The Trump administration is considering a significant expansion of its travel ban policy, potentially adding 36 new countries—most of them in Africa, as well as several in the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania—to the list of nations facing full or partial entry restrictions to the United States. This move follows a recent ban on 12 countries and is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy aimed at tightening U.S. border security and vetting procedures.

Background

Earlier this month, the administration enacted a proclamation barring entry to citizens from 12 countries, citing national security and terrorism concerns. The new proposal, outlined in a State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, gives the 36 additional countries a 60-day deadline to address U.S. concerns or risk being added to the travel ban list.

Countries at Risk

The countries under review span several continents, with 25 located in Africa. The list also includes nations from the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania. Some of the countries named in the memo are:

• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia
• Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria
• Oceania: Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Reasons for the Expansion

The administration’s memo cites several reasons for considering the expansion:

• Inadequate Vetting and Screening: Many of the countries have been flagged for failing to meet U.S. standards for identity verification and security screening.
• Unreliable Documentation: Concerns include the lack of credible government authority to issue reliable identity documents and questionable security of passports.
• Visa Overstays and Deportation Issues: Some countries have high rates of visa overstays or are uncooperative in accepting the return of their nationals who are ordered to be removed from the U.S.
• Security Threats: The memo also references links to terrorism, antisemitic, or anti-American activities by some nationals from the listed countries.

Implications

If implemented, the expanded travel ban could nearly triple the number of countries affected by U.S. entry restrictions, with significant consequences for international travel, immigration, and diplomatic relations. The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates and could impact U.S. tourism, especially as the country prepares to host major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Next Steps

The 36 countries have been given until Wednesday to submit action plans addressing U.S. requirements. Those that fail to comply within the 60-day window may face full or partial travel bans as early as August.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s consideration of a sweeping expansion to the travel ban underscores its ongoing focus on immigration enforcement and national security. The coming weeks will be critical as the affected countries respond to U.S. demands and the administration decides whether to move forward with the proposed restrictions.

From the Bolanle Media Press Room | June 17, 2025

Israel-Iran War 2025: How Far Will This War Go?

Overview

The Israel-Iran conflict in 2025 has escalated into one of the most dangerous confrontations in recent Middle Eastern history. Israel’s preemptive airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities triggered a massive retaliation from Iran, leading to a cycle of attacks that threatens to draw in regional and global powers.

Timeline of Escalation

• Israeli Airstrikes: In mid-June, Israel launched aggressive airstrikes deep into Iranian territory, targeting nuclear sites and military infrastructure. The attacks caused significant damage and casualties among Iranian leadership and scientists.
• Iranian Retaliation: Iran responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. While Israel’s missile defense systems intercepted many, some missiles penetrated defenses, causing casualties and infrastructure damage.
• Regional Fallout: The conflict has already affected neighboring countries, with concerns that it could spill over into a broader regional war involving powers such as the U.S., NATO, and regional actors like Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Military Capabilities and Strategies

• Israel: Leveraged advanced airpower and intelligence networks to strike Iranian targets with precision. The operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” demonstrated Israel’s ability to operate almost uncontested in Iranian airspace.
• Iran: Possesses a large arsenal of ballistic missiles and drones, some of which have successfully struck Israeli targets. Iran’s strategy includes sustained missile attacks and the potential use of proxies in the region to stretch Israeli defenses.
• War of Attrition: Both sides are engaged in a battle of endurance, with Israel’s expensive missile defense systems being tested by Iran’s cheaper, mass-produced drones and missiles.

Potential Outcomes

• Prolonged Conflict: Experts warn that the war could last for weeks or even months, depending on each side’s ability to sustain military operations and absorb losses.
• Risk of Wider War: There is a real danger that the conflict could drag in other countries, either through direct attacks or by disrupting global oil supplies and trade routes.
• Diplomatic Off-Ramps: While both sides have issued threats of further escalation, there remains a possibility for diplomatic intervention to prevent a full-scale regional war.

Why This Matters Globally

• Economic Impact: The war has already caused oil prices to surge, affecting global markets and everyday costs for consumers worldwide.
• Security Concerns: The risk of cyberattacks, terrorism, and further military escalation has put global security on high alert.
• Political Ramifications: The conflict is reshaping alliances and forcing world leaders to reconsider their strategies in the Middle East.

Watch the Full Analysis

For a detailed, fact-based breakdown of the conflict’s origins, escalation, and possible futures—including why this war matters for the world and the United States—watch the highly recommended YouTube video:

This video explains the timeline of events, military strategies, and the global stakes of the ongoing war, making it the most relevant and comprehensive source for understanding the current crisis.

This report synthesizes the latest developments and expert analysis to provide a clear account of the Israel-Iran conflict and its global implications.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 15, 2025

NEWSROOM | Bolanle Media

DHS Sets Controversial ICE Arrest Quota at 3,000 Per Day

Capacity concerns rise as immigrant communities brace for ramped-up enforcement

[Washington, D.C.] – In a dramatic policy shift, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased the daily arrest quota for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to 3,000 individuals per day—up from the previous target of 1,800. The news, first reported by NPR, comes amid mounting logistical and moral concerns as detention facilities approach capacity and public scrutiny intensifies.

“We are seeing a volume-first approach to immigration enforcement—one that the system isn’t prepared to handle,” said a source familiar with the agency’s internal response.

According to Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem, the push for higher arrest numbers is part of an effort to accelerate deportations and demonstrate stronger immigration control. However, the announcement arrives at a moment when DHS is already overwhelmed, with more detainees in custody than there are detention beds available. The department is now requesting billions in emergency funding from Congress to expand detention infrastructure and personnel, though those funds may not be approved for several weeks.

Mixed Signals: Crackdown vs. Capacity

Despite this aggressive push, ICE lacks the resources to effectively detain and process the growing number of arrests. Critics argue that this disparity will lead to overcrowded facilities, rushed deportation proceedings, and a higher risk of wrongful detainment.

Immigrant advocacy groups are voicing concern that the policy prioritizes quotas over justice. “When the goal becomes numbers, not safety or due process, communities suffer,” said an organizer from the National Immigrant Justice Center.

Political Pressure and Human Impact

The timing of the announcement also reflects political pressure from anti-immigration factions to demonstrate tougher enforcement ahead of the 2026 midterms. Yet, the human cost is expected to be high. Without increases in legal counsel, translators, or medical resources, many detainees—especially non-criminal immigrants—could face expedited removal with minimal review.

“This is more than policy—it’s people’s lives,” said Roselyn Omaka of Bolanle Media. “And if we don’t address the infrastructure gaps, this system could collapse under its own weight.”

For media inquiries, expert interviews, or community response coverage, contact:
Roselyn Omaka – roselyn@bolanlemedia.com
hello@bolanlemedia.com
www.bolanlemedia.com