‘Virtual fence’ plans for US borders described by DHS News
‘Virtual fence’ plans for US borders described by DHS

[JURIST] The US Department of Homeland Security [official website] laid out its plans to put up a "virtual fence" along the US borders with Canada and Mexico [JURIST news archive] during a press conference Friday announcing that Boeing Corp. has been awarded a $67 million contract to begin the project [DHS press release; Boeing press release]. The virtual fence, a key part of the DHS Secure Border Initiative [Border Patrol fact sheet], will consist of sensors, cameras and drones designed to prevent illegal immigration [JURIST news archive], drug trafficking and terrorism. The system will be rolled out first along 28 miles of the US-Mexico border near Tucson, AZ.

Last week, the US House passed a bill providing for the construction of 700 miles of physical fencing along part of the US-Mexico border and also calling for a study to determine whether a fence should be constructed along the Canadian border; the Senate is considering the measure [JURIST reports]. The two chambers have been unable to reach an agreement on a comprehensive immigration bill [AP report]. CanWest News Service has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.