It remains to be seen if this is just a show or if it’s for real.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Scheinbaum called this guy’s boss and asked for permission to offer him up as tribute to Trump.  Perhaps she just said “You gotta give me someone.  Who do you want to replace?” And El Ricky was the answer.

On the other hand, it’s possible that Trump explained the new rules to her and she got the message.

Either way, I expect repercussions here in the U.S.  The cartels are not going to go quietly into the night.  I think I’m going to have to reread Tom Clancy’s Clear and Present Danger.  Buckle up.  It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

I believe Trump and Trudeau spoke yesterday or this morning, and they’re going to speak again at 3:00 this afternoon.  I think Trump explained the new rules to Trudeau and is waiting for his answer, too.

I'm continually amazed at the Vatican and the American bishops.  The hypocrisy and disingenuousness with which they treat the issue of immigration is especially galling.

Here's an English translation of a portion of a decree, issued on December 19, 2024, by the President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State concerning Illicit Entry into the Territory of the Vatican City State (original in Italian at: https://vaticanstate.va/.../N.%20DCCX%20-%2020241219.pdf, emphasis mine).

Article 1 - Entry with Violence or Deception into the Territory of the Vatican City State

Unless the act constitutes a more serious crime, entry into the Vatican City State using violence, threat, or deception is punishable by imprisonment from one to four years and a fine of €10,000 to €25,000.

Entry "with deception" includes fraudulent evasion of security and protection systems or bypassing border controls.

Article 2 - Aggravating Circumstances

The penalty from Article 1 increases by one-third to one-half if the act involves firearms, offensive instruments, corrosive substances, masked persons, or groups.

The penalty increases by up to two-thirds if the individual drives a vehicle to gain entry, evades or forces border controls, or disregards law enforcement orders to stop.

Article 5 - Violation of Access Prohibition

Violating an access ban results in imprisonment from one to five years and a fine of €10,000 to €25,000.

A subsequent 15-year access ban applies after conviction.