by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2026

Donnie McClurkin Responds To ‘Contrived And Untrue’ Allegations In Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Donnie McClurkin is calling out his accuser's "untrue" allegations in new sexual assault lawsuit.

Donnie McClurkin is calling out the “contrived and untrue” allegations made in a bombshell new sexual assault lawsuit filed by his former assistant.

The Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor took to Instagram on Jan. 8 to post a full statement from his attorney, denying Giuseppe Corletto’s claims of having abused Corletto after the latter sought spiritual guidance in 2003. According to McClurkin, the allegations made in the recently filed lawsuit are “categorically false.”

“Many of you are aware of the profane allegations of sexual assault/rape and coercion that have been recently lodged against me. I want to state clearly and unequivocally that these allegations are contrived and untrue,” the statement read.

The statement continued, “I understand the weight of such false claims, especially in our community rooted in faith, trust, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. And sexual violence, in any form, is a real and painful reality for many, and not to be used frivolously. True survivors deserve to be heard, protected, and supported! At the same time, the TRUTH matters! And the TRUTH has not been told!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Donnie McClurkin (@donmac6453)

McClurkin’s statement comes days after Giuseppe Corletto filed a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court on Jan. 2, accusing the three-time Grammy winner of sexually abusing him over several years while he worked as McClurkin’s personal assistant. Corletto alleges the abuse occurred during so-called “pray the gay away” sessions and continued in the years that followed, claims McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, has forcefully denied.

“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” the attorney said. “The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions, which occurred over a decade, and some accusations over 2 decades, ago. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts.”

Corletto’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said he hopes the lawsuit will bring his client “some measure of justice,” adding that he believes McClurkin exploited someone who was struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his religious beliefs.

Ethiopia Habtemariam Named President Of Music At HYBE America, ‘Let’s Get It’

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2026

Ethiopia Habtemariam Named President Of Music At HYBE America, ‘Let’s Get It’

Ethiopia Habtemariam returns to the music C-suite as HYBE America’s new President of Music.

Veteran music executive Ethiopia Habtemariam is making her return to the industry after a brief hiatus, stepping in as HYBE America’s new President of Music.

Effective immediately, Habtemariam will help expand HYBE America’s footprint in Atlanta, home to its Quality Control label, Billboard reports. As HYBE deepens its U.S. presence, the company is tapping Atlanta’s status as a global hub for R&B and hip-hop, with Habtemariam tasked with strengthening Quality Control’s influence and impact as the city’s leading music powerhouse.

“I’ve long admired how HYBE America approaches artists, fans, and the future of entertainment,” Habtemariam said in a statement. “This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture. I’m excited to contribute my experience as HYBE America continues to shape what’s next for music on a global scale.”

She also shared her excitement about the new role in an Instagram post, which drew enthusiastic support from the Quality Control team.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ETHIOPIA (@theethiopiandream)

“I love music. I love helping people who are blessed with the gift of music. Let’s get it 🙏🏾🤞🏾,” she captioned her post, with Quality Control Music CEO Pierre ‘P’ Thomas responding with the cool face emoji.

Habtemariam, former chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records, will help drive HYBE America’s long-term strategy by leading A&R and artist development across its labels as the company expands beyond K-pop in the U.S. Her appointment reunites her with Quality Control co-founders Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas, with whom she previously partnered at Motown to develop artists including Migos, Lil Baby, City Girls, and Lil Yachty.

Thomas said he and Habtemariam have “a long history of working together, pushing boundaries, and breaking barriers in this industry. Her passion for artists, commitment to culture, and deep understanding of the music landscape make her an extraordinary leader.”

“Working with Ethiopia again feels full circle,” Lee added. “From the early days in Atlanta, we built something special at Quality Control, and it means a lot to see that legacy continue in this next chapter.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 9, 2026

Card Collector Robbed Of Rare Pokémon Trading Cards Worth $300K

DAMN.

A man was robbed at gunpoint in West Los Angeles on Jan. 4, and the thieves made off with a collection of rare Pokémon trading cards that were worth $300,000.

According to ABC 7 Eyewitness News, the robbery took place at RWT Collective when the victim, who shopped at the store regularly, had been approached in the building’s underground parking lot by two men. The men were caught on surveillance video, and the owners of RWT provided police with images of the suspects, whom the victim positively identified.

Danny Leserman and Christopher Chou told the media outlet that they will increase the building’s security systems and add more cameras after the theft.

“He was just leaving, just trying to go home,” Leserman said.

While Chou stated, “We’re going to keep increasing our security systems, too. We’re going to get more cameras into the building, things like that,” Chou said.

There have been other reported robberies involving the Pokémon collectibles.

Earlier that day, a robbery took place at Simi Sportscards in Simi Valley.

After officials were notified of the break-in, they arrived at the store and found the door partially open, with the alarm ringing. There was significant damage, with display cases destroyed and trading cards scattered across the floor.

The police department released a statement:

“The investigation determined that a large number of trading cards were stolen. The suspects had already fled the area before officers arrived.

“The Simi Valley Police Department is aware of similar burglaries involving trading card businesses that occurred over the weekend in surrounding communities. SVPD Property Crimes Detectives are working closely with neighboring law enforcement agencies to determine whether these incidents may be connected.”

Leserman stated that the Pokémon cards have become extremely valuable to collectors.

“Most of the time, they’re used, and they’re not in good enough quality to be considered collectible. And so when they do rise to a level, that’s when the dollar amount can really get to be something pretty out there,” Leserman said.

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by Kandiss Edwards

January 9, 2026

Another One! Second Georgia House Member Charged For Pandemic Fraud

Bennett appeared in federal court in Atlanta and pled not guilty.

Federal prosecutors have charged former Georgia state Rep. Karen Bennett with lying to collect pandemic-era unemployment benefits.

Bennett, a Democrat from Stone Mountain, was charged with one count of making false statements to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the Associated Press reported. Prosecutors allege she collected $13,940 in pandemic benefits while she was not eligible.

Bennett appeared in federal court in Atlanta and pleaded not guilty. Following her plea, the judge released her on a $10,000 unsecured bond. According to prosecutors, Bennett certified in 2020 that she could not work because of pandemic-related restrictions. Court documents allege she continued working while receiving unemployment benefits and failed to disclose income during that period.

The alleged fraud centered on statements Bennett made while expanded federal unemployment programs were in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bennett owns Metro Therapy Providers, which provides in-person services. She alleged the government shutdown hindered her from providing services, thus leaving her unemployed. However, as the owner, Bennett’s managerial role was in-office and could be completed from home.

Bennett resigned from the Georgia House Jan. 1 as her case matriculates through the courts. She represented House District 94, which includes parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Georgia law requires the governor to call a special election to fill Bennett’s vacant seat.

Her case follows a Georgia state House lawmaker who is also under scrutiny for pandemic fund fraud. In December 2025, state Rep. Sharon Henderson was indicted on separate federal charges alleging she, too, improperly obtained pandemic unemployment benefits. Allegedly, Henderson listed the Henry County School System as her place of employment. Though she had indeed worked as a substitute in the county, she was inactive during the pandemic. Furthermore, the last time Henderson worked for Henry County was in 2018, two years prior, according to the Office of the Inspector General.

Federal authorities have pursued numerous cases nationwide tied to fraud involving pandemic relief programs, including the expanded unemployment assistance enacted by Congress in 2020. Prosecutors say those investigations remain ongoing.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 9, 2026

Affordable Care Act Subsidies Restored After 17 Republicans Side With Democratic Party

Applause and loud cheers came from across the floor as Dems labeled the victory as a vindication of their strategy to issue a clean extension of the subsidies.

Members of the Democratic Party jumped for joy — literally — after 17 Republicans joined them to pass Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for three years, despite rebuttals from GOP leadership, Politico reports.

Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) was seen jumping with excitement on the House floor following the 230-196 vote on Jan. 8 to advance the bill that will give Americans more time for the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period. This debate was the core of the longest government shutdown in American history. The new vote garnered support from eight Republican lawmakers, including House Homeland Security Chair Rep. Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.) and Rep. David Joyce (Ohio), following a Jan. 7 procedural vote to advance the bill, supported by nine GOP leaders.

Oh my gosh you guys! The House just passed my bill to extend the health care tax credits for three more years! pic.twitter.com/KHkgFXk6Zx
— Rep. Lauren Underwood (@RepUnderwood) January 8, 2026

Applause and loud cheers came from across the floor as Dems labeled the victory as a vindication of their strategy to issue a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan issued thoughts on the parties actually working together for the greater good of the American people. “The Senate could put together a product that could ultimately get sent back over to the House that we can then conference on and hopefully move across the finish line,” Bresnahan said.

Several moderate Democrats and Republicans have been working to find a solution for healthcare costs that continue to climb, putting a dent in voters’ pockets.

In December, CBS News reported that the Senate rejected a Democratic-led proposal to extend the enhanced tax credits for three years. Their conservative colleagues offered a rebuttal to the idea of sending funds to consumers directly through health savings accounts; however, it was unsuccessful.

Shortly after, a few Senate Republicans expressed the desire to compromise.

While the language of the approved bill is expected to be released before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the original proposal offered a two-year extension of the tax credits and open enrollment period until March 1. It also pushed for a new income eligibility cap for the subsidies at 700% of the federal poverty level, with a minimum premium of $5 per month or $60 per year. It also projected a $100,000 fine on insurance companies “for deliberately causing fraud” by signing up a person without their consent.

While leaders like Underwood celebrated on social media, some Republicans still side-eyed the collaborative vote, even as lawmakers such as Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin admitted there was no longer any getting around the reality Americans face every day. A memo from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) blasted the effort of “Democrats wanting to expand a COVID subsidy system already flagged for massive fraud and abuse, with absolutely zero reforms.”

When speaking to his party members who supported the bill, Johnson said, “I think it’s a really bad policy, and I wish they hadn’t.” “But everybody had a vote,” the Speaker said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 9, 2026

3 Former Denny’s Employees Sued For Allegedly Stealing $500K In Tips

The allegations stem from a Denny's restaurant located in Kamloops, British Columbia

Three former employees of a Canadian Denny’s are being sued for allegedly stealing approximately $500,000 in tips over two years.

According to the Western Investor, Northland Properties Corp., which operates the restaurant, filed a lawsuit against former employees, alleging they misappropriated funds from an employee tip account. The suit was filed in the B.C. Supreme Court in December 2025. Mounties in B.C. (British Columbia) are investigating the alleged fraud. The restaurant is located in Kamloops, British Columbia.

The lawsuit seeks damages for theft, conversion, breach of contract, and civil fraud.

In the lawsuit, Northland alleged it found “multiple unauthorized digital transfers” from the Denny’s tipping system to an employee’s account between Nov. 10 and Dec. 1, 2025. An audit found more than $11,000 in one of the former employee’s accounts, and the defendant allegedly admitted to carrying out the illegal scheme with a former Denny’s supervisor.

The former worker revealed that he was shown records indicating that a former manager had “removed substantial funds” from the tipping system, totaling nearly $495,000 between 2023 and 2025. That manager quit Nov. 3, 2025.

On the day he resigned, he sent an email to a Denny’s server requesting the “financial verification codes” to access the restaurant’s “Tips Today” digital system.

The company also alleges that the former manager texted the server five days later, requesting additional verification codes, and that the server “believed she was helping” him make repayments. She “did not fully understand how access to the tip-distribution platform operated.”

Northland did state that the alleged fraud was reported to the Kamloops RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) after the company discovered the transfers, according to the lawsuit.

According to the Human Resources Director, the lawsuit stated, “At all material times, the defendants owed the plaintiff duties of honesty, fidelity, confidentiality, and lawful use of employer property and systems. The defendants breached those duties.

“The defendants were unjustly enriched through the misappropriation of funds belonging to the plaintiff.”

by Mary Spiller

January 9, 2026

Topicals Skincare Scores New Funding With Major Backing From Angel Reese And Rema

The skincare brand brings in high-profile cultural figures as investors, signaling confidence in community-driven growth amid a tougher funding climate for Black-owned businesses.

Skincare startup Topicals announced a new round of financing on Jan. 7, including backing from WNBA standout Angel Reese and Nigerian music star Rema, adding more cultural heavyweights to its growing list of supporters. The investment round, first reported by Business of Fashion, also features participation from other figures in sports and entertainment, though the company did not disclose the financial terms.

Founded in 2020 by Olamide Olowe, Topicals has now raised more than $22.6 million since its launch. The brand has built a strong reputation for combining clinical skincare with culturally resonant marketing, an approach Olowe said directly influenced her choice of investors in Reese and Rema.

“When you think of [Topicals], you think of our marketing, storytelling and products, and you think a lot about culture,” Olowe said in an interview with The Business of Beauty. “These are people who control culture.”

Topicals is widely known for its viral under-eye masks, priced at $22, and its $38 Faded Serum, which targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation. While many of its products address skin concerns that disproportionately affect people with darker skin tones, Olowe emphasized that the brand’s audience is far from narrow. The company has sold more than one million eye patches and now operates in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Nigeria, with expansion into France completed last November.

Reese previously highlighted the brand in a January 2025 Vogue video, helping further amplify its reach. Rema, meanwhile, will take on a creative partner role, advising on ways to connect with younger consumers, particularly men. Additional investors include Asika, the manager of Nigerian-American music star Davido.

Olowe said the funding round also reflects a strategic response to a more challenging investment environment. “Investors are pulling back their belief in Black-owned… businesses,” she said. “We are really proud that other people who have capital in the culture want [our kind of business] to grow.”

She added that many Black-founded brands continue to be boxed in as a niche. “[The] ability to grow is stifled because they are seen as brands that are only for Black people,” Olowe said, noting that she is “living proof” that backing diverse founders can yield strong returns.

Beyond capital, Olowe said the investors’ personal platforms will help make Topicals’ marketing more efficient during an uncertain economic period. “You have to be very strategic about acquiring customers profitably, and driving revenue and lifetime value,” she said.

Looking ahead, Olowe expressed confidence in continued growth, pointing to the brand’s focus on chronic skin conditions and broader platform-building efforts. “We’ve widened the customer base . . . in 2026, a lot of our growth is about how we’re using the brand as a platform,” she said.

Olowe has previously spoken about Topicals ties to Black women. As previously reported in an episode of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Sisters Inc., Alisa Gumbs spoke with Olowe, the youngest Black woman to raise over $1 million.

Olowe said that it was a strategic decision to utilize Black women as investors. She stated, “I wanted to get as many people who looked like me in the round; One, because we want to increase wealth in Black communities, but two, because they, like myself, have dealt with these skin conditions . . . and can lend their expertise on how to break into an industry.”

She continued, “In order to become great, you have to surround yourself with greats.”

by Ahsan Washington

January 9, 2026

Hit Up These Black Accounting Firms To Handle Taxes For Your Black Business

Having the right accountant during tax season helps

Having the right accountant during tax season helps business owners, entrepreneurs, and individual taxpayers navigate the challenges and pitfalls of filing annual income taxes.

Black-owned accounting firms are helping businesses maintain tax compliance while protecting income and profits, enabling them to make better financial decisions throughout the year.

These professionals demonstrate that traditional CPA expertise and cultural understanding work together through their legacy operations and modern strategy and approach to bookkeeping and tax preparation.

Lucas, Tucker & Company — New York, New York

Lucas, Tucker & Company, founded by Wilmer Lucas and Alfred Tucker in 1938, is one of the first Black-owned CPA firms in the United States. The New York City-based firm serves clients throughout the Northeast, providing comprehensive accounting services, tax consulting, and financial services for both business and individual clients.

In The Black Accounting Services — Nashville, Tennessee

Joy Black leads In The Black Accounting Services, which provides business tax preparation and bookkeeping services, as well as strategic planning and detailed compliance support. Since 2000, the firm has served Nashville and surrounding regions by delivering personalized tax guidance and accounting expertise to small businesses.

Richardson & Associates Accounting — Cincinnati, Ohio

Sherri Richardson, CPA/CFO, established Richardson & Associates Accounting as a Black-owned CPA practice that provides tax preparation, consulting, auditing, and QuickBooks support services to businesses and nonprofits. The firm is headquartered in Cincinnati, where it serves small business owners from the surrounding region. Since 2007, Richardson & Associates Accounting has assisted clients in adapting to changing tax and accounting requirements and to technology-driven approaches as part of business expansion strategies.

The McGee CPA Group — Atlanta, Georgia

The McGee CPA Group delivers comprehensive tax preparation services, proactive tax planning, IRS problem resolution, bookkeeping, payroll, and QuickBooks support to small- and mid-sized business clients and individual clients. The firm focuses on year-round tax strategy to help clients navigate complex tax laws, maximize deductions, and avoid costly IRS penalties.

Black Cube Tax & Accounting — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Black Cube Tax & Accounting is a veteran-owned CPA firm that services businesses throughout Oklahoma. The firm’s business tax planning, accounting services, and monthly bookkeeping services make up its service offerings.

Daniel Black & Associates, CPA — Washington, D.C.

Daniel Black & Associates is a CPA firm that provides professional tax services to business owners and executives. The firm handles business tax returns, provides compliance services, prepares nonprofit reports, and resolves IRS issues on behalf of its clients. The Black-led accounting firm maintains regional offices in Maryland and Florida to assist clients with complex tax laws and to help them avoid costly mistakes.

Mitchell & Titus, LLP — New York City

Mitchell & Titus, LLP is the largest minority-owned accounting and tax firm in the United States. Since 1974, the company has provided tax audit advisory and compliance services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and corporate clients. The company operates six offices across several states to offer nationwide service to its clients. Throughout its 50-plus years of operation, the company has maintained excellent service delivery to medium- and large-sized businesses through its advanced tax solutions and multi-state expertise.

Benford Brown & Associates — Chicago, Illinois

Benford Brown & Associates operates as a minority- and women-owned business serving nonprofits, government, and commercial sectors. The firm’s service portfolio includes tax preparation, planning, audits, and accounting systems support. Benford Brown & Associates operates with a seasoned leadership team and has been active since 1996.

RELATED CONTENT: Tax Refunds Up To $2K Could Be On The Way

by Mary Spiller

January 9, 2026

RZA Says AI Is Transforming His Creative Process In Film and Music

Speaking at CES 2026, the Wu-Tang Clan founder described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool that shortens production timelines while expanding creative possibility.

Wu-Tang Clan co-founder RZA says artificial intelligence has become an essential part of how he creates music and films, allowing him to move faster while maintaining artistic control. The legendary producer and filmmaker, born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, discussed his evolving workflow during a CES 2026 panel titled “From Concept to Reality: Creatives Using AI to Bring Big Ideas to Life.”

RZA told the audience he views AI not as a replacement for creativity, but as a powerful support system that helps bring ideas to life more efficiently.

“Creativity is time,” he said. “It could take three days to get something good with today’s technology. And with an AI assistant, I could turn those three days into three hours. So even quicker.”

He explained that he currently uses Gemini, Google’s AI assistant capable of generating images and video from text prompts. RZA said the technology helped him visualize scenes for a film project involving characters boarding the Staten Island Ferry and traveling across a frozen Hudson River — an effect that would typically be costly and difficult to execute.

Using AI tools, RZA said the project took about six weeks to complete and reduced production time by roughly 70% compared to traditional Hollywood timelines. He contrasted the process with older filmmaking methods, noting how labor-intensive special effects once were.

“In those days, the special effects, someone had to paint on the frame,” he said. “And the tedious work of that is what took so much time in those days. Now, with the power of technology, AI, you can have that done for you. You still gotta have the idea.”

As reported by AfroTech, RZA also spoke philosophically about creativity, citing a concept that resonated with him. “Any thought conceived can be expressed,” he said. “You may have the thought and not the resources to express it. I think now with this assistant intelligence… any creative thought conceived now can be expressed.”

AI has also influenced RZA’s approach to music. He said the technology played a key role in preparing his 2024 classical album, A Ballet Through Mud, which he ultimately performed with a live orchestra. By using AI to create demos in advance, RZA said he saved both time and money.

“Instead of me spending 10, 12 days of trying to get it right, we got that recorded in one day,” he said. RZA added that orchestra sessions can cost up to $60,000 per day, highlighting the need for efficiency. “The idea of what I wanted them to do was already captured enough so that the human energy… made the demo even better than I imagined.”

RZA emphasized that while AI accelerates music and film production, human emotion and artistic vision remain at the core of his work — a balance he believes defines the future of creativity.

Obama-Appointed Judge, Trump Administration , Medicaid Data, Undocumented Immigrants, ICE

by Mary Spiller

January 9, 2026

2 More People Gunned Down By U.S. Customs And Border Protection In Portland

Two people were wounded during a traffic stop involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, prompting criticism from city and state leaders and renewed protests against federal immigration enforcement.

Two people were shot and wounded January 8 in Portland, during an encounter involving a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an incident that has intensified tensions between federal authorities and local leaders.

According to KOTU, DHS said the shooting occurred around 2:20 p.m. outside an Adventist Health clinic near Southeast Main Street. Federal agents had stopped a vehicle when, according to the agency, the driver attempted to use the car as a weapon. “When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents,” DHS reported. “Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot.”

Reportedly, the driver fled the scene with a passenger, traveling more than 2.5 miles before stopping near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside. Portland police said officers responded to a call from a shooting victim at that location minutes later and found a man and a woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known, though Portland City Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney said she believed they were still alive.

DHS stated that the passenger was from Venezuela, was in the country unlawfully, and was believed to be connected to the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring. DHS also said the individual was suspected of involvement in a previous Portland shooting. Portland police emphasized that their officers were not involved in the shooting itself.

At 2:19 PST, US Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Portland, Oregon. The passenger of the vehicle and target is a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and involved in a recent shooting in…
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 9, 2026

The FBI has taken over the investigation.

Agents were seen collecting evidence at both the initial scene near the clinic and the location where the wounded individuals were found. A red Toyota truck linked to the later scene was towed away Thursday evening, an investigators also examined a damaged black Hyundai in the clinic’s parking lot, though its role remained unclear.

The incident quickly drew condemnation from local officials. Mayor Keith Wilson called on the Trump administration to suspend Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Portland until an independent investigation is completed. “When the administration talks about using full force, we are seeing what it means on our streets,” Wilson said. “The consequences are not abstract.”

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek echoed those concerns, saying trust between federal authorities and local leaders has eroded. “The priority right now is a full, completed investigation, not more detentions,” she said. “We demand transparency.”

City Councilor Sameer Kanal voiced anger during a protest outside City Hall, accusing federal officials of trying to “justify the unjustifiable” and assuring continued opposition.

Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan, who is running for governor, pushed back against the criticism, warning against “rushing to judgment.”

“An investigation is underway,” she said, adding that political leaders should not “incite fear to advance their own political agendas.”

Protests later spread to an ICE facility in South Portland, where police ordered demonstrators to disperse and took several people into custody, underscoring the divisions surrounding ICE and Oregon residents.