The briefing for Thursday, January 29.

Federal health officials have identified the two companies that supplied contaminated milk powder linked to a botulism outbreak that has now sickened 51 babies across 19 states. Organic West Milk Inc. provided the raw milk, which was processed into powder at a Dairy Farmers of America plant in Fallon, Nevada, according to company officials. The FDA confirmed that samples from the milk powder genetically matched contamination found in ByHeart infant formula and samples from sick babies.

The source of the botulism contamination remains unknown, and both companies emphasize the investigation is ongoing. Organic West owner Bill Van Ryn said nothing has been proven about his company's milk yet, noting that contamination could have occurred during processing or formula manufacturing. The company has halted all sales of powder intended for babies and children. Dairy Farmers of America said the milk powder met all required tests before being sold to ByHeart, which has recalled all its products.

Botulism spores are common in the environment and found at low levels in most foods, but babies' immature digestive systems cannot prevent the spores from germinating and producing a paralysis-causing toxin. While pasteurization is standard in milk powder production, it doesn't kill botulism spores. This marks the first large outbreak linked to infant formula, though the bacteria has been found in formula before. Testing for botulism in infant formula is not currently required by law.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Venezuela will soon be allowed to sell sanctioned oil, with all revenue flowing into Treasury-controlled accounts subject to U.S. oversight. The funds will initially be deposited in Qatar to avoid seizure by creditors, then transferred to blocked accounts in the United States. Venezuelan authorities must submit monthly budgets for approval before any money is released, with spending limited to basic services like policing and healthcare.

Rubio defended the Trump administration's military operation that captured former President Nicolás Maduro, saying it removed a major national security threat and created conditions for reform. He characterized the action as a law enforcement operation rather than an act of war, though he refused to rule out further military force if Venezuela's interim leaders don't cooperate. The operation involved approximately 200 troops and a firefight lasting less than 27 minutes, according to committee chairman Jim Risch.

Democrats questioned whether the intervention was justified, with Sen. Chris Murphy criticizing the administration for "taking their oil at gunpoint" and deciding how a country of 30 million people will use its resources. Rubio maintained that Venezuelan oil profits will now be spent on U.S.-made goods rather than servicing debt to China or flowing to Russia. He said the arrangement is an interim step to prevent systemic collapse while working toward long-term recovery and transition.

Senate Democrats are threatening to block spending legislation that would fund the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, potentially triggering a partial government shutdown Friday unless Republicans agree to new restrictions on immigration enforcement. The standoff comes after federal agents fatally shot two protesters in Minneapolis, intensifying demands for accountability measures. Democrats want agents to be required to obtain warrants for arrests, identify themselves, wear body cameras, and follow an enforceable code of conduct.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said his caucus won't provide the votes needed to pass the bill until Immigration and Customs Enforcement is "reined in and overhauled." Democrats are unified in demanding that ICE agents follow the same rules as local police departments, according to Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith. The White House has appeared open to negotiations, with discussions underway about separating DHS funding from the rest of the bill and funding it for a short time to allow for talks on reforms.

This marks the second potential shutdown in two months, though Democrats are more united this time following the Minneapolis shootings. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated he might be open to some Democratic demands but encouraged the two sides to negotiate. It remains unclear whether an agreement can be reached before the Friday deadline, as any changes would need to pass the House, which is not in legislative session this week.

President Trump warned Iran that "time is running out" for nuclear negotiations as a massive U.S. naval force led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Gulf. Trump said the armada was moving "with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" and is "ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary." The deployment includes advanced fighter jets, refueling aircraft, spy planes, and guided-missile destroyers.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that Iran's armed forces have "their fingers on the trigger" to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression. He insisted Iran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful and that the country has never sought nuclear weapons, while calling for negotiations free from "coercion, threats, and intimidation." Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress the Iranian regime is "probably weaker than it's ever been" due to economic collapse.

The military buildup follows Trump's threat of a "far worse" attack than last year's Operation Midnight Hammer, which struck three Iranian uranium enrichment facilities. BBC Verify tracked dozens of U.S. cargo planes and military aircraft arriving at bases across Jordan, Qatar, and Diego Garcia. The deployment exceeds the force used to capture Venezuela's former leader, though Trump emphasized he hopes Iran will negotiate.

Federal immigration agents are systematically using courthouse hearings as traps to arrest migrants across 21 U.S. cities, according to Associated Press observations and internal records. Government lawyers quickly move to dismiss asylum claims, allowing plainclothes ICE agents waiting in hallways to immediately arrest individuals who believed they were attending routine hearings. Text messages obtained by the AP show close coordination between Department of Homeland Security attorneys and ICE agents.

The practice has transformed immigration courts into assembly-line deportation operations, with cases dismissed to enable "expedited removal" of migrants who complied with legal requirements to appear. In one incident observed in a Cuban man's case, a government lawyer texted an ICE agent "I can't do this. This is a new emotional load" before dismissing the man's asylum claim. The agent responded four minutes later: "Got him."

The courthouse arrests are part of the Trump administration's mass deportation effort, though polling shows about 57% of Americans now disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration. Migrants often bring family members to hearings, including U.S. citizen children, only to be arrested after what they expected would be standard legal proceedings. The practice represents a significant shift in how immigration courts operate under the current administration.

The European Union sanctioned 15 Iranian officials Thursday, including top Revolutionary Guard commanders, over the brutal crackdown on protests that has killed at least 6,373 people. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the Revolutionary Guard will likely be designated as a terrorist organization, putting it "on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, Daesh." The move follows weeks of consideration, with France initially objecting over concerns about French citizens detained in Iran.

The sanctions target individuals involved in suppressing nationwide demonstrations that began over economic conditions but evolved into challenges to Iran's clerical leadership. The EU also sanctioned six organizations involved in monitoring online content during Iran's three-week internet blackout. Designating the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group would allow any of its European assets to be seized, affecting the paramilitary organization's vast business interests.

The sanctions add pressure on Iran as it faces threats of military action from President Trump and economic collapse under existing international restrictions. Iran's rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to $1 on Thursday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said there can be "no impunity for the crimes committed" during the crackdown, marking a shift from France's earlier reluctance to designate the Guard.