🎧 LISTEN TO THE HEADLINES ON THE SUBSTACK APP
🚨 ICE Uncovers Widespread Fraud in Foreign Student Work Program
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced on May 13, 2026, that investigators identified over 10,000 foreign students tied to suspect employers in the Optional Practical Training program. Homeland Security Investigations teams visited sites in multiple states, including Virginia, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois. They found empty buildings, locked doors, residential addresses listed for hundreds of workers, and multiple companies claiming the same unleased locations. Officials also discovered phantom employees who held OPT work authorization but never reported to claimed job sites. Lyons described the scheme as deliberate, coordinated fraud that ballooned from a limited training initiative into an uncontrolled pipeline, with some operations showing signs of offshore management and financial irregularities.
🦠 Gabbard Orders Probe Into Over 120 US-Funded Biolabs Overseas
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has launched a review of more than 120 biological laboratories in over 30 countries that received US taxpayer funding for decades. Gabbard stated her team will map the labs, catalog the pathogens they hold, and examine the research underway to shut down dangerous gain-of-function work that could threaten public health. The effort follows a Trump executive order targeting such experiments abroad and comes after officials noted more than 40 of the facilities sit in Ukraine, where ongoing conflict raises risks of compromise.
🕵🏼♂️ CIA Whistleblower Accuses Fauci of Intentional Role in COVID Origins Cover-Up
A CIA whistleblower named James E. Erdman III testified on May 13, 2026, before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He stated that intelligence community leaders and senior analysts downplayed evidence pointing to a lab incident as the origin of COVID-19. Erdman, a senior operations officer who led investigations into COVID origins in the Director’s Initiatives Group from March 2025 to April 2026, described Dr. Anthony Fauci’s involvement as intentional. Fauci influenced the process by directing the intelligence community to consult with conflicted experts who received funding from his former agency, NIAID, and other public health bodies. Analysts favoring the lab hypothesis faced retaliation from CIA management, including changes to assessments and alleged illegal monitoring of personnel. These actions contributed to a cover-up that hindered proper policymaking and oversight.
🚨 Senate GOP Backing Grows Slightly for Iran War Powers Measure
Senate Republicans edged a bit closer to backing a Democratic push to curb President Trump’s military actions against Iran, but the latest effort still fell short on May 13. One additional GOP senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky in supporting the resolution, which would direct the president to end hostilities unless Congress approves them. The motion to advance it failed on a 50-49 vote, two short of the 51 needed. Democrats have brought similar measures weekly since the conflict began. Murkowski cited the expiration of the 60-day War Powers Act clock on May 1 and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. and Iran have traded attacks despite a fragile ceasefire. Trump had declared hostilities terminated after ordering a ceasefire on April 7, but recent developments have kept the situation tense.
🪙 Senate Crypto Bill Gains Momentum as Coinbase CEO Backs Compromise Ahead of Vote
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong described the Clarity Act as a true compromise that balances demands from the crypto industry and the banking sector. He made the comments during an appearance on Fox Business as the Senate Banking Committee prepared for a potential vote on the legislation. The bill seeks to establish clearer regulatory rules for digital assets by dividing oversight between the SEC for security-like tokens and the CFTC for commodities. It includes provisions on stablecoin rewards limited to accounts with material activity, protections for software developers, and measures to integrate stablecoins and digital services into traditional banking. Armstrong noted that the changes would make the financial system more efficient, faster, and cheaper for consumers and businesses while spurring innovation in payments, tokenization, and related markets. Banks have increasingly adopted stablecoins amid rising customer demand, and the legislation reflects months of negotiations.
⚖️ Iranian National Admits to Smuggling Migrants, Including IRGC Associate Into US
An Iranian national and naturalized US citizen named Sharon Gohari pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to alien smuggling and receiving child sexual abuse material. Gohari operated a years-long scheme from at least December 2020 until his arrest in May 2025, in which he charged thousands of dollars to Iranian nationals and others to arrange their unlawful entry into the United States, primarily through Mexico. He worked with associates in Iran and elsewhere to secure visas and facilitate travel. At least one person he helped had ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a US-designated foreign terrorist organization. That individual traveled from Iran to Turkey to Mexico before entering the US and later admitted to carrying out tasks for the IRGC. Federal agents also discovered multiple videos of child sexual abuse material on Gohari’s phone, including videos depicting the rape of children, as well as hundreds of photos and videos of women secretly recorded in New York City locations such as trains and cafes. Gohari faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison on the child sexual abuse material charge and up to 20 years total, along with a mandatory minimum of three years on the alien smuggling charge.
Read Underground USA’s featured article:
⚠️ Severance Taxes as Double Taxation on America’s Resources and Consumers
BE SURE TO LIKE THE ARTICLE & SHARE IT WIDELY
💰 NYC Business Crowd Forms Group to Push Back on Mamdani Agenda
A coalition of New York City donors and political operatives created a nonprofit called NYC Common Sense. They registered it in Delaware, raised over $1 million in early commitments, and named former federal prosecutor and 2025 mayoral candidate Jim Walden as chair. Phil Singer of Marathon Strategies helped recruit Walden. The group plans digital ads, policy papers, and lawsuits against Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration, now four months old. Walden highlighted concerns like ending criminal summonses for minor traffic violations by cyclists and e-bike riders, limits on rental assistance expansion, and plans for an Office of Community Safety to handle some 911 calls with clinicians instead of police. He expects the first lawsuit by early June. Mamdani’s office pointed to accomplishments such as addressing a large fiscal deficit, advancing universal childcare, and tackling housing issues. Walden previously ran as an independent but suspended his campaign and drew under 1 percent of the vote.
✅ Michigan Non-Citizens From DHS Criminal List Remain on Active Voter Rolls
Six non-citizens listed on the Department of Homeland Security’s “Worst of the Worst Criminal Aliens” roster appear as active registered voters in Michigan. At least two cast ballots in multiple elections. Researchers cross-checked ICE records against the state’s Qualified Voter File and found individuals with convictions for crimes including sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and drug offenses who registered and voted despite their status. Several had been deported months earlier, yet stayed listed as active. The cases involve people from countries such as Bhutan, Laos, and Iran. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has repeatedly stated that non-citizen voting is extremely rare and well-controlled.
🚨 Tennessee House Speaker Boots Democrats From Committees After Redistricting Floor Chaos
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed every member of the Democratic caucus from all standing committees and subcommittees. This followed disruptions during a special session on congressional redistricting. Sexton cited actions including interlocking arms in the well of the House, blocking aisles, using prohibited props and noisemakers, and coordinating with gallery protesters. The letter to House Minority Leader Karen Camper noted flagrant disregard for House rules. Among those affected was Rep. Justin Pearson, who had been filmed yelling at a state trooper. Republicans passed a new map that splits the state’s lone majority-Black district, paving the way for an all-Republican congressional delegation. Democrats called the move retaliation, while the Speaker framed it as necessary accountability for disorder on the floor.
🪪 Democrat States Block ICE Undercover Vehicle Registrations, Prompting DOJ Warning
Democrat-led states are denying standard undercover vehicle registrations to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The Justice Department announced this on May 13, 2026, and accused the states of endangering agents while favoring criminals. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate sent letters to the governors of Oregon and Massachusetts and the attorneys general of Washington and Maine. Oregon refuses registrations to all federal law enforcement. Maine requires proof that vehicles will not support immigration enforcement. Washington issues plates to some agencies but excludes Homeland Security. Massachusetts limits ICE to civilian plates only for proven criminal probes, not civil immigration work. These registrations let agents blend into normal traffic for safer operations. The DOJ called the policies dangerous, shameful, and unconstitutional under the Supremacy Clause. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche warned that sanctuary-style obstructions to lawful ICE duties will face consequences. The issue fits a pattern of resistance to federal immigration enforcement in certain states.
🔍 House Oversight Launches Task Force to Probe Illegal DEI Policies and Program Abuses
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer announced the creation of a new task force on May 13, 2026, chaired by Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas. The panel will examine threats to constitutional rights, such as illegal race-based discrimination hidden in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at employment sites and academic institutions. It will also review misuse of immigration and social welfare programs that burden taxpayers and undercut American workers, along with foreign and dark money efforts to limit free speech. The six-month task force includes members like Reps. Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs, Michael Cloud, Byron Donalds, and Brian Jack. It kicked off with a request for documents on alleged fraud in Ohio’s Medicaid home health program, where companies in questionable locations billed over $250 million.
🚨 US Intelligence Reveals Iran Keeps Most Missile Sites Operational Along Strait of Hormuz
Classified US intelligence assessments from early May indicate that Iran has restored operational access to 30 of its 33 primary missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz. These facilities include mobile launchers that could target vessels and warships in the waterway. Iran retains roughly 70 percent of its mobile launcher fleet and about 70 percent of its prewar ballistic and cruise missile stockpiles. Military agencies also report that Tehran has regained access to around 90 percent of its underground missile storage and launch sites, which are now assessed as partially or fully operational. The findings contrast with earlier public statements from President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth that portrayed Iran’s military as largely ineffective after recent operations. A White House spokeswoman pushed back on the reports and called them overstated.
🧧 Trump Receives Red-Carpet Welcome in Beijing Ahead of Summit with Xi Jinping
President Donald Trump landed in Beijing on May 13, 2026, and received a formal welcome ceremony complete with a red carpet, military band, honor guard, and hundreds of Chinese youths waving American and Chinese flags. He was greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, along with other officials, and then proceeded with an entourage that included Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, family members, and top administration figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The visit marks the first time a U.S. president has visited China since 2017, and features planned bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping focused on trade openness for American businesses, tariffs, technology, including artificial intelligence, Taiwan, human rights, and the situation in Iran. Trump has publicly stated his intent to press Xi to further open China’s markets to U.S. firms.
💥 Gunfire Erupts at Philippine Senate in Standoff Over ICC Arrest Warrant
Gunshots rang out at the Philippine Senate building in Manila on May 13, 2026. Witnesses reported more than a dozen rounds fired as military personnel in camouflage entered the complex with assault rifles. People inside scrambled for cover amid the chaos. The incident unfolded as authorities attempted to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces an International Criminal Court warrant related to alleged crimes against humanity in the drug war. Senate officials described the shots as coming after unidentified individuals tried to enter the building, with security firing warning shots in response. No casualties were immediately reported. The government denied direct involvement, and the situation remained fluid with the Senate under lockdown.
🚢 South Korea Signals Phased Support for US Strait of Hormuz Security Push
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that Seoul is reviewing phased contributions to a US-led effort aimed at restoring safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He made the remarks after meeting US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington. The move follows an attack last week on a South Korean vessel, the HMM Namu, in the waterway. Ahn described South Korea’s potential role as that of a responsible international community member and mentioned options including personnel dispatch, information sharing, and military assets without committing ships or troops ahead of any broader peace deal. South Korea had previously signed a joint statement with other nations on securing the strait and cooperated with France on related steps. The Strait handles a significant share of global oil transport and has seen limited commercial traffic amid ongoing Iranian threats and US initiatives.
💀 Civil Commission Exposes Hamas’ Calculated Use of Rape and Sexual Torture on October 7
A new report from the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes Against Women and Children details extensive evidence of rape, gang rape, sexual mutilation, and other abuses carried out by Hamas militants and allies during the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and against hostages in Gaza. The nearly 300-page document, compiled over two years, draws on more than 400 testimonies from survivors, witnesses, released hostages, first responders, and experts plus analysis of over 10,000 photographs, videos, and 1,800 hours of visual material. It identifies at least 13 patterns of sexual and gender-based violence that were deliberate, coordinated, and embedded in the assault rather than random acts. Witnesses described hearing or seeing women passed around and gang-raped, often followed by killing, with some victims mutilated. The report also covers abuses against hostages, including minors forced into sexual acts. Hamas denies the allegations of systematic sexual violence.