Buffalo Court Battle: Acting Mayor and Comptroller Face Off Over Bond Authority in $110 Million Budget Dispute

Buffalo, N.Y. — A court hearing on Monday brought to light a contentious legal battle between Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon and Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams over fiscal authority within the city. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Scanlon and Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, challenges Miller-Williams’ refusal to issue bond anticipation notes tied to a significant $110 million capital budget. No ruling was immediately forthcoming from Judge Emilio Colaiacovo, who indicated that he would provide a written decision by the end of the week. This ongoing dispute centers around claims that the comptroller lacks the jurisdiction to block the … Read more

"Immigration Judge Denies Bond for Shooting Victim Detained by ICE, Sparking Outcry Over Treatment of Crime Victims"

IOWA CITY, Iowa — An immigration judge has ruled that a man detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will remain in custody following a request for bond. Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo, 28, has been held since he sought police assistance as a victim of a severe shooting incident in Muscatine, Iowa. Hernandez, originally from Mexico, entered the United States illegally in 2021. His detention began on June 24, shortly after he sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds during a robbery attempt. In the aftermath of the attack, he has been attempting to obtain a special … Read more

Judge Senses Trouble in Chapter 11 Mining Case, Demands $1.5M Bond for Proceedings

A federal judge in Wilmington, Delaware, has raised concerns about potential financial irregularities in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case involving a mining company. During a recent hearing, the judge expressed doubts regarding the company’s financial standing and issued an order requiring a $1.5 million bond to proceed with its reorganization plan. The company, which specializes in mining operations, filed for Chapter 11 protection earlier this year, aiming to restructure its debts and stabilize its business. However, as the proceedings unfolded, the judge noticed what he described as “smoke,” suggesting that deeper financial issues may exist. … Read more

Advocates Challenge ICE’s Bond Policy Changes with Groundbreaking Class Action Lawsuit

DENVER — A new wave of immigration policies from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is drawing criticism from advocates for immigrant rights. Advocates argue that recently announced guidelines stripping immigrants of bond eligibility represent a troubling departure from decades of established practice. In July, ICE revealed the updated policy, stating that individuals who enter the United States unlawfully would no longer have the opportunity to secure bond. This shift has prompted the filing of a class-action lawsuit led by immigration attorney Hans Meyer, who contends that the policy is unlawful. “For 30 years, immigration law … Read more