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Mini-Report — Dec. 3, 2025: DHS Operation in New Orleans, Epstein Island Images, SNAP and Immigration Moves

This brief covers a DHS immigration operation in New Orleans and the public release of interior photos and video from Jeffrey Epstein's private island. It notes a pause on immigration applications for people from 19 countries and plans to withhold SNAP benefits in many Democratic-led states. Additional items: the FDA drug-evaluation chief's planned retirement, Costco's tariff lawsuit, and criticism of a Pentagon social-media post tied to recent airstrikes.

04:11 AM, 12/04/2025Politics
Mini-Report — Dec. 3, 2025: DHS Operation in New Orleans, Epstein Island Images, SNAP and Immigration Moves

Today's quick briefing highlights key developments across immigration, federal agencies, legal battles and national security from Dec. 3, 2025.

DHS operation in New Orleans: The Department of Homeland Security launched an immigration operation in New Orleans on Wednesday, the latest in a series of actions focused on Democratic-led cities. Officials did not immediately disclose how many federal agents were involved or how long the operation will continue.

New Epstein material released: Democrats on the House Oversight Committee published a batch of photos and video taken on the private island owned by the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These interior images are being released publicly for the first time and are expected to figure in ongoing congressional and legal reviews.

Immigration applications paused for 19 countries: The administration is pausing immigration applications, including green-card requests, for people from 19 countries that were placed under travel restrictions earlier this year. Officials said the move is part of broader immigration changes announced after the shooting of two National Guard troops.

Trump on Honduras: Former President Donald Trump accused Honduran election officials of 'trying to change the results' of the presidential election. Reporting did not immediately corroborate his allegation, and observers say the claim was not clearly supported by available evidence cited in public reports.

SNAP benefits at risk: The administration indicated it will begin withholding SNAP benefits from recipients in most Democratic-led states after those states declined to provide the Agriculture Department with certain data, including recipients' names and immigration status. State officials criticized the move as coercive and warned of potential disruptions to food assistance.

FDA leadership change: Richard Pazdur, the FDA's drug-evaluation chief and a longtime oncology official, is expected to retire just weeks after assuming the role on November 11. Pazdur replaced George Tidmarsh, who resigned amid allegations concerning his personal conduct.

Costco sues over tariffs: Costco filed suit seeking a full refund of new tariffs it has paid this year and asking a court to block continued collection of those import duties as a related Supreme Court case proceeds.

Pentagon social-media controversy: As experts questioned the legal basis for airstrikes that reportedly killed more than 80 alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a social-media cartoon depicting the children's character Franklin the Turtle firing a gun from a helicopter at armed smugglers. Critics called the post childish, demeaning and unprofessional; defenders said it was intended as rhetorical commentary.

See you tomorrow.

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