Crime
Israel Makoka and Max Makoka detained and zip tied by ICE in-front of their entire Hancock County High School bus
DIAMONDHEAD, Mississippi — Two teenage brothers from the Republic of the Congo, living in the United States on student visas, were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while waiting for their school bus in a quiet Mississippi neighborhood—an incident that has sparked concern and emotional reactions across their community.
According to family members, Israel Makoka, 18, and Max Makoka, 15, were standing at the curb on April 21 when multiple unmarked vehicles arrived and agents took them into custody.
Their host father, Cliff Baptiste, said he initially noticed a suspicious vehicle nearby and approached the driver, who allegedly stated he was searching for another individual.
Moments later, several agents converged on the scene and detained the brothers in front of their family and classmates.
The teenagers were reportedly restrained and taken away despite, according to their host family, being in the U.S. legally on F-1 student visas since 2023 and 2024.
Family members emphasize that neither of the Makoka brothers has been accused of any crime. They say the students had maintained valid immigration status as recently as last year and were unaware of any issues that could have led to their detention.
Following the incident, Israel Makoka was initially held at a local facility in Waveland and has since been transferred to an ICE detention center in Jena, Louisiana. The status of his younger brother has not been fully detailed publicly.
ICE officials have not provided specific details, stating only that the matter remains under investigation.
The Makoka brothers are known in the community as dedicated students and standout athletes at Hancock High School, where they recently transferred. Coaches and classmates describe them as positive influences who strengthened team unity and school spirit.
“They brought a level of brotherhood and togetherness that was truly remarkable,” one coach said, reflecting community sentiment.
The detentions have prompted widespread reaction across Diamondhead and surrounding areas. Students, teachers, and residents have launched support efforts, including letters to immigration officials and public appeals calling for clarity and reconsideration of the case.
Anna Liese acknowledged the emotional toll on the community, stating that the situation is “deeply difficult,” particularly given the brothers’ involvement in local schools and activities.
The Baptiste family, who have hosted numerous international students over the years, said they were unaware of any potential visa complications. They believe that, had they been notified of any issue during the school transfer process, it could have been addressed proactively.
As the case unfolds, the family continues to advocate for the brothers’ return while seeking clarity on the legal and procedural factors behind their detention.
Authorities have not released additional details, and the situation remains under review.
The case highlights broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices involving students and underscores the need for clear communication and due process, particularly in cases involving minors and educational visas.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.