Politics
Bill Aims to Strip Convicted Felons of Secret Service Protection

Washington, D.C. – In a significant legislative move, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, has introduced the *Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act* (DISGRACED Former Protectees Act). This bill aims to address a critical gap in current U.S. law regarding Secret Service protection for convicted felons who are sentenced to prison.
Under existing law, the Secret Service is mandated to protect former presidents and other high-level officials, even if they are convicted of a felony. The DISGRACED Former Protectees Act seeks to terminate such protection if the individual is convicted of a felony and sentenced to prison.
Key Provisions of the DISGRACED Former Protectees Act
1. Automatic Termination of Protection: The Act would automatically end Secret Service protection for any former protectee, including former presidents, who are sentenced to prison following a felony conviction. This provision ensures that convicted individuals do not receive special treatment due to their previous status.
2. Responsibility Shift: Once Secret Service protection is terminated, the responsibility for the protection of the convicted individual would shift to prison authorities. This change ensures that the individual is treated like any other inmate, maintaining the integrity of the prison system and the justice process.
3. Legislative Intent: The legislation is designed to ensure that protective status does not result in special treatment for convicted felons. By updating the law, the bill aims to maintain the integrity of the justice system and ensure that all individuals serve their sentences as required, without the complications of Secret Service protection.
Context and Implications
This legislative move comes in the context of former President Donald J. Trump’s recent conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The historic conviction has raised questions about the implications of Secret Service protection if he were to be sentenced to prison. Under current law, the Secret Service would be responsible for protecting him within prison premises, a scenario that presents significant logistical and legal challenges.
Rep. Thompson emphasized the necessity of the legislation, stating, “Unfortunately, current law doesn’t anticipate how Secret Service protection would impact the felony prison sentence of a protectee—even a former President. It is regrettable that it has come to this, but this previously unthought-of scenario could become our reality. Therefore, it is necessary for us to be prepared and update the law so the American people can be assured that protective status does not translate into special treatment—and that those who are sentenced to prison will indeed serve the time required of them”.
Political Reactions
The introduction of the DISGRACED Former Protectees Act has sparked a range of political reactions. Governor Tate Reeves (R-MS) criticized the legislation, calling it “truly shameful, outrageous, and a new low for the leftwing in America.” He argued that the bill could leave former President Trump vulnerable to assassination attempts, a claim that has been met with both support and opposition from various political figures.
Despite the controversy, the bill has garnered support from several Democratic co-sponsors, including Reps. Troy A. Carter Sr., Barbara Lee, Frederica Wilson, Yvette D. Clarke, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jasmine Crockett, Joyce Beatty, and Steve Cohen. They argue that the legislation is necessary to ensure the fair administration of justice and to prevent any individual from receiving preferential treatment due to their former status.
Conclusion
The DISGRACED Former Protectees Act represents a significant step in addressing the complexities of providing Secret Service protection to convicted felons. By terminating such protection upon sentencing, the legislation aims to uphold the principles of justice and equality, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their past positions, are subject to the same legal standards and treatment.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, it will undoubtedly continue to generate debate and discussion about the balance between security, justice, and the rule of law in the United States.
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Politics
Who Really Holds the Title for Most Deportations in America?

When it comes to deportations from the United States, no president has removed more people than Barack Obama. This fact may surprise those who associate tough immigration enforcement primarily with more recent administrations, but the numbers are clear and well-documented.
Obama’s Record-Breaking Numbers
During his two terms, President Barack Obama formally removed about 3 million noncitizens from the U.S.—more than any other president in American history. This figure is based on data from the Department of Homeland Security and refers specifically to “removals,” which are formal, court-ordered deportations from inside the country. In comparison, George W. Bush removed about 870,000 people, Bill Clinton about 2 million, and Donald Trump about 1.2 million during his first term.

Removals vs. Returns: Why the Numbers Matter
It’s important to understand the distinction between “removals” and “returns.”
- Removals are formal deportations following a court order, often after an immigration hearing.
- Returns refer to individuals turned away at the border before officially entering the U.S., often without a court process.
If you combine both removals and returns, Bill Clinton actually expelled the most people overall—about 12.3 million—but the vast majority of these were returns at the border rather than formal removals from within the country.

Why Did Obama’s Numbers Climb So High?
The Obama administration’s approach focused on recent unauthorized border crossers and individuals with criminal convictions. In 2013 alone, the administration deported a record 438,421 people, with a significant portion being recent arrivals or those with criminal records.
Obama’s policies drew sharp criticism from immigrant rights groups, earning him the nickname “Deporter-in-Chief”. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers accused him of being too lenient, highlighting the political complexity of immigration enforcement.
How Do Other Presidents Compare?
President | Formal Removals (Deportations) | Total Expulsions (Removals + Returns) |
---|---|---|
Barack Obama | ~3 million | ~5 million |
Bill Clinton | ~2 million | ~12.3 million |
George W. Bush | ~870,000 | ~10 million |
Donald Trump | ~1.2–1.5 million | ~1.5 million |
Joe Biden | ~1.4 million (as of 2024) | N/A |
While Clinton and Bush expelled more people overall when counting returns, Obama leads in formal removals—the most legally significant and permanent form of deportation.

The Big Picture
Barack Obama holds the title for the most formal deportations in American history. His administration’s record reflects a period of stepped-up enforcement, shifting priorities, and a complex political landscape that continues to shape the national conversation on immigration today.
If you want to understand the real story behind deportation numbers, it’s crucial to look beyond the headlines and dig into how each administration defined and enforced immigration policy.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Business & Money
The Collapse of Western Luxury Sales in China and the Rise of Local Brands

The luxury fashion industry is facing a profound reckoning in China, a market that once powered its global growth. In 2024, the Chinese mainland luxury market experienced a historic decline of 18–20%, reverting to 2020 levels and sending shockwaves through the sector (Bain & Company). This dramatic downturn is not only impacting sales figures but also reshaping the very perception of what luxury means for Chinese consumers.
Several key forces have converged to erode Western brands’ dominance. Economic stagnation, a persistent real estate slump, and widespread pay cuts—especially in the financial sector—have undermined consumer confidence and spending power (Jing Daily). The pandemic and ongoing economic headwinds have prompted consumers to re-evaluate luxury purchases with a more practical lens, moving away from status-driven consumption (Bain & Company).

As travel restrictions eased, there was a notable rebound in overseas luxury shopping, with Chinese consumers flocking to Japan and Europe for better prices and exclusive items. In 2024, only 60% of Chinese luxury spending occurred domestically, with the rest shifting abroad (Bain & Company). Continuous price hikes by Western brands, often without clear added value, have made even affluent shoppers more cautious (Bain & Company).
Adding to these challenges, viral social media content and investigative reports have exposed the reality that many luxury goods—Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and more—are produced in China at a fraction of their retail price, then labeled as European-made. This revelation has shaken consumer trust and eroded the mystique that once justified luxury markups (Pakistan Today). Younger Chinese shoppers, driven by rising nationalism and skepticism of Western consumerism, are increasingly turning to domestic brands that offer comparable quality at lower prices (Pakistan Today).
The numbers tell a stark story. China’s share of global luxury sales has plummeted from 50% a decade ago to just 12% in 2024 (Pakistan Today). The global luxury market saw a 2% decline in 2024, with China accounting for the bulk of that drop (Pakistan Today; Macao News). Leading Western luxury groups suffered steep losses, with all major categories—jewelry, watches, leather goods, and fashion—experiencing double-digit declines (Bloomberg; Retail Asia).

As Western brands stumble, Chinese luxury labels and alternative shopping channels are surging. Local companies are capitalizing on shifting tastes and national pride, offering high-quality products that resonate with younger consumers (Pakistan Today). Price-sensitive shoppers are flocking to grey market platforms and direct-from-factory channels, further undercutting traditional luxury retail (Bain & Company). There’s also a visible shift toward spending on experiences, travel, and unique products, as opposed to traditional status-symbol goods (Bain & Company). Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are gravitating toward brands that are culturally relevant, locally inspired, and digitally savvy (Jing Daily).
The era of easy growth for Western luxury brands in China is over. Brands must now compete fiercely for market share—not just through expansion, but by investing in brand differentiation, product innovation, and authentic consumer engagement (Bain & Company). As Chinese manufacturers and influencers continue to challenge the veneer of Western luxury, only those brands able to deliver genuine value and cultural relevance will survive. As one observer put it, “80% of anything you buy from Gucci is made in China, and over 60% of Prada comes from there too,” likening the revelation to “pulling the curtain back in The Wizard of Oz and realizing there’s no real magic behind the person running the show” (Pakistan Today).

In this new landscape, local brands are on the rise, and the global luxury industry is being forced to confront uncomfortable truths about value, authenticity, and the future of consumer desire.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Politics
FBI Nabs Top MS-13 Leader Near Nation’s Capital

In a major blow to the notorious MS-13 gang, U.S. authorities captured one of its top leaders in a pre-dawn raid on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The operation took place in Woodbridge, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C., highlighting the gang’s proximity to the nation’s capital.

The 24-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, is considered one of the top three leaders of MS-13 in the United States and the primary leader for the East Coast. Originally from El Salvador, the individual was living in the country illegally.
The arrest was the result of a meticulously planned joint operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Prince William County Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Virginia State Police.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel were present at a nearby tactical operations center to oversee the operation. Bondi praised the effort, stating, “Virginia and the country is a lot safer today,” while Patel commended the law enforcement officers for conducting a safe operation.
The capture of this high-ranking MS-13 leader is part of a broader crackdown on the gang’s activities. In the past two months alone, the FBI has arrested three individuals from its top 10 most wanted list.
President Donald Trump celebrated the arrest on social media, specifically praising Tom Homan, likely referring to his Border Czar. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also commented on the arrest, emphasizing that Virginia is not a sanctuary state.
This high-profile arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to combat MS-13’s influence and criminal activities in the United States. The gang, known for its brutal tactics and involvement in various illegal activities, has been a prime target for law enforcement agencies across the country.
As authorities prepare to release more information, this arrest marks a significant victory in the fight against organized crime and transnational gang activities in the United States.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
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