An American woman has pleaded guilty to paying thousands of dollars for the production of sexual torture videos involving adult and baby monkeys. Known as 'animal crush videos,' these depictions show real monkeys being burned alive, having their genitals mutilated, and experiencing other atrocities.
Guilty Plea in Federal Court
Amanda Leigh Fourez, a US citizen from Illinois, admitted her role in the making and distribution of these horrific videos, which were shared within a sick online group dedicated to animal cruelty.
'Fourez admitted to her role in making these horrific videos and posting them online,' said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. 'What kind of sick person would pay someone to make a video of sexualized animal torture? ICE will continue investigating these sadistic online groups and do everything in our power to stop them.'
Broader Conspiracy Ring
Fourez is not the first individual to plead guilty in this 'animal-crushing' conspiracy. Earlier in April, Joseph Garrett Buckland of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos.
'Producing and trafficking in animal crush videos is a serious federal crime,' said United States Attorney Rivetti. 'Intentionally inflicting harm and torture on innocent animals not only feeds a broader market of criminal depravity, it also often is linked to, or leads to, additional dangerous and violent conduct that further erodes society and public safety.'
Investigation and Rebrand Controversy
ICE and the FBI investigated the case, highlighting the agency's non-immigration-related work. This comes amid controversy after Donald Trump supported a proposal to rebrand ICE as NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to improve its image. Critics, including Representative Ilhan Omar, condemned the agency, citing violent incidents and family separations.
Trump shared a post on Truth Social calling the rebrand a 'GREAT IDEA!!!' However, Omar responded, 'A rebrand won't distract us from the truth: this reprehensible agency murdered two Minnesotans in broad daylight. Abolish ICE.'
