Good morning. Today’s headlines span a brewing immigration fight in Florida, a developing Senate race in Oklahoma, and a dramatic security incident at a Michigan synagogue that ended with the suspect dead.
Florida Attorney General Warns Tampa Over Immigration Policy
A new dispute over immigration enforcement is unfolding in Florida after James Uthmeier warned Jane Castor that the city must change its policing policies or risk intervention from the state.
In a letter sent this week, Uthmeier argued that policies within the Tampa Police Department effectively create a “sanctuary policy.” The attorney general specifically pointed to rules that restrict when officers can share the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses with federal authorities.
City officials say those policies are designed to encourage victims and witnesses who may be illegal immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation.
Uthmeier disagrees, writing that individuals who are in the country illegally should face immigration consequences.
The attorney general also criticized a departmental rule limiting “broad-based” immigration enforcement operations, arguing the language is vague and could hinder cooperation with federal authorities.
He gave the city until March 31 to revise the policies. If Tampa refuses, Uthmeier warned that Ron DeSantis could potentially remove Castor from office—something the governor has done before when he suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren in 2022.
Kevin Hern Launches Senate Bid as Oklahoma Seat Opens
A new Senate race is taking shape in Oklahoma after Kevin Hern announced he will run for the seat currently held by Markwayne Mullin.
The entry follows President Donald Trump tapping Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security following the removal of former secretary Kristi Noem.
If confirmed, Mullin would vacate his Senate seat, triggering a temporary appointment by Kevin Stitt. Under state law, that appointee would serve only until voters choose a replacement in a special election this November.
Hern, who chairs the House GOP Policy Committee, positioned himself as a strong supporter of Trump’s agenda in his campaign launch. Before entering politics, Hern built a business career as a successful McDonald’s franchise owner.
The Oklahoma Republican has already secured early backing from several GOP senators and is assembling a campaign team closely tied to Trump’s political operation.
Other Republicans could still enter the race, including Stephanie Bice, who has previously said she is considering a Senate run.
Suspect Dead After Attack at Michigan Synagogue
Authorities say a suspect is dead after a vehicle rammed into a synagogue in suburban Detroit, sparking an emergency response and reports of gunfire.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the United States.
According to Michael Bouchard, synagogue security personnel confronted the suspect after the vehicle crashed into the building. The suspect was later found dead inside the vehicle.
Investigators are still determining whether the suspect was killed by security officers or died by suicide.
Authorities said no members of the congregation or children were killed in the incident, though one security guard suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by the vehicle.
The car caught fire after the crash, sending smoke rising from the synagogue complex. Officials later discovered explosives inside the vehicle, prompting a response from bomb squad teams as investigators secured the scene.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the suspect’s motive and whether anyone else may have been involved.
READ NEXT: Florida Attorney General Threatens To Remove Mayor Over Immigration Policies
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