Yung Lau, the owner of a sushi chain in Arizona, has been arrested alongside two managers on federal charges related to harboring illegal immigrants and operating a human trafficking network. Investigators allege that Lau and his associates maintained several residences, referred to as "stash houses," where they compelled undocumented immigrants to work at various restaurants, including Sakura Sushi and Akita Sushi, without any days off. Federal agents conducted raids on the restaurants and stash houses last week, concluding an operation that had raised concerns among local residents since 2023. Neighbors reported suspicious activities, including the frequent arrival of a white van with individuals who appeared anxious. Despite multiple reports to local police, initial investigations did not yield sufficient evidence for action.

The investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began in March, revealing that employees of different ethnic backgrounds were directed by Chinese supervisors with limited customer interaction. This case has been described as more extensive than typical worksite enforcement cases, with approximately ten undocumented immigrants housed in one stash house and others transported daily between residences and restaurants. Lau and Zhen Liu face charges of harboring illegal aliens and knowingly employing unauthorized individuals, while Lau's brother, Qin Liu, is similarly charged. Some undocumented immigrants are currently being held as material witnesses, with a federal court hearing scheduled for December 30.

In a separate legal matter, a coalition of 19 Democratic Attorneys General, along with Washington, D.C., has initiated a lawsuit against a policy implemented by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This policy prohibits hospitals from performing gender transition surgeries on minors as a condition for participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, specifically targeting procedures involving puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical operations. The Department of Health and Human Services claims the policy aims to protect vulnerable young individuals from making irreversible decisions influenced by external pressures.

New York Attorney General Letitia James leads the coalition, asserting that the policy undermines access to necessary medical care and that healthcare decisions should remain between medical professionals and their patients. James emphasized the importance of supporting young people and their families in making informed medical decisions. However, critics question the validity of the medical evidence cited in support of gender transition treatments, with a whistleblower alleging that misleading statistics regarding suicide rates were used to pressure parents into consenting to these procedures. The Republican Attorneys General Association has expressed support for the Trump administration's policy, framing it as a measure to protect children from harmful medical interventions. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton characterized the policy as a necessary response to what he perceives as a radical movement advocating for the transition of minors. Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has also joined the lawsuit against the policy, highlighting the ongoing legal and political contention surrounding this issue.