTUARY CITY BAN, MAKING STATE FUNDING CONTINGENT ON ICE COOPERATION

The proposal would ensure that state funding does not go to counties or cities with "sanctuary city" policies such as ignoring detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the outlet reported.

The governor has been particularly critical of Democrat-run counties in northern Virginia, including Fairfax. He said there must be full cooperation on immigration enforcement to continue receiving funding.

"This is not a decision for people to make locally," he said, according to Fox 5 DC. "This is for the betterment of all our safety. We are not a sanctuary state and therefore we’re not supporting localities that are declared sanctuary cities."

Chair of the Board of Supervisors for Fairfax County, Jeff Mckay, told Fox 5 DC that Youngkin’s plan would effectively "defund the police," as he claims that Fairfax County is not a "sanctuary city" and asserts that officials follow all legal detainers.

"Ultimately, what he’s saying is, if you don’t agree with his non-lawyer definition of 'sanctuary city,' it could affect your law enforcement agency, and he’s doing this because he’s alleging significant crime is occurring," McKay said.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDENT PROTESTER SUES TRUMP ADMIN TO PREVENT DEPORTATION

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Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott, a Democrat, has accused the governor of "capitulating" to the Trump administration, which has sought to carry out the president's plan to mass deport migrants.

The General Assembly, which has a Democrat majority, will take up the governor's proposal next week.

Patrick Henry delivered the revolutionary rally cry heard around the world: "Give me liberty or give me death!" Protesters sang their own rallying cry on Sunday, at the very site where the Founding Father urged Virginia colonists to join the American Revolution 250 years ago. 

After delivering remarks at the annual enactment of Henry's iconic speech, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Va., was met by loud boos, "shame" chants and protest cries while exiting St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. Protesters held up signs like "deport Musk" and "Youngkin is a Trumpkin" as the governor was escorted through the raucous crowd by law enforcement. 

The "250 Years of No Kings in America" protest in Patrick Henry Park was organized by Indivisible Richmond, a group focused on "local opposition to the MAGA agenda." While Youngkin didn't stop to debate the protesters shouting at him, he addressed them during his speech inside. 

"There are Virginians and there are Americans who are standing up for freedom and liberty, and I just want to once again thank all of you who care so deeply about our commonwealth and our country's future. Now, you might have noticed that there are some enthusiastic friends outside. Don't worry about them because I am happy to do whatever it takes to get someone to church on Sunday," Youngkin said. 

GINGRICH WARNS OF 'VERY DANGEROUS' CONSEQUENCES AS DEMOCRATS RAMP UP RESISTANCE TO TRUMP, MUSK

Youngkin – a Trump ally who rose to political fame for defending parental rights – invoked Henry's fight for freedom and liberty during his speech, as protesters danced to the tune of their own definition of democracy outside. 

Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, with a megaphone from the bed of a truck, shouted about President Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War as protesters flooded the sidewalks around the church. She spoke in front of an upside-down American flag, which under U.S. Flag Code, should only be used "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

MEET THE FAR-LEFT GROUPS FUNDING ANTI-DOGE PROTESTS AT GOP OFFICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

"We resisted King George. We will resist Trump," the flier for Sunday's protest said, comparing the resistance of President Donald Trump to the American Revolution. 

The Reddit user who organized the protest said: "Trump continuously violated the Constitution, declared himself the sole legal authority in the land, and called himself ‘KING.' Trump must be removed from office!"

While anti-Trump protesters used the anniversary of Henry's speech to resist Trump, Trump celebrated the 250th anniversary of Henry's address to the Second Virginia Convention with a proclamation. 

"I signed a proclamation a few minutes ago honoring the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous speech to the Second Virginia Convention in which he declared the very well-known, very famous words, ‘Give me liberty or give me death.' Has anyone heard the phrase? I think most of you have," Trump said. 

"Give me liberty or give me death!" has been a rallying cry for protesters during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, by Malcom X during the Civil Rights movement and by those who opposed COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in 2020. The phrase was first used by Henry in the run-up to the American Revolution to persuade Virginia colonists to prepare for war against Great Britain. 

Trump evoked Henry's notorious line during his criminal trial last year. "Give me liberty or give me death," he wrote in all caps on Truth Social, after Judge Juan Merchan said he would consider jail time for Trump if he continued to violate his gag order. 

Protests resisting Trump's executive authority and Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been staged in the two months since he returned to office. Progressive groups also hosted "Not My Presidents Day" or "No Kings Day" demonstrations on Presidents Day across the country. Democrats have increasingly accused the Trump administration of "oligarchy" and "authoritarianism."

'NOT MY PRESIDENTS DAY' PROTESTS ERUPT ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D-Ill., during "A Better Way Forward" conversation at the Center for American Progress, urged Democrats to fight and defend America's constitutional republic from the "incompetence" and "treachery" of President Donald Trump. 

The Democratic governor, who compared the current political climate to Nazi Germany during his State of the State address in February, warned of Trump's "authoritarian rule" last Tuesday. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has drawn thousands of supporters to his "Fighting Oligarchy" rallies across the country, with record-setting West Coast stops alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., over the weekend. 

The events are billed as an opportunity to "discuss how we take on the greed of the billionaire class and create a government that works for all and not just the few."

Indivisible Richmond, Youngkin and the White House did reply to Fox News Digital's request for comment. 

FIRST ON FOX: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday praised the domino effect of Virginia colleges nixing their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) departments and initiatives, just weeks after President Donald Trump issued a nationwide order to that effect.

"Discriminatory DEI policies are being dismantled across Virginia's colleges and universities," Youngkin told Fox News Digital.

"This is a win for common sense, for civil rights, and for students and faculty at some of the world's most premier institutions of higher learning we proudly have in Virginia. I am pleased our college and university boards continue to prioritize merit-based opportunity over race-based discrimination."

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, along with Virginia’s community college system, Longwood University in Farmville, and Radford University in Radford, all announced or passed resolutions Friday to end such policies.

DEI CHARGED CLAIMS FLY OVER CONTRACT FOR MILITARY SCHOOL'S LEADER AS LAWMAKER DEMANDS ETHICS PROBE

Those announcements follow the Old Dominion’s "flagship" university, UVA – founded by President Thomas Jefferson himself – which made its move on March 7 along with its satellite institution, UVA-Wise, near the Kentucky border.

Youngkin has been one of few governors publicly leading such efforts to bring an end to DEI practices at educational institutions.

Sources familiar with Youngkin's work said Virginia – where the governor is uniquely limited to one consecutive term by law – will see the effects of the Republican's board of visitors appointments at colleges across the commonwealth for many years after he leaves office in January.

Youngkin added in a recent interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham that Virginia is leading the way on "ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity." The governor made education a priority issue in his administration, telling the Ronald Reagan Foundation last year that proper schooling is the "bedrock to attaining the American dream."

As for the newest DEI departures, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is also primed to end DEI by midweek – with its board expected to vote Tuesday on the matter. 

Virginia Tech is considered the commonwealth’s flagship land-grant university and the collegiate anchor of Southside Virginia.

VCU’s resolution read that the college will continue to be an "open-admission institution" for every learner, and that its mission seeks to "give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened."

It shuttered all systems, programs, procedures and initiatives that failed to comply with federal civil rights protections, across its 23 institutions.

UVA ENDS DEI

Longwood did the same, as well as blocking out any use of third-parties to try to circumvent the new prohibitions, according to an appendix in the college’s resolution.

The VCU Board of Visitors’ vote favored ending its Division of Inclusive Excellence, but it was not unanimous. 

Two former Gov. Terry McAuliffe appointees – Edward McCoy and the Rev. Tyrone Nelson – joined two Youngkin appointees – Dr. Clifton Peay and Gurpreet "P2" Sandhu – in voting "nay."

Virginia Tech’s quarterly board meeting was listed for 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday at an inn in Montgomery County, as some critics said it should be made more public.

"Permissible programs" affected by the potential end to its DEI department will be moved to "a new organizational home," according a copy of the resolution published by the Augusta Free Press paper of the Staunton-Waynesboro area.

The paper separately reported that an alumni group is warning against adopting the resolution, warning future students would not have the same opportunities as past graduates.

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The Hokie alums are also demanding a town hall-style meeting to address the issue and be able to speak with administrators.

Dr. Tekisha Dwan Everette, vice president of the Trust for America’s Health policy organization in Washington, D.C., and a Hokie alum, told the paper she and others are "deeply disappointed and concerned about the tactics used to challenge Virginia Tech’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environment."

The petition itself will be delivered to Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands, and reads in part that "DEIAB programs are not only valuable—they are essential to ensuring that Virginia Tech remains a place where all students, regardless of their background, have a chance to succeed and make meaningful contributions to society."

Christopher Newport University in Newport News, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, James Madison University in Harrisonburg and George Mason University in Fairfax are all set to hold board meetings in April.

Fox News Digital reached out to Virginia Tech for comment.

The high school track runner who suffered a concussion after being struck from behind with a baton looks like she will be back on the track this weekend.

Kaelen Tucker's father told TMZ Sports that his daughter has been cleared to compete at the Adidas Track Nationals this weekend in Virginia Beach; she's currently slated to participate in three events.

I.C. Norcom High School senior Alaila Everett gave the Brookville junior a concussion and possible skull fracture when she beat her head with the baton at an event earlier this month. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Everett claims the attack occurred because she lost her balance and her baton got "stuck" behind her opponent's back. Everett and her whole team were disqualified.

"After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit," Everett said in an interview with WAVY. "I know my intentions, and I would never hit someone on purpose."

Everett held a rally of supporters days after the attack, shortly after she was served with a misdemeanor battery and assault charge. 

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Everett delivered a tearful speech, where she thanked her supporters while sobbing. 

"Thank y'all for supporting me," Everett said to the supporters, as seen in footage by local Virginia news station WAVY. "There's no one else that wanted to hear my story, except the people that know me and people that know I would never do anything like that, I would never harm anybody. I'm not a fighter, I'm not even confrontational, I wouldn't even do that on purpose, and I thank y'all for believing in me. I love y'all."

According to MileStat, Tucker is competing in the girls' 60-meter dash, the 200-meter, and the 4x200-meter relay, the same race where she suffered the injury. 

Everett is not competing. In fact, just one student from her school, Dontae Riddick, will compete in the boys' 60-meter dash. 

Fox News' Scott Thompson and Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt the planned deportation of a Georgetown University scholar arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Monday over allegations he spread Hamas propaganda online.

Judge Patricia Giles ordered that Badar Khan Suri, an Indian citizen, "shall not be removed from the United States unless and until the Court issues a contrary order."

Suri was detained in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Suri, a postdoctoral scholar student in the United States on a student visa, was accused of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media," a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official said in a statement.

‘SAFER WITHOUT HIM’: COLUMBIA STUDENT CLAIMS CLASSMATE ARRESTED BY ICE ‘HATES AMERICA’

"Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas."

The agency did not name the suspected terrorist or Hamas advisor.

However, The New York Times reported that Suri's wife is Palestinian American. Her father is Ahmed Yousef, a former advisor to Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader Israel assassinated last year in Iran. 

RUBIO DEFENDS DEPORTATIONS OF HAMAS SUPPORTERS AFTER COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ACTIVIST ARREST

In a voice message, Yousef said Suri is his son-in-law, adding Suri was not involved in any "political activism," including on behalf of Hamas, the Times report states. 

Yousef lives in Gaza but said he left his position in the Hamas-run government more than a decade ago. He doesn't hold a senior position with the terrorist group and has publicly criticized Hamas’ decision to attack Israel Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the group's ongoing war with Israel. 

On March 15, Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined Suri’s activities and presence in the U.S. "rendered him deportable" under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a senior official said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Suri's attorney. 

FIRST ON FOX: A university doctor has resigned from his position after Fox News Digital reported on unearthed audio where he touted how he has been avoiding anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) laws in Florida while attacking state and federal officials, including top White House official Stephen Miller.

"Shortly after learning of Dr. Brown’s comments, the university decided to place him on administrative leave to allow for a thorough review of the matter," a University of South Florida spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "In response, he has chosen to resign effective immediately."

Dr. Haywood Brown, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida, explained how he continues to implement DEI policies and how he has avoided state and federal discrimination laws, as well as a recent Supreme Court ruling that colleges cannot consider race in admissions decisions, during a recent presentation last month at Virginia Commonwealth University.

"I really want to discuss the threat of the anti-woke movement to medical education and training and health equity," he said in a video obtained and reviewed by Fox News Digital.

FLORIDA EDUCATORS FILE FEDERAL LAWSUIT CHALLENGING STATE LAW UPENDING DEI POLICIES

Haywood explained how his job title changed but revealed that his actual activities did not.

"Even though I eliminated my title, I didn't eliminate my job," Haywood, who was previously vice president for Institutional Equity at USF, said. "That didn't change anything that I was doing already." 

He explained how at USF a DEI office was rebranded to focus on "cultural enrichment."

"As long as it works, that's what we do," he said.

"So we changed our name to healthcare access," Brown said in a presentation. "Who could argue against that? How do you get healthcare excellence? You only get healthcare equity. If you have a workforce that can meet those needs. So my office changed its name, and we're able to do that to culture and enrichment. And we had it codified by our Faculty Council and a task force. And so the fact that it comes to codify this. And as a result, this is now how we address our issues. And who can argue against culture and environment. You know. But we no longer have a person who's dedicated to it. We have a council that's dedicated to it."

Brown added, "Isn't that slippery? As long as it works. That's what we do."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in 2023 that barred colleges and universities from using government funds to promote, support or maintain DEI programs or campus activities.

DEI is defined as "any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification," according to the State University System of Florida.

Brown said in the presentation that people in the health community know best, and sometimes have to ignore the directives from "the big house," while also explaining that he has "learned how slippery you need to be when you're talking to legislators."

In his address, Brown also attacked White House official Stephen Miller, who has been critical of DEI initiatives.

"Well, Stephen Miller has already tried to attack the University of South Florida," he said of Miller. "He's a Dookie [Duke University alum]. We don't claim him. He's also, and he also claims to be Jewish, but we’ll see."

He also said that the Supreme Court decision would not affect Florida as "race conscious" admissions have been banned in Florida since 1999. 

REV. AL SHARPTON THREATENS BOYCOTTS FOR COMPANIES ENDING DEI: 'YOU TOOK EVERYTHING'

He also described his experiences on Capitol Hill and how "I’ve learned how slippery you need to be when you’re talking to legislators."

In a statement to Fox News Digital before announcing that Brown had resigned, the university said that it is reviewing the matter. 

"The University of South Florida is disappointed and troubled by the statements of Dr. Haywood Brown, who is set to retire from USF on July 1," a University of South Florida spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The university follows all state and federal guidance, policies and laws, and any suggestion otherwise by Dr. Brown is untrue. USF is reviewing this matter."

Multiple critics of DEI policies reacted to the audio in statements to Fox News Digital. 

"Woke DEI ideology is invasive at our university medical schools. The speech by former USF vice president for Institutional Equity Dr. Haywood Brown at Virginia Commonwealth University Health should raise alarm bells for state legislators, governors, attorneys general and anyone concerned about the state of medicine," Kristina Rasmussen, executive director of Do No Harm, said. "Do No Harm will continue to work to expose administrators harming our healthcare system and we will not stop until this woke DEI ideology is fully eradicated." 

"This is just another example of how health systems across the country are intentionally prioritizing a woke agenda over patient care," Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, told Fox News Digital. 

"The Trump Administration has made it crystal clear that woke ideology such as DEI is illegal and must be removed from our institutions. Organizations like VCU think they can pull the wool over Americans' eyes by inviting speakers like Dr. Haywood Brown, who has been caught openly strategizing on how to break the law and continue DEI practices covertly. Dr. Haywood may be proud of his plan to rename DEI positions and offices, but someone should tell institutions like VCU who continue to allow illegal DEI practices that they are effectively begging the Trump Administration to investigate their discriminatory practices."

Fox News Digital reached out to Brown for comment but did not receive a response. 

FIRST ON FOX: A university doctor recently touted how he has been avoiding anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) laws in Florida while attacking state and federal officials, including top White House official Stephen Miller.

Dr. Haywood Brown, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida, explained how he continues to implement DEI policies and how he has avoided state and federal discrimination laws, as well as a recent Supreme Court ruling that colleges cannot consider race in admissions decisions, during a recent presentation last month at Virginia Commonwealth University.

"I really want to discuss the threat of the anti-woke movement to medical education and training and health equity," he said in a video obtained and reviewed by Fox News Digital.

FLORIDA EDUCATORS FILE FEDERAL LAWSUIT CHALLENGING STATE LAW UPENDING DEI POLICIES

Haywood explained how his job title changed but revealed that his actual activities did not.

"Even though I eliminated my title, I didn't eliminate my job," Haywood, who was previously vice president for Institutional Equity at USF, said. "That didn't change anything that I was doing already." 

He explained how at USF a DEI office was rebranded to focus on "cultural enrichment."

"As long as it works? That's what we do," he said.

"So we changed our name to healthcare access," Brown said in a presentation. "Who could argue against that? How do you get healthcare excellence? You only get healthcare equity. If you have a workforce that can meet those needs. So my office changed its name, and we're able to do that to culture and enrichment. And we had it codified by our Faculty Council and a task force. And so the fact that it comes to codify this. And as a result, this is now how we address our issues. And who can argue against culture and environment. You know. But we no longer have a person who's dedicated to it. We have a council that's dedicated to it."

Brown added, "Isn't that slippery? As long as it works. That's what we do."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in 2023 that barred colleges and universities from using government funds to promote, support or maintain DEI programs or campus activities.

DEI is defined as "any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification," according to the State University System of Florida.

Brown said in the presentation that people in the health community know best, and sometimes have to ignore the directives from "the big house," while also explaining that he has "learned how slippery you need to be when you're talking to legislators."

In his address, Brown also attacked White House official Stephen Miller, who has been critical of DEI initiatives.

"Well, Stephen Miller has already tried to attack the University of South Florida," he said of Miller. "He's a Dookie [Duke University alum]. We don't claim him. He's also, and he also claims to be Jewish, but we’ll see."

He also said that the Supreme Court decision would not affect Florida as "race conscious" admissions have been banned in Florida since 1999. 

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He also described his experiences on Capitol Hill and how "I’ve learned how slippery you need to be when you’re talking to legislators."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the university said that it is reviewing the matter. 

"The University of South Florida is disappointed and troubled by the statements of Dr. Haywood Brown, who is set to retire from USF on July 1," a University of South Florida spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The university follows all state and federal guidance, policies and laws, and any suggestion otherwise by Dr. Brown is untrue. USF is reviewing this matter."

The revelations brought criticism from groups opposed to DEI in healthcare.

"Woke DEI ideology is invasive at our university medical schools. The speech by former USF vice president for Institutional Equity Dr. Haywood Brown at Virginia Commonwealth University Health should raise alarm bells for state legislators, governors, attorneys general and anyone concerned about the state of medicine. Do No Harm will continue to work to expose administrators harming our healthcare system and we will not stop until this woke DEI ideology is fully eradicated." Kristina Rasmussen, executive director of Do No Harm, told Fox News Digital.

"This is just another example of how health systems across the country are intentionally prioritizing a woke agenda over patient care," Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, told Fox News Digital. 

"The Trump Administration has made it crystal clear that woke ideology such as DEI is illegal and must be removed from our institutions. Organizations like VCU think they can pull the wool over Americans' eyes by inviting speakers like Dr. Haywood Brown, who has been caught openly strategizing on how to break the law and continue DEI practices covertly. Dr. Haywood may be proud of his plan to rename DEI positions and offices, but someone should tell institutions like VCU who continue to allow illegal DEI practices that they are effectively begging the Trump Administration to investigate their discriminatory practices."

Fox News Digital reached out to Brown for comment but did not receive a response. 

Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins clapped back at critics he accused of circulating "fake news" about the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts inordinately affecting veterans’ care.

Collins, who remains an active colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, announced his agency is opening what will be a fourth new VA clinic in the few months he has been in office.

"As government union bosses, the legacy media and some in Congress have been spreading false rumors of health care and benefits cuts at VA, we’ve opened multiple brand-new clinics that will serve tens of thousands of veterans," Collins said in a statement.

"Don’t believe the fake news."

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On Friday, the VA opened a new clinic in Hamilton, Montana, marking the fourth such ribbon-cutting since President Donald Trump took office just under two months ago.

Previously, Collins oversaw the establishment of a new clinic in fast-growing Spotsylvania, Virginia, – between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, – as well as in Aurora, Colorado, and Ridgewood, Queens, in New York City.

A Montana VA official told Montana Public Radio last week that Collins had been clear that there would be "no cuts" to services despite DOGE attempting to take an ax to the bureaucracy – and with it many VA employees.

The 8,000-square-foot facility is 600% larger than a prior, now-defunct clinic in the area.

Meanwhile, the new Spotsylvania facility is primed to be the largest of its kind in the country, according to Fredericksburg-area media. 

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An estimated 35,000 patients can be seen each year at the new site, located where Interstate 95 and US-1 diverge just south of the city.

While the VA is primed to cut 15% of its workforce via DOGE’s efforts – from 471,000 to 398,000 – Collins reiterated to Fox News that there will be no interruption or decline in services or care quality.

Collins responded to a warning from Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who said that such cuts would hurt service to veterans and that the thought it is a "bad idea" should be a "bipartisan" admonition.

Citing the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the secretary said all parties should at least agree that the VA has seen its services at "high risk" for waste, fraud, abuse and insufficient care.

"I've been here four weeks, but it's interesting that there's no solutions being proposed," Collins told "Fox & Friends" last week.

"President Trump brought generational change to DC. And he's saying let's look at everything. So what we're looking at is, if our system is on a high risk list, if we've had issues and all that the government has decided to do lately has put money or people at something, then maybe we need to ask the better question -- are we using our resources wisely and making sure that our department is taking care of the veteran, which is our only responsibility?"

Other liberals have lambasted the administration over proposed cuts to VA staff, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., ranking member of the Senate Health Committee.

"They're going to gut the Department of Veterans Affairs, jeopardizing the health and well-being of millions of veterans," Sanders recently claimed.

One Democratic veteran in Congress, Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, said he regularly visits the VA on a personal level and sees waiting lists and knows how troublesome the process can be.

"All of that is going to get worse," Moulton told MSNBC.

Collins said Trump set a goal for reduction-in-force, and that Democrats do not understand that the projected staff figures are part of a "deliberative process that's going to take some time."

"That's going to include career VA employees. It's going to include senior executives," he said.

Collins said the GAO has had the VA on its high-risk list for a decade, but only now are Democrats in Congress "yelling ‘don’t do anything.’"

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Of the layoffs thus far, Collins said the proportion has been less than 1% of the agency’s workforce and has not really affected front-facing personnel.

He also said that $980 million in contract-related spending is being scrutinized in an attempt to instead reinvest it in patient care, as part of DOGE’s work.

Additionally, on Monday, the VA announced it is phasing-out treatment for "gender dysphoria" – which had been supported by the Biden administration.

"Effective immediately, VA will not offer cross-sex hormone therapy to veterans who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria, unless" they are in the midst of receiving such care, the agency said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

The Virginia teen who was seen bashing an opponent's head with a baton during a high school track meet held a rally of supporters on Thursday to reiterate her innocence. 

The rally came just one day after she was served with a misdemeanor battery and assault charge. 

The student, Alaila Everett, held the rally outside of her school, I.C. Norcom High School, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Dozens of individuals were seen attending the rally, as Everette delivered a tearful speech, where she thanked her supporters while sobbing. 

"Thank y'all for supporting me," Everett said to the supporters, as seen in footage by local Virginia news station WAVY. "There's no one else that wanted to hear my story, except the people that know me and people that know I would never do anything like that, I would never harm anybody. I'm not a fighter, I'm not even confrontational, I wouldn't even do that on purpose, and I thank y'all for believing in me. I love y'all."

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Everett's speech was met with loud applause and a chant of "We stand with you."

Portsmouth NAACP President James Boyd also spoke at the rally, alleging threats and slurs that have been directed at Everett's family.

"The Everett family has experienced racial slurs, they’ve experienced death threats, and we think unequivocally that those things are unacceptable," Boyd said.

Local community activist Germain Green called for unity from the community in support of the teenager. 

"It bothered me to my heart to see how the whole world was dragging this young lady, dragging her character based on what they thought they saw. I just wanted to step up, speak out, and bring unity and let this young lady know that the city of Portsmouth has her back," Green said. 

Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office confirmed to Fox News Digital Wednesday that one misdemeanor charge of assault and battery jad been filed over the incident. 

The incident occurred last Tuesday during a championship meet, as footage showed Everett smashing her baton onto the head of Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker during a relay race. Everett and her whole team were disqualified.

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Tucker was later diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture, as footage of the incident went viral. 

Everett has since said the hits were accidental, in interviews with WAVY and "Good Morning America." 

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) previously issued a statement to Fox News Digital on the matter. 

"The VHSL does not comment on individuals or disciplinary actions due to FERPA," the league's statement read. "The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Portsmouth Public School District for comment from the Everett family.

Prior to the misdemeanor charges being announced on Everett, the Portsmouth NAACP released a statement defending the embattled teen on Wednesday. 

"Alaila is NOT AN ATTACKER and media headlines that allude towards that in any way is shameful. We understand the sensitivity of the circumstances for both athletes and their families involved but this narrative must not go unaddressed," the statement read.  

"Alaila is an honor student and a star athlete at the historic I.C. Norcom High School. From all accounts, she is an exceptional young leader and scholar whose athletic talent has been well documented and recognized across our state. She has carried herself with integrity both on and off the field and any narrative that adjudicates her guilty of any criminal activity is a violation of her due process rights."

Fox News Digital's Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A Virginia Republican lawmaker is blasting Democratic leaders in Richmond, after what she characterized as their hasty dispatching of a fresh piece of legislation she authored targeting sex offenders and people deemed dangerous to children.

Delegate Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, who herself won a "Biden+12" district in what is the state's most Democratic municipality per-capita, said protecting the public from sexual deviants transcends party lines.

"[This] isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a basic duty of any community that values safety and decency," Taylor told Fox News Digital.

"These individuals, with proven histories of predatory behavior, pose a real threat when allowed unrestricted access to public spaces like parks, schools or locker rooms."

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Taylor alleged her bill, HB 2527 – which would have prohibited most sex offenders from "loitering" within state parks and other places where they would be in "proximity to children," including schools, playgrounds, daycares and the like – was wrongly and quietly terminated.

The bill was listed as last referred to the Courts of Justice Committee, but with the legislature adjourned "sine die" – essentially ending the session – barring a rare special session being called, the bill was never heard nor voted on and is considered "dead."

"This should not be about politics, it should be about prioritizing the vulnerable over political gamesmanship," said Taylor, who added she had also drafted another never-heard bill toughening penalties for sex trafficking.

"Time and time and again, Democrats have dismissed or killed commonsense legislation that would protect women and children."

Fox News Digital reached out to Delegates Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, Courts Committee chair, and Marcus Simon, D-Dunn Loring, committee vice chair, for comment. Neither lawmaker returned calls.

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Delegate Wren Williams, R-Stuart, who co-sponsored Taylor’s bill, blamed Democrats across Virginia – particularly in the committee leaders’ districts – for "jeopardizing the safety of women and girls by refusing to support commonsense legislation."

Williams said there is a heightened threat from registered sex offenders in public spaces, specifically citing the case of Richard Kenneth Cox – a serial flasher who has recently faced dozens of charges in the Washington, D.C., suburbs.

Local media reported Cox has faced more than 20 charges in Arlington County alone, including reports reaching back to the 1990s when he was accused of masturbating in front of children.

Cox has also had recent encounters with Fairfax County police, including one in November. Bodycam footage aired by FOX5DC purportedly shows Cox claiming a civil rights violation for identifying as a transgender woman – after authorities responded to reports of Cox "lurking" in a Fairfax gym’s locker room.

Williams argued that the legislation is urgently needed, and claimed Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano "prioritize[s] woke ideology over the well-being of our communities." Washington’s ABC affiliate reported that the prosecutor had dismissed charges against Cox.

"There is no justification for allowing someone like Richard Cox, a convicted sex offender with a disturbing criminal record, to waltz into girls' locker rooms unchecked," Williams said in characterizing the case as the poster child for the necessity of Taylor’s bill.

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"Democrats have repeatedly killed practical bills that would enforce stricter protections and penalties, choosing instead to coddle predators under the guise of tolerance," he said, calling the overall behavior on the left in Richmond a "betrayal" of women.

Fox News Digital reached out to Descano for a response. The prosecutor’s office did tell ABC7 that prosecutors are not involved in cases that are "pro se (without an attorney) misdemeanors." The outlet later quoted a local attorney who found the indecent exposure nonprosecution "unusual."

The Cox case, however, did draw the attention of other leaders in the heavily Democratic county, as Fairfax Board Chairman Jeffrey McKay reportedly said Taylor's bill may have been beneficial.

Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, criticized McKay to ABC7, claiming Taylor’s bill had "nothing to do with local parks… or recreational facilities," and suggested a change in policy on "which dressing rooms people can use" would be helpful.

The Virginia high school track and field athlete who was seen bashing an opponent's head with a baton during a race has been charged with assault and battery, Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office confirmed to Fox News Digital. 

I.C. Norcom High School student athlete Alaila Everett was seen smashing her baton on the head of Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker during a championship meet last week. Footage of the incident went viral in the following days, prompting national controversy and backlash against Everett. 

Tucker was later diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Tucker and her family members did not definitively say whether they would press charges against Everett after the incident in an interview with WSET ABC 13. However, charges have now officially been pressed, as Everett faces one misdemeanor count assault and battery.

Everett has since said the hits were accidental, in interviews with WAVY and "Good Morning America." 

Prior to the charges being announced on Everett, the Portsmouth NAACP released a statement defending the embattled teen on Wednesday. 

"Alaila is NOT AN ATTACKER and media headlines that allude towards that in any way is shameful. We understand the sensitivity of the circumstances for both athletes and their families involved but this narrative must not go unaddressed," the statement read.  

"Alaila is an honor student and a star athlete at the historic I.C. Norcom High School. From all accounts, she is an exceptional young leader and scholar whose athletic talent has been well documented and recognized across our state. She has carried herself with integrity both on and off the field and any narrative that adjudicates her guilty of any criminal activity is a violation of her due process rights."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Everett's family via the Portsmouth Public School District for comment. 

Tucker recounted the incident in an interview with WSET ABC 13 last Friday, and said the entire section gasped when they saw the repeated baton bashing. 

"The whole section just gasped," Tucker told the station about those around her in the bleachers. "We had family come from out of town. Her godparents were here from Myrtle Beach. Everybody just gasped. When I saw her go down, all I could do is run out of the bleachers. I just knew I had to get to her.

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"She was kind of hysterical because she just couldn’t believe that’s what had happened."

Everett claims the hits occurred because she lost her balance and her baton got "stuck" behind her opponent's back.

"After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit," Everett said in an interview with WAVY. "I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose."

Everett also said that while she caused physical pain for Tucker, there is not enough empathy for Everett's own "mental" impact. 

"Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental," Everett said. "They are assuming my character, calling me ghetto and racial slurs, death threats… all of this off of a nine-second video."

During an interview with Good Morning America on Wednesday, Everett and her family showed a different angle of the footage, and re-enacted the incident to try and prove it was an accident. 

"Her arm was literally hitting the baton like this until she got a little ahead and my arm got stuck like this," Everett said while using a family member to represent Tucker during the incident in the clip. 

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) previously issued a statement to Fox News Digital on the matter. 

"The VHSL does not comment on individuals or disciplinary actions due to FERPA," the league's statement read. "The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition."

Fox News Digital's Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to bolster airport air traffic control systems with the latest technology over the next four years, while also using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify "hot spots" where close encounters between aircraft occur frequently.

The announcement came after an update on an investigation into a crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, when a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines-operated passenger jet collided over the Potomac River Jan. 29.

"We’re here because 67 souls lost their lives on Jan. 29," Duffy told reporters Tuesday, noting that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) unveiled its preliminary findings into the crash earlier in the day.

The findings noted that, over the last 2½ years, there have been 85 near misses or close calls at Reagan National. Close calls were identified as incidents when there are less than 200 feet of vertical separation and 1,500 feet of lateral separation between aircraft.

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Appearing shocked at the findings, Duffy questioned how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not know about the "hot spot," where near misses happen frequently.

"We’re having near misses, and if we don’t change our way, we’re going to lose lives," he said. "That wasn’t done. Maybe there was a focus on something other than safety, but in this administration, we are focusing on safety."

The FAA has deployed AI tools to sift through data and find additional hot spots in U.S. airspace near airports to find similar situations to what has been happening at Reagan National.

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Once the hot spots are identified, Duffy’s team will implement changes to reduce the close encounters between aircraft.

Duffy also said he has learned that air traffic control systems across the country are 25 to 30 years old, and some of them even use floppy disks as if they were stuck in the 1980s.

While the system is antiquated, the secretary stressed it was safe. Despite the system being safe, Duffy said it needs to be upgraded.

"This should have happened four years ago, 10 years ago, 15 years ago," he said. "But, right now, we’re at a point where we can actually do it. And we can do it really fast."

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Duffy said the task could take up to four years to complete.

The job entails bringing in a brand-new air traffic control system, switching from copper wires to a combination of fiber, wireless and satellite systems.

The current radar system from the 1970s or early 1980s works, but Duffy wants to put state-of-the-art radar in place and terminals with the right screens and the best technology.

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"We’re going to deploy resources for runway safety — new technology that will allow our air traffic controllers not to use binoculars in the tower to see where aircraft are at, but to actually have ground radar sensors at our airports that will allow air traffic controllers to see where airplanes are at," he said. 

"We've heard a lot of new stories of just near misses on the tarmac. And how do you alleviate that? Take away the binoculars and give them technology so they can see on their screens where every aircraft is located.

"By doing this, we are going to greatly improve our safety in the system." 

Technology, on the other hand, is not cheap, which the secretary acknowledged.

In an environment in which the Department of Government Efficiency is looking for ways to cut costs and save money, Duffy explained making upgrades in the name of safety is worth the investment.

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Over the next couple of weeks, Duffy said, he plans to introduce his plan to Congress and take in their feedback.

Once he goes through the feedback, Duffy said he plans to return to Congress and ask for the money up front to expedite the process of upgrading the air traffic control systems.

"It’s not that the FAA didn’t want to do the upgrades," he said. "It just takes too long. So, they have to give us the money. We’re going to later lay out our plan to actually do it really quickly."

EXCLUSIVE: Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears released the first ad directly confronting her Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Tuesday.

The ad intends to link Spanberger, who formerly represented Washington exurbs around Fredericksburg, Culpeper and King George, to an uptick in violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in an otherwise safe region.

The ad opens with TV news clips reporting the arrest of a Honduran national charged with "abduction with intent to defile and rape," after he allegedly robbed and assaulted a woman on the popular W&OD Rail Trail near John Foster Dulles International Airport.

"He was found guilty of a separate sex crime just days earlier, but he was released 25 days early," one reporter is heard saying.

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The ad then plays a montage of clips and commentary on similar incidents in Loudoun, Fairfax and Arlington counties from reporters, including Fox News’ Laura Ingraham.

The ad then shifts to focusing on Spanberger, depicting former President Joe Biden, whom Republicans accuse of engineering a lax border policy, calling her "a friend."

A clip of CNN Capitol Hill reporter Manu Raju appears, with the reporter saying Spanberger "seems to be to the left of Joe Biden."

"I consider myself to be a progressive," Spanberger says in a clip.

"No, I do not support the border wall," she says in another.

Earle-Sears said Spanberger "voted for open borders, voted for sanctuary cities, voted our schools to be turned into shelters for these illegal criminal elements, and we’re not having that."

A Spanberger spokesperson called the ad a "distraction attempt" that is coming from a "campaign facing a heated, messy Republican primary."

Earle-Sears faces former state Del. David LaRock of Berryville and former state Sen. Amanda Chase of Colonial Heights in the GOP primary.

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"Abigail is a former CIA case officer and federal law enforcement officer who has defended our country from terrorism, tracked cartels and arrested criminals," the spokesperson said. 

"And as a member of Congress, she led bipartisan bills that were signed into law by both President Trump and President Biden to disrupt fentanyl trafficking at our ports of entry, combat Mexican cartels and secure our borders," the spokesperson added. "She understands the security threats facing Virginia families. And as the next governor of Virginia, she will use her experience to help keep Virginians safe and crack down on violent offenders."

Peyton Vogel, a spokesperson for Earle-Sears, countered that Spanberger supported "reckless immigration policies that have made Virginia less safe."

"She voted against deporting illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes, putting politics ahead of public safety. The consequences of her decisions are devastating — real families, real victims and real tragedies that could have been prevented," Vogel said.

A pollster recently interviewed by the Washington Examiner about what is one of only two governors races this year — the other being New Jersey — indicated Earle-Sears is faring better among Republicans than Spanberger is among Democrats.

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The pollster, Brett Buchanan of Cygnal, also told the outlet President Donald Trump’s return to office is influencing the race.

Since Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s unexpected victory over former Gov. Terry McAuliffe in 2021, Virginia voters have consistently favored Democrats in every major race.

The left now narrowly controls the Richmond legislature by a two-vote margin in each chamber, and Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine soundly defeated Republican challenger Hung Cao in November statewide.

Trump also lost Virginia by about six points, but supporters have said he successfully narrowed the typical gap in both "blue" 2025 gubernatorial contest states, a purported sign of GOP resurgence.

Youngkin’s win was influenced by the public safety issue, especially in the Northern Virginia counties Earle-Sears highlighted in her ad. 

Youngkin also spent a lot of time campaigning 400 to 500 miles on the other side of the commonwealth in its southwestern counties, like Lee, Dickenson and Wise, which are sparsely populated but heavily Republican.

The Virginia high school track and field runner who was seen violently smashing her baton into an opponent's head during a relay race has spoken out about the backlash she's received, while claiming the incident was an accident.

I.C. Norcom High School senior Alaila Everett gave opponent Brookville junior Kaelen Tucker a concussion and possible skull fracture when she beat her head with the baton at an event on Tuesday. Everett claims the attack occurred because she lost her balance and her baton got "stuck" behind her opponent's back.

"After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit," Everett said in an interview with WAVY. "I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose,"

Everett also said that while she caused physical pain for Tucker, there is not enough empathy for Everett's own "mental" impact. 

"Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental," Everett said. "They are assuming my character, calling me ghetto and racial slurs, death threats… all of this off of a nine-second video."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

 Everett's mother, Zeketa Cost, told WAVY that she also doesn't believe her daughter did it on purpose. 

"I didn’t have to see a first video, second video or tenth video. I know 100% that she would never do that to nobody," Cost said. 

The family claimed that they have been served court papers over the incident and that Everett has tried to apologize to Tucker, but the concussed opponent has blocked Everett on social media. 

Tucker's mother, Tamarrow Tucker, told WSET ABC 13 on Thursday that they hadn't received an apology.

"My whole thing was no apology," Tamarrow said. "No coaches, no athlete, no anything. Even if it was an accident, which I don’t believe it’s an accident, but nothing. It’s been more than 24 hours now, so I guess that was the major thing. My child was hurt and nobody came to check on her."

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Tucker recounted the incident and said the entire section gasped when they saw the repeated baton bashing. 

"The whole section just gasped," Tucker told WSET ABC 13 about those around her in the bleachers. "We had family come from out of town, her godparents were here from Myrtle Beach. Everybody just gasped. When I saw her go down, all I could do is run out of the bleachers. I just knew I had to get to her.

"She was kind of hysterical because she just couldn’t believe that’s what had happened."

Tucker said a medic was already with her daughter when she got down on the track,. 

Everett and her whole team were disqualified for "contact interference." 

Vincent Pugh, former citywide athletic director at Portsmouth Public Schools, questioned the validity of the disqualification, arguing a play-by-play showed that Tucker was running closely to Everett.

"If a person comes up on the outside, they got to be a full stride ahead of me before they can cut in front of me," Pugh told WAVY. 

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) issued a statement to Fox News Digital on the matter. 

"The VHSL does not comment on individuals or disciplinary actions due to FERPA," the league's statement read. "The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition."

Fox News Digital's Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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A Virginia high school track and field star's attempt to get into first place during a race last Tuesday led an opponent to hit her with a baton, causing head injuries. 

According to Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker, she's still waiting on the opponent from I.C. Norcom High School to apologize. 

Tucker had just set a new Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 3 State Indoor Championships record in the 55-meter race on Monday, and she was hoping to help her school win the 4x200M relay final on Tuesday as well. 

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However, the heat of competition got carried too far by one opponent, as clear video evidence of the race shows Tucker getting struck in the head by a baton-wielding runner from Norcom, who also threw it in Tucker's direction after being passed. 

Tucker immediately ran off the track and fell down, holding her head. 

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"So, on the back curve, I kind of got cut off, and I tried to pass her the first time, so I let her go ahead," Tucker said to WSET ABC 13 in an interview posted on Friday. "I knew when I got fully on the curve that I was just going to have to push through past her. So, as we were coming up in the middle of the curve, we were bumping arms a lot. So, I got a little more on the outside of the curve to go around her."

"When I finally pushed through to get in front of her, that’s when she hit me in the head with the baton."

Bumping during races is very normal on the track, but not how Tucker's opponent reacted at that moment during the second leg of the race. 

"The whole section just gasped," Tucker's mother, Tamarrow, said about those around her in the bleachers. "We had family come from out of town, her godparents were here from Myrtle Beach. Everybody just gasped. When I saw her go down, all I could do is run out of the bleachers. I just knew I had to get to her."

"She was kind of hysterical because she just couldn’t believe that’s what had happened."

Race judges immediately disqualified the Norcom team for "contact interference," according to WSET ABC 13. 

Tamarrow said a medic was already with her daughter when she got down on the track, though what baffled the entire family was the lack of accountability for what occurred.

As of Friday, they still haven't heard from the runner or her coaches, she said.

"My whole thing was no apology," Tamarrow said. "No coaches, no athlete, no anything. Even if it was an accident, which I don’t believe it’s an accident, but nothing. It’s been more than 24 hours now, so I guess that was the major thing. My child was hurt and nobody came to check on her."

WSET ABC 13 asked the Tuckers if criminal charges would be pressed, and without giving a definitive yes-or-no answer, Tamarrow explained their point of view.

"Of course, everybody gives their opinion on what they think you should do, but that’s also somebody else’s child," she said, referencing the assailant. "I want to take that into account as well. Yes, she definitely struck my daughter more than once, but she is somebody else’s child as well."

The family said a doctor's visit on Friday revealed concussion symptoms as Kaelen continues to deal with headaches. There was also swelling around the area where she was struck and a possible skull fracture.

Kaelen isn't allowed on the track until she recovers from her injuries, her mother said.

The Tucker family reached out to the VHSL and said they received a call-back explaining that an investigation was underway and both high schools were cooperating. No discipline has been announced for the incident, according to the Tuckers. 

The VHSL issued a statement to Fox News Digital on the matter. 

"The VHSL does not comment on individuals or disciplinary actions due to FERPA," the league's statement read. "The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition."

Kaelen was asked at the end of the interview from their home what she wished to say to the opponent who struck her, if anything. 

"Why did you do it? And why haven’t you apologized yet?" she said. 

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