Sedition Conviction, US World Cup Win, and the Best GIFs of 2022

SCOTUS Immigration Hearing

The US Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday over how to enforce the country’s immigration law in a case that could limit the government’s ability to prioritize the deportation of certain groups of unauthorized immigrants. It may also impact the extent to which states have the legal right to sue the government (see 101).

The case focuses on a September 2021 government directive prioritizing the arrest and deportation of individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety. A federal Texas court temporarily blocked the policy in July after a group of Republican attorneys general sued, arguing the policy violates federal law by preventing authorities from detaining those with criminal convictions. The states argued they have a right to sue because of financial harm from the policy, including the cost of public benefits. See a case breakdown here.

The case comes months after another immigration dispute, in which the justices ruled the government could terminate a Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” program.

The 6-3 conservative majority is expected to make a decision next year.

Oath Keepers Convictions

A jury yesterday found Stewart Rhodes, leader of the antigovernment Oath Keepers militia group, and Florida chapter leader Kelly Meggs guilty of seditious conspiracy 

for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the US Capitol. They each face up to 20 years in prison for the conviction.

Prosecutors claimed Rhodes, a former Army paratrooper and Yale Law School graduate (see background), organized military-style units to reject the results of the November 2020 election far in advance of Jan. 6, including purchasing weapons and gear, and mapping out access points to the Capitol grounds. Rhodes and Meggs were also found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding, along with three other defendants.

Overall, 18 of the more than 880 individuals charged in connection to the storming have been accused of seditious conspiracy (see 101), including Proud Boys leader Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, while the majority of others face disorderly conduct charges. See a running list of charges here.

US Advances at World Cup 

The US men's national team advanced to the knockout stage (see 101) of the World Cup yesterday after defeating Iran 1-0 in their final group match. The US joins England as the two Group B teams to enter the next round, marking the seventh time the US has advanced this far.

US star Christian Pulisic, who scored the lone goal against Iran, says he'll be ready to play in Saturday's match against the Netherlands (10 am ET, Fox) despite being taken to a hospital after an injury yesterday. See tournament standings here.

Separately, a Qatari official said about 400 to 500 migrant workers have died as a result of construction projects connected to this year's World Cup. The range for the number of worker deaths is the highest estimate to be disclosed from the host country and comes amid global scrutiny over human rights in Qatar. Since winning its bid to host the 2022 World Cup in 2010, Qatar has tried to overhaul its employment practices.

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Historybook: Winston Churchill born (1874); Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" is released, becomes bestselling album in history (1982); Model Chrissy Teigen born (1985); Exxon and Mobil merge to form one of the world's largest companies (1999); President George H.W. Bush dies (2018).