By&nbsp;&nbsp;ALANNA DURKIN RICHER&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lolita-c-baldor">LOLITA C. BALDOR</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Kash Patel has been removed as the acting chief of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives">Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives</a>&nbsp;and has been replaced with the Army secretary, three people familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

It was not immediately clear why Patel was replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to lead the Justice Department agency that’s responsible for enforcing the nation’s gun laws. One person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move, said Patel was removed at the end of February, just days after he was sworn in.

But that was never publicly announced. Patel on Wednesday afternoon remained on the agency’s website and was identified as the acting director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atf.gov/news/press-releases/doj-atf-repeal-ffl-inspection-policy-and-begin-review-two-final-rules" target="_blank">in an April 7 press release</a>. In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1904357301651161468" target="_blank">he posted on social media</a>&nbsp;a note he sent to the ATF workforce that read “special message from the acting director.” And senior ATF leaders were only informed Wednesday of the change, according to another person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the move.

Driscoll will remain secretary of the Army, according to a defense official. This puts a defense leader — with an already large job — in charge of a domestic law enforcement agency. U.S. defense officials have historically tried to maintain a strict divide between military forces and law enforcement. U.S. troops are not allowed to participate in law enforcement activities on American soil. They do, however, provide support and intelligence gathering to Custom and Border Protection to help secure the southern border

As Army secretary, Driscoll, 38, heads the U.S. military’s largest service, which has about 452,000 soldiers including thousands who are deployed all over the world. He also oversees dozens of major weapons, aircraft and equipment programs worth billions of dollars and is responsible for an Army budget of more than $187 billion.

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, said Patel was “briefly designated ATF Director while awaiting Senate confirmations — a standard, short-term move.”

“Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results,” Fields said.

Driscoll, of North Carolina, had served as an adviser to Vice President JD Vance, whom he met when both were attending Yale Law School. He served in the Army for less than four years and left at the rank of first lieutenant.

He ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020, getting about 8% of the vote in a crowded field of candidates.

Patel was named acting ATF director in an unusual arrangement in February just days after he was sworn in to lead the FBI, putting him in charge of two separate and sprawling Justice Department agencies.

Justice Department officials have been considering a plan to combine the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration into a single agency. The two agencies often work together, along with the FBI, but are both led by separate directors and are tasked with distinctly different missions.

The plan is designed to “achieve efficiencies in resources, case deconfliction, and regulatory efforts,” according to a recent memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The ATF investigates things like violent crime, gun trafficking, arson and bombings. It also provides technical expertise in tracing guns used in crimes and analyzing intelligence in shooting investigations. The DEA, meanwhile, is in charge of enforcing the nation’s laws around drugs. Its agents are focused on combating criminal drug networks and stemming the illicit flow of fentanyl and other street drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734452495966.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall met with Patel ahead of his confirmation hearing- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall met with Patel ahead of his confirmation hearing- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;ALANNA DURKIN RICHER&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lolita-c-baldor">LOLITA C. BALDOR</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Kash Patel has been removed as the acting chief of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives">Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives</a>&nbsp;and has been replaced with the Army secretary, three people familiar with the matter said Wednesday.It was not immediately clear why Patel was replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to lead the Justice Department agency that’s responsible for enforcing the nation’s gun laws. One person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move, said Patel was removed at the end of February, just days after he was sworn in.But that was never publicly announced. Patel on Wednesday afternoon remained on the agency’s website and was identified as the acting director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atf.gov/news/press-releases/doj-atf-repeal-ffl-inspection-policy-and-begin-review-two-final-rules" target="_blank">in an April 7 press release</a>. In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1904357301651161468" target="_blank">he posted on social media</a>&nbsp;a note he sent to the ATF workforce that read “special message from the acting director.” And senior ATF leaders were only informed Wednesday of the change, according to another person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the move.Driscoll will remain secretary of the Army, according to a defense official. This puts a defense leader — with an already large job — in charge of a domestic law enforcement agency. U.S. defense officials have historically tried to maintain a strict divide between military forces and law enforcement. U.S. troops are not allowed to participate in law enforcement activities on American soil. They do, however, provide support and intelligence gathering to Custom and Border Protection to help secure the southern borderAs Army secretary, Driscoll, 38, heads the U.S. military’s largest service, which has about 452,000 soldiers including thousands who are deployed all over the world. He also oversees dozens of major weapons, aircraft and equipment programs worth billions of dollars and is responsible for an Army budget of more than $187 billion.Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, said Patel was “briefly designated ATF Director while awaiting Senate confirmations — a standard, short-term move.”“Director Patel is now excelling in his role at the FBI and delivering outstanding results,” Fields said.Driscoll, of North Carolina, had served as an adviser to Vice President JD Vance, whom he met when both were attending Yale Law School. He served in the Army for less than four years and left at the rank of first lieutenant.He ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020, getting about 8% of the vote in a crowded field of candidates.Patel was named acting ATF director in an unusual arrangement in February just days after he was sworn in to lead the FBI, putting him in charge of two separate and sprawling Justice Department agencies.Justice Department officials have been considering a plan to combine the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration into a single agency. The two agencies often work together, along with the FBI, but are both led by separate directors and are tasked with distinctly different missions.The plan is designed to “achieve efficiencies in resources, case deconfliction, and regulatory efforts,” according to a recent memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.The ATF investigates things like violent crime, gun trafficking, arson and bombings. It also provides technical expertise in tracing guns used in crimes and analyzing intelligence in shooting investigations. The DEA, meanwhile, is in charge of enforcing the nation’s laws around drugs. Its agents are focused on combating criminal drug networks and stemming the illicit flow of fentanyl and other street drugs.

Why was FBI director replaced as acting head of the ATF?

NEWTON, Kan. — Harvey County RSVP has been awarded a $75,000 grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to expand its volunteer services across the community in fiscal year 2025.

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The funding will support RSVP’s efforts to strengthen local food security, aid nonprofits, and increase volunteerism among residents age 55 and older.

“We’re delighted to be selected as an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant recipient. It’s a rigorously competitive process,” said Lona Kelly, director of the Harvey County Department on Aging. “RSVP is committed to the support of volunteers across Harvey County who commit their time and talents and strengthen the capacity of the community.”

The grant will help RSVP volunteers deliver meals, shop for the homebound, and provide service support for area food banks, charities and nonprofit organizations.

“These programs empower adults over 55 to gain valuable skills through service,” said RSVP Coordinator Mary Wilson. “It increases their ability to return to the workforce or share their passion and purpose by volunteering in the Harvey County community.”

Harvey County RSVP has provided Healthy Futures projects locally since 1983.

AmeriCorps Seniors programs operate nationwide, helping meet local needs, promoting civic engagement and empowering older adults to improve lives and communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744225649497.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Harvey County " />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Harvey County </figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — Harvey County RSVP has been awarded a $75,000 grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to expand its volunteer services across the community in fiscal year 2025.AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The funding will support RSVP’s efforts to strengthen local food security, aid nonprofits, and increase volunteerism among residents age 55 and older.“We’re delighted to be selected as an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant recipient. It’s a rigorously competitive process,” said Lona Kelly, director of the Harvey County Department on Aging. “RSVP is committed to the support of volunteers across Harvey County who commit their time and talents and strengthen the capacity of the community.”The grant will help RSVP volunteers deliver meals, shop for the homebound, and provide service support for area food banks, charities and nonprofit organizations.“These programs empower adults over 55 to gain valuable skills through service,” said RSVP Coordinator Mary Wilson. “It increases their ability to return to the workforce or share their passion and purpose by volunteering in the Harvey County community.”Harvey County RSVP has provided Healthy Futures projects locally since 1983.AmeriCorps Seniors programs operate nationwide, helping meet local needs, promoting civic engagement and empowering older adults to improve lives and communities.

Harvey County RSVP receives $75K AmeriCorps Seniors grant

RILEY COUNTY —Fire crews continue to monitor hot spots after a controlled burn traveled beyond a boundary and consumed hundreds of acres in Riley County.

On Monday afternoon, Riley County Fire District #1 was&nbsp; to reports of a grass/brush fire near the intersection of Harmony Road and Dial Road in the extreme northeastern corner of Riley County, according to&nbsp; Vivienne Leyva, Riley County Public Information Officer.

 The fire began after a permitted prescribed burn spread out of control, according to the initial 911 report.&nbsp;Upon arrival, volunteer firefighters found approximately 20 acres actively burning.

Riley County Commissioners issued a disaster emergency declaration due to the fire's size and potential impact. Mutual aid was requested, and firefighting resources from Pottawatomie, Marshall, and Nemaha counties responded. The State of Kansas also deployed contracted aircraft to assist with water drops and the Dickinson County Wildland Task Force. A total of 66 personnel, 40 vehicles/apparatus, 2 planes, and 11 fire stations responded to this fire.&nbsp;

“After sunset, winds died down and firefighters were able to get a handle on the head fires in the riverbed,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Chief Doug Russell. “We’ve learned over the last few years to aggressively attack any fires in this area, requesting resources immediately. Thanks to everyone’s quick response and a favorable wind change, we were able to conduct back burns and get this fire under control.”An estimated 650 acres were burned in the Harmony Road Fire. 

No injuries were reported and no livestock were lost. In addition, no structures were threatened by the fire and no evacuations were necessary.&nbsp;Today, crews RCFD#1 crews will continue to monitor conditions and watch for areas of flare up.&nbsp;Crews from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are also in the area working with heavy equipment to move and consolidate piles of burning brush to isolate any remaining hot spots and prevent further spread.&nbsp;“We are incredibly grateful for the assistance from neighboring counties, the State of Kansas, and our dedicated volunteer firefighters,” said Russel Stukey, Fire Chief of Riley County Fire District #1 and Director of Riley County Emergency Management. “Their quick action kept a bad situation from getting worse.”Responding Agencies include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744145631095.png" alt="Image from video of Kansas Forest Service crews working in Riley County Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>Image from video of Kansas Forest Service crews working in Riley County Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Fire crews continue to monitor hot spots after a controlled burn traveled beyond a boundary and consumed hundreds of acres in Riley County.On Monday afternoon, Riley County Fire District #1 was&nbsp; to reports of a grass/brush fire near the intersection of Harmony Road and Dial Road in the extreme northeastern corner of Riley County, according to&nbsp; Vivienne Leyva, Riley County Public Information Officer. The fire began after a permitted prescribed burn spread out of control, according to the initial 911 report.&nbsp;Upon arrival, volunteer firefighters found approximately 20 acres actively burning.Riley County Commissioners issued a disaster emergency declaration due to the fire's size and potential impact. Mutual aid was requested, and firefighting resources from Pottawatomie, Marshall, and Nemaha counties responded. The State of Kansas also deployed contracted aircraft to assist with water drops and the Dickinson County Wildland Task Force. A total of 66 personnel, 40 vehicles/apparatus, 2 planes, and 11 fire stations responded to this fire.&nbsp;“After sunset, winds died down and firefighters were able to get a handle on the head fires in the riverbed,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Chief Doug Russell. “We’ve learned over the last few years to aggressively attack any fires in this area, requesting resources immediately. Thanks to everyone’s quick response and a favorable wind change, we were able to conduct back burns and get this fire under control.”An estimated 650 acres were burned in the Harmony Road Fire. No injuries were reported and no livestock were lost. In addition, no structures were threatened by the fire and no evacuations were necessary.&nbsp;Today, crews RCFD#1 crews will continue to monitor conditions and watch for areas of flare up.&nbsp;Crews from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are also in the area working with heavy equipment to move and consolidate piles of burning brush to isolate any remaining hot spots and prevent further spread.&nbsp;“We are incredibly grateful for the assistance from neighboring counties, the State of Kansas, and our dedicated volunteer firefighters,” said Russel Stukey, Fire Chief of Riley County Fire District #1 and Director of Riley County Emergency Management. “Their quick action kept a bad situation from getting worse.”Responding Agencies include:<ul>
 <li>Blue Rapids Fire District #7</li><li>Dickinson County Wildland Task Force</li><li>Marshall County Emergency Management</li><li>Nemaha County Emergency Management</li><li>Nemaha County Fire District #3</li><li>Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire District #1</li><li>Riley County Emergency Management</li><li>Riley County Fire District #1</li><li>State of Kansas Agencies</li>
 </ul>

Out of control: Permitted burn consumed 650 Kansas acres

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday blocked an order for the Trump administration to return to work thousands of federal employees who were let go in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-firings-federal-workers-trump-administration-7cc7320f469cc65529367aaea2fd9dcb">mass firings</a>&nbsp;aimed at dramatically downsizing the federal government.

The justices acted in the administration’s emergency appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in California ordering that 16,000 probationary employees be reinstated while a lawsuit plays out because their firings didn’t follow federal law.

The effect of the high court’s order will keep employees in six federal agencies on paid administrative leave for now. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they would have kept the judge's order in place.

A second lawsuit, filed in Maryland, also resulted in an order blocking the firings at those same six agencies, plus roughly a dozen more. But that order only applies in the 19 states and the District of Columbia that sued the administration.

The Justice Department is separately appealing the Maryland order.

At least 24,000 probationary employees have been terminated since Trump took office, the lawsuits claim, though the government has not confirmed that number.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ruled that the terminations were improperly directed by the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director. He ordered rehiring at the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury.

His order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and nonprofit organizations that argued they’d be affected by the reduced manpower.

Alsup, who was nominated by Democratic President Bill Clinton, expressed frustration with what he called the government’s attempt to sidestep laws and regulations by firing probationary workers with fewer legal protections.

He said he was appalled that employees were told they were being fired for poor performance despite receiving glowing evaluations just months earlier.

The administration has insisted that the agencies themselves directed the firings and they “have since decided to stand by those terminations,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="File photo- Hundreds of workers at the U.S. Dept. of Education among those fired." />
 <figcaption>File photo- Hundreds of workers at the U.S. Dept. of Education among those fired.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday blocked an order for the Trump administration to return to work thousands of federal employees who were let go in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-firings-federal-workers-trump-administration-7cc7320f469cc65529367aaea2fd9dcb">mass firings</a>&nbsp;aimed at dramatically downsizing the federal government.The justices acted in the administration’s emergency appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in California ordering that 16,000 probationary employees be reinstated while a lawsuit plays out because their firings didn’t follow federal law.The effect of the high court’s order will keep employees in six federal agencies on paid administrative leave for now. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they would have kept the judge's order in place.A second lawsuit, filed in Maryland, also resulted in an order blocking the firings at those same six agencies, plus roughly a dozen more. But that order only applies in the 19 states and the District of Columbia that sued the administration.The Justice Department is separately appealing the Maryland order.At least 24,000 probationary employees have been terminated since Trump took office, the lawsuits claim, though the government has not confirmed that number.U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ruled that the terminations were improperly directed by the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director. He ordered rehiring at the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury.His order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and nonprofit organizations that argued they’d be affected by the reduced manpower.Alsup, who was nominated by Democratic President Bill Clinton, expressed frustration with what he called the government’s attempt to sidestep laws and regulations by firing probationary workers with fewer legal protections.He said he was appalled that employees were told they were being fired for poor performance despite receiving glowing evaluations just months earlier.The administration has insisted that the agencies themselves directed the firings and they “have since decided to stand by those terminations,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court.

U.S. Supreme Court halts reinstatement of fired federal workers

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JAMIE%20STENGLE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press</a>

A day care facility in a Texas county that's part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">measles outbreak</a>&nbsp;has multiple cases, including children too young to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">fully vaccinated</a>, public health officials say.

West Texas is in the middle of a still-growing measles outbreak with 481 cases Friday. The state expanded the number of counties in the outbreak area this week to 10. The highly contagious virus began to spread in late January and health officials say it has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico.

Three people who were unvaccinated have died from measles-related illnesses this year, including two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in Texas. The second child died Thursday at a Lubbock hospital, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral</a>&nbsp;in Seminole, the epicenter of the outbreak.

As of Friday, there were seven cases at a day care where one young child who was infectious gave it to two other children before it spread to other classrooms, Lubbock Public Health director Katherine Wells said.

“Measles is so contagious I won’t be surprised if it enters other facilities,” Wells said.

There are more than 200 children at the day care, Wells said, and most have had least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is first recommended between 12 and 15 months old and a second shot between 4 and 6 years old.

“We do have some children that have only received one dose that are now infected,” she said.

The public health department is recommending that any child with only one vaccine get their second dose early, and changed its recommendation for kids in Lubbock County to get the first vaccine dose at 6 months old instead of 1. A child who is unvaccinated and attends the day care must stay home for 21 days since their last exposure, Wells said.

Case count and hospitalization numbers in Texas have climbed steadily since the outbreak began, and spiked by 81 cases from March 28 to April 4, with 16 more people hospitalized in that time.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met with Texas officials Monday to determine how many people it would send to West Texas to assist with the outbreak response, spokesman Jason McDonald said Monday. He expected a small team to arrive later this week, followed by a bigger group on the ground next week.

The CDC said its first team was in the region from early March to April 1, withdrawing on-the-ground support days before a second child died in the outbreak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JAMIE%20STENGLE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press</a>A day care facility in a Texas county that's part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">measles outbreak</a>&nbsp;has multiple cases, including children too young to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">fully vaccinated</a>, public health officials say.West Texas is in the middle of a still-growing measles outbreak with 481 cases Friday. The state expanded the number of counties in the outbreak area this week to 10. The highly contagious virus began to spread in late January and health officials say it has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico.Three people who were unvaccinated have died from measles-related illnesses this year, including two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in Texas. The second child died Thursday at a Lubbock hospital, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral</a>&nbsp;in Seminole, the epicenter of the outbreak.As of Friday, there were seven cases at a day care where one young child who was infectious gave it to two other children before it spread to other classrooms, Lubbock Public Health director Katherine Wells said.“Measles is so contagious I won’t be surprised if it enters other facilities,” Wells said.There are more than 200 children at the day care, Wells said, and most have had least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is first recommended between 12 and 15 months old and a second shot between 4 and 6 years old.“We do have some children that have only received one dose that are now infected,” she said.The public health department is recommending that any child with only one vaccine get their second dose early, and changed its recommendation for kids in Lubbock County to get the first vaccine dose at 6 months old instead of 1. A child who is unvaccinated and attends the day care must stay home for 21 days since their last exposure, Wells said.Case count and hospitalization numbers in Texas have climbed steadily since the outbreak began, and spiked by 81 cases from March 28 to April 4, with 16 more people hospitalized in that time.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met with Texas officials Monday to determine how many people it would send to West Texas to assist with the outbreak response, spokesman Jason McDonald said Monday. He expected a small team to arrive later this week, followed by a bigger group on the ground next week.The CDC said its first team was in the region from early March to April 1, withdrawing on-the-ground support days before a second child died in the outbreak.

Measles outbreak includes multiple cases at a day care 

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The deadline is approaching to apply for the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, scheduled for June 1–7 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Applications are due by Wednesday, April 30, though late submissions may be considered if space allows.

This year marks the 87th session of Kansas Boys State and the 33rd consecutive year the program will be held at K-State.

Traditionally open to high school juniors, the program has again expanded eligibility to include current sophomores. There is no cap on how many students a school, community or American Legion post may sponsor.

Boys State is a weeklong immersive experience that teaches leadership, teamwork and civic responsibility through a simulated government. Delegates form political parties, run for office, and manage local and state government functions in a hands-on learning environment. The program aims to develop personal responsibility and foster respect for the democratic process and those who serve in the military to protect it.

The program costs $375, but most participants receive sponsorships covering a majority of the expense. Families are typically asked to contribute $50. Applications can be submitted online at <a href="https://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a>.

Participants may earn three hours of college credit in Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) through K-State and can also pursue Eagle Scout merit badges. Attendees are also eligible for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The Kansas finalist will receive at least $1,250 and may be considered for a national award of up to $10,000.

Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the Strengths initiative at Kansas State, will deliver the keynote address during the opening session at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1, in McCain Auditorium. Finnegan, a 1998 Boys State alum, leads efforts to help students grow their unique talents and enhance well-being across the K-State campus.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a 1998 alumnus, will offer remarks and administer the oath of office to the newly elected mayors during a ceremony at 6:50 p.m. Monday, June 2, at the Boys State Assembly Area outside Goodnow and Marlatt halls.

Organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring a delegate can find more information at <a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions may be directed to <a>info@ksbstate.org</a> or (785) 550-6492.

For more information on the Boys State program, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a>. Details about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, set for June 1–6 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, can be found at <a href="https://ksgirlsstate.org">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744119750596.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Boys State of Kansas American Legion" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Boys State of Kansas American Legion</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. — The deadline is approaching to apply for the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, scheduled for June 1–7 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Applications are due by Wednesday, April 30, though late submissions may be considered if space allows.This year marks the 87th session of Kansas Boys State and the 33rd consecutive year the program will be held at K-State.Traditionally open to high school juniors, the program has again expanded eligibility to include current sophomores. There is no cap on how many students a school, community or American Legion post may sponsor.Boys State is a weeklong immersive experience that teaches leadership, teamwork and civic responsibility through a simulated government. Delegates form political parties, run for office, and manage local and state government functions in a hands-on learning environment. The program aims to develop personal responsibility and foster respect for the democratic process and those who serve in the military to protect it.The program costs $375, but most participants receive sponsorships covering a majority of the expense. Families are typically asked to contribute $50. Applications can be submitted online at <a href="https://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a>.Participants may earn three hours of college credit in Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) through K-State and can also pursue Eagle Scout merit badges. Attendees are also eligible for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The Kansas finalist will receive at least $1,250 and may be considered for a national award of up to $10,000.Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the Strengths initiative at Kansas State, will deliver the keynote address during the opening session at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1, in McCain Auditorium. Finnegan, a 1998 Boys State alum, leads efforts to help students grow their unique talents and enhance well-being across the K-State campus.Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a 1998 alumnus, will offer remarks and administer the oath of office to the newly elected mayors during a ceremony at 6:50 p.m. Monday, June 2, at the Boys State Assembly Area outside Goodnow and Marlatt halls.Organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring a delegate can find more information at <a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions may be directed to <a>info@ksbstate.org</a> or (785) 550-6492.For more information on the Boys State program, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a>. Details about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, set for June 1–6 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, can be found at <a href="https://ksgirlsstate.org">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

Deadline nears for Kansas Boys State applications

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players are going to have a shot at more billion-dollar jackpots and slightly better odds under new Mega Millions rules that go into effect with Tuesday’s drawing.

But the improvements come at a cost — literally: Players will have to shell out $5 per ticket, more than double the previous price. On the other hand, the jackpots are expected to grow much bigger — and at a faster rate — and officials believe sales will rise as people are stopped in their tracks by massive prizes.

“People really want big jackpots,” said Joshua Johnston, the Washington state lottery director who heads the Mega Millions game. “We expect to see a sales lift on this.”

The biggest change is the ticket price hike from $2 to $5. Lottery officials expect that jump to increase revenue from the twice-weekly game, enabling them to lower the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million.

The higher ticket price also means the jackpot can start at $50 million, rather than the previous $20 million, and the grand prize is expected to grow more quickly. Each time there isn’t a big winner, the jackpot will jump to a larger mark. Officials expect it will more frequently top the $1 billion threshold that draws extra attention — and bigger sales.

Under the new rules, prizes for tickets not matching all six numbers also will increase, with smaller winners now guaranteed at least $10. Each ticket also will include a randomly assigned multiplier that can increase the prize by up to 10 times, a previous add-on feature that cost an extra $1. The multiplier doesn’t apply to a jackpot.

Yes, but it’s still incredibly unlikely: Odds of 1 in 290 million are still mind-bogglingly hard to beat. And that’s true if you buy one ticket or 100.

“When we hear 1 in 290 million, we don’t have a sense of what that means. We have a greater sense of the fact that there will be a winning number,” said Tim Chartier, a mathematics and computer science professor at Davidson College. “And it’s true that it’s possible, but the issue is the extreme improbability of it.”

How improbable? The chance of hitting a jackpot, even under the new rules, is akin to choosing one single second over a nine-year span, according to Chartier. He said he’s never been willing to risk even a couple bucks on those odds.

The new rules have two main goals: to address what the industry calls “jackpot fatigue” and to differentiate Mega Millions from Powerball, the other lottery draw game played across the country.

Jackpot fatigue is the phenomenon under which prizes must grow to enormous amounts before most players will take note and buy a few tickets. These days, a $300 million prize that once drew lines at mini-marts barely registers.

With the new rules, officials expect those average winning jackpots to climb from about $450 million to $800 million, Johnston said. And they believe that even lottery fatigue is no match for the more frequent billion-dollar prize.

“When you get to a billion people are like, ‘Whoa, that’s a whole lot of money,’” Johnston said.

Lottery officials said there is a clear correlation between bigger jackpots and higher sales but Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection.

“I’d be satisfied with $1 million, and so would others,” she said. “One person winning $50 million is ridiculous.”

Mega Millions will be the country’s most expensive lottery draw game, where random numbers are selected to determine a winner.

Still, that price is far less than scratch tickets offered by some states. In Texas, for example, some scratch tickets cost $100 each.

Outside the U.S., the El Gordo Christmas lottery in Spain limits the number of tickets sold and charges 20 euros for a partial ticket and 200 euros for a full ticket.

The higher Mega Millions price left Saeedith Williams of East Point, Georgia, unsure if he’ll keep buying several tickets a week. “Maybe I’ll buy one ticket a week now that it’s $5 a ticket,” he said.

After the new rules are implemented, the two lottery games that once were remarkably similar now will have some key differences.

The biggest contrast will be the cost, as Powerball will stick with its $2 tickets — $3 in Idaho and Montana where they require a special prize bundle.

With that smaller ticket price will come smaller minimal prizes, starting at $4, or less than half the lowest Mega Millions prize. But Powerball players will still be able to pay an extra dollar for “Power Play,” a random multiplier that, as in Mega Millions, can increase all but the grand prize.

Powerball drawings will continue to be three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights — while Mega Millions will hold drawings on Tuesday and Friday.

The changes will bring the two games’ jackpot odds a little closer, with Powerball jackpot odds of 1 in 292.2 million just a bit worse than the new Mega Millions odds.

Remind me, what’s the point of all this?

For players, it’s a chance to spend a little money on a dream of incredible riches while acknowledging the reality that it almost certainly won’t happen.

For the 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands where Mega Millions is played, the game raises money for a variety of services, such as education scholarships. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and decisions about how the profits are divvied up are written into state law.

AP writer Margery A. Beck contributed to this story from Omaha, Nebraska.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players are going to have a shot at more billion-dollar jackpots and slightly better odds under new Mega Millions rules that go into effect with Tuesday’s drawing.But the improvements come at a cost — literally: Players will have to shell out $5 per ticket, more than double the previous price. On the other hand, the jackpots are expected to grow much bigger — and at a faster rate — and officials believe sales will rise as people are stopped in their tracks by massive prizes.“People really want big jackpots,” said Joshua Johnston, the Washington state lottery director who heads the Mega Millions game. “We expect to see a sales lift on this.”<h2>HOW IS MEGA MILLIONS CHANGING?</h2>The biggest change is the ticket price hike from $2 to $5. Lottery officials expect that jump to increase revenue from the twice-weekly game, enabling them to lower the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million.The higher ticket price also means the jackpot can start at $50 million, rather than the previous $20 million, and the grand prize is expected to grow more quickly. Each time there isn’t a big winner, the jackpot will jump to a larger mark. Officials expect it will more frequently top the $1 billion threshold that draws extra attention — and bigger sales.Under the new rules, prizes for tickets not matching all six numbers also will increase, with smaller winners now guaranteed at least $10. Each ticket also will include a randomly assigned multiplier that can increase the prize by up to 10 times, a previous add-on feature that cost an extra $1. The multiplier doesn’t apply to a jackpot.<h2>WILL THIS MAKE WINNING A JACKPOT EASIER?</h2>Yes, but it’s still incredibly unlikely: Odds of 1 in 290 million are still mind-bogglingly hard to beat. And that’s true if you buy one ticket or 100.“When we hear 1 in 290 million, we don’t have a sense of what that means. We have a greater sense of the fact that there will be a winning number,” said Tim Chartier, a mathematics and computer science professor at Davidson College. “And it’s true that it’s possible, but the issue is the extreme improbability of it.”How improbable? The chance of hitting a jackpot, even under the new rules, is akin to choosing one single second over a nine-year span, according to Chartier. He said he’s never been willing to risk even a couple bucks on those odds.<h2>WHY IS THE GAME CHANGING?</h2>The new rules have two main goals: to address what the industry calls “jackpot fatigue” and to differentiate Mega Millions from Powerball, the other lottery draw game played across the country.Jackpot fatigue is the phenomenon under which prizes must grow to enormous amounts before most players will take note and buy a few tickets. These days, a $300 million prize that once drew lines at mini-marts barely registers.With the new rules, officials expect those average winning jackpots to climb from about $450 million to $800 million, Johnston said. And they believe that even lottery fatigue is no match for the more frequent billion-dollar prize.“When you get to a billion people are like, ‘Whoa, that’s a whole lot of money,’” Johnston said.ADVERTISEMENTLottery officials said there is a clear correlation between bigger jackpots and higher sales but Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection.“I’d be satisfied with $1 million, and so would others,” she said. “One person winning $50 million is ridiculous.”<h2>HOW RARE IS A $5 TICKET PRICE?</h2>Mega Millions will be the country’s most expensive lottery draw game, where random numbers are selected to determine a winner.Still, that price is far less than scratch tickets offered by some states. In Texas, for example, some scratch tickets cost $100 each.Outside the U.S., the El Gordo Christmas lottery in Spain limits the number of tickets sold and charges 20 euros for a partial ticket and 200 euros for a full ticket.The higher Mega Millions price left Saeedith Williams of East Point, Georgia, unsure if he’ll keep buying several tickets a week. “Maybe I’ll buy one ticket a week now that it’s $5 a ticket,” he said.<h2>WHAT ABOUT POWERBALL?</h2>After the new rules are implemented, the two lottery games that once were remarkably similar now will have some key differences.The biggest contrast will be the cost, as Powerball will stick with its $2 tickets — $3 in Idaho and Montana where they require a special prize bundle.With that smaller ticket price will come smaller minimal prizes, starting at $4, or less than half the lowest Mega Millions prize. But Powerball players will still be able to pay an extra dollar for “Power Play,” a random multiplier that, as in Mega Millions, can increase all but the grand prize.Powerball drawings will continue to be three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights — while Mega Millions will hold drawings on Tuesday and Friday.The changes will bring the two games’ jackpot odds a little closer, with Powerball jackpot odds of 1 in 292.2 million just a bit worse than the new Mega Millions odds.<h2>Remind me, what’s the point of all this?</h2>For players, it’s a chance to spend a little money on a dream of incredible riches while acknowledging the reality that it almost certainly won’t happen.For the 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands where Mega Millions is played, the game raises money for a variety of services, such as education scholarships. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and decisions about how the profits are divvied up are written into state law.<h2>___</h2>AP writer Margery A. Beck contributed to this story from Omaha, Nebraska.

Big changes coming to Mega Millions lottery 

Is this the year for a bin-busting wheat crop? Kansas wheat producers are encouraged to scout their best fields for entries in the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest. Now in its 10th year, the National Wheat Foundation’s contest offers producers a chance to win prizes and learn from other producers across the country how to maximize their management to improve yields and quality.&nbsp;

“The goal of the National Wheat Yield Contest is to recognize the best management practices that help growers achieve high yield and high quality harvests,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat Vice President of Research and Operations. “With the addition of the pilot digital yield category, Kansas wheat producers have another way to demonstrate their ability to adopt and utilize cutting-edge technology, showcasing how innovation can drive both yield and quality advancements in our industry.”&nbsp;

The contest includes four main categories: dryland winter wheat, irrigated winter wheat, dryland spring wheat and irrigated spring wheat. Contest fields must be at least five continuous acres, planted with professionally produced, certified, branded, newly purchased wheat seed. All contestants must retain a 10-pound bag of grain for shipment and quality testing. If an entry places nationally, that sample will be milled, baked and evaluated by a panel of industry experts.&nbsp;

The top three yield entries in each category by state will be recognized. National winners will be recognized and awarded with a cash award, along with travel and registration expenses to attend the 2026 Commodity Classic in February in San Antonio, Texas. Top industry-desired quality will be recognized with an additional cash reward.&nbsp;

A new highlight for 2025 is the expansion of a Digital Yield plot category, which is open to Kansas producers who raise dryland winter wheat. Producers can enter the category using digital technologies such as John Deere Operations Center, Climate FieldView or Bushel, alongside calibrated grain cart scale data, to submit yields from a designated 20-acre area. Producers can enter up to three fields in this category.&nbsp;

“We are so pleased with the growth of the contest and look forward to continuing to share the lessons learned as farmers work to produce high-yielding, high-quality wheat,” said Anne Osborne, NWF yield contest director, in an&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/blank">article</a>&nbsp;for DTN/Progressive Farmer. “U.S. wheat plays a critical role in the world food supply, and the benefits of having the crop in the rotation cannot be overstated as farmers look to improve their productivity and profitability.”

Growers must submit entries by May 15, 2025, for winter wheat categories and August 1, 2025, for spring wheat categories. Harvest data is due by October 1, 2025. Entries must be completed online at wheatcontest.org. Each entry costs $100, but sponsoring partners have entry fee vouchers available.&nbsp;

Partnering sponsors for the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest include: John Deere, WestBred, BASF, U.S. Wheat Associates, Croplan, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, The McGregor Co., AgXplore, Eastman, Ardent Mills, AgriMaxx, Bushel, DynaGro Seed, Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association, Mennel, North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association, Ohio Corn &amp; Wheat, PlainsGold, Siemer Milling Co., UPL, Corteva Agriscience, Climate FieldView, Grain Craft, Idaho Wheat, Kansas Wheat, Michigan Wheat Program, Miller Milling, Montana Grain Growers Association, North Dakota Mill &amp; Elevator, and the Northern Crops Institute. DTN/Progressive Farmer is the official media outlet of the competition.

All entrants must be a member of a state wheat grower association — like the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers — or the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).&nbsp;

Find more information or enter the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wheatcontest.org/">wheatcontest.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699371971135.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Is this the year for a bin-busting wheat crop? Kansas wheat producers are encouraged to scout their best fields for entries in the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest. Now in its 10th year, the National Wheat Foundation’s contest offers producers a chance to win prizes and learn from other producers across the country how to maximize their management to improve yields and quality.&nbsp;“The goal of the National Wheat Yield Contest is to recognize the best management practices that help growers achieve high yield and high quality harvests,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat Vice President of Research and Operations. “With the addition of the pilot digital yield category, Kansas wheat producers have another way to demonstrate their ability to adopt and utilize cutting-edge technology, showcasing how innovation can drive both yield and quality advancements in our industry.”&nbsp;The contest includes four main categories: dryland winter wheat, irrigated winter wheat, dryland spring wheat and irrigated spring wheat. Contest fields must be at least five continuous acres, planted with professionally produced, certified, branded, newly purchased wheat seed. All contestants must retain a 10-pound bag of grain for shipment and quality testing. If an entry places nationally, that sample will be milled, baked and evaluated by a panel of industry experts.&nbsp;The top three yield entries in each category by state will be recognized. National winners will be recognized and awarded with a cash award, along with travel and registration expenses to attend the 2026 Commodity Classic in February in San Antonio, Texas. Top industry-desired quality will be recognized with an additional cash reward.&nbsp;A new highlight for 2025 is the expansion of a Digital Yield plot category, which is open to Kansas producers who raise dryland winter wheat. Producers can enter the category using digital technologies such as John Deere Operations Center, Climate FieldView or Bushel, alongside calibrated grain cart scale data, to submit yields from a designated 20-acre area. Producers can enter up to three fields in this category.&nbsp;“We are so pleased with the growth of the contest and look forward to continuing to share the lessons learned as farmers work to produce high-yielding, high-quality wheat,” said Anne Osborne, NWF yield contest director, in an&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/blank">article</a>&nbsp;for DTN/Progressive Farmer. “U.S. wheat plays a critical role in the world food supply, and the benefits of having the crop in the rotation cannot be overstated as farmers look to improve their productivity and profitability.”Growers must submit entries by May 15, 2025, for winter wheat categories and August 1, 2025, for spring wheat categories. Harvest data is due by October 1, 2025. Entries must be completed online at wheatcontest.org. Each entry costs $100, but sponsoring partners have entry fee vouchers available.&nbsp;Partnering sponsors for the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest include: John Deere, WestBred, BASF, U.S. Wheat Associates, Croplan, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, The McGregor Co., AgXplore, Eastman, Ardent Mills, AgriMaxx, Bushel, DynaGro Seed, Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association, Mennel, North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association, Ohio Corn &amp; Wheat, PlainsGold, Siemer Milling Co., UPL, Corteva Agriscience, Climate FieldView, Grain Craft, Idaho Wheat, Kansas Wheat, Michigan Wheat Program, Miller Milling, Montana Grain Growers Association, North Dakota Mill &amp; Elevator, and the Northern Crops Institute. DTN/Progressive Farmer is the official media outlet of the competition.All entrants must be a member of a state wheat grower association — like the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers — or the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).&nbsp;Find more information or enter the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wheatcontest.org/">wheatcontest.org</a>.&nbsp;

Entries open for 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.

College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.

America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.

College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.

Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.

At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.

He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.

“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”

In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.

Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.

Feds bypass colleges to move against students

In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.

Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.

“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.

At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.

Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.

Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.

“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”

Database checks turn up students in jeopardy

At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.

One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.

Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.

Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.

But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.

Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.

Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.

“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”

There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.

“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.<h2>Feds bypass colleges to move against students</h2>In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”<h2>Database checks turn up students in jeopardy</h2>At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.<h2>___</h2>

College officials worry crackdown tactics will turn foreign students away

A lawsuit challenging the deportation has been filed in a Texas court against U.S. Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and other government officials

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">MARY SANCHEZ</a>&nbsp;-

Evenezer Cortez Martinez wanted to pay respects to a beloved grandfather who died last fall.

He ended up deported, sent back to Mexico, a country the 39-year-old Kansas husband and father left at the age of 4.

“Everything was approved, and I arrived here with no problem,” said Cortez Martinez, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/DACA" target="_blank">DACA</a>&nbsp;recipient, in a phone interview from Cuernavaca, a city south of Mexico City.

On March 23, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials stopped Cortez Martinez at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as he presented documents to board a flight back to Kansas City.

He was held, questioned and put on a flight to Mexico City that evening.

“I asked them, ‘Can I just call my lawyer and try to see if I can work things out,’” Cortez Martinez said. “They said, ‘No, you don’t have that option.’”

His attorney argues otherwise, filing a case Wednesday, April 2, with a Texas federal court.

“How many others are out there that this has also happened to, but who didn’t have the ability to get counsel?” said&nbsp;<a href="https://sharma-crawford.com/" target="_blank">Rekha Sharma-Crawford</a>, the Kansas City-based attorney who filed the case in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas. “The law is on his side.”

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uDXHrV0N6Lc4Eelx7CwU5TeP3fD9myeQ/view" target="_blank">The case</a>&nbsp;could become a test of the limits of the Trump administration’s reach.

Advocates argue the administration’s zeal to deport is increasingly overstepping, scooping up immigrants, even those legally present, and not allowing due process.

The lawsuit seeks “declaratory, injunctive and mandamus relief to find that Defendants actions were arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.”

It’s filed against the U.S. Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and other government officials.

U.S. Immigration officials do not generally comment on specific cases.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/01/nx-s1-5339698/green-card-holders-detained-border-crackdown" target="_blank">in a statement released to NPR</a>&nbsp;recently, Customs and Border Protection argued it was merely enforcing the law.

“Those who violate these laws will be processed, detained, and removed as required,” CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham said in the statement.

Customs agents in Dallas told Cortez Martinez that he had been ordered removed in absentia on June 11, 2024, and that his documents to travel had been issued in error.

Cortez Martinez said he had never been notified of a removal order, which is the legal term for what most people colloquially refer to as deportation.

The Roeland Park, Kansas, resident is staying with the one Mexico relative he knows, an uncle.

Cortez Martinez is believed to be the first Kansas City-area case of a DACA&nbsp; (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient caught in the Trump administration’s vow to deport millions of people.

The latest Trump plan is called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline" target="_blank">Operation Take Back America</a>.

The lawsuit argues that Cortez Martinez has the right to appear before an immigration judge.

“Under current regulations, a holder of an Advance Parole document cannot be barred from the country (removed) without a formal removal hearing before an Immigration Judge,” the suit states.

Advance parole is the process Cortez Martinez went through, with the aid of an attorney, to travel outside of the U.S. as a DACA recipient.

His recurring two-year renewals of DACA had been approved by the government like clockwork. His current DACA is valid until October 2026.

DACA was designed by the Obama administration in 2012. It was meant to be a carveout for immigrants known as “Dreamers,” those who’d been brought to the U.S. as young children, without legal status.

DACA is a temporary reprieve from deportation. It also allows for work authorization and for people to apply for travel outside of the country, through advance parole.

The removal order the government cited is from June 2024.

“He’s not hiding, Sharma-Crawford said. “He’s doing everything that he’s supposed to be doing.”

Cortez Martinez has lived in the Kansas City area for nearly 20 years.

His wife, child and stepchildren are anxiously waiting for his return to their suburban home.

Cortez Martinez’s case is the first deportation of a Kansas City-area DACA recipient that Nubia Estefes is aware of occurring.

“It’s one of our fears,” said Estefes, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksmoda.org/daca" target="_blank">Kansas Missouri Dream Alliance</a>, an advocacy group for “Dreamers.”

Before Trump took office, a few other area DACA recipients traveled back to their birth nations on the same documents that Cortez Martinez used, advance parole.

The trips were taken with counsel by attorneys, to ensure that nothing could be resurrected in their history as a rationale for deportation, Estefes said.

“It’s personal discretion on the part of the officers,” she said of the scrutiny that occurs at Customs.

News stories that even documented people have been deported are alarming the immigrant community.

“We’re definitely siding with the cautious side,” Estefes said. “If you don’t have to go, if it’s not life or death, I would suggest you wait it out.”

<a href="https://www.elcentroinc.com/advocacy-3/daca-clinics/" target="_blank">El Centro</a>, a Kansas social service agency, is also&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/03/14/schools-look-to-landmark-supreme-court-ruling-to-protect-undocumented-immigrant-students-from-ice/" target="_blank">advising immigrants to be careful</a>.

Justin Gust, vice president of community engagement, said the agency is continuing the help with DACA renewal applications.

But even immigrants who are legal permanent residents are being advised to take precautions, especially when traveling.

“It just seems like everything is unknown these days,” Gust said. “What was a protected status, or a protected issue, is no longer protected.”

People are disabling face recognition or a thumbprint to open their cellphone, as a safeguard against having their data combed for anything a customs agent might deem offensive to the Trump administration’s goals.

“We’re advising people that they really do need to talk to their lawyer first and don’t go just to go, because you definitely need to know that you can come back,” Gust said.

A beloved grandfather, hazy memory of Mexico

Cortez Martinez’s sole memory of his native Mexico is a limited one, possibly bolstered more by family stories than a true memory.

Cornelio Martinez Dominguez owned a panaderia, a bakery.

“I’ve been told that every time the bread was ready, I’d run to my grandpa,” Cortez Martinez said.

Through the years, he spoke with his grandfather by phone. But he’d never returned to Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743775932922.png" alt="A family photo of Evenezer Cortez Martinez, pictured on the far right, with his wife and children. The Roeland Park family is now awaiting a federal lawsuit filed on his behalf. Despite having DACA status and permission to travel, the husband and father was detained, deported and denied entry back to the U.S. after a trip to Mexico (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption>A family photo of Evenezer Cortez Martinez, pictured on the far right, with his wife and children. The Roeland Park family is now awaiting a federal lawsuit filed on his behalf. Despite having DACA status and permission to travel, the husband and father was detained, deported and denied entry back to the U.S. after a trip to Mexico (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A lawsuit challenging the deportation has been filed in a Texas court against U.S. Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and other government officials</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">MARY SANCHEZ</a>&nbsp;-Evenezer Cortez Martinez wanted to pay respects to a beloved grandfather who died last fall.He ended up deported, sent back to Mexico, a country the 39-year-old Kansas husband and father left at the age of 4.“Everything was approved, and I arrived here with no problem,” said Cortez Martinez, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/DACA" target="_blank">DACA</a>&nbsp;recipient, in a phone interview from Cuernavaca, a city south of Mexico City.On March 23, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials stopped Cortez Martinez at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as he presented documents to board a flight back to Kansas City.He was held, questioned and put on a flight to Mexico City that evening.“I asked them, ‘Can I just call my lawyer and try to see if I can work things out,’” Cortez Martinez said. “They said, ‘No, you don’t have that option.’”His attorney argues otherwise, filing a case Wednesday, April 2, with a Texas federal court.“How many others are out there that this has also happened to, but who didn’t have the ability to get counsel?” said&nbsp;<a href="https://sharma-crawford.com/" target="_blank">Rekha Sharma-Crawford</a>, the Kansas City-based attorney who filed the case in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas. “The law is on his side.”<h2>Potential test case</h2><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uDXHrV0N6Lc4Eelx7CwU5TeP3fD9myeQ/view" target="_blank">The case</a>&nbsp;could become a test of the limits of the Trump administration’s reach.Advocates argue the administration’s zeal to deport is increasingly overstepping, scooping up immigrants, even those legally present, and not allowing due process.The lawsuit seeks “declaratory, injunctive and mandamus relief to find that Defendants actions were arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.”It’s filed against the U.S. Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and other government officials.U.S. Immigration officials do not generally comment on specific cases.But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/01/nx-s1-5339698/green-card-holders-detained-border-crackdown" target="_blank">in a statement released to NPR</a>&nbsp;recently, Customs and Border Protection argued it was merely enforcing the law.“Those who violate these laws will be processed, detained, and removed as required,” CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham said in the statement.Customs agents in Dallas told Cortez Martinez that he had been ordered removed in absentia on June 11, 2024, and that his documents to travel had been issued in error.Cortez Martinez said he had never been notified of a removal order, which is the legal term for what most people colloquially refer to as deportation.The Roeland Park, Kansas, resident is staying with the one Mexico relative he knows, an uncle.Cortez Martinez is believed to be the first Kansas City-area case of a DACA&nbsp; (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient caught in the Trump administration’s vow to deport millions of people.The latest Trump plan is called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline" target="_blank">Operation Take Back America</a>.The lawsuit argues that Cortez Martinez has the right to appear before an immigration judge.“Under current regulations, a holder of an Advance Parole document cannot be barred from the country (removed) without a formal removal hearing before an Immigration Judge,” the suit states.Advance parole is the process Cortez Martinez went through, with the aid of an attorney, to travel outside of the U.S. as a DACA recipient.His recurring two-year renewals of DACA had been approved by the government like clockwork. His current DACA is valid until October 2026.DACA was designed by the Obama administration in 2012. It was meant to be a carveout for immigrants known as “Dreamers,” those who’d been brought to the U.S. as young children, without legal status.DACA is a temporary reprieve from deportation. It also allows for work authorization and for people to apply for travel outside of the country, through advance parole.The removal order the government cited is from June 2024.“He’s not hiding, Sharma-Crawford said. “He’s doing everything that he’s supposed to be doing.”Cortez Martinez has lived in the Kansas City area for nearly 20 years.His wife, child and stepchildren are anxiously waiting for his return to their suburban home.<h2>Rising immigrant fears of being deported</h2>Cortez Martinez’s case is the first deportation of a Kansas City-area DACA recipient that Nubia Estefes is aware of occurring.“It’s one of our fears,” said Estefes, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksmoda.org/daca" target="_blank">Kansas Missouri Dream Alliance</a>, an advocacy group for “Dreamers.”Before Trump took office, a few other area DACA recipients traveled back to their birth nations on the same documents that Cortez Martinez used, advance parole.The trips were taken with counsel by attorneys, to ensure that nothing could be resurrected in their history as a rationale for deportation, Estefes said.“It’s personal discretion on the part of the officers,” she said of the scrutiny that occurs at Customs.News stories that even documented people have been deported are alarming the immigrant community.“We’re definitely siding with the cautious side,” Estefes said. “If you don’t have to go, if it’s not life or death, I would suggest you wait it out.”<a href="https://www.elcentroinc.com/advocacy-3/daca-clinics/" target="_blank">El Centro</a>, a Kansas social service agency, is also&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/03/14/schools-look-to-landmark-supreme-court-ruling-to-protect-undocumented-immigrant-students-from-ice/" target="_blank">advising immigrants to be careful</a>.Justin Gust, vice president of community engagement, said the agency is continuing the help with DACA renewal applications.But even immigrants who are legal permanent residents are being advised to take precautions, especially when traveling.“It just seems like everything is unknown these days,” Gust said. “What was a protected status, or a protected issue, is no longer protected.”People are disabling face recognition or a thumbprint to open their cellphone, as a safeguard against having their data combed for anything a customs agent might deem offensive to the Trump administration’s goals.“We’re advising people that they really do need to talk to their lawyer first and don’t go just to go, because you definitely need to know that you can come back,” Gust said.<h2>A beloved grandfather, hazy memory of Mexico</h2>Cortez Martinez’s sole memory of his native Mexico is a limited one, possibly bolstered more by family stories than a true memory.But his grandfather is central.Cornelio Martinez Dominguez owned a panaderia, a bakery.“I’ve been told that every time the bread was ready, I’d run to my grandpa,” Cortez Martinez said.Through the years, he spoke with his grandfather by phone. But he’d never returned to Mexico.Sharma-Crawford first contacted the CBP Watch Commander at the Dallas Fort Worth airport, seeing if the office would intervene.She did not receive a reply.“There are real questions if he was properly notified,” she said of Martinez’s order of removal.Still, the existence of the order wouldn’t negate his right to be granted advance parole, she said.Sharma-Crawford suspects that the Trump administration has begun re-calendaring removal cases that had previously been closed.“I never got any notice,” Cortez Martinez said of the removal order. “I never got any citations to go see a judge.”Cortez Martinez received the approval to travel from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in early March. The document is valid until April 14, 2025, according to the lawsuit.Still, he had been initially hesitant to take the trip.He only considered doing so, as his grandfather’s health worsened.In November, his grandfather died before the paperwork was approved.The visit was shortened to a three-day excursion, just enough time to reach the cemetery a few hours outside of Mexico City, and then return to Kansas City.“That’s the grandpa I wanted to be able to say goodbye to,” Cortez Martinez said.This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/03/kansas-man-deported-after-visiting-grandfathers-grave-in-mexico/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.