US Customs details over 1,000 gang arrests in deportation program News
US Customs details over 1,000 gang arrests in deportation program

[JURIST] The Immigration and Customs Enforcement [official website] division of the US Department of Homeland Security has announced over 1,000 gang-related arrests [press release] so far this year, including 582 in just the past two weeks [AP report]. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff gave details of Operation Community Shield [transcript] at a press conference Monday. The program was designed to use immigration laws rather than criminal statutes as a way to target and deport gang members. Chertoff said over 900 of those arrested face deportation. The Washington Post has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.