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By SARAH RAZA

Two Minneapolis residents who have been monitoring immigration officers’ actions during the Trump administration’s latest crackdown say they were detained without charge for several hours in distressing conditions, denied phone calls, and pressured to rat out protest organizers and people living in the country illegally.

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The accusations leveled by Brandon Sigüenza and Patty O’Keefe suggest that the Department of Homeland Security is employing similar tactics in Minneapolis and St. Paul as it did during the crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and New Orleans. Federal officers are again using roving patrols, warrantless arrests and aggressive tactics such as spraying chemical irritants, breaking car windows and recording protesters, including Renee Good and her vehicle in the moments before an ICE officer fatally shot her.

According to organizers and an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit, immigration officers have also been surveilling activists who have been observing their activities in the Twin Cities, violating their First Amendment rights. And Sigüenza, who like his friend O’Keefe is a U.S. citizen, said an immigration officer who questioned him Sunday even offered him money or legal protection if he gave up the names of organizers or neighbors who are in the country illegally.

“At one point, the officer said in vague terms that it looks like I’m in trouble, and he could possibly help me out,” Sigüenza said, noting he refused the offer.

DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs and Enforcement and the Border Patrol, didn’t immediately respond to a Tuesday request for comment.

Aggressive tactics and an arrest

Sigüenza and O’Keefe, who are among an unknown number of Twin Cities residents observing the immigration officers in action, were detained Sunday while following ICE officers who were driving around and making arrests. The officers stopped in front of O’Keefe’s car, fired pepper spray through her windshield vent and smashed her car’s windows even though the doors were unlocked, the two told The Associated Press.

The car of Patty O’Keefe, a U.S. citizens who was arrested while following federal agents’ vehicles and briefly held at a federal facility in Minneapolis, shows glass on the ground after her front driver’s side window was smashed in, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Jen Golbeck)

According to O’Keefe, the agents mocked her looks and laughed at her. She said they also brought up the killing of Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was shot in the head last week by an ICE officer in front of her wife.

O’Keefe said the officer who sprayed their car Sunday threatened them, saying that “obstructing” their work was how Good got killed.

“It was very clear that they were trying to just humiliate me, break me down,” O’Keefe said.

Cash and legal help for information

Sigüenza and O’Keefe said they were arrested and taken in separate unmarked SUVs to the highly restricted federal facility on the edge of Minneapolis that’s serving as the crackdown’s main hub. They were put in adjacent cells reserved for U.S. citizens, one for men and the other for women. Each cell was also being used for other detainees and was no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet (about 9 square meters), with a concrete bench, flat-screen TV, two-way mirror and surveillance camera.

On their way to the cells, they saw other detainees who were screaming and wailing for help, though most were dejectedly staring at the ground, they said. In one instance, they observed a woman who was trying to use a toilet while three male agents watched. The overwhelming majority of detainees were Hispanic men, though some were East African — Minnesota is home to the country’s largest Somali community.

“Just hearing the visceral pain of the people in this center was awful,” O’Keefe said. “And then you juxtapose that with the laughter we heard from the actual agents. … It was very surreal and kind of shocking.”

Sigüenza said one of his cellmates had a cut on his head and the other had an injured toe, but neither was offered medical help. Their requests for water or to go to the bathroom outside their cells were also ignored, he said.

O’Keefe and Sigüenza were able to speak with lawyers, but only Sigüenza allowed to make a phone call — he called his wife.

Sigüenza, who is Hispanic, said DHS investigators took him to another room and offered him money or legal protection for any family members who might be in the country illegally in exchange for giving up the names of protest organizers or neighbors who don’t have legal immigration status. But he said he refused the offer, noting that he doesn’t have any family members without legal status.

Sigüenza and O’Keefe, who have shared their story widely on social media, were let go by evening without charges.

Once they left the facility, they were again hit with chemical agents officers were using on protesters in the area.

“We were not charged with a crime,” said Sigüenza. “We were released and then tear-gassed on our way out.”

Concerns about detention conditions elsewhere

The conditions at immigration detention facilities around the country have been the subject of complaints, including a lawsuit over the one that served as the Chicago-area’s operational hub that resulted in a judge’s oversight visit and an order to improve conditions.

DHS has defended the conditions in its facilities, saying detainees are fed and their medical concerns are addressed. And they’ve trumpeted the success of the immigration crackdowns, saying they’ve led to the arrests of thousands of people who are in the country illegally.

O’Keefe and Sigüenza believe their detention was meant to intimidate them and others critics of the immigration crackdown.

U.S. citizens’ and noncitizens’ rights differ slightly in immigration detention than in criminal detention, according to Lynn Damiano Pearson, an immigration attorney with the National Immigration Law Center. But detainees retain basic rights in both situations, including access to counsel and a phone, food and water, and privacy from the opposite gender when using the restroom.

Associated Press reporter Sophia Tareen contributed to this report.

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled House on Tuesday advanced legislation aimed at fulfilling President Donald Trump’s long-running desire to “make showers great again” by voting to loosen federal efficiency standards for showerheads.

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The bill — dubbed the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing, or Shower ACT — passed 226-197, with 11 Democrats crossing the aisle in support.

Republicans have argued the measure would wash away unnecessary regulations and allow more water to flow through showerheads. Democrats warn the relaxed standards could soak consumers with higher utility bills and worsen environmental impacts.

“If they want a nozzle that dribbles on their head, well then go get one of those. If you want something that slices an orange, well then go get one of those. That should be your choice as a consumer,” said GOP Rep. Russell Fry, sponsor of the bill.

The legislation is light on details, and its prospects in the Senate are uncertain as members of that chamber focus attention on government funding and foreign policy. Still, it’s part of a broader effort by House Speaker Mike Johnson to codify Trump’s executive actions in federal law.

In April, Trump signed an executive order calling for an immediate end to water conservation standards that limit the gallons per minute flowing through showerheads and other household appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets. The House bill builds on that directive, seeking to reduce what Republicans view as overregulation by permitting stronger water flow in homes than current standards allow.

Environmental groups have criticized the proposal, warning it would increase water consumption and energy use. Democrats echoed those concerns and questioned why Republicans were spending time on the issue.

“Why on God’s green earth, on the first full day that this Congress is back in 2026, are the Republicans using the floor time — in the midst of armed conflict and daily corruption by this administration — to run a bill on rich people showers?” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., during debate last week.

For over three decades, federal energy law has outlined appliance standards that determine new showerheads shouldn’t pour out more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (9.5 liters). The Obama administration refined the restrictions and applied those limits to the water that comes out of the entire showerhead, even ones with several nozzles.

During his first term, Trump relaxed that rule to allow each nozzle of a showerhead spray as much as 2.5 gallons. The Biden administration reversed Trump’s action in 2021.

Republicans defended the bill as a necessary corrective. GOP Rep. Michael Rulli of Ohio said Republicans are “worried about the working man.”

“You go on vacation, you go to a motel and you get a shower, it’s the worst shower you ever had. It’s cold. It’s dripping out there. The working man cannot even enjoy his daily life,” Rulli said.

By JOE YERDON

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Anton Lundell scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and A.J. Greer scored twice as the Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 on Monday night.

Greer’s second two-goal game of the season helped the Panthers to their second straight victory. His scored in the first period to give Florida a 2-1 lead and his empty-net goal in the third was the winner.

Sam Reinhart also scored for the Panthers, who posted consecutive wins after opening a six-game trip with two loss. The close out the road trip with games at Carolina (Friday) and Washington (Saturday). Sergei Bobrovsky made 20 saves.

Jacob Bryson, Zach Benson and Alex Tuch scored for the Sabres, who lost for just the second time in the past 15 games. Colten Ellis made 28 saves.

Reinhart opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 2:30 of the first period. Bryson made it 1-all at 10:19. Greer got the lead back for Florida at 15:11.

Benson made it 2-2 at 17:57 of the second period. Josh Doan’s assist on the goal extended his point streak to six games.

Lundell made it 3-2 Florida at 11:07 of the third period. Greer’s empty-net goal at 18:46 made it 4-2. Tuch’s goal a minute later cut it to 4-3.

Panthers forward Brad Marchand missed his third straight game with an undisclosed injury.

Up next

Panthers: At Carolina on Friday.

For Darryl Brown, few football players stand out like Alonza Barnett III, a talent brimming with the tools for success.

Brown witnessed Barnett’s skill firsthand while serving as his coach at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C. The pair would help to lead the Whirlies to the NCHSAA Class 4A state championship in 2020, with Barnett earning MVP honors along the way.

Even five years later, the admiration for his former player can be heard in Brown’s voice.

“He’s a winner and one of the nicest, most polite young men you’ll ever meet,” Brown recently told the Sentinel. “When you put him on the field between those lines and he shuts that helmet up and it’s time to go, he’s gonna do whatever it takes to beat you. He’s the ultimate competitor.”

Barnett is bringing that competitive nature with him after signing with UCF after four seasons at James Madison. The redshirt senior quarterback is the crown jewel of the Knights’ 2026 transfer class, bringing with him the hope of improvement from a frustrating 5-7 season in 2025.

Dave Riggert has had a watchful eye on Barnett. Riggert is the radio voice of James Madison athletics and has seen the overall growth from the 22-year-old.

“The one thing that probably stood out over the course of his four years at JMU was he’s really matured into a pretty impressive young man,” said Riggert.

Riggert recalled that after Barnett redshirted his freshman season, he won the starting job out of fall camp the following season, but after struggling in the opener against Bucknell, then-coach Curt Cignetti replaced him with former USF quarterback Jordan McCloud.

“He did not handle it very well; nothing publicly like he was a bad teammate. Just internally, just with him, probably not practicing as hard as he wanted to, not watching as much film as he wanted to. He admitted it to me, so it’s fair to say he wasn’t mature enough to handle it.

“That made him grow up a ton and made him kind of become the player he’s become.”

Meet the new Knights players from transfer portal

Barnett won back the starting job at the start of the 2024 season, completing 60% of his passes for 2,598 yards with 26 touchdowns and 4 interceptions while earning a spot as an honorable mention on the All-Sun Belt Conference team.

But on the final snap of the regular-season finale against Marshall, Barnett tore his ACL in his right knee, forcing him to miss JMU’s appearance in the Boca Raton Bowl. He missed offseason workouts, spring camp and summer while rehabbing the injury.

In the meantime, coach Bob Chesney and the Dukes signed two veteran quarterbacks: Matthew Sluka (UNLV) and Camden Coleman (Richmond), preparing for the possibility that Barnett wouldn’t be available.

“Coach Chesney told me at one point that they went to Alonza during that whole process and said, ‘Hey, we’re bringing a couple of guys,’ and he welcomed it,” said Riggert. “He welcomed the competition.”

To everyone’s surprise, Barnett returned and won back the starting job for a third time.

“I’ve been around college athletics for about 20 years now and he’s one of the most focused guys that I’ve seen,” Riggert said of Barnett’s comeback. “It speaks volumes to the type of kid that he is, his work ethic, what he demands of himself and just what he thinks he can be.”

Barnett led JMU to an 11-1 regular season that was capped by winning the Sun Belt Conference championship with a 31-14 win over Troy. The win propelled the Dukes into the College Football Playoff, where they lost 51-34 at Oregon in a first-round matchup.

The redshirt junior was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year after combining for 3,395 total yards and 38 total touchdowns.

“He could have sat out this year, but he fought to get back and play with his team and led them to a championship and player-of-the-year honors,” said Brown. “He graduated in December and now he’s going to take that grad transfer and play another year. He’s a guy that’s done it the right way.”

It’s a misnomer that the 5-foot-11, 216-pound Barnett is your typical dual-threat quarterback, at least according to Brown and Riggert.

“He uses his legs, but I don’t think that’s his strength,” said Riggert. “He’s more of a pocket-style quarterback who can use his legs. His arm talent is off the charts. The ball comes out of his hand differently than anybody I’ve ever seen. He can make every throw in the book. There is no doubt, and that’s what he wants to do.”

“He’ll do whatever it takes,” added Brown. “He’s good in the pocket. He’s very accurate and understands defenses extremely well. When he’s asked to run the football, he’s a powerful, physical runner. What people may be surprised by is his breakaway speed.”

Barnett has completed 58.8% of his passes throughout his college career for 5,433 yards with 49 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His interception-to-pass ratio (2.2) was one of the best in the country last season, behind just Hawaii’s Micah Alejado (2.1) and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia (2.1).

He’s rushed for 1,031 yards combined over the past two seasons, with 22 total touchdowns, while averaging nearly 4 yards per carry.

“They [JMU] have pushed him into being more of a runner the last couple of years,” said Riggert. “He’s led the Dukes in rushing touchdowns the last two years. When the offense got going, he started running the ball a bit and getting out of the pocket. So it’s not something that, again, he necessarily wants to do, but I think that’s the way the offense works best when he has his legs.”

With Chesney leaving to become the head coach at UCLA, it wasn’t shocking that Barnett would want to leave for his next challenge.

“UCF should be very, very happy to have him,” said Riggert. “He’s going to do great things. It didn’t surprise me that he left and I’m sad personally, but I’m happy and excited to watch him in the future.”

Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.

 

 

By EDITH M. LEDERER

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States accused Russia on Monday of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” of its nearly four-year war in Ukraine at a time when the Trump administration is trying to advance negotiations toward peace.

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U.S. deputy ambassador to the United Nations Tammy Bruce singled out Russia’s launch of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile last week close to Ukraine’s border with Poland, a NATO ally.

She told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that the United States deplores “the staggering number of casualties” in the conflict and condemns Russia’s intensifying attacks on energy and other infrastructure.

Ukraine called for the meeting after last Thursday’s overnight Russian bombardment with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the powerful, new hypersonic Oreshnik missile, which Moscow used for only the second time in what was a clear warning to Kyiv’s NATO allies.

The large-scale attack came days after Ukraine and its allies reported major progress toward agreeing on how to defend the country from further Moscow aggression if a U.S.-led peace deal is struck.

The attack also coincided with a new chill in relations between Moscow and Washington after Russia condemned the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker in the North Atlantic. And it came as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled he is on board with a hard-hitting sanctions package meant to economically cripple Russia.

Moscow has given no public signal it is willing to budge from its maximalist demands on Ukraine. And Russia’s U.N. ambassador on Monday blamed the diplomatic impasse on Ukraine.

Europe’s leaders condemned the attack using the Oreshnik as “escalatory and unacceptable,” and U.S. envoy Bruce was equally tough on Monday.

“At a moment of tremendous potential, due only to President Trump’s unparalleled commitment to peace around the world, both sides should be seeking ways to de-escalate,” she said. “Yet Russia’s action risks expanding and intensifying the war.”

A residential building is seen damaged after a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Bruce reminded Russia that nearly a year ago it voted in favor of a Security Council resolution calling for an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

“It would be nice if Russia matched their words with deeds,” she said. “In the spirit of that resolution, Russia, Ukraine and Europe must pursue peace seriously and bring this nightmare to an end.”

But Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council that until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “comes to his senses and agrees to realistic conditions for negotiations, we will continue solving the problem by military means.”

“He was warned long ago, with each passing day, each day which he squanders, the conditions for negotiations will only get worse for him,” Nebenzia said. “Similarly, each vile attack on Russian civilians will elicit a stiff response.”

Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Andriy Melnyk countered that Russia is more vulnerable now than at any time since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Its economy is slowing and oil revenue is down.

“Russia wants to sell to this council and the whole U.N. family the impression that it is invincible, but this is another illusion,” he told the council. “The carefully staged image of strength is nothing but smoke and mirrors, completely detached from reality.”

By AAMER MADHANI

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has arrived at a delicate moment as he weighs whether to order a U.S. military response against the Iranian government as it continues a violent crackdown on protests that have left nearly 600 dead and led to the arrests of thousands across the country.

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The U.S. president has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if his administration found the Islamic Republic was using deadly force against antigovernment protesters. It’s a red line that Trump has said he believes Iran is “starting to cross” and has left him and his national security team weighing “very strong options.”

But the U.S. military — which Trump has warned Tehran is “locked and loaded” — appears, at least for the moment, to have been placed on standby mode as Trump ponders next steps, saying that Iranian officials want to have talks with the White House.

“What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday. “However, with that said, the president has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran.”

Hours later, Trump announced on social media that he would slap 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran “effective immediately” — his first action aimed at penalizing Iran for the protest crackdown, and his latest example of using tariffs as a tool to force friends and foes on the global stage to bend to his will.

China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil and Russia are among economies that do business with Tehran. The White House declined to offer further comment or details about the president’s tariff announcement.

The White House has offered scant details on Iran’s outreach for talks, but Leavitt confirmed that the president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will be a key player engaging Tehran.

Trump told reporters Sunday evening that a “meeting is being set up” with Iranian officials but cautioned that “we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting.”

“We’re watching the situation very carefully,” Trump said.

Can the protests be sustained?

Demonstrations in Iran continue, but analysts say it remains unclear just how long protesters will remain on the street.

An internet blackout imposed by Tehran makes it hard for protesters to understand just how widespread the demonstrations have become, said Vali Nasr, a State Department adviser during the early part of the Obama administration, and now professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University.

“It makes it very difficult for news from one city or pictures from one city to incense or motivate action in another city,” Nasr said. “The protests are leaderless, they’re organization-less. They are actually genuine eruptions of popular anger. And without leadership and direction and organization, such protests, not just in Iran, everywhere in the world — it’s very difficult for them to sustain themselves.”

Meanwhile, Trump is dealing with a series of other foreign policy emergencies around the globe.

It’s been just over a week since the U.S. military launched a successful raid to arrest Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and remove him from power. The U.S. continues to mass an unusually large number of troops in the Caribbean Sea.

Trump is also focused on trying to get Israel and Hamas onto the second phase of a peace deal in Gaza and broker an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end the nearly four-year war in Eastern Europe.

But advocates urging Trump to take strong action against Iran say this moment offers an opportunity to further diminish the theocratic government that’s ruled the country since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

The demonstrations are the biggest Iran has seen in years — protests spurred by the collapse of Iranian currency that have morphed into a larger test of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s repressive rule.

Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House, in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Iran, through the country’s parliamentary speaker, has warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington uses force to protect demonstrators.

Trump allies want to see US back protesters

Some of Trump’s hawkish allies in Washington are calling on the president not to miss the opportunity to act decisively against a vulnerable Iranian government that they argue is reeling after last summer’s 12-day war with Israel and battered by U.S. strikes in June on key Iranian nuclear sites.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on social media Monday that the moment offers Trump the chance to show that he’s serious about enforcing red lines. Graham alluded to former Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012 setting a red line on the use of chemical weapons by Syria’s Bashar Assad against his own people — only not to follow through with U.S. military action after the then-Syrian leader crossed that line the following year.

“It is not enough to say we stand with the people of Iran,” Graham said. “The only right answer here is that we act decisively to protect protesters in the street — and that we’re not Obama — proving to them we will not tolerate their slaughter without action.”

Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, another close Trump ally, said the “goal of every Western leader should be to destroy the Iranian dictatorship at this moment of its vulnerability.”

“In a few weeks either the dictatorship will be gone or the Iranian people will have been defeated and suppressed and a campaign to find the ringleaders and kill them will have begun,” Gingrich said in an X post. “There is no middle ground.”

Indeed, Iranian authorities have managed to snuff out rounds of mass protests before, including the “Green Movement” following the disputed election in 2009 and the “woman, life, freedom” protests that broke out after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in custody of the state’s morality police in 2022.

Trump and his national security team have already begun reviewing options for potential military action and he is expected to continue talks with his team this week.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank, said “there is a fast-diminishing value to official statements by the president promising to hold the regime accountable, but then staying on the sidelines.”

Trump, Taleblu noted, has shown a desire to maintain “maximum flexibility rooted in unpredictability” as he deals with adversaries.

“But flexibility should not bleed into a policy of locking in or bailing out an anti-American regime which is on the ropes at home and has a bounty on the president’s head abroad,” he added.

Two people were shot to death at an office building Monday in Boynton Beach, police said.

The gunman shot himself several blocks away about an hour later, Boynton Police said.

Officers were initially called about a shooting in the 2400 block of High Ridge Road about 4 p.m. They found two people dead inside the building, the police department said in a news release about 7:30 p.m.

Chief Joseph DeGiulio told reporters the shooter and victims knew each another. Their names have not been released as of Monday night.

The building houses multiple businesses, and DeGiulio did not provide information about which business the shooting happened inside.

After the initial call of the shooting, a “concerned resident” called police to report a suspicious car and person near the 500 block of Northwest Seventh Court that matched the description of the shooter’s car.

The concerned citizen reported seeing something “alarming”, DeGiulio said, but he did not have details about what information the citizen gave police. Prior to the citizen’s tip, officers were searching for the shooter in a different area about half a mile away, he said.

Officers tried to pull over the driver, but he or she did not stop. A short pursuit ensued and the driver crashed in the 100 block of Leisureville Boulevard, the news release said.

The suspected shooter was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head, DeGiulio said.

The shooting prompted lockdowns at nearby schools and business, all of which have been lifted.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER

NEW YORK (AP) — Getting married and allegedly embracing a monogamous lifestyle cannot prove the innocence of a man charged in a conspiracy with his two brothers — both luxury real estate brokers — to sexually assault dozens of women, a federal judge said Monday.

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Judge Valerie E. Caproni rejected Alon Alexander’s request to dismiss one count of the indictment he faces and use his 2019 engagement and subsequent marriage as a defense at a trial scheduled to start next week in Manhattan with jury selection.

The three brothers — Alon, Oren and Tal Alexander — are jailed without bail after pleading not guilty to conspiracy and other charges alleging that they drugged and raped women.

Oren Alexander and Tal Alexander sold high-end properties in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles before the charges were filed alleging that they used their wealth and influence to attack women from 2002 to 2021.

Alon Alexander’s lawyers argued that getting engaged and married signaled his exit from the single life and amounted to a withdrawal from any alleged conspiracy.

Caproni said he “saw an opportunity to reach for the prize” and try to win an acquittal with the argument as she denied his request and said he is also precluded from introducing evidence of his engagement and marriage at the trial.

The judge wrote that proof of Alon Alexander’s engagement and marriage is irrelevant and amounted to hearsay that could not be introduced at trial, including photographs, social media posts and home videos of his engagement announcement, along with statements from his co-defendants and a rabbi.

In a footnote, Caproni wrote that Alon Alexander’s contention that his withdrawal from “the single life” meant he abandoned any conduct that could be part of the sex abuse conspiracy “fails to adequately grapple with the nuance of the Government’s allegations or the contours of a sex trafficking conspiracy more generally.”

She said participation in the criminal conspiracy was not “comparable or akin to participation in ‘the single life.’”

“There are plenty of single men who engage in sexual activity without trafficking, drugging, or raping women and girls,” the judge said. “By the same token, the inverse of the Government’s alleged conspiracy is not, for example, ‘the engaged life’ or ‘the married life.’”

Thus, she said, there is nothing about the “mere transition from ‘single’ to ‘engaged’ that clearly indicates that Defendant withdrew himself from the conspiracy, or that he would cease helping his brothers accomplish the goals of the conspiracy — even if his participation in the scheme no longer involved him having sex (consensual or otherwise) with women that were not his fiancee.”

By SAFIYAH RIDDLE and VALERIE GONZALEZ

As the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement nationwide, a wave of high-profile arrests — many unfolding at private homes and businesses and captured on video — has pushed one legal question into the center of the national debate: When can federal immigration agents lawfully enter private property to make an arrest?

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That question has taken on new urgency in cities like Minneapolis, where thousands of federal agents are operating on the streets amid protests, confrontations and a fatal shooting, sharpening scrutiny of the legal authority immigration officers rely on when they arrive at the front door.

At the heart of the debate is a legal distinction largely unfamiliar to the public but central to immigration enforcement.

Most immigration arrests are carried out under administrative warrants, internal documents issued by immigration authorities that authorize the arrest of a specific individual but do not permit officers to forcibly enter private homes or other non-public spaces without consent. Only criminal warrants signed by judges carry that authority. Legal experts say the administration’s aggressive enforcement push, combined with public awareness of those limits, is increasingly turning door-knock encounters into flashpoints, fueling confrontations that are now playing out in cities across the country.

Here is what to know about the limitations on the warrants that authorize most immigration related arrests.

Immigration warrants typically don’t authorize entry onto private property

All law enforcement operations — including those conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection — are governed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects all people in the country from unreasonable searches and seizures. That means law enforcement is required to have a warrant before searching one’s private property or arresting someone, regardless of immigration status.

But not all warrants are the same. Typically, arrests carried out by Department of Homeland Security agencies are authorized by administrative warrants — sometimes known as immigration warrants — not judicial warrants.

Judicial warrants are issued by a court and signed by a magistrate or a state or federal judge. These warrants allow a relevant law enforcement agency to apprehend a specified individual in any context — regardless of whether the person is on public or on private property. In other words, law enforcement is legally allowed to enter and search a home or business to make the arrest without the consent of the property owner once a judge signs off on the arrest.

By contrast, the administrative warrants used in most immigration operations are sanctioned by an agency, officer or immigration judge, and don’t allow law enforcement to forcibly enter private property to detain someone.

That means people can legally refuse federal immigration agents entry into private property if the agents only have an administrative warrant.

A federal immigration officer deploys pepper spray as officers make an arrest Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/John Locher)

There are limited exceptions, some of which include if someone is in immediate danger, an officer is actively chasing a suspect or if someone is calling for help inside the residence. But those exceptions don’t apply in routine immigration arrests, legal experts say.

John Sandweg, a former ICE acting director, said officers are trained on what circumstances legally justify forced entry. But as the scope of ICE’s work has expanded, and more Border Patrol agents have begun conducting the work of ICE officers, there is a greater chance that agents will misapply the rules, he said.

“Your risks of all of these types of incidents increase dramatically when you take officers out of their normal operating environment and ask them to do things that they have not been trained to do, because it’s not part of their core missions,” Sandweg said.

Mounting tensions in Minneapolis

The thorny legal distinction between judicial and administrative warrants came to the fore on Sunday when immigration law enforcement raided a private home to make an arrest in Minneapolis, after clashing with protesters who confronted the heavily armed agents. Documents reviewed by The Associated Press revealed that the agents only had an administrative warrant — meaning there was no judge that authorized the raid on private property.

When asked, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin didn’t provide a legal justification for the forced entry and arrest of the man, who is a Liberian national with a deportation order from 2023. She said his arrest was part of the administration’s efforts to arrest “the worst of the worst” and added that he had that a criminal history including “robbery, drug possession with the intent to sell, possession of a deadly weapon, malicious destruction and theft.”

McLaughlin didn’t specify whether he was convicted of any of those crimes, or whether his arrest was related to any criminal activity.

Vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center, Heidi Altman, said she couldn’t comment on that specific raid, but said that generally an officer entering a home without consent or permission could result in serious consequences.

“That is not just an illegal arrest. It’s numerous illegal actions by the officer themselves that could open up liability, not just for being sued, but potential criminal actions under state law as well,” she explained.

But in the current political climate, Altman said, it isn’t clear if there are any realistic avenues for accountability since the federal government would be responsible for investigating such a breech.

“There are layers of federal laws and regulations and policies prohibiting this kind of behavior. But then the second layer is: Is the federal government going to impose consequences?” she said.

On top of that, immigrants have less recourse after an illegal arrest or search, since the illegally obtained evidence can still be used in immigration court. It’s called the exclusionary rule, Altman explained, and the consequences that the officer may face would not undo the immediate consequences immigrants could face if they are quickly deported.

A family member reacts after federal immigration officers make an arrest Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/John Locher)

“As those legal challenges come and people are facing very, very quick detentions and deportations on the basis of these illegal arrests, there’s very little recourse in actual immigration court proceedings that allows people to have a judge disregard evidence or the actual arrest, even if it was done in this very violent, illegal manner,” Altman said.

‘Know-your-rights’ campaigns

ICE has long relied on “knock and talks” to make apprehensions, informally requesting residents to leave a home without giving any indication they plan to make an immigration arrest. As outlined in a 2020 lawsuit in which a federal judge found the practice illegal, officers tell their targets that they need them to step outside to answer a few questions. In one case, they told a woman that they were probation officers looking for her brother.

In response, activists, lawyers and local governments have launched “know-your-rights” campaigns around the country, attempting to educate people on the legal nuances of the extremely convoluted legal framework that is supposed to govern immigration law enforcement.

Many groups have published fact sheets and infographics on social media, while others facilitate meetings that go over constitutional protections that immigrants have — regardless of legal status — in interactions with federal agents.

Often groups will instruct immigrants to request to see a warrant before opening the door if an immigration officer knocks. The trainings also typically emphasize that an immigrant can refuse to open the door if law enforcement only has an administrative warrant.

The Miami Hurricanes boosted their defensive line via the transfer portal Monday evening.

Ohio State defensive tackle Jarquez Carter committed to Miami, announcing his decision on social media. He is the fourth transfer to commit to UM this offseason and the first defensive lineman. Carter was also considering Texas A&M.

Carter was a four-star prospect in the 2025 class out of Newberry High in north Florida.

The defensive lineman played in seven games (51 total snaps) in 2025.

The Hurricanes recruited Carter out of high school before he ultimately settled on the Buckeyes. He was high-school teammates with current UM defensive lineman Mykah Newton. UM likes Carter’s quickness, his strength at the point of attack and his ability to play violently, a Miami source said.

The 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive tackle will help fill the void left by departing defensive tackles David Blay Jr., who is out of eligibility after the end of the season, and Donta Simpson, who transferred to Missouri.

General Daily Insight for January 13, 2026

When tension and healing collide, we can find wisdom amidst the chaos. Early on, the emotional Moon opposes unpredictable Uranus, bringing surprises in plans, tech, or moods to which we must adapt. By 5:33 PM EST, combative Mars squares healing Chiron, urging us to face tender spots with firm kindness, especially regarding our oldest aches. We draw the lines we aren’t willing to cross, then keep showing up for what we are willing to handle. When we choose reliability, our wounds can begin healing.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

What legacy are you building right now? Ambitious Mars squares Chiron, throwing your career drive and your personal identity into the cosmic blender. Even if you aren’t currently working or don’t strongly identify with your job, you can still build a valuable reputation. Wherever you spend most of your time, find your principles and stick to them — no matter how much others pressure you. You’re steadying the metaphorical room by choosing clarity over speed. Take the lead where it counts!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

This afternoon favors curiosity and open minds. Your 9th House of Knowledge takes the spotlight, though it must share with your calmer 12th house. This is due to Mars and Chiron’s square, as it invites you to explore unique ideas without abandoning your emotional core. Debates can get personal quickly, so be sure to back your arguments up with facts in advance. Should quiet doubts surface, reflect upon them before making any bold statements. Opening your mind is the best way to increase your options.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Ideas swirl with restless, playful sparks. Tension between group efforts and individual sensitivities prompts careful handling of shared money, as fiery Mars in your 8th House Mutual Resources jabs at aching Chiron in your 11th House of Peers. If you go out to lunch, make sure everyone knows how the check will be split in advance to avoid arguments at the table. For your own finances, decide based on facts, not pressure. Then make your decisions known clearly so the plan lands with ease.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Having boundaries doesn’t mean you don’t care, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. With Mars in your 7th House of Links and Chiron in your 10th House of Professionality, their square could impact some business or social connections. Perhaps someone wants to be your friend after a group project, but you’re not interested in spending more time together. Make an effort to let them down gently — though you could give them a chance! This might signal the start of an enjoyable friendship.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Pressure rises, but creativity can find a path through it. Aggressive Mars squares vulnerable Chiron, energizing your 6th House of Health and your growth zone, asking you to protect your energy as you refine supportive habits. If a co-worker interrupts, feel free to request that they return later — they should understand your methods. That said, if you can help them quickly, it may be more efficient to share your knowledge first so you can get back to your original plans without future distractions.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Today is like a game of chess — even your small moves matter. Don’t worry, you can handle it! Mars and Chiron are sparring, potentially lighting some fires around creative matters and close relationships. You’re ready to refine a rough draft (literally or metaphorically) and keep the focus on quality over quantity. Also, be sure to celebrate small wins to keep your motivation high. Deeper feelings could surface with little warning, but you can share them with trusted people at a pace that feels safe.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Don’t lie to yourself in your home — it should be a safe place for truth to emerge. This is especially vital as Mars in your 4th House of Memory zaps Chiron in your sociable 7th house. If you aren’t happy with your domestic situation, it’s time to do something about it. You may need to renegotiate chores with a housemate or decide what truly matters for your peace of mind. Have patience as you figure out what’s realistic to ask of others and yourself.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

The truth isn’t always easy to handle — but today, you’ve got the strength to make sure it’s heard. Hot-headed Mars and measured Chiron are fussing over your communication style and your daily habits, which means it’s time to think about how you speak on a daily basis. How do you ask others for favors, and how do they respond? If someone dodges your requests, try asking a clarifying question to avoid hidden assumptions. Honesty clears the air and deepens mutual trust.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Confidence grows as money choices show clarity. Practical courage lifts your finances as energetic Mars squares vulnerable Chiron in your 2nd House of Accounting, guiding you to spend wisely while respecting personal values. You could cancel an impulse order or revisit a subscription, prioritizing options that have already proved their value. If fun plans from your 5th House of Creativity and Play tempt your budget, look for a lower-cost version that still feels joyful. Being choosy right now builds your overall financial freedom.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Discomfort isn’t necessarily a bad thing today. It can sharpen your focus, especially once Mars and Chiron meet up for their engaging square. They’re challenging you to respect yourself by releasing outdated self-criticism. You may reset your goals to better fit your true ambitions. If family gets in your way, you can acknowledge their demands without abandoning the future you actually want. Once they leave you be, go ahead and share your plan with someone supportive to lock in momentum.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your resolve is stronger than ever, but it may not look like you imagined. With vigorous Mars and considerate Chiron boosting your mental capacity, progress is more likely to occur behind the scenes or in quiet moments. If you’re struggling to focus, try journaling through a knotty thought until it loosens. If a message demands attention, reply after centering yourself so your words land kindly. A short walk could also encourage an overactive mind to chill out. Protect your energy to serve what matters.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

A tender ripple can become a tidal wave of momentum. Your 11th House of Social Networks stirs as passionate Mars squares Chiron, encouraging you to lead a group effort while honoring your sensitivity. Coordinate a community meeting and set a simple frame for the outcome so everyone feels included. Look for practical ways of handling prohibitive costs, like renting tools instead of buying them or finding volunteers with the skills you need. When you work as a team, you can celebrate as one!

By CLAIRE RUSH

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The FBI said in a court document made public Monday that it had found no surveillance or other video of a Border Patrol agent shooting and wounding two people in a pickup truck during an immigration enforcement operation in Portland, Oregon, last week.

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Agents told investigators that one of their colleagues opened fire Thursday after the driver put the truck in reverse and repeatedly slammed into an unoccupied car the agents had rented, smashing its headlights and knocking off its front bumper. The agents said they feared for their own safety and that of the public, the document said.

The FBI has interviewed four of the six agents on the scene, the document said. It did not identify the agent who fired the shots.

The shooting, which came one day after a federal agent shot and killed a driver in Minneapolis, prompted protests over federal agents’ aggressive tactics during immigration enforcement operations. The Department of Homeland Security has said the two people in the truck entered the U.S. illegally and were affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

None of the six agents was recording body camera footage, and investigators have uncovered no surveillance or other video footage of the shooting, FBI Special Agent Daniel Jeffreys wrote in an affidavit supporting aggravated assault and property damage charges against the driver, Luis David Nino-Moncada.

The truck drove away after the shooting, which occurred in the parking lot of a medical office building. Nino-Moncada called 911 after arriving at an apartment complex several minutes away. He was placed in FBI custody after being treated for a gunshot wound to the arm and abdomen.

During an initial appearance Monday afternoon in federal court in Portland, he wore a white sweatshirt and sweatpants and appeared to hold out his left arm gingerly at an angle. An interpreter translated the judge’s comments for him. The judge ordered that he remain in detention and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Wednesday.

The agent’s affidavit said that after being read his rights, Nino-Moncada “admitted to intentionally ramming the Border Patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee, and he stated that he knew they were immigration enforcement vehicles.”

His passenger, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, was hospitalized after being shot in the chest and on Monday was being held at a private immigration detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, according to an online detainee locator system maintained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She faces a charge of illegal entry into the U.S., which federal prosecutors in Texas filed last week. The federal public defender’s office for the Western District of Texas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras are Venezuela nationals and entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the Department of Homeland Security said. It identified Nino-Moncada as an associate of Tren de Aragua and Zambrano-Contreras as involved in a prostitution ring run by the gang.

Law enforcement officials work the scene following reports that federal immigration officers shot and wounded people in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

“Anyone who crosses the red line of assaulting law enforcement will be met with the full force of this Justice Department,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said Monday in a news release announcing charges against Nino-Moncada. “This man — an illegal alien with ties to a foreign terrorist organization — should NEVER have been in our country to begin with, and we will ensure he NEVER walks free in America again.”

Oregon Federal Public Defender Fidel Cassino-DuCloux, whose office represents Nino-Moncada, said in a statement last week that the shooting and the accusations against Nino-Moncada “follow a well-worn playbook that the government has developed to justify the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of its agents.”

Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed last week that the pair had “some nexus” to the gang. Day said the two came to the attention of police during an investigation of a July shooting believed to have been carried out by gang members, but they were not identified as suspects.

Zambrano-Contreras was previously arrested for prostitution, Day said, and Nino-Moncada was present when a search warrant was served in that case.

Johnson reported from Seattle.

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Today is Sunday, Jan. 11, the 11th day of 2026. There are 354 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 11, 2010, Mark McGwire admitted to The Associated Press that he’d used steroids and human growth hormone when he broke baseball’s home run record in 1998.

Also on this date:

In 1861, Alabama became the fourth state to declare its secession from the Union.

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• Today in History: January 10, bomb blasts kill more than 100 in Pakistan

In 1908, the Grand Canyon was established as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. The move protected it from mining and other activities until it became a national park in 1919.

In 1935, aviator Amelia Earhart began what would be the first solo flight from Hawaii to California, completing the 2,400-mile flight across the Pacific to Oakland in just under 19 hours.

In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued “Smoking and Health,” a report that concluded that “cigarette smoking contributes substantially to mortality from certain specific diseases and to the overall death rate.”

In 2002, the first al-Qaida prisoners from Afghanistan arrived at the U.S. military’s Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba.

In 2021, House Democrats introduced an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump, charging him with “incitement of insurrection” after the attack on the U.S. Capitol building five days earlier.

In 2024, U.S. and British forces bombed more than dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, in a massive retaliatory strike for the militant group’s attacks on international cargo ships and other targets in the Red Sea.

Today’s birthdays:

• Filmmaker Alfonso Arau is 94.
• Golf Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw is 74.
• Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour is 74.
• Olympic swimming gold medalist Tracy Caulkins is 63.
• Filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee is 56.
• Singer Mary J. Blige is 55.
• Actor Amanda Peet is 54.
• Actor Devin Ratray is 49.
• Actor Aja Naomi King is 41.
• Singer and former competitive swimmer Cody Simpson is 29.

It took a few days, but UCF is making a big splash in the transfer window as the Knights signed former James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III.

Barnett is the first of what should be a slew of signings over the next two weeks as the Knights look to fill out their roster for the 2026 season.

Here is a look at the transfer signings so far:

LB RASHAD HENRY

Vitals: 6-2, 230 pounds

Resume: Henry signed with UMass after spending time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in South Florida, where he played middle linebacker and defensive end for the Raiders. He totaled 74 tackles, including 3 for a loss, a sack, 6 hurries and 2 interceptions his senior year.

Role: The Miami native appeared in 17 games (3 starts) over three seasons with the Minutemen, totaling 68 tackles.

Outlook: Henry becomes the third linebacker to sign in the 2026 transfer class, joining Tackett Curtis and Jahleel Culbreath.

RB DUKE WATSON

Vitals: 6-0, 180 pounds

Resume: Watson was a 3-star prospect from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Ga., when he signed with Louisville as part of its 2024 recruiting class. He rushed for 5,541 yards with 71 touchdowns while averaging 7.7 yards per carry in 40 varsity games for the Bulldogs.

Role: The Georgia native spent two seasons with the Cardinals, appearing in 19 games (1 start) while totaling 755 yards on 116 carries with 8 touchdowns.

Outlook: With the departures of Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon, the Knights needed to boost the depth at running back. Watson’s signing gives UCF a pair of veteran backs, teaming him up with Landon Chambers.

LB JAHLEEL CULBREATH

Vitals: 6-4, 222 pounds

Resume: Culbreath signed with Old Dominion out of Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Va., as part of the Monarchs’ 2022 recruiting class.

Role: Culbreath spent four seasons at ODU, the past two as the Monarchs’ starting middle linebacker. He totaled 149 tackles, including 17.5 for a loss and 3 sacks.

Outlook: The Knights continue rebuilding the linebacker unit, with starter Lewis Carter serving as the anchor. Culbreath gives UCF another veteran for the group, which was one of the defense’s strong suits last season.

DT THOMAS COLLINS

Vitals: 6-1, 275 pounds

Resume: Collins was a 3-star prospect from RIG Academy, a school specializing in American football in Sweden. He signed with Oregon State in 2023.

Role: The redshirt sophomore appeared in 24 games (16 starts) in three seasons for the Beavers, totaling 44 tackles, including 7 for loss, a sack, a pass defended and a fumble recovery.

Outlook: The return of Horace Lockett Jr. and RJ Jackson Jr. gives the Knights a solid foundation at the tackle spot, particularly with the loss of John Walker. Collins provides much-needed depth at the position.

S MATT IRWIN

Vitals: 5-11, 180 pounds

Resume: Irwin played quarterback at Owyee High School in Meridian, ID., before making the switch to safety when he signed at Idaho in 2024.

Role: Irwin appeared in 19 games in two seasons with the Vandals, starting 2 games while totaling 49 tackles, an interception, 3 passes defended and a fumble recovery.

Outlook: The Idaho native becomes the fourth safety to join the roster this transfer cycle.

DL BRUNO DALL

Vitals: 6-7, 260 pounds

Resume: Dall grew up in Hamburg, Germany, before moving to Missouri to play at St. Stanislaus in St. Louis. He recorded 81 tackles, including 16 for a loss and 5 sacks as a senior, while leading the Rock-a-Chaws to a 7-5 record.

Role: Dall signed with Akron as part of their 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 23 games (11 starts) for the Zips, totaling 53 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss with 5 sacks, an interception, 8 passes defended and a forced fumble.

Outlook: The Knights are looking to replace starters Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence on the edge, making the addition of Dall crucial in building the rotation for 2026.

S TY BARTRUM

Vitals: 6-1, 200 pounds

Resume: Bartrum began his high school career at Miegs High in Meigs County, Ohio, before transferring to Cherokee High in Marlton, N.J., where he appeared in 29 games for the Chiefs, totaling 256 tackles with 4 interceptions and 6 passes defended. He finished his prep career at Spring Valley High in West Virginia before signing at Harvard.

Role: Bartrum spent four seasons with the Crimson, appearing in 31 games, while totaling 244 tackles with 8 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions and 13 passes defended. He earned a spot on the first team, All-Ivy League and was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Outlook: Bartrum provides another veteran to the safety spot for the Knights.

K WILL STONE

Vitals: 6-0, 195 pounds

Resume: Stone was a 2-star prospect from Regents School in Austin, Texas, where he was the 6th-overall ranked kicker in the nation for the 2022 recruiting class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Role: Stone spent five seasons at Texas, where he was used primarily on kickoffs, averaging 63.2 yards on 300 kicks.

Outlook: The Knights ranked second in the Big 12 last season in kickoffs, thanks to Noe Ruelas. His departure left the team searching for someone to step up in his absence.

P ATTICUS BERTRAMS

Vitals: 6-3, 215 pounds

Resume: Bertrams previously studied at ProKick Australia, the same group that former UCF kicker Mitch McCarthy worked out at, before signing with Wisconsin.

Role: The junior spent three seasons with the Badgers, appearing in 37 games, while averaging 42.8 yards per kick during his career. He was on the Ray Guy Award watchlist at the start of the 2025 season.

Outlook: Bertrams joins a special teams unit that ranked 15th in the Big 12 in punting last season, averaging 40.67 yards per kick.

WR JONATHAN BIBBS

Vitals: 6-2, 170 pounds

Resume: Bibbs was a 3-star product out of Spain Park High School in Birmingham, Ala., who played receiver for the Jaguars. He was ranked the No. 186 overall wide receiver in the 2024 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Role: The Alabama native appeared in four games before redshirting his freshman season at Louisiana-Monroe. Bibbs totaled 383 yards on 26 receptions with 3 touchdowns in 11 games (3 starts) for the Warhawks.

Outlook: Bibbs arrives with multiple years of eligibility, giving the Knights another veteran to pair with a young core of receivers.

QB ALONZA BARNETT III

Vitals: 6-0, 216 pounds

Resume: Barnett was a 3-star prospect from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C., when he signed with James Madison as part of its 2022 recruiting class. He was the No. 179 overall quarterback in the class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Role: Barnett recently completed his fourth season with the Dukes, finishing with 5,433 passing yards and 49 touchdowns with 13 interceptions while adding 1,075 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. He was named the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year after accounting for 3,395 yards of total offense and 38 total touchdowns. He also earned first-team honors for the first time in his career.

Outlook: He’s a dual-threat option with tremendous speed and a quick-release that gives him the ability to make explosive plays in the passing game. Barnett led James Madison to a 21-6 record while also guiding the team to the College Football Playoff this season.

DB KAHMEL JOHNSON

Vitals: 6-2, 200 pounds

Resume: Johnson was a multi-sport standout at Riverside High School, having played track and field and football for the Generals. He was credited with 14 tackles, 4 passes defended with one interception and one fumble recovery in his senior season, before signing with Wayne State College in 2024.

Role: The Jacksonville native appeared in 13 games in his two seasons with the Wildcats. He totaled 37 tackles and 3 interceptions this season, earning a spot on the first team, All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Outlook: Johnson joins a secondary that is already returning starters Demari Henderson and Braeden Marshall.

• James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) celebrates after a touchdown against Troy during the first half of the Sun Belt championship NCAA college football game, on Dec. 5, 2025, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. (Robert Simmons/Associated press)
• Former UConn offensive guard Brady Wayburn is one of the latest transfers to sign with UCF. (Jessica Hill/Special to the Courant)
• Former USC and Wisconsin linebacker Tackett Curtis has signed with UCF as part of its 2026 transfer class. Curtis reunites with current Knights defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, who coach the Badgers' defense in 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
• alifornia Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) throws over Oregon State Beavers defensive lineman Thomas Collins (98) during the first half of their game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)

Show Caption1 of 4James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) celebrates after a touchdown against Troy during the first half of the Sun Belt championship NCAA college football game, on Dec. 5, 2025, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. (Robert Simmons/Associated press) Expand RB LANDEN CHAMBERS

Vitals: 5-11, 215 pounds

Resume: Chambers was a 3-star prospect out of Fossil Ridge High School in Keller, Texas, when he signed with Central Arkansas as part of its 2024 recruiting class. He was a multi-sport athlete who also competed in track and field.

Role: Chambers appeared in 8 games for the Bears as a freshman, rushing for 176 yards with a touchdown. This past season, he led the team in rushing with 1,313 yards on 242 carries with 10 rushing touchdowns. He was also fourth on the team in receiving with 238 yards on 27 catches.

Outlook: The departures of Myles Montgomery, Jaden Nixon and Stacey Gage left the backfield thin on experience. Chambers gives the Knights a legitimate starter to couple with Taevion Swint and Agyeman Addae.

OL COOPER TERPSTRA

Vitals: 6-4, 313 pounds

Resume: Terpstra signed with Michigan State in 2023 as a 2-star prospect out of West Ottawa High School in Holland, Michigan.

Role: He played sparingly in 2024 and 2025, taking part in nearly 190 offensive snaps, mainly on special teams.

Outlook: New offensive line coach AJ Blazek didn’t stray far from his roots in the Big Ten to find his first offensive lineman. Terpstra brings multiple years of eligibility and can help add depth to the unit.

OL BRADY WAYBURN

Vitals: 6-5, 300 pounds

Resume: Wayburn spent his early years in North Carolina before relocating to Windsor, Connecticut, to attend The Loomis Chaffee School. There, he excelled in multiple sports, particularly in track and field and football.

Role: Wayburn spent the past four seasons at UConn, but didn’t see any real playing time until the 2024 campaign, when he appeared in 8 games. He appeared in 12 games in 2025, starting four games at right guard.

Outlook: Wayburn brings more than 740 offensive snaps to a roster that needs to replace a handful of starters in Paul Rubelt, Jabari Brooks and Carter Miller.

S CALEB FLAGG

Vitals: 5-10, 202 pounds

Resume: Flagg kicked off his career at North Shore High School in Houston before making his mark at Houston Christian, where he earned letters for two years. Over the span of 21 games, he racked up 101 tackles, snatched 2 interceptions, and defended 11 passes. In 2024, he decided to transfer to Missouri to continue his journey.

Role: The junior appeared in 14 games in two seasons with the Tigers, recording 24 tackles with 2 passes defended and a forced fumble.

Outlook: Flagg joins a secondary that already features returning starters Demari Henderson and Braeden Marshall.

OL TYLER GIBSON

Vitals: 6-5, 310 pounds

Resume: Gibson was a 3-star prospect from Johns Creek High School in Alpharetta, Ga., who helped lead the team to more than 4,500 yards his senior season. He signed with Georgia Tech in 2022 and spent two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, appearing in 4 games, before transferring to Charlotte.

Role: The Georgia native appeared in all 16 games for the 49ers, starting five times at the right tackle spot. He took part in 484 offensive snaps during his time in Charlotte.

Outlook: Gibson’s presence helps strengthen the Knights’ offensive line, providing the group with an experienced veteran.

LB TACKETT CURTIS

Vitals: 6-2, 235 pounds

Resume: Curtis was a 4-star prospect out of Many (La.) High School, where he helped guide the Tigers to a state championship, earning MVP honors. He was also named the 2022 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Player of the Year before signing with USC. Curtis spent one season with the Trojans, starting 8 games before transferring to Wisconsin.

Role: The Louisiana native spent two seasons with the Badgers, briefly working with current UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch in 2024. The junior appeared in 24 games over two seasons, totaling 56 tackles with 2.5 for a loss, one sack and 3 passes defended.

Outlook: Curtis, who reunites with Grinch, helps fill a significant void for the Knights, who need to replace starters Cole Kozlowski and Keli Lawson.

OL HENRY TABANSI

Vitals: 6-5, 310 pounds

Resume: Tabansi was a three-year starter at Moore Catholic High School on Staten Island, earning an all-state selection before signing with Buffalo in 2023.

Role: The New York native was a two-starter at left tackle for the Bulls, participating in more than 1,600 offensive snaps for a team that totaled 4,330 yards of total offense in 2025.

Outlook: The redshirt sophomore is the latest player to join new offensive line coach AJ Blazek at UCF.

CB JAILEN DUFFIE

Vitals: 5-11, 175 pounds

Resume: Duffie was a 3-star recruit at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Ill., where he earned first-team all-conference honors while playing both cornerback and wide receiver for the Blue Devils. He finished with 47 tackles and 5 interceptions in 20 games before signing with North Dakota State as part of its 2023 recruiting class.

Role: The sophomore appeared in 25 games at NDSU, totaling 42 tackles and 5 passes defended with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Outlook: A three-year starter, Duffie is reunited with new UCF defensive backs coach Will Johnson, who coached him with the Bisons. He’ll step into a cornerbacks group that returns starters Antione Jackson and Jayden Bellamy.

WR JOSH DERRY

Vitals: 5-9, 180 pounds

Resume: Derry was a two-way standout at Concordia Prep School in Towson, Md., where he played wide receiver and defensive back for the Saints. He accounted for 883 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns in 16 varsity games over three seasons before signing with Monmouth University, a Division I school in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Role: Derry spent three seasons with the Hawks, appearing in 30 games, with 12 career starts, while totaling 2,076 receiving yards on 139 catches with 19 touchdowns.

Outlook: The senior gives UCF another experienced receiver to add to a young group that includes Day Day Farmer and Duane Thomas Jr.

Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.