In the swirling political landscape of the United States, a federal judge in Maryland has ordered the return of a man deported to El Salvador, despite the White House’s objection. This decision stems from claims that deporting the 24-year-old Venezuelan, referred to only as Christian, violated a court settlement. The government, however, is digging in its heels, citing the Alien Enemies Act to justify their action. The plot is thickened by the White House branding Christian as an MS-13 member, a claim that his family and lawyers fervently deny. Who knew immigration policy could feel like a season finale of a crime drama?

Shifting gears to an even more thrilling narrative, the federal prosecutors are taking the fight to criminal organizations in the United States. For the first time, the leader of the notorious Tren de Aragua has been slapped with terrorism charges. This gang, otherwise a household name in Venezuela, has been brought down to size by the United States legal system, which is making a strong statement by charging over two dozen of its alleged members and affiliates with a slew of crimes, including racketeering and sex trafficking. The kind of stuff that tugs at the fabric of society, and apparently, where elections matter, new sheriffs in town are making a rare racket.

Now, in a refreshing twist, it seems the mayor of New York City has discovered the radical notion that keeping dangerous criminals off the streets might actually be a good idea. New York City is apparently overrun with gangs, and after a hammer blow from the Trump administration’s Department of Justice, the city is finally seeing some much-needed action. The collaboration in bringing charges against these gangsters is a solid start and delivers the strong message that law enforcement doesn’t just spring into action after the fact. Don’t we just love when big city mayors embrace the notion of law and order?

Meanwhile, on the sunny shores of California, a federal judge has slapped down the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities. The ruling sends a clear signal that progressive cities will dodge accountability even if it means budgetary chaos and a lack of trust with their communities. These sanctuary policies, which seem to harbor more criminals than a superhero’s rogue gallery, undermine the very fabric of the law without batting an eyelid. Perhaps someone should inform these cities that illegal immigration and crime aren’t exactly what the framers of our Constitution had in mind.

The situation on the Pacific Coast is reminiscent of an old western, where the state’s reluctance to jail criminals, in favor of protecting them, leaves lawlessness to flourish. Just ask the folks in Oakland, where dysfunction is almost a badge of honor. In this bastion of blue policy gone awry, the Department of Justice is trying to make a difference, but the real change has to happen on a local level. Until the Democrats catch on that safety and security are not partisan issues, the cycle of chaos is bound to continue, proving that even in cities bustling with high-tech optimism, the real challenge is keeping the wolves at bay.