On Friday’s episode of DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou discuss MI6’s launch of a dark-web portal to recruit spies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) massive expansion plans, Trump’s polls showing disapproval of his crime and immigration policies, Israeli airstrikes on a media complex that killed 31 journalists, and a judge dismisses Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
- MI6: MI6 launches a dedicated dark web portal today to recruit spies globally, targeting Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as announced by outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore in Istanbul. The secure messaging platform Silent Courier aims to bolster security by facilitating anonymous contact, with instructions available on MI6’s YouTube channel. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasizes the portal’s role in keeping the UK ahead of adversaries.
- ICE Expansion: ICE is seeking 300 new office spaces nationwide to support hiring over 10,000 immigration officers and lawyers, with the General Services Administration forming special teams to expedite the “ICE Surge.” The expansion targets red states and cities, though no leases are signed yet.
- Trump’s Not-Good Polls: A Washington Post-Ipsos poll today reveals public disapproval of Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to cities beyond Washington, with a 10-point margin opposing his crime policies. Americans disapprove of his handling of immigration, economy, and foreign wars by double-digit margins. Despite this, Republicans hold a 2-to-1 edge on crime trust over Democrats. What’s going on?
- Israel Kills Dozens of Journalists: Israeli airstrikes on a Yemeni media complex on September 10 killed 31 journalists, the deadliest attack on media since 2009, per a Committee to Protect Journalists report. The strikes targeted Houthi-connected outlets in Sanaa, also killing a child. The IDF claims the site was a Houthi propaganda hub.
- Trump’s Lawsuit Tossed: A federal judge in Tampa today dismisses President Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, calling the 85-page complaint “impermissible.” Judge Steven Merryday criticizes the filing’s structure and intent.
- Russia Violates Estonia’s Airspace: Three Russian military jets breached Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes today in a “brazen” act, per Estonian officials. This follows Russian drones entering Polish airspace last week, heightening NATO tensions.