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The operator of a speedboat that capsized during a tour of New York Harbor, killing a 5-month-old baby and her mother, has been taken into custody by federal immigration authorities, who say he was living in the United States illegally.

Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, who is already facing federal criminal charges stemming from the Aug. 8 disaster, allegedly lied to a border official when he entered the United States through Texas in 2007, falsely telling the officer that he was an American citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Hernandez-Umana, 46, is a citizen of El Salvador and is now being detained at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, federal records show. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Hernandez-Umana is expected to ultimately be deported from the United States.

Federal immigration agents took Hernandez-Umana into custody after he was released on bail in the separate criminal prosecution over the capsizing. He has been charged with causing the deaths of 5-month-old Antonella Garcia and her 27-year-old mother, Sara Sanchez, through misconduct or neglect.

Prosecutors allege that Hernandez-Umana did not have the required U.S. Coast Guard license to operate the excursion and lacked knowledge of fundamental boating safety requirements. He also allegedly told investigators that the vessel used for the trip was a friend’s personal boat that he had borrowed. Authorities say the excursion was an illegal charter and that the vessel was carrying too many passengers.

“Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country,” Mullin said in a statement.

Hernandez-Umana’s attorney, Amy Gallicchio, declined to comment on the latest developments.

Hernandez-Umana had been residing in Manville, New Jersey, before the deadly incident. He was not asked to enter a plea when he made his first appearance in the criminal case on Aug. 10. He appeared emotional as he entered the courtroom, wiping his eyes while still dressed in the T-shirt, swim trunks and water shoes he had been wearing during the ill-fated boat trip. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 9.

Coast Guard investigators say Hernandez-Umana was operating a 21-foot Yamaha AR210 carrying 14 people when the vessel took on water and sank while attempting a U-turn amid rough conditions. The boat was rated to carry no more than 10 people. The excursion began at approximately 7 p.m., and the boat capsized more than three hours later.

Authorities said the 5-month-old infant was not wearing a life jacket because the vessel did not have a properly sized flotation device for a small child. Prosecutors allege that Hernandez-Umana instead instructed Sanchez to put on a life vest herself and hold her baby for the duration of the lengthy excursion, which they said violated federal safety regulations.

The excursion had been arranged through Zeus Luxury Rental Inc., a company that promotes its rental services through social media, including Instagram and TikTok. The company had previously been connected to another boating emergency when one of its chartered vessels caught fire during a birthday cruise on Long Island Sound last year.

According to the criminal complaint, Hernandez-Umana told investigators that he had been doing freelance or contract work for Zeus Luxury since last year. He said he initially worked for the business as a limousine driver before becoming involved in boating excursions.

Hernandez-Umana also told authorities that on two recent occasions he had operated his own vessel, a somewhat larger Yamaha AR250. On Aug. 8, however, he allegedly used a friend’s boat because his own vessel required repairs.

Requests for comment were sent to the telephone number and email address listed on Zeus Luxury’s website. An automated message indicated that the voicemail associated with the phone number was full.

{Matzav.com}

Some of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s neighbors in Montecito are welcoming reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to spend an extended period in the UK, with residents saying the high-profile couple brought unwanted media attention to their otherwise quiet California enclave.

“When we first heard Harry and Meghan were moving to Montecito, there were definitely some concerns,” one local resident told Page Six.

“There had already been so much negative press and attention surrounding them and the royal family, and I think people worried about what kind of spotlight that could bring to such a quiet community.”

Now, with Harry and Meghan reportedly preparing to return to Britain with their two children, the resident said they “couldn’t be more thrilled.”

“Montecito is a very private, peaceful place, and I think a lot of people here will be happy to see things go back to being a little quieter,” the source continued.

The resident cautioned that the sentiment did not necessarily represent everyone in Montecito, saying they could speak only for themselves and other neighbors with whom they had discussed the matter.

Montecito is hardly unfamiliar with celebrities. Still, the source said Harry and Meghan attracted a level of media scrutiny that was unusual even for the affluent Santa Barbara County community.

Another neighbor was considerably more succinct when asked about the Sussexes’ impending departure, stating, “Good riddance!”

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are reportedly planning to travel to the UK at the end of August with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, for an “extended period.”

Despite the planned move, sources said Thursday that the Sussexes currently intend to retain their $14.5 million Montecito mansion while dramatically increasing the amount of time they spend in Britain.

There are conflicting indications, however, about the long-term fate of the California property. A source in Santa Barbara’s luxury real estate industry said there “have been rumblings” that Harry and Meghan could ultimately put the estate on the market, adding that “every broker wants that listing.”

The couple has lived in Montecito since 2020, settling in the exclusive community after stepping away from their roles as “senior” members of the royal family and moving to the United States.

Harry and Meghan purchased their sprawling property that same year and have since raised Archie and Lilibet there.

The massive estate includes nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, along with extensive grounds featuring a tennis court, rose garden, tea house and a playhouse for the children.

The Sussexes’ planned return to Britain comes six years after their dramatic exit from royal duties and relocation to America, a highly publicized split that became known as “Megxit.”

King Charles III is reportedly one of the major factors behind Harry and Meghan’s decision to spend substantially more time in the UK.

“I know that Charles is a big reason for their return,” a royal insider told Page Six.

Harry, Meghan and their children reunited with the 77-year-old King at Highgrove House in July, the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in four years.

Charles, who is battling cancer, is reportedly delighted by the prospect of having his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren living closer to him.

Harry and Meghan are also said to want Archie and Lilibet to establish stronger bonds with relatives and friends in Britain. According to a source, the children are expected to attend school in the UK while the family is there.

“They have so many friends and family in the UK whom they remain so close to,” another source told Page Six.

Despite returning to Britain for an extended stay, Harry and Meghan are expected to remain “non-working members” of the royal family rather than resume official royal duties.

The couple also reportedly intends to continue pursuing its various private business projects and commercial ventures while living in the UK.

Philadelphia authorities have identified a 22-year-old man they say terrorized pedestrians while wearing a disturbing Chucky-style mask, chasing women through city streets and allegedly threatening one by asking whether she was “ready to die.” Police said Thursday that the suspect is now wanted on an active arrest warrant and may have fled Pennsylvania.

Zymire Hughes has been named as the man investigators believe was behind the frightening series of encounters in Philadelphia last week. Authorities say Hughes is actively attempting to evade law enforcement and are asking the public to help locate him.

Police confirmed Thursday that an arrest warrant has been issued for Hughes, 22, as investigators continue searching for him.

The allegations stem from the early morning hours of Aug. 12, when police say Hughes wore a creepy Chucky-style Halloween mask while confronting pedestrians. During one encounter, authorities allege, he assaulted a woman after pursuing and chasing her.

Investigators say Hughes recorded his encounters on a cellphone as he approached numerous people while masked and deliberately antagonized them.

“If Zymire Hughes was trying to scare people, make them run. Who’s scared now? Who’s running now?” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said during a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Krasner delivered an even sharper message directly to the wanted suspect.

“You think it’s funny to scare people? Well, get ready to get scared by us because we got the handcuffs,” Krasner added. “We got the jail cell. We got the Philly jury that’s going to tell you it’s not funny at all. You think it’s funny to make people run, get your sneaks? Because that’s what Zymire Hughes is doing right now.”

Police said Hughes allegedly shouted at one woman, asking whether she was “ready to die,” while also chasing other people during the bizarre episode.

According to Krasner, Hughes is already serving probation in connection with an unspecified offense committed in Montgomery County. Prosecutors expect him to face both felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the Aug. 12 incident.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows Hughes suddenly running toward people on Philadelphia streets. Authorities said he also attempted to enter a Dunkin’ Donuts but was refused service because he would not remove the mask.

In another disturbing moment captured by surveillance cameras, one victim can apparently be seen crouching down, raising his hands and seemingly begging for his life as the masked individual approaches.

“It’s readily apparent that this individual is certainly in fear of their life,” Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith said.

Police said the masked man continued walking through the area and harassed more than a dozen pedestrians before pursuing a woman who was heading to an early-morning exercise class.

That woman, 25-year-old Philadelphia actress Jameka Wilson, fought back. Wilson, who has stage-combat training, described to Fox News Digital how the masked man reacted when she unexpectedly turned around and confronted him.

“He seemed surprised that I had turned around initially,” she said. “I saw his head tilt from side-to-side, like [he’s] trying to figure out what he’s supposed to be doing in the scenario.”

Wilson said the man’s positioning gave her an advantage as she prepared to defend herself.

“Essentially, what he did in defense terms was that he opened up all of the lines of attack that I could possibly make to him,” she added.

Smith said investigators suspect Hughes may have carried out the frightening encounters to generate social-media content. Because authorities say he did not actually injure anyone, police believe the motive may have been “his own sick personal amusement” or an attempt to make money from the resulting footage.

“There wasn’t an attempt by himself to lay hands on anyone,” Smith said. “He didn’t brandish any weapon, although in the case of the jogger, he did have his right arm behind his back, implying that he had a weapon. but at no point in time did he furnish a weapon.”

Authorities have identified three social-media accounts they say are associated with Hughes as they work to track his movements and determine where he may have gone.

Investigators said Hughes “has a tendency” to travel to unspecified destinations on the West Coast for work, raising the possibility that he has already left Pennsylvania.

Police said Hughes has ties to both California and Nevada.

Authorities describe Hughes as a Black male with a medium complexion, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and with a thin build. During the Philadelphia incidents, police say he wore a white Chucky-style Halloween mask with black hair and carried a black-and-blue plaid backpack.

Krasner also issued a warning to anyone considering copying the masked confrontations for attention or social-media content.

“There is nobody in the world who should be trying to imitate what this scared man who’s running is doing,” he said. “Now he’s a punk. I mean, that’s the bottom line. He’s a punk who scared a lot of people for no good reason, and we’re not going to tolerate it.”

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic medical emergency inside a shul in Kiryat Malachi ended with a remarkable recovery after a man suffered cardiac arrest in the middle of davening and was saved by a United Hatzalah volunteer who happened to be there at the critical moment.

Security camera footage released Thursday captures the frightening incident as Roni Nakash suddenly collapses and the volunteer immediately races across the shul to begin lifesaving treatment.

The incident occurred approximately six weeks ago while Nakash was davening in the shul. Without warning, he suffered cardiac arrest and his heart stopped beating.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Elandiv Tam was davening in the same shul at the time. Surveillance footage shows that the moment Tam noticed Nakash collapse, he immediately understood that something was seriously wrong.

Tam jumped from his seat and ran toward Nakash while simultaneously pulling out his United Hatzalah radio and calling for additional emergency responders. He immediately began CPR and used a United Hatzalah defibrillator in an effort to restart Nakash’s heart.

Within minutes, additional United Hatzalah volunteers arrived at the shul and joined Tam in the intensive resuscitation efforts.

B’chasdei Hashem, their efforts succeeded. Nakash’s heart began beating again, and, in a remarkable turn of events, he regained full consciousness and was able to speak with the medics who had just fought to save his life.

Nakash was subsequently transported to the hospital in stable condition.

B’siyata d’Shmaya, Tam’s immediate response — recognizing the collapse, beginning CPR without delay and quickly using the defibrillator — proved critical in saving Nakash’s life.

But the story did not end in the shul.

Last week, Tam was celebrating the wedding of his son when a special guest arrived to surprise him.

It was Roni.

Six weeks earlier, Nakash had been lying unconscious on the floor of the shul as Tam desperately worked to save him. Now, he walked into the wedding healthy and on his own two feet, coming specifically to meet and thank the man whose rapid response had given him another chance at life.

The reunion between the two men was deeply emotional.

For Tam, seeing Nakash standing before him served as a powerful reminder that behind every emergency call and every resuscitation effort is not merely another medical case, but a human being, a family and an entire life.

For Nakash, the wedding provided an opportunity to express his gratitude to the man who happened to be there at precisely the right moment — and who recognized what was happening, reacted without hesitation and fought to keep him alive.

The newly released surveillance footage, provided by the shul, captures those crucial moments as Nakash collapses, Tam spots him from across the room, rushes to his side and immediately begins the lifesaving actions that would ultimately help save his life.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu issued a blunt warning Thursday following hours of turmoil at Ben Gurion Airport, declaring that Israel’s main international airport will remain operational and that workers who attempt to interfere with its functioning will face consequences.

“Ben Gurion Airport will remain open and continue operating as usual. Anyone who stands in the way will be sent home,” Netanyahu said.

His remarks followed widespread disruption at the airport, where check-in counters were shut down and serious delays developed in the processing of passengers and baggage.

Airport operations were halted at 2 p.m. By 3 p.m., incoming and outgoing flights began gradually resuming under a revised flight schedule as officials worked to restore normal operations.

Netanyahu’s warning came amid growing criticism on social media directed at Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority Workers’ Committee and a member of the Likud Central Committee. Critics blamed the labor action for the upheaval that affected thousands of travelers.

The crisis began when workers unexpectedly launched a work-to-rule action, with all four ground-service companies operating at Ben Gurion Airport stopping passenger-handling services. Among the most significant effects was the shutdown of check-in counters on what was already one of the airport’s busiest travel days of the year.

Ben Gurion is currently handling nearly 100,000 passengers each day aboard approximately 600 flights. The labor disruptions created extraordinary congestion throughout the terminals, with some arriving passengers waiting hours for their luggage.

Zohar Shnur, who arrived at Ben Gurion during the disruption, described an airport overwhelmed by stranded and exhausted travelers.

“There are thousands of people here, thousands of people around all the baggage carousels. Elderly people are sitting on the floor, on plastic sheets, and waiting. They’re talking here about waits of four hours for baggage on some flights.”

Shnur said multiple arriving flights were being assigned to individual baggage carousels even though passengers were still waiting for their suitcases to appear.

“Several flights are already listed on each carousel, but the bags still aren’t coming out. I fly a lot, and I have never seen anything like this,” she said, adding that both passengers and flight crews were receiving inadequate information about the unfolding situation.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who is currently on a private vacation in Morocco, directed Israel Airports Authority management to seek intervention from the Labor Court against the workers’ committee.

Regev denounced the action as a “bullying strike” and warned that those responsible would be held accountable.

“Whoever made the decision to take the citizens of Israel hostage will pay the price.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich similarly lashed out at organized labor over the airport disruptions, arguing that unions should not have the ability to bring critical national infrastructure to a standstill.

“It cannot be that forceful communist unions strand the citizens of Israel and take them hostage,” he said. “The days when a group of functionaries could paralyze an entire country are over. It is time to dismantle these organizations of anarchy.”

The Histadrut’s Transportation Workers Union pushed back against accusations that it had ordered employees to stop working, insisting that no such directive had been given.

“No instruction whatsoever was issued to stop work,” the union stated.

The union instead blamed the airport breakdown on longstanding staffing problems and inadequate preparations for the heavy summer travel period.

“The attempt to portray the chaos at Ben Gurion Airport as the result of a ‘surprise strike’ is contrary to the truth and diverts attention from the real failure: a severe and ongoing manpower shortage and inadequate preparation for the summer rush,” it added.

The Israel Airports Authority disputed that account, saying the operational disruptions had been carried out “at the instruction of the workers’ committee.”

{Matzav.com}