Gang Violence Incidents - Two gang-related shootings occurred over the holiday weekend, impacting children [1] - A 16-year-old was injured at Valley Fair Mall, and three children were killed in Stockton [1] - Eleven others were injured in the Stockton shooting [1] FBI Data on Gang Activity - The FBI reports that children aged 13 to 16 were the most reported victims and offenders of gang activity between 2021 and 2024 [2] - Over 19,000 children aged 13 to 16 committed gang-related crimes [3] - More than 2,000 children aged 12 and under also committed gang-related crimes [3] Legal Consequences and Juvenile Offenders - California laws are perceived as lacking meaningful consequences for gun violence, especially for juveniles [4] - California laws prevent state prosecutors from charging most minors as adults, even for violent offenses [4] - The system may be providing a perverse incentive for gangs to recruit children at younger ages due to lenient consequences for young repeat offenders [5] Specific Incidents - A 13-year-old gang member allegedly stabbed and killed a 15-year-old in San Jose on Valentine's Day [6] - Prosecutors suggest gangs may see recruiting children as a loophole to commit violence without consequences [6]

Geopolitical Risk - US Marines are being deployed to Haiti to protect the embassy due to escalating gang violence [1] - American-made firearms are increasingly being used in attacks against US Marines in Haiti [1]

International Security - UN approves a larger force to combat gang violence in Haiti [1]

Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti - Gang violence controls an estimated 90% of Haiti's capital, leading to a humanitarian crisis [1] - Hundreds of thousands of Haitians have fled due to the violence [1] - The environmental situation in Haiti is considered unsafe, with potential risks of kidnapping and violence [3] Immigration Policy and Legal Challenges - The Trump administration planned to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians, which the Biden administration had extended [2] - A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's move to end TPS, but the government plans to appeal the decision [4] - The administration prioritizes enforcing immigration laws, arresting those in violation [5] Socio-Economic Impact - Haitian immigrants have been contributing to society and have support from some Trump supporters [5] - Expired work permits create uncertainty for Haitians seeking to stay in the US [4] - Community members are providing support to help Haitians seek asylum [4][6]