Washington, DC - U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Monday directed the establishment of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance enforcement efforts against COVID-19 related fraud.

New Orleans, Louisiana - A former correctional officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), Detention Center 1, in Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced Monday in federal court for violating the civil rights of three inmates in his custody.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is attending the Arctic Council Ministerial in Reykjavik, Iceland, May 17-20, 2021.  During his visit, the Secretary will meet with Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, and Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson to discuss U.S.-Icelandic priorities related to climate change, human rights, bilateral cooperation, and the Arctic.

Cincinnati, Ohio - On May 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati inspected three large shipments from China and found what appeared to be tens of thousands of earbuds in violation of Apple’s protected configurations. After consulting with an import specialist from CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise, the items were found to be in violation of CBP trademark and copyright codes and were declared seized on May 11 and 13.

Pine Valley, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man on Tuesday who was transporting 2.51 pounds of fentanyl taped to his back.

Laredo, Texas - Working together, Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents and U.S. Army soldiers assigned in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), rescued two undocumented individuals in the Rio Grande River.