Trump Day 5 Live Updates: President Trump to Visit California Wildfires Before Senate Votes on Pete Hegseth Nomination

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed yesterday that 538 people were arrested, nearly doubling the agency's typical daily average of 282 arrests in September 2024, the most recent data available.

Details regarding the individuals arrested, including whether they had criminal backgrounds, were not immediately provided by ICE. However, the Trump administration has consistently stated that its primary focus is on detaining migrants with criminal records.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE will now be allowed to conduct arrests at locations such as schools and churches—places previously protected from such actions under past administrations. The department emphasized that “criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches,” further asserting that the administration trusts law enforcement to exercise common sense in their operations.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will meet President Trump on the tarmac in Los Angeles today as Trump visits the city to assess the damage caused by recent wildfires.

In an interview with NBC News' Los Angeles station, Newsom said, “I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and make sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him.”

Earlier this week, Trump had expressed uncertainty about meeting with Newsom during his trip, while also suggesting that disaster aid could be contingent on changes to California's water policies. Trump has linked the state’s water supply issues to efforts aimed at preserving endangered fish, a point Newsom has strongly disputed.

Two Republican senators revealed yesterday that they would vote against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary, citing concerns over his qualifications and past remarks.

Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, voiced her opposition in a statement on X, stating that she was "concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job." Collins also criticized Hegseth for controversial comments he made about women in the military, which she found troubling, particularly those made in the months leading up to his nomination.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also posted her concerns on X, explaining that she "cannot in good conscience support his nomination." She emphasized that the leader of the Department of Defense must exemplify the highest standards of behavior and character, a quality she believes Hegseth’s nomination fails to meet. Murkowski noted that these significant concerns are ones she cannot overlook.

The White House confirmed today that deportation flights for migrants have officially begun, as part of the Trump administration’s tougher stance on immigration.

In a post on X, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences."

A military plane left Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, Texas, yesterday afternoon, carrying approximately 75 to 80 migrants. The flight, which was bound for Guatemala, was reported to have 81 seats, with nearly all of them occupied. The move is part of the administration's ongoing efforts to enforce stricter immigration policies and expedite the repatriation process.

Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., announced this morning that he will not pursue a run for governor of New Mexico and will remain in his Senate seat.

In a statement, Heinrich explained his decision, citing the importance of having a strong voice in Washington, especially in light of the actions taken by President Trump during his first week in office. “After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, constituents, and colleagues, I’ve decided to remain in the United States Senate,” Heinrich said. “It’s clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever — the stakes are simply too high.”

Re-elected to a third term in November, Heinrich emphasized that he believes his greatest impact will be made by challenging Trump’s policies and actions from within the Senate. “I will stand up to the President when needed, but I’m also ready to work with him and my Senate colleagues to move New Mexico and our nation forward,” he added.

Heinrich’s current Senate term runs through 2031, allowing him ample time to continue his work in Washington.

The family of Martin Luther King Jr. has expressed a desire to review declassified files related to his assassination before they are made available to the public.

In a statement issued last night, the family, through King’s daughter Bernice King, emphasized the personal significance of the assassination, describing it as a “deeply personal family loss” that has affected them for over 56 years. “We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release,” the statement read.

This request follows President Trump's executive order signed yesterday, which declassified records related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. The King family added that they are not granting interviews at this time as they await further information on the release of the files.