4 Americans killed since 2009 in US drone strikes

WASHINGTON — Four American citizens have been killed in drone strikes since 2009 in Pakistan and Yemen, the Obama administration acknowledged for the first time Wednesday. The disclosure to Congress comes on the eve of a major national security speech by President Barack Obama.

Obama tries to stem controversies, but GOP is unsatisfied

WASHINGTON — President Obama, seeking to regain his footing amid controversies hammering the White House, named a temporary chief for the scandal-marred Internal Revenue Service Thursday and pressed Congress to approve new security money to prevent another Benghazi-style terrorist attack.

Illegal immigrants ICE released in budget move: 342 in Arizona

Immigration and Customs Enforcement released 342 illegal immigrants being detained in Arizona last month on the basis of anticipated budget cuts, officials confirmed today.

Fitz Blog: North Korea

North Korea

US released more than 2,000 illegal immigrants, report says

WASHINGTON — The Associated Press has learned that the Homeland Security Department released more than 2,000 illegal immigrants facing deportation from immigration jails in recent weeks because of looming budget cuts. It also planned to release 3,000 more during March.

Defiant Clinton takes on lawmakers on Libya attack

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered fiery rejoinders Wednesday to Republican critics of the Obama administration’s handling of the deadly attack on a U.S. mission in Benghazi, facing off with lawmakers who included potential 2016 presidential rivals.

Hillary Clinton: US strengthening embassy security

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, at times emotional and fierce, insisted on Wednesday that the department is moving swiftly and aggressively to strengthen security at U.S. missions worldwide after the deadly Sept. 11 raid on the consulate in Libya.

Woman deported to Mexico after Tucson casino win

A Mexican woman was deported last month because of her illegal immigration status after she and her daughter won a $1,200 jackpot at a Tucson casino.

Groups push Raúl Grijalva for interior secretary slot

Raúl Grijalva

Groups push Raúl Grijalva for interior secretary slot

A coalition of 238 environmental, ethnic and other groups sent a letter to President Obama Monday recommending Rep. Raúl Grijalva as the next interior secretary.

Brewer sued over driver’s license policy for immigrants

PHOENIX — Immigrant rights advocates filed a lawsuit Thursday that seeks to overturn Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s order denying driver’s licenses for young immigrants who have gotten work permits and avoided deportation under a new Obama administration policy.

Fitz Blog: Random piffle

I had to laugh when Jay Leno said, "President Obama is brewing his own beer in the White House. Actually, the White House beer is a lot like the Obama administration – great buzz, weak finish."

29 people approved for delayed deportation

WASHINGTON — With less than two months to go before the Nov. 6 election, the Obama administration has approved applications from 29 illegal immigrants hoping to avoid deportation and get a work permit, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday.

Judge questions whether she can block SB 1070 provision

PHOENIX — A federal judge questioned this morning whether she has the right to once again block the state from enforcing the most controversial provision of its 2010 law aimed at illegal immigrants.

Brewer defends order on illegal immigrants

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said Tuesday the federal government and parents of young illegal immigrants are at fault, as she defended her order denying driver’s licenses and other public benefits to those who get work authorizations under a new Obama administration policy.

House sues Holder over ‘Fast and Furious’ records

WASHINGTON — The Republican-run House has asked a federal court to enforce a subpoena against Attorney General Eric Holder. The subpoena demands that Holder produce records related to a bungled gun-tracking operation known as Operation Fast and Furious.

Gay relationships to be weighed in deportation cases

SAN FRANCISCO — Amid pressure from Democratic lawmakers, Homeland Security officials reiterated Friday that a foreigner’s longstanding same-sex relationship with a U.S. citizen could help stave off the threat of deportation.

Justice Dept: Fast and Furious report distorted

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Tuesday that Republican lawmakers are engaging in distortions by asserting that Operation Fast and Furious arose from a strategy created by the Obama administration.

Arizona Secretary of State reverses view on political endorsements

PHOENIX — Saying he gets criticized no matter what, Secretary of State Ken Bennett is abandoning his 2-year-old pledge not to endorse any candidates for office.

Obama targets diploma mills that market to vets

FORT STEWART, Ga. — President Barack Obama reached out to a generation of young soldiers Friday as he added new protections for veterans and military families misled or bilked by career colleges and technical programs that target their federal education benefits. “They don’t care about you,”…