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AP News in Brief: U.S. actions on Venezuela and other developments
Summary
AP reports the U.S. seized two sanctioned tankers as part of a plan to oversee Venezuelan oil sales, and that an ICE officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver, which officials described as self-defense.
Content
The U.S. announced measures related to Venezuelan oil and other major developments across domestic and international politics. Officials say the administration seized two sanctioned tankers and plans to modify sanctions so the United States can oversee where Venezuelan oil is sold. Federal authorities reported an ICE officer shot a Minneapolis driver during an immigration operation and described the shooting as self-defense. Separately, the administration signed an order suspending U.S. support for dozens of international organizations.
Key developments:
- Venezuela oil: The article reports that the U.S. seized two sanctioned tankers and plans to relax some sanctions so Washington can oversee sales of Venezuelan petroleum; the Energy Department said only oil moved through approved channels consistent with U.S. law and national security interests.
- Minneapolis shooting: An ICE officer shot and killed a driver during an enforcement operation; federal officials characterized the shooting as an act of self-defense, while local leaders criticized the incident; witnesses recorded video and a public vigil was held.
- International organizations: The president signed an executive order suspending U.S. support for 66 organizations, including several U.N.-affiliated agencies, following a government review of participation and funding.
- Legal case update: A private attorney resigned from representing Nick Reiner and said, citing California law, that his client is not guilty of murder; a scheduled arraignment and plea hearing was postponed and reset for Feb. 23.
Summary:
These items together show shifts in U.S. policy and law enforcement actions with immediate political and legal consequences. The Venezuela measures are reported as an effort to control oil distribution and implement approvals for sales, the Minneapolis shooting has drawn public protests and official statements, the executive order puts U.S. support for many international bodies on hold, and the Reiner case will proceed toward a rescheduled court hearing on Feb. 23. Undetermined at this time.
