Andy Birkey
@andybirkey.com
Queer. He/him. Once an award-winning journalist. Part time field biologist: focus Coccinellidae/Lepidoptera. Nature-inspired artist/graphic designer. Aurora CO-based. Roots in Minnesota. Married to @worstmillennial.bsky.social
Yo, check this one out. Probably Trychopeplus laciniatus, a stick insect that evolved to mimic moss. Found it in the cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
February 12, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Yo, check this one out. Probably Trychopeplus laciniatus, a stick insect that evolved to mimic moss. Found it in the cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Reposted by Andy Birkey
This video of lion dance as line dance is delightful (from Edmonton, of course). Happy (almost) Lunar New Year!
February 12, 2026 at 2:43 PM
This video of lion dance as line dance is delightful (from Edmonton, of course). Happy (almost) Lunar New Year!
Reposted by Andy Birkey
never get involved in a land war in Minnesota
Bovino advanced all the way to within eyesight of Paisley Park, but his supply lines were stretched too thin and ultimately his frozen troops were encircled by Will Stancil and wine moms with whistles
February 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM
never get involved in a land war in Minnesota
Reposted by Andy Birkey
This isn’t over.
Someone was abducted at 10 AM by ICE on Central Ave. Their coworker says they’ve lived here for over 20 years, are documented, and have 3 kids who were born here.
Don’t be fooled by headlines when they’ve been lying to us the whole time. We still need you out patrolling until every agent is gone.
Don’t be fooled by headlines when they’ve been lying to us the whole time. We still need you out patrolling until every agent is gone.
February 12, 2026 at 5:23 PM
This isn’t over.
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Please read this report from a volunteer attorney representing immigration detainees from Minnesota, and spread the word about the horrific treatment they're receiving. Attorneys like OP are doing heroic work at great cost. And this shouldn't be happening.
I don’t really know what I expect in posting this, but maybe some people see it and can learn from it.
I’ll call it “lessons from an unwilling immigration attorney.”
1/
I’ll call it “lessons from an unwilling immigration attorney.”
1/
February 12, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Please read this report from a volunteer attorney representing immigration detainees from Minnesota, and spread the word about the horrific treatment they're receiving. Attorneys like OP are doing heroic work at great cost. And this shouldn't be happening.
Today would be a good day to donate to your queer health clinics in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and California. They are going to need the help so that they can help our communities. (Let's face it, they already needed our help).
The Trump administration is terminating $600 million in CDC grants for programs supporting HIV and STD prevention and HIV surveillance.
Trump administration cuts $600 million in HIV, STD prevention and surveillance grants
The Trump administration is terminating $600 million in CDC grants for programs supporting HIV and STD prevention and HIV surveillance.
abcnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Today would be a good day to donate to your queer health clinics in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and California. They are going to need the help so that they can help our communities. (Let's face it, they already needed our help).
Reposted by Andy Birkey
He literally says in this clip that ICE will keep in Minnesota “quick reaction forces” — a military term — to go after “agitators.” Remember that those on the ground in MPLS have spent more than a week trying to tell everyone that Trump’s prior “deescalation” was a ruse and ICE is still operational
Homan: "Operation Metro Surge is ending. In the next week, we're going to deploy the officers here on detail back to their home stations or to other areas of the country where they're needed."
February 12, 2026 at 2:44 PM
He literally says in this clip that ICE will keep in Minnesota “quick reaction forces” — a military term — to go after “agitators.” Remember that those on the ground in MPLS have spent more than a week trying to tell everyone that Trump’s prior “deescalation” was a ruse and ICE is still operational
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Since June 2024, Colorado has spent at least $437,000 on NGA dues and membership fees. What does the public get for this expense? No discernible benefit but plenty of abuse.
Commentary: Colorado’s membership in the National Governors Association is not just wasteful of taxpayer money, it’s counterproductive. The organization in the Trump era has lost its way, and Colorado should withdraw from it.
Colorado should withdraw from the National Governors Association | Colorado Newsline
Colorado spends hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to participate in an organization that is not aligned with its interests.
coloradonewsline.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Since June 2024, Colorado has spent at least $437,000 on NGA dues and membership fees. What does the public get for this expense? No discernible benefit but plenty of abuse.
Thinking about one of my favorite places in Minneapolis: Coldwater Spring. It's in the news and I encourage people to learn more about its history and why folks have set up a prayer camp there.These are some of my favorite nature moments there for inspiration. minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/10/n...
February 12, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Thinking about one of my favorite places in Minneapolis: Coldwater Spring. It's in the news and I encourage people to learn more about its history and why folks have set up a prayer camp there.These are some of my favorite nature moments there for inspiration. minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/10/n...
Reposted by Andy Birkey
If my followers have been inspired by the fierce resistance the Twin Cities has put up to ICE, you should make it a point to take a trip here (April through October 😬), enjoy the wonderful things MN has to offer and support our small businesses. It continues to be a really tough time for them.
February 12, 2026 at 12:49 AM
If my followers have been inspired by the fierce resistance the Twin Cities has put up to ICE, you should make it a point to take a trip here (April through October 😬), enjoy the wonderful things MN has to offer and support our small businesses. It continues to be a really tough time for them.
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Every photo from Minneapolis looks like this. Cops decked out with guns and full tac gear facing off against people in bathrobes, parkas, and sweatpants armed only with whistles and cell phones.
Yet every verified MAGA chode on X dutifully calls it a riot or violent insurrection.
Yet every verified MAGA chode on X dutifully calls it a riot or violent insurrection.
February 11, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Every photo from Minneapolis looks like this. Cops decked out with guns and full tac gear facing off against people in bathrobes, parkas, and sweatpants armed only with whistles and cell phones.
Yet every verified MAGA chode on X dutifully calls it a riot or violent insurrection.
Yet every verified MAGA chode on X dutifully calls it a riot or violent insurrection.
Some grasshoppers from a trip to Costa Rica. I found dozens of species and these were some of the favorites. IDs and descriptions in the alt text. I really can't wait to visit again and find more of these awesome creatures! #invertebrates
February 11, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Some grasshoppers from a trip to Costa Rica. I found dozens of species and these were some of the favorites. IDs and descriptions in the alt text. I really can't wait to visit again and find more of these awesome creatures! #invertebrates
Reposted by Andy Birkey
20 years ago today, Dick Cheney shot that guy in the face.
February 11, 2026 at 8:02 AM
20 years ago today, Dick Cheney shot that guy in the face.
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Today in St. Paul
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
February 11, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Today in St. Paul
I know I'm preaching to the choir: Our health care system sucks so absolutely horribly much in the USA. I've been trying since November to see a specialist for chronic symptoms. I even know what the issue is! Blood work was conclusive but I can't get treatment without referral, etc. Maybe someday...
February 11, 2026 at 8:48 PM
I know I'm preaching to the choir: Our health care system sucks so absolutely horribly much in the USA. I've been trying since November to see a specialist for chronic symptoms. I even know what the issue is! Blood work was conclusive but I can't get treatment without referral, etc. Maybe someday...
Reposted by Andy Birkey
If you saw today's headline that Gallup will stop measuring presidential approval, they did the same thing in 2018. They do it whenever Trump is president.
February 11, 2026 at 7:27 PM
If you saw today's headline that Gallup will stop measuring presidential approval, they did the same thing in 2018. They do it whenever Trump is president.
Reposted by Andy Birkey
“At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, and their documented wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.”
Several ICE agents were arrested in recent months, showing risk of misconduct
Investigators say one immigration official abused his girlfriend for years. Another admitted he sexually abused a woman in his custody.
apnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:53 PM
“At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, and their documented wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.”
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Hey tc friends… just an update that if you have gfm or donation drives to be added to the Stand with Minnesota website; don’t be a jerk like me and dm it to Ashley. She now has volunteers!
Submit requests to be added using this form:
www.standwithminnesota.com/submission
Submit requests to be added using this form:
www.standwithminnesota.com/submission
Add Your Link | Get Involved Now – Share Your Link — Stand With Minnesota
Join Minnesota's solidarity network by adding mutual aid, organizations, and campaigns supporting ICE-affected communities. Connect and take action today.
www.standwithminnesota.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Hey tc friends… just an update that if you have gfm or donation drives to be added to the Stand with Minnesota website; don’t be a jerk like me and dm it to Ashley. She now has volunteers!
Submit requests to be added using this form:
www.standwithminnesota.com/submission
Submit requests to be added using this form:
www.standwithminnesota.com/submission
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges “described Johnson as ‘a backgrounder for ICE, DHS and other federal agencies.’”
"So when you're getting your security clearance, this is one of the guys that does your backgrounds," Chief Hodges said. "Which is kind of scary."
"So when you're getting your security clearance, this is one of the guys that does your backgrounds," Chief Hodges said. "Which is kind of scary."
“A man who police say conducted background checks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies was recently arrested in a prostitution sting in Bloomington, Minn.” people.com/minnesota-ma...
Minnesota Man Who Did Background Checks for ICE Gets Arrested in Prostitution Sting: 'Most Disturbing Arrest We've Had'
At the time of his arrest, Johnson was in possession of a U.S. Department of Defense I.D. that indicated he was a contractor authorized to conduct federal background investigations, according to Bloom...
people.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges “described Johnson as ‘a backgrounder for ICE, DHS and other federal agencies.’”
"So when you're getting your security clearance, this is one of the guys that does your backgrounds," Chief Hodges said. "Which is kind of scary."
"So when you're getting your security clearance, this is one of the guys that does your backgrounds," Chief Hodges said. "Which is kind of scary."
Reposted by Andy Birkey
The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building looms in the background of the camp at Coldwater Spring, or Mni Owe Sni, at Fort Snelling along the Mississippi River — where the U.S. government in the mid-1800s killed hundreds of Dakota people and imprisoned more than 1,600 in a concentration camp.
Native activists set up prayer camp outside Minneapolis ICE detention center • Minnesota Reformer
Tribal members and descendents set up tipis and a fire at a Fort Snelling Park for four days of prayer for those detained by ICE
minnesotareformer.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:30 AM
The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building looms in the background of the camp at Coldwater Spring, or Mni Owe Sni, at Fort Snelling along the Mississippi River — where the U.S. government in the mid-1800s killed hundreds of Dakota people and imprisoned more than 1,600 in a concentration camp.
Reposted by Andy Birkey
We should not normalize smashing in people's car windows. That alone is a civil rights violation!
Federal agents abducted two people in Uptown, Minneapolis this morning at 6:45am. Boxed in their car in the middle of a major commercial street (Lagoon) and smashed out their window.
February 10, 2026 at 4:55 PM
We should not normalize smashing in people's car windows. That alone is a civil rights violation!
Reposted by Andy Birkey
I’m so grateful for all of you feeding people in crisis; we‘re fighting monsters, and we won’t stop fighting them
February 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
I’m so grateful for all of you feeding people in crisis; we‘re fighting monsters, and we won’t stop fighting them
Reposted by Andy Birkey
Botany valentine. Another oldie.
February 9, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Botany valentine. Another oldie.
There's a Catholic school at the end of our block, and every election cycle, they put out signs in support of whatever oppressive social issue is on the ballot. I hope this means less of that, because getting my dog to pee on those signs every morning is a lot of work.
Colorado Catholics Move to the Left? Pope Leo Replaces Right-Wing Archbishop Samuel Aquila
After months of speculation, the Denver Catholic Archdiocese announced this morning that Pope Leo replaced right-wing Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila with Bishop James Golka, who was elevated to bisho...
coloradotimesrecorder.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:33 PM
There's a Catholic school at the end of our block, and every election cycle, they put out signs in support of whatever oppressive social issue is on the ballot. I hope this means less of that, because getting my dog to pee on those signs every morning is a lot of work.
Debts and resignations plague the party which is great for Colorado. The average GOP elected in this state has the temperament of a 7 year old, and constantly spews conspiracy theories. The fewer of them in power, the better.
Colorado GOP enters peak of campaign season facing big financial and leadership problems
Colorado GOP enters peak of campaign season facing big financial and leadership problems
Vice Chairman Richard Holtorf announced his resignation — the second vice chair to leave the job in less than a year. The party’s finances are so bad it had to take out a bank loan.
coloradosun.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Debts and resignations plague the party which is great for Colorado. The average GOP elected in this state has the temperament of a 7 year old, and constantly spews conspiracy theories. The fewer of them in power, the better.