brian nam-sonenstein
@bson.bsky.social
senior editor & researcher @prisonpolicy.org; 1/2 of @beyondprisons.bsky.social; fmr editor and founder shadowproof.com
Any demand for minimum standards in detention facilities has to be coupled with fully independent external enforcement that has teeth (skeleton key, ability to sanction for failure to remediate, etc). Otherwise all we get are reports that are ignored forever.
The New Democrats & the Progressive Caucus just put out a joint statement with a list of demands for immigration enforcement reforms... 2 things on this:
1-the New Dems are to the left of Schumer on this
2-nothing about clawing back the $175 billion in OBBBA funding for ICE
1-the New Dems are to the left of Schumer on this
2-nothing about clawing back the $175 billion in OBBBA funding for ICE
January 29, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Any demand for minimum standards in detention facilities has to be coupled with fully independent external enforcement that has teeth (skeleton key, ability to sanction for failure to remediate, etc). Otherwise all we get are reports that are ignored forever.
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
They retaliate. I keep fighting.
David CAN beat Goliath. Documentation is your slingshot. Persistence is your stone.
I won't stop standing up. I won't stop speaking up.
#PrisonAbolitionNow #TexasPrisons
[🧵3/3]
David CAN beat Goliath. Documentation is your slingshot. Persistence is your stone.
I won't stop standing up. I won't stop speaking up.
#PrisonAbolitionNow #TexasPrisons
[🧵3/3]
January 29, 2026 at 10:05 PM
They retaliate. I keep fighting.
David CAN beat Goliath. Documentation is your slingshot. Persistence is your stone.
I won't stop standing up. I won't stop speaking up.
#PrisonAbolitionNow #TexasPrisons
[🧵3/3]
David CAN beat Goliath. Documentation is your slingshot. Persistence is your stone.
I won't stop standing up. I won't stop speaking up.
#PrisonAbolitionNow #TexasPrisons
[🧵3/3]
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
They reported it. The policy was denied, then reversed.
My reporting on heat-related deaths? AC got installed in solitary.
My reporting on staff abuse against incarcerated women? Policy changed: now equal gender staffing in our most vulnerable units.
[🧵2/3]
My reporting on heat-related deaths? AC got installed in solitary.
My reporting on staff abuse against incarcerated women? Policy changed: now equal gender staffing in our most vulnerable units.
[🧵2/3]
January 29, 2026 at 10:05 PM
They reported it. The policy was denied, then reversed.
My reporting on heat-related deaths? AC got installed in solitary.
My reporting on staff abuse against incarcerated women? Policy changed: now equal gender staffing in our most vulnerable units.
[🧵2/3]
My reporting on heat-related deaths? AC got installed in solitary.
My reporting on staff abuse against incarcerated women? Policy changed: now equal gender staffing in our most vulnerable units.
[🧵2/3]
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
They said it couldn't be done. When I told media outlets that TDCJ stripped us of all clothing in solitary, forcing us to wear only gowns like we were living the Handmaid's Tale, no one believed me.
So I gathered documentation and reached out to Texas Public Radio.
[🧵1/3]
So I gathered documentation and reached out to Texas Public Radio.
[🧵1/3]
January 29, 2026 at 10:05 PM
They said it couldn't be done. When I told media outlets that TDCJ stripped us of all clothing in solitary, forcing us to wear only gowns like we were living the Handmaid's Tale, no one believed me.
So I gathered documentation and reached out to Texas Public Radio.
[🧵1/3]
So I gathered documentation and reached out to Texas Public Radio.
[🧵1/3]
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Watching Homan this AM, I can’t help but see the courts as a primary audience for the performance. The point is to say that things *might be* changing. Admin lawyers can use that fluidity as part of its argument that Court should not issue TRO. You're already beginning to see this in filings. /1
January 29, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Watching Homan this AM, I can’t help but see the courts as a primary audience for the performance. The point is to say that things *might be* changing. Admin lawyers can use that fluidity as part of its argument that Court should not issue TRO. You're already beginning to see this in filings. /1
it would make sense to push to release ppl from jail and prevent them from going in due to ICE just like ppl did during COVID
January 29, 2026 at 5:46 PM
it would make sense to push to release ppl from jail and prevent them from going in due to ICE just like ppl did during COVID
i could be wrong, but i dont think this is a policy change. either homan doesn't know MN jails can/do do this already, or he's playing it up to make it look like he's getting MN officials to move
Homan also said he met with MN AG Keith Ellison who he said agreed to let jails notify ICE when a target is released. I’ve asked Ellison’s office to clarify this - Hennepin County DA Mary Moriarty has said she’s also waiting for clarification on what if anything this changes
January 29, 2026 at 5:44 PM
i could be wrong, but i dont think this is a policy change. either homan doesn't know MN jails can/do do this already, or he's playing it up to make it look like he's getting MN officials to move
ICE refers ppl to DOJ to be charged w/ immigration "crimes" while leaning on state/local cops to nab ppl for minor "crimes" (like driving w/o a license) til ICE can arrest. criminalization is a sorting tool they can/will use to their benefit; it's not neutral www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2025/07...
January 29, 2026 at 4:34 PM
ICE refers ppl to DOJ to be charged w/ immigration "crimes" while leaning on state/local cops to nab ppl for minor "crimes" (like driving w/o a license) til ICE can arrest. criminalization is a sorting tool they can/will use to their benefit; it's not neutral www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2025/07...
state/local law enforcement cooperation is 1) currently a major funnel for people into fed custody, 2) generally a huge force multiplier for the feds, and 3) an area in which the public has considerably more leverage to intervene compared to natl
If what ends up happening is MN officials agree to aggressive 287(g) or other cooperation agreements to stop the occupation, that is a terrible Faustian bargain that is closer to total loss than any kind of victory. It sets the precedent that the feds can force your city to play ball at gunpoint
January 29, 2026 at 3:28 PM
state/local law enforcement cooperation is 1) currently a major funnel for people into fed custody, 2) generally a huge force multiplier for the feds, and 3) an area in which the public has considerably more leverage to intervene compared to natl
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Well-timed letter in today’s BDN. Sen Collins told us she believed Kavanaugh’s lie that he wouldn’t overturn Roe v Wade. We can’t afford to have that happen again with ICE. #mepolitics
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/29/o...
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/29/o...
January 29, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Well-timed letter in today’s BDN. Sen Collins told us she believed Kavanaugh’s lie that he wouldn’t overturn Roe v Wade. We can’t afford to have that happen again with ICE. #mepolitics
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/29/o...
www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/29/o...
i don't believe anything noem says, especially when negotiated with susan collins, but they were abducting people outside our schools before the surge began and i'm concerned this is a new strategy designed to try and get people to stop paying attention
Maine Senator Susan Collins said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her that ICE will end the immigration enforcement surge in the state.
ICE ending Maine surge, Senator Collins says - The Boston Globe
Collins said in a statement that she had pushed Noem and other Trump administration officials to have ICE “reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state.”
trib.al
January 29, 2026 at 3:17 PM
i don't believe anything noem says, especially when negotiated with susan collins, but they were abducting people outside our schools before the surge began and i'm concerned this is a new strategy designed to try and get people to stop paying attention
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Think about it like this. This ICE agent was on camera and unmasked — fulfilling one of three "demands" Democratic leader Chuck Schumer just issued in order to agree to save Republicans and give DHS even more money.
And he was still threatening to kill someone.
And he was still threatening to kill someone.
"You raise your voice, I erase your voice."
ICE in Minneapolis are erasing your rights.
Please share our new video of what's happening in our city. youtu.be/W1dyNcRGRXY
ICE in Minneapolis are erasing your rights.
Please share our new video of what's happening in our city. youtu.be/W1dyNcRGRXY
January 28, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Think about it like this. This ICE agent was on camera and unmasked — fulfilling one of three "demands" Democratic leader Chuck Schumer just issued in order to agree to save Republicans and give DHS even more money.
And he was still threatening to kill someone.
And he was still threatening to kill someone.
What exactly do dems mean by “require ICE to coordinate with local authorities”? Anyone know what specifically they’re talking about?
SCHUMER says Democrats are “united” behind three DHS reforms
1/ End roving patrols; tighten the rules on warrants and require ICE to coordinate with local authorities.
2/ Enforce accountability; a uniform code of conduct.
3/ Require masks off, body cameras on, agents carry ID.
1/ End roving patrols; tighten the rules on warrants and require ICE to coordinate with local authorities.
2/ Enforce accountability; a uniform code of conduct.
3/ Require masks off, body cameras on, agents carry ID.
January 28, 2026 at 8:23 PM
What exactly do dems mean by “require ICE to coordinate with local authorities”? Anyone know what specifically they’re talking about?
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
IDK why right-wingers keep bringing up Obama's record deportations, it just shows that if you wanted to have a conservative immigration policy without partisan militias occupying cities and gunning people down in the streets you could do it and a lot of americans would be fine with it
January 28, 2026 at 12:43 PM
IDK why right-wingers keep bringing up Obama's record deportations, it just shows that if you wanted to have a conservative immigration policy without partisan militias occupying cities and gunning people down in the streets you could do it and a lot of americans would be fine with it
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
www.pressherald.com/2026/01/26/t... - Op-Ed from Maine by my comrade @bmcquade.bsky.social
In the fight against ICE, Maine’s leaders should take a cue from its organizers | Opinion
What matters now is what we do next.
www.pressherald.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:55 PM
www.pressherald.com/2026/01/26/t... - Op-Ed from Maine by my comrade @bmcquade.bsky.social
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Everything that you’re watching ICE and BP do mimics local policing of racialized neighborhoods. We can compare these federal agencies to European fascists but we can also compare them to the gang units that have terrorized my family.
January 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Everything that you’re watching ICE and BP do mimics local policing of racialized neighborhoods. We can compare these federal agencies to European fascists but we can also compare them to the gang units that have terrorized my family.
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Minneapolis has seen a stunning 1,646% spike in calls from families who can't pay rent because they're afraid to leave their homes to work.
This is state violence manufacturing housing precarity in real time.
People should not be facing eviction when their city is under occupation.
This is state violence manufacturing housing precarity in real time.
People should not be facing eviction when their city is under occupation.
Hotline operators report flood of calls for rental assistance as residents hide during ICE surge
211 calls from Spanish-speakers have increased more than 1,600 percent and requests for rental assistance have more than tripled, according to Greater Twin Cities United Way. Local officials are pushi...
www.mprnews.org
January 27, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Minneapolis has seen a stunning 1,646% spike in calls from families who can't pay rent because they're afraid to leave their homes to work.
This is state violence manufacturing housing precarity in real time.
People should not be facing eviction when their city is under occupation.
This is state violence manufacturing housing precarity in real time.
People should not be facing eviction when their city is under occupation.
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
National Nurses United also at Susan Collins's offices today to urge her to stop doling out $$$ to ICE. Busy day for Team Collins! #MEpolitics (via @aobrien2024.bsky.social)
January 27, 2026 at 10:30 PM
National Nurses United also at Susan Collins's offices today to urge her to stop doling out $$$ to ICE. Busy day for Team Collins! #MEpolitics (via @aobrien2024.bsky.social)
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Nine local clergy and faith leaders were arrested on charges of criminal trespassing outside of Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' downtown Portland office at One Canal Plaza on Tuesday:
Nine faith leaders arrested at 'pray-in' at Susan Collins' Portland office
Nine local clergy and faith leaders were arrested on charges of criminal trespassing during a "pray-in" outside of Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' downtown Portland office on Tuesday.
www.mainepublic.org
January 27, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Nine local clergy and faith leaders were arrested on charges of criminal trespassing outside of Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' downtown Portland office at One Canal Plaza on Tuesday:
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Abolish ICE/DHC. For those hoping for reforms - especially better training, better staffing of detention centers, more oversight, etc. - I offer this book of mine, co-written with Nancy Heitzeg (@naheitzeg.bsky.social), "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."
January 27, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Abolish ICE/DHC. For those hoping for reforms - especially better training, better staffing of detention centers, more oversight, etc. - I offer this book of mine, co-written with Nancy Heitzeg (@naheitzeg.bsky.social), "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Report from a user calling the Augusta office of Senator Susan Collins...
If you're a Mainer calling Collins, maybe add that her staff shouldn't be arguing with a constituent. Or calling them a fucking bitch.
If you're a Mainer calling Collins, maybe add that her staff shouldn't be arguing with a constituent. Or calling them a fucking bitch.
January 27, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Report from a user calling the Augusta office of Senator Susan Collins...
If you're a Mainer calling Collins, maybe add that her staff shouldn't be arguing with a constituent. Or calling them a fucking bitch.
If you're a Mainer calling Collins, maybe add that her staff shouldn't be arguing with a constituent. Or calling them a fucking bitch.
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
People held at the Fort Bliss immigration detention camp in Texas report guards have crushed their testicles, beaten them, broken their teeth, and more.
We're demanding an end to this inhumane treatment and to immigration detention at Fort Bliss for good.
We're demanding an end to this inhumane treatment and to immigration detention at Fort Bliss for good.
ICE accused of overseeing "unfolding humanitarian crisis" at Texas detention center - Salon.com
A recent death at Fort Bliss in Texas has renewed criticism of the ICE holding facility.
www.salon.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:04 PM
People held at the Fort Bliss immigration detention camp in Texas report guards have crushed their testicles, beaten them, broken their teeth, and more.
We're demanding an end to this inhumane treatment and to immigration detention at Fort Bliss for good.
We're demanding an end to this inhumane treatment and to immigration detention at Fort Bliss for good.
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
One observer said ICE agents approached an older woman driving a Volkswagen who had gotten closest to the officers, spoke with her, and then fired projectiles at her.
They watched immigration agents in Maine. Then one fired projectiles at their cars.
ICE agents were seen in a South Portland Home Depot parking lot telling people filming them they were impeding federal law enforcement.
www.bangordailynews.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:02 PM
One observer said ICE agents approached an older woman driving a Volkswagen who had gotten closest to the officers, spoke with her, and then fired projectiles at her.
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
Amid growing calls for the abolition of ICE, Rep. Delia Ramirez is calling for the entire DHS to be dismantled. Highlighting how much experience the officers who killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti had, Ramirez said, “DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity.”
House Democrat Says Abolishing ICE Isn’t Enough — DHS Must Go, Too
“The problem isn’t ‘training.’ DHS was built to violate our rights,” said Rep. Delia C. Ramirez.
truthout.org
January 27, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Amid growing calls for the abolition of ICE, Rep. Delia Ramirez is calling for the entire DHS to be dismantled. Highlighting how much experience the officers who killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti had, Ramirez said, “DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity.”
Reposted by brian nam-sonenstein
My Senator Raphael Warnock voted for the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention, without bond, of non-citizens who committed certain crimes, which has led to over 17,500 people being detained or turned over to ICE:
www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
January 27, 2026 at 10:28 PM
My Senator Raphael Warnock voted for the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention, without bond, of non-citizens who committed certain crimes, which has led to over 17,500 people being detained or turned over to ICE:
www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...