New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing questions about his relationship with Uncivilized Media, a Qatar-based controversial outlet that has been accused of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Mamdani sat with the Uncivilized Media in 2023, and Fox News Digital found that he was still following the account on Instagram as of July 24, 2026. However, he appeared to have unfollowed the account, and as of July 27, 2026, he was no longer listed as a follower on Instagram. However, clips from his interview with Uncivilized Media were shared as collaborative posts on Instagram, meaning they appeared on both Mamdani's account and the outlet's account.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other experts on online antisemitism say that Uncivilized Media has produced content accusing Jews and Israelis of seeking global domination, being inherently colonialist and controlling the media, among other conspiracy theories. The organization noted several examples of what it said was Uncivilized Media pushing antisemitic tropes, including a July 2026 video in which Uncivilized Media accused Israelis of attempting to "colonize the world."

MAMDANI’S ‘DERANGED’ ISRAEL TAKE RESURFACES AS HE TARGETS NETANYAHU

Oren Segal, the ADL's senior vice president of counter-extremism and intelligence, told Fox News Digital that Uncivilized Media routinely promotes "classic tropes about Jews" in its content. He said that while the outlet's interviews with Mamdani did not focus on these conspiracies, some Jewish New Yorkers have wondered how exactly the mayor's views diverge from those held by the outlet.

"When one appears on any platform, it kind of normalizes the rest of the content that is out there," Segal told Fox News Digital, adding that neither he nor the ADL were accusing Mamdani of promoting or endorsing all of Uncivilized Media's content.

"What we are saying is that the connections between him and this particular digital entity raise questions for many New Yorkers who are curious as to whether the rest of the programming on there is something he believes in," Segal added.

In his interview with Uncivilized Media, which was originally posted on Sept. 11, 2023, Mamdani said the issue of the Palestinians was "central to my identity," framing it as a struggle for freedom.

"We say we care about freedom and justice and self-determination and yet, for some reason, we draw a line when it comes to Palestinians," Mamdani said.

He also spoke about how his background played a role in his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"When you grow up as someone especially in the Third World, you have a very different understanding of the Palestinian struggle. It is one that is framed in terms of empathy and solidarity," Mamdani, who moved to New York at age seven, told the outlet.

In another video, which was posted days after the first clip, Mamdani said that progressive views and Muslim beliefs were in "inherent solidarity." He also identified himself as a socialist and "not simply progressive."

MAMDANI DOUBLES DOWN ON DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM WHILE INSISTING WALL STREET, BUSINESS LEADERS CAN WORK WITH HIM

"What we also have now is a fight over what it means to be Muslim and what those Muslim values are. And I think that there is an attempt to frame those values [in opposition] to certain core progressive tenets," he said. "This idea of a single story that Muslims stand in opposition to queer rights, it attempts to flatten out a community whose history goes beyond hundreds of years in more than hundreds of countries."

The resurfacing of Mamdani's appearance with the outlet sparked concerns among some Jewish New Yorkers who believe their community's relationship with City Hall has deteriorated. Segal suggested that Mamdani could put worried New Yorkers at ease by publicly denouncing Uncivilized Media's spreading of antisemitic conspiracy theories.

"If Mayor Mamdani claims that he is building a better New York when there's many Jewish residents who consistently feel unheard, I think it's fair to ask him to clarify whether this program, that he has appeared on, represents his views on Israelis more broadly in terms of their content," Segal said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

The renewed scrutiny of Mamdani came after his statement last month on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a video announcing that he did not have the legal authority to arrest the Israeli leader, Mamdani accused Netanyahu of being "a war criminal" and "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."

Neither Mamdani's office nor Uncivilized Media responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Sports have played a crucial role throughout my life. Growing up, I ran cross-country and was coached by my dad in basketball, until I found my true love: volleyball. I loved being a setter to the point that I dreamed about making plays. It taught me the things a sport often does: willpower, loyalty, discipline and how to come back swinging when you get knocked down.

But what I remember most is simply how much I loved it. My obsession even dictated the college I chose, where a devastating injury broke my heart and ended my career. There’s one thing I feel obligated to tell you, though: I was never going to be a collegiate star.

I went to a small school, and I still stand today at my maximum height of 5 feet flat. What I lacked in stature, I assure you, I did not lack in heart. I was a scrappy competitor, and I took losses hard. (Some would say I still do.) I embraced every morning and late night, the bruises and broken bones — not because I was destined to be Division I, but simply because I loved it.

JEMELE HILL TAKES AIM AT SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AS STORM CONTROVERSY GROWS OVER GIRLS SUPPORTING WOMEN’S SPORTS

I gained friendships, grit, and drive I’m confident I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere. And I say this, admittedly, not as a promising up-and-comer, but just a girl who loved playing. I step into a different court these days, but I still carry the grit that women’s athletics gave me when I walk into a courtroom.

Enter Sophie Cunningham.

In a now-famous ESPN interview, the Indiana Fever star, who calls herself politically "very much in the middle," said she wants to protect young girls "who shouldn’t have to go against biological men." With that love, she added, comes truth.

SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DOUBLES DOWN AHEAD OF SUN GAME AFTER ESPN PROFILE STIRS CONTROVERSY: 'I SAID WHAT I SAID'

After the media clutched their pearls over her saying biological sex is real, she doubled down, called it "common sense," and posted on Instagram saying, "I said what I said." No apology tour. No caveats. Just the truth, said twice for the people in the back. Her bold stand has sparked an important nationwide conversation in the days since and a whole gamut of supporters and detractors.

This is the courage aspiring female athletes need, especially in a league that partners with Girls in the Game, which says that one of its values is "moving beyond the binary of ‘girl.’" Tell that to the girl who sacrificed everything to reach the podium.

Women’s sports had a banner year. In two cases Alliance Defending Freedom litigated alongside the courageous leadership of Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that sex matters and that states can protect women’s sports under Title IX. That’s a win for every girl in those 27 states.

'SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS' LEGAL DEFENSE AND TRANS ATHLETE'S ATTORNEYS SPEAK OUT AFTER LANDMARK SCOTUS RULING

But what does this mean for Kallie Keeler in Washington, who had to report a sexual assault after competing against a male wrestler during a match? For Selina Soule, Chelsea Mitchell, Alanna Smith, and Ashley Nicoletti, still waiting for Connecticut to stand up for the girls who are losing to boys today? For girls in California forced to compete against biologically male athletes like AB Hernandez?

It means we’re coming for the 23 remaining states. A girl’s equal opportunity shouldn’t hinge on her ZIP code. Our daughters deserve better than lawyers who can’t define what a woman is — better than professional athletes with platforms who think it’s fine for men to steal the podium from the girls coming up behind them.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

And they deserve far better than a WNBA co-owner swearing at them for holding a sign that read, "Thank you, Sophie, for speaking up for girls!" The newly suspended Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton forgot that love tells the truth.

But Sophie remembered. At the height of her career, she took a stand for truth while others chose cowardice. Speaking truth should be praised, not punished.

There are young girls who dream of being the next big star. And there are also girls who just love the game like I did. They all deserve fair play. Where are the women willing to stand up, inspire greatness, and tell the truth? Ladies, we’re pointing the finger at you.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM KRISTEN WAGGONER

As the restaurant industry navigates the ongoing fallout from the cyclospora outbreak, many menu items at fast-food chains don't contain shredded lettuce — the ingredient the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked to the outbreak.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite known to cause cyclosporiasis, the most common symptom of which is diarrhea. The FDA said it traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

A McDonald's standard hamburger does not contain lettuce, though the Big Mac, McChicken and deluxe burgers do.

IS LETTUCE STILL SAFE TO EAT AMID TACO BELL ILLNESS PROBE? DOCTORS ANSWER

The standard hamburger contains a beef patty, ketchup, mustard, chopped onions and dill pickle slices on a bun.

Other McDonald's items that don't contain lettuce include the Filet-O-Fish, a breaded and fried fish filet served with tartar sauce and a slice of American cheese on a bun.

The Double Cheeseburger, Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Chicken McNuggets are other lettuce-free options.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Only a few menu items at KFC contain lettuce. They include the chicken wrap and the chain's chicken sandwiches.

KFC's signature items, including the original recipe for fried chicken, chicken tenders, nuggets and the Famous Bowl (mashed potatoes, corn, chicken, cheese and gravy), are lettuce-free.

Several items on Chik-fil-A's menu lack lettuce. The chain's signature chicken sandwich only contains a pickle, as does the spicy version.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

Chick-fil-A Nuggets, which can be ordered fried or grilled, as well as the Chick-n-Strips and Chicken Biscuits, are also all lettuce-free.

Though many burgers include lettuce at Wendy's, items that don't come with them include the Baconator, Son of Baconator and the chain's chili.

The Baconator is made with two beef patties, six strips of bacon, two slices of American cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. The Son of Baconator is a smaller version of the signature burger and contains four pieces of bacon.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

At Burger King, many of the burgers and sandwiches include lettuce, but the nuggets, Chicken Fries and Rodeo Burger come without it. Chicken Fries are breaded and fried chicken strips in the shape of a french fry. The Rodeo Burger is a beef patty on a bun topped with onion rings and barbecue sauce.

Taco Bell has been offering limited-time promotions on items that do not contain shredded lettuce, including the Mexican Pizza, the Enchirito and regular Nacho Fries.

An Enchirito is made with a warm flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, refried beans and diced onions and is smothered in red sauce and melted shredded cheddar cheese.

Other lettuce-free options at Taco Bell include the Bean Burrito, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Cheesy Roll Up, Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and the Quesadilla (cheese, chicken and steak).

Fox News Digital reached out to Chick-fil-A, Burger King, KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell and Wendy's for comment.

JOHANNESBURG: The U.S. is beating China in a high-tech trade war over data centers in a fierce battle being waged across Africa.

Major new deals have been engineered in a public-private partnership between the Trump administration and U.S. companies in Africa, while States across the U.S. clamp down on the centers over their massive reliance on electricity.

The administration’s Bureau of African Affairs has reported it has worked on 37 commercial transactions that have closed since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term — representing $25.67 billion in total value, with more still being reported.

RESOURCE-RICH NATION PRAISES US TIES AMID WASHINGTON-BEIJING CRITICAL MINERALS RACE

Data centers are at the heart of today's global economy — fueling the massive demand for AI and hosting everything from video streaming to housing cloud networks.

In Lesotho, with U.S. help, an American company has won a $6.2 billion deal for a data center and hydropower plant. It is the largest transaction in this Southern African country’s history.

In Gabon, the U.S. Embassy helped win $600 million in business for American companies in 2025. And this year, the embassy in this central African country has assisted in securing a $100 million contract to supply two data centers and a gas-to-power plant, in the face of strong competition from China.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, told Fox News Digital, "Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is assisting U.S. companies to find new markets and flourish in Africa."

The main strategic competitor in Africa is China. While American goods traded with Africa last year were valued at $83.4 billion by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Beijing’s General Administration of Customs claimed bilateral trade between China and Africa reached $348 billion for the same period.

But Garcia called out China for giving African countries a raw deal, saying "there are others (notably China) that trap, coerce and undermine. The choice to me is clear — partner with the United States for prosperity."

To drive this initiative, the State Department, through the Bureau of African Affairs, launched the Commercial Diplomacy Strategy in early 2025, with Garcia telling Fox News Digital the U.S. "is working worldwide to advance a level playing field for U.S. companies and address disparities in trade practices."

The playing fields in Lesotho are not level: Geographically because this is a mountain kingdom. Financially because China is historically deeply entrenched in life there. Beijing has dropped all tariffs on Lesotho’s exports. Payments between the two countries have been simplified, with Lesothans able to bank directly with the State-owned Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

Beijing has canceled debt on major projects in Lesotho, and among other major projects is building a new fire station, a solar power plant and even completed a police fingerprint examination laboratory.

CHINA IS BUILDING AN AI WAR MACHINE. WASHINGTON MUST WAKE UP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

This makes it all the more remarkable that, with the administration’s help, primarily through the local embassy, U.S. company Convalt Energy has secured a $6.2 billion agreement with the government of Lesotho.

Garcia told Fox News Digital that the "project includes a 1,200MW pumped-storage hydropower facility and a 900MW AI data center, increasing Lesotho's electricity generation capacity by approximately 1,600% and transforming the country into a net exporter of electricity. The project is expected to generate approximately $2 billion in U.S. energy equipment exports."

Convalt Energy’s President & CEO, Hari Achuthan, told Fox News Digital how U.S. companies such as his are beating China on their traditional turf "American companies can compete successfully by innovating faster, integrating hardware and software, and remaining intensely focused on the needs of the end customer."

A new data center, Achuthan believes, is not only at the heart of the project, but is essential for any country’s growth. "The next major cycle of economic growth will increasingly be driven by artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and the energy systems required to support them. AI cannot scale without physical infrastructure. Every data center requires reliable power, water, fiber connectivity, land, cooling systems and resilient transmission infrastructure."

"The Trump administration’s emphasis on trade and private-sector investment, rather than relying primarily on grant funding, is closely aligned with our approach in Africa," Achuthan continued. "In Lesotho, we are pursuing a commercially sustainable infrastructure platform built around long-term investment, bilateral trade with a durable, sustainable operating business."

"At the same time," Achuthan added, "the project can create meaningful economic benefits in the United States. Convalt’s U.S. manufacturing facilities are being developed to serve domestic customers as well as international markets, particularly Africa, where demand for power, manufacturing capacity and digital infrastructure is growing rapidly."

The construction of two data centers is part of the $100 million deal Assistant Secretary Garcia says administration officials have helped American company Cybastion secure. Garcia added, "notably, the U.S. company prevailed over Huawei (a Chinese company) in a direct competition for the project."

Cybastion CEO Dr. Thierry Wandji believes U.S. companies can and are now coming to the fore. Earlier this month the U.S. embassy in the Ivory Coast confirmed an even larger deal for Cybastion. The $170 million contract will bring a data center, government digitalization platform and a cutting-edge border surveillance system to this West African country.

Wandji told Fox News Digital, "We believe we are the better option compared to other global competitors. Cybastion brings a unique understanding of the African context and local business environments."

"Africa has some of the world's fastest-growing economies," Wandji continued. "Across the continent, countries are prioritizing sovereign data centers, modernizing their government services through digitalization, and digital workforce development as part of their national development plans.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"The U.S. tech sector offers global competitiveness unparalleled to any country in the world," Wandji added. "We deliver innovation, transparency and accountability in our business offerings, while creating new markets for U.S. companies."

Convalt’s Achuthan told Fox News Digital what’s working for U.S. business in Africa, "American companies must clearly communicate the value of quality, transparency, safety, responsible business practices and long-term community partnership. Competing solely on price is not enough going forward. Companies from the United States should compete on performance, reliability, innovation, institutional trust and the ability to create sustainable local economic benefits."

A senior House Democrat is urging his party to push back against the growing socialist wing that's been gaining influence in recent years.

"I don't ascribe to any of those ideas at all, and I think that there's very little support for those ideas," Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., told Fox News Digital in an interview.

He compared the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to the House Freedom Caucus, a group on the rightmost flank of the House GOP, while denouncing the DSA's use of the word "democratic" in its name — implying its ideals were mostly socialist in nature.

"Much like the Republicans have had to deal with the Freedom Caucus, the Democrats are going to have to deal with this group," Suozzi said. "I don't like the idea of them using 'democratic.' I think that we should be, as the Democratic Party, should be fighting against that and saying, 'You know, you shouldn't be using the word democratic ... that's us, that's not you."

RAHM EMANUEL WARNS DSA AGENDA DOESN'T PLAY WELL OUTSIDE 'UPPER WEST SIDE OF MANHATTAN'

It comes as DSA-linked candidates are making significant inroads in primary elections across the country, even defeating incumbent House progressives in New York and Colorado.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS AIM TO TURN DEMOCRATIC CIVIL WAR INTO MIDTERM WEAPON

And as Republicans work to capitalize on a burgeoning civil war within the party, Suozzi warned fellow Democrats to take the perception of a DSA takeover seriously.

"I try not to waste my time on worry. I try to take action. So I just say very clearly, 'That's not me and that's not us, and this is why that's not us, and that's why this is not me.' And I fight back against it," Suozzi said. "And there are a lot of Democrats who say, 'Oh, if you look at it, it's just a very small percentage in very deep-blue seats. And it's not that big a deal.' I think that's wrong to just discount it like that. I think you just come out head-on, and take it on and say, 'These guys are wrong. We've got nothing to do with them.'"

100 DAY SPRINT TO THE MIDTERMS KICKS OFF AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CLASH FOR CONTROL ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Suozzi himself is part of an ever-shrinking group of moderates on both sides of the aisle. He's also co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which is dedicated to finding legislative solutions that both parties can get behind.

The New York Democrat is one of Republicans' top targets in the coming midterm elections, and his November victory would be key to Democrats taking back control of the House. Suozzi's district, anchored in the wealthy Long Island suburbs outside of New York City, was won by President Donald Trump in 2024.

He told Fox News Digital that Democrats should not focus on running against Trump the person, but rather argue about his specific policy actions.

"Your grocery prices are higher, your fuel prices are high, your health insurance costs are higher. Your energy bill is higher. Your kids can't buy a house — all these different factors. And that's happening because of this administration," Suozzi argued. "I think it should be less about Trump himself. You know, when I say it should be a referendum on Trump, it should be a referendum on this administration's performance addressing the things in your life."

Meanwhile, Republicans have argued that a Democrat-controlled House will embolden the party's socialist wing to take control and push policies that are unpopular with Americans.

In the Empire State, for example, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has become a prominent boogeyman for the right.

Suozzi said the tactic "would be effective" if he had not distanced himself from the socialist's policy platform early on.

"He's a very smart guy, he's very charismatic," Suozzi said. "I just fundamentally disagree with his positions on things."

But it's not enough to speak out against the socialist left, Suozzi warned.

"I started a thing called The Promise to America, where I've got now 10 members of Congress signed onto it. We're in the process of getting 200 state and local officials," he said. "We've identified 10 candidates, Democratic candidates, to sign the pledge that says 'We're capitalist, not socialist. We're for safety, not lawlessness. We're proud, not ashamed of America, and we're mainstream, we're not extreme.' So we've just got to organize, we've got to do the work necessary."

Suozzi is running against Republican former state lawmaker Mike LiPetri, whom Trump endorsed to flip the seat red.

EXCLUSIVE: The rise of a new type of fraudster has a top Trump administration investigator sounding the alarm as new — albeit brazen — schemes for ripping off hard-working American taxpayers emerge.

The Department of Labor (DOL) Inspector General is warning of a growing cottage industry of online scammers, dubbed "fraudfluencers," who boast their skill in exploiting government programs and facilitate fraud on behalf of others. Typically, the scammers take a cut of the fraudulently obtained benefits.

"This isn’t just a crime — it’s a deliberate and public betrayal of every hardworking American who plays by the rules," DOL Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito told Fox News Digital. "Fraud is not a trend or content; it’s theft of taxpayer dollars, and it will be prosecuted."

EXCLUSIVE: WOMAN WHO STOLE $1.7M MEANT FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS GETS PRISON TIME AS DHS CRACKS DOWN ON FEMA FRAUD

In one case, a California Employment Development Department (EDD) contract employee named Britteny Egland openly used her social media to invite others to participate in her schemes. She offered to help her followers take advantage of taxpayer-funded programs they weren't qualified for by using insider information and stolen identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance, grant and rent relief applications. 

Egland had nearly 10,000 followers on Instagram and over 1,500 followers on X at the time of the posts. Her actions exhibit a growing cottage industry of online schemers who brazenly solicit others to team up and commit fraud.

She went on to steal $2.8 million from government coffers.

"NEW OR REGULAR CLAIMS ONLY," a typical post from the fraudfluencer, who used the handle @Britisshh on X, reads. "IF YOU DID PANDEMIC EDD THIS ISN'T FOR YOU! EVEN IF YOU HAVE A REMAINING BALANCE IT WILL NOT WORK."

EXCLUSIVE: FBI ADDS ALLEGED COVID FRAUDSTER ACCUSED OF TAKING $5M FROM KIDS' MEAL PROGRAM TO MOST WANTED LIST

"IF YOU HAVEN'T DID EDD DURING THAT PERIOD LET'S RUN IT UP. 10-30K," the post continued, before offering for her to "check a claim" for the price of $150.

Egland prompted users to "get with the winning team" by defrauding the U.S. government, but warned potential clients against asking her too many questions because she was unable to address the influx of messages.

"IT'S A LOT OF MONEY ON THE FLOOR! PLEASE DON'T BE STUPID AND MISS OUT," another post from the perpetrator said. "NOBODY WENT TO JAIL OR OWE BACK FOR ANYTHING - LITERALLY - THE WHOLE WORLD IS SCAMMING THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL THESE PROGRAMS."

In a third post, the scammer offered her services in defrauding a $20,000 grant program, saying that she would take $5,000 and give the rest to her client.

VANCE ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE SUSPENDS 447 HOSPICES IN LOS ANGELES OVER MORE THAN $600M IN SUSPECTED FRAUD

The law eventually caught up with Egland. In June 2025, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Egland was sentenced 60 months in federal prison, 36 months of supervised release and ordered to repay the full $2.8 million she stole.

"What makes this increasingly dangerous is the growing effort by fraudsters on social media to glamorize and normalize stealing from their own communities — turning theft into entertainment and betrayal into a lifestyle," said D'Esposito.

"My office, working in close coordination with Vice President Vance’s White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, has zero tolerance for those who cheat the system. We will pursue these cases aggressively, seek prison sentences, and ensure real accountability."

Egland's case isn't isolated.

Investigators are increasingly seeing fraudsters use social media to normalize theft, advertise their methods and build audiences around criminal behavior.

An Atlanta man named Jonathan Dupiton, who had a podcast with the motto "F.R.A.U.D is Dope," was convicted in April and sentenced to seven years in federal prison for using stolen identities to brazenly obtain $3.8 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits from the same California EDD program.

In 2022, a Memphis rapper called "Nuke Bizzle," whose real name is Fontrell Antonio Baines, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison after exploiting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provisions from the CARES Act, meant to help struggling Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baines bragged about his $788,000 in ill-gotten gains in a music video posted to YouTube.

"The criminal mindset hasn’t changed — only the platform has," said D'Esposito, a former NYPD detective. "I’ve seen criminals make mistakes. Today’s ‘Fraudfluencers’ make those mistakes in high definition. They steal from taxpayers, boast about it on social media, and leave a digital footprint our investigators can follow."

D'Esposito and the White House Fraud Task Force was created, in part, to crack down on taxpayer funds being paid out to fraudsters and to end the widespread abuse of government programs.

Federal immigration officials have lodged a detainer against a Honduran national accused of attempting to disarm a police officer during an encounter in Northern Virginia.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is asking Fairfax County officials not to release Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas after authorities said he ambushed a Fairfax County police officer Tuesday.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), officers responded to a report of a man who left a home in Annandale following an argument while allegedly armed with two knives.

SPANBERGER'S ICE ROLLBACK TO BLAME FOR TODDLER KILLING, VIRGINIA 'HOTBED' OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME: DHS

Fairfax County police said the man also stabbed himself before leaving the residence and fleeing into a nearby wooded area.

As officers searched a wooded area, Fuentes-Banegas allegedly emerged from the brush, grabbed an officer's firearm and attempted to disarm the officer, DHS said.

Fairfax County police said one officer fired his service weapon while a second officer simultaneously deployed a department-issued Taser. The bullet grazed Fuentes-Banegas' shoulder, police said.

Fuentes-Banegas was arrested and charged with attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer. ICE has lodged a detainer requesting that Fairfax County notify federal authorities before his release.

ILLEGAL ALIEN ‘MONSTER’ CHARGED WITH RAPING DEAD GIRLFRIEND’S DAUGHTER, DHS BLAMES BIDEN-ERA POLICIES

According to DHS, Fuentes-Banegas entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2022 and was later released under the Biden administration.

"This criminal illegal alien from Honduras attacked a law enforcement officer and attempted to take the officer's gun," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

"He has now been charged with attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer," she continued. "ICE is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this dangerous criminal from jail."

DHS blamed Virginia's sanctuary policies for limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, arguing they have made the commonwealth "a magnet for illegal alien crime."

ABIGAIL SPANBERGER’S VIRGINIA A ‘HOTBED’ FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME, DHS SAYS AFTER LATEST RAPE CHARGE

The department noted that Spanberger signed executive orders at the start of her administration ending former Gov. Glenn Youngkin's 287(g) agreements and limiting state cooperation with ICE.

"Under Governor Spanberger, Virginia has become a hotbed of illegal alien crime," DHS said.

DHS also pointed to the recent arrest of Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, a Mexican national charged with second-degree murder and aggravated sexual battery in connection with the death of a 2-year-old girl in Louisa County.

"This horrific tragedy was completely avoidable because this illegal alien should have never been in our country. Governor Spanberger’s sanctuary policies have made Virginia a hotbed for illegal alien crime," DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis previously told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Spanberger's office for comment.

Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.