Cathy Gellis
@cathygellis.bsky.social
Lawyer, writer, all-around-great person
I mostly post about technology, law, and civil liberties (especially free speech), and how they intersect. And mostly at Techdirt: https://www.techdirt.com/user/cathy/
I also post silly things too.
I mostly post about technology, law, and civil liberties (especially free speech), and how they intersect. And mostly at Techdirt: https://www.techdirt.com/user/cathy/
I also post silly things too.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
ICE has just under four years to spend $29.9 billion, they are going to outsource AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE to contractors because money is essentially not a problem anymore for the agency.
NEW: ICE has torn up its $180M cap on a proposed immigrant-tracking program and is now guaranteeing private surveillance firms at least $7.5M each, with potential payouts reaching $281M per vendor. The change signals a shift from “pilot” to full-scale outsourcing of street-level investigative work.
ICE Offers Up to $280 Million to Immigrant-Tracking ‘Bounty Hunter’ Firms
Immigration and Customs Enforcement lifted a $180 million cap on a proposed immigrant-tracking program while guaranteeing multimillion-dollar payouts for private surveillance firms.
www.wired.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:31 PM
ICE has just under four years to spend $29.9 billion, they are going to outsource AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE to contractors because money is essentially not a problem anymore for the agency.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Some great news for your Tuesday! A federal court has granted a nationwide class action injunction ordering the federal government to stop refusing to hear requests for release on bond to immigrants who originally entered across the border.
@reichlinmelnick.bsky.social New decision in this case appears to give classwide relief to people the govt now says are not amenable to bond, under the govt's bananas interpretation of everyone as arriving (for bond)* www.courtlistener.com/docket/70895...
*but not for CAA relief!
*but not for CAA relief!
Lazaro Maldonado Bautista v. Ernesto Santacruz Jr, 5:25-cv-01873 - CourtListener.com
Docket for Lazaro Maldonado Bautista v. Ernesto Santacruz Jr, 5:25-cv-01873 — Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating high quality open legal information.
www.courtlistener.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Some great news for your Tuesday! A federal court has granted a nationwide class action injunction ordering the federal government to stop refusing to hear requests for release on bond to immigrants who originally entered across the border.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
In a normal world this would be a scandal.
EXCLUSIVE: US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff advised Russia on how to pitch Ukraine plans to Trump, in audio files reviewed by Bloomberg
Witkoff Advised Russia on How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, fresh from the triumph of the Gaza peace deal, held a phone call last month with a senior Kremlin official to suggest they work together on a similar plan for Ukraine — and that Vladimir Putin should raise it with Donald Trump.
bloom.bg
November 25, 2025 at 9:08 PM
In a normal world this would be a scandal.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
NEW: The FBI reached out yesterday to the sergeant-at-arms in connection with the six Democrats who filmed the video re: illegal orders.
The unusual inquiry was quickly redirected to the House’s legal office.
w/ @nicholaswu12.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
The unusual inquiry was quickly redirected to the House’s legal office.
w/ @nicholaswu12.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Democrats say they are subjects of FBI probe after filming anti-Trump video
Congressional Democrats who have law enforcement and military backgrounds were criticized by the Trump administration for their message to the troops.
www.politico.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:56 PM
NEW: The FBI reached out yesterday to the sergeant-at-arms in connection with the six Democrats who filmed the video re: illegal orders.
The unusual inquiry was quickly redirected to the House’s legal office.
w/ @nicholaswu12.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
The unusual inquiry was quickly redirected to the House’s legal office.
w/ @nicholaswu12.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Mr. Secretary, you seem confused. Mark Kelly was defending the Constitution. That’s leadership and you should try it.
This is an insurrection…
This is an insurrection…
November 25, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Mr. Secretary, you seem confused. Mark Kelly was defending the Constitution. That’s leadership and you should try it.
This is an insurrection…
This is an insurrection…
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
The concept for jury trial was laid out in the *Magna Carta*
The UK has gone from "We need to enshrine the right to jury trial in a British Bill of Rights" to "We need to abolish jury trial" in the space of about 3 years.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jury trials could be scrapped except in most serious cases
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The concept for jury trial was laid out in the *Magna Carta*
While I'm sure both rollbacks are motivated by the GOP's desire to destroy, they aren't equivalent mandates.
The seat alarm adds to car cost, but overall social benefit probably outweighs.
But I'm not sure autobraking is an overall good. Drivers and cars shouldn't be competing for control.
The seat alarm adds to car cost, but overall social benefit probably outweighs.
But I'm not sure autobraking is an overall good. Drivers and cars shouldn't be competing for control.
Republicans plan to challenge stop sign and building fire alarm mandates, declaring that these issues should be addressed by the free market
November 25, 2025 at 7:47 PM
While I'm sure both rollbacks are motivated by the GOP's desire to destroy, they aren't equivalent mandates.
The seat alarm adds to car cost, but overall social benefit probably outweighs.
But I'm not sure autobraking is an overall good. Drivers and cars shouldn't be competing for control.
The seat alarm adds to car cost, but overall social benefit probably outweighs.
But I'm not sure autobraking is an overall good. Drivers and cars shouldn't be competing for control.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Today in life under competitive authoritarianism
More textbook stuff
More textbook stuff
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Today in life under competitive authoritarianism
More textbook stuff
More textbook stuff
When I was a kid I was jealous that my room didn't have curtains but the other bedrooms did. So I asked for some.
Next thing I know, my bed is now a bunk bed and I'm sharing a room with my sister.
Anyway just pointing out that the UK still has wigs. And instead of doing away with them, now this...
Next thing I know, my bed is now a bunk bed and I'm sharing a room with my sister.
Anyway just pointing out that the UK still has wigs. And instead of doing away with them, now this...
The UK has gone from "We need to enshrine the right to jury trial in a British Bill of Rights" to "We need to abolish jury trial" in the space of about 3 years.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jury trials could be scrapped except in most serious cases
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
When I was a kid I was jealous that my room didn't have curtains but the other bedrooms did. So I asked for some.
Next thing I know, my bed is now a bunk bed and I'm sharing a room with my sister.
Anyway just pointing out that the UK still has wigs. And instead of doing away with them, now this...
Next thing I know, my bed is now a bunk bed and I'm sharing a room with my sister.
Anyway just pointing out that the UK still has wigs. And instead of doing away with them, now this...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
This is similar nonsense to how the Trump admin talks about addressing historic backlogs in the immigration courts.
The solution to backlogs are to hire more judges and staff, not to abolish due process. It’s not that hard!
The solution to backlogs are to hire more judges and staff, not to abolish due process. It’s not that hard!
November 25, 2025 at 7:15 PM
This is similar nonsense to how the Trump admin talks about addressing historic backlogs in the immigration courts.
The solution to backlogs are to hire more judges and staff, not to abolish due process. It’s not that hard!
The solution to backlogs are to hire more judges and staff, not to abolish due process. It’s not that hard!
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Hate, hate, hate it when apps pop-up with new AI features that only have options like "Get started!" and "Remind me later."
Don't remind me later. Never speak of this again.
Don't remind me later. Never speak of this again.
November 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Hate, hate, hate it when apps pop-up with new AI features that only have options like "Get started!" and "Remind me later."
Don't remind me later. Never speak of this again.
Don't remind me later. Never speak of this again.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Dear Democratic lawmakers, this is your "I am Spartacus" moment.
MS NOW confirms: The FBI is working with Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse to comply with illegal orders.
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Dear Democratic lawmakers, this is your "I am Spartacus" moment.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
#ICE tearing apart our community will have a lasting effect on Los Angeles businesses. Another example of Trump’s disastrous policies ruining our economy, while inflicting significant harm on our community and depriving people of basic dignities.
labusinessjournal.com/featured/fea...
labusinessjournal.com/featured/fea...
Fear of ICE Raids Drains Businesses - Los Angeles Business Journal
Los Angeles businesses have experienced substantial revenue losses and decreased foot traffic, new research reports show – a trend business leaders link
labusinessjournal.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
#ICE tearing apart our community will have a lasting effect on Los Angeles businesses. Another example of Trump’s disastrous policies ruining our economy, while inflicting significant harm on our community and depriving people of basic dignities.
labusinessjournal.com/featured/fea...
labusinessjournal.com/featured/fea...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
I would decline to voluntarily cooperate. No way. Issue a subpoena and fight it out in court.
MS NOW confirms: The FBI is working with Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse to comply with illegal orders.
November 25, 2025 at 5:39 PM
I would decline to voluntarily cooperate. No way. Issue a subpoena and fight it out in court.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
MAPA: Make America Poisoned Again.
The EPA is starting to allow the use of pesticides containing PFAS on food. The move is part of an effort to roll back the regulation of PFAS — also known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment.
November 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
MAPA: Make America Poisoned Again.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Russia scrambling to save the world’s third longest rail network as Putin’s war economy cools.
Rail there now a whopping $51 billion in debt. When the dominoes start falling, they’ll fall fast.
Rail there now a whopping $51 billion in debt. When the dominoes start falling, they’ll fall fast.
www.reuters.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Russia scrambling to save the world’s third longest rail network as Putin’s war economy cools.
Rail there now a whopping $51 billion in debt. When the dominoes start falling, they’ll fall fast.
Rail there now a whopping $51 billion in debt. When the dominoes start falling, they’ll fall fast.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
My daughter and I visited the house we lived in when she was a baby, and she was shocked a 29-year-old Navy guy could afford a nice house in a safe neighborhood.
That wasn’t crazy in 1996 — but today, a nice house is out of reach for so many young people. That has to change.
That wasn’t crazy in 1996 — but today, a nice house is out of reach for so many young people. That has to change.
November 25, 2025 at 3:38 PM
My daughter and I visited the house we lived in when she was a baby, and she was shocked a 29-year-old Navy guy could afford a nice house in a safe neighborhood.
That wasn’t crazy in 1996 — but today, a nice house is out of reach for so many young people. That has to change.
That wasn’t crazy in 1996 — but today, a nice house is out of reach for so many young people. That has to change.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
The EU's Obergefell v. Hodges moment:
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
EU countries must mutually recognise same-sex marriages, ECJ rules
The European Court of Justice has ruled that member states must recognise same-sex marriages lawfully concluded in another member state. The decision is poised to be greeted positively by Europe's LGB...
www.euronews.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The EU's Obergefell v. Hodges moment:
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
I keep saying, Google intentionally making its search worse is a world-historical fumble, and it's a huge opportunity for so many others across the internet, if they'll just seize it..
Google at its peak was basically the best information retrieval system in human history and they and every competitor decided going from there to “you didn’t want answers you wanted half-assed auto-complete 80%-wrong hallucinations” in a few years was the right idea
November 25, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I keep saying, Google intentionally making its search worse is a world-historical fumble, and it's a huge opportunity for so many others across the internet, if they'll just seize it..
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
The institutional memory of the Capitol Police must be horrible.
MS NOW confirms: The FBI is working with Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse to comply with illegal orders.
November 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
The institutional memory of the Capitol Police must be horrible.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
In January, we froze refugee admissions. Now, we're deporting refugees. And for what? To punish people for needing refuge?
We were strangers in the land of Egypt.
We were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Trump Admin planning a rule to re-decide whether *every* refugee who entered under Biden meets their criteria for a refugee. That’s 230,000 people! And no appeals!
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
In January, we froze refugee admissions. Now, we're deporting refugees. And for what? To punish people for needing refuge?
We were strangers in the land of Egypt.
We were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
"Calm down" is particularly galling, because I'm really hard to rattle, I have a naturally calm demeanor, I'm good in a crisis, so if I'm visibly worked up things are *bad*
14. What is the worst thing that someone can say to comfort you?
November 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"Calm down" is particularly galling, because I'm really hard to rattle, I have a naturally calm demeanor, I'm good in a crisis, so if I'm visibly worked up things are *bad*
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Want to know how bad Donald Trump is losing his trade war with China?
Last month, he said China will buy 12 million tons of US soybeans by January. China hasn’t even bought 1/10th of that amount yet.
Trump is getting played by China while American farmers pay the price.
Last month, he said China will buy 12 million tons of US soybeans by January. China hasn’t even bought 1/10th of that amount yet.
Trump is getting played by China while American farmers pay the price.
CNBC: My understanding is the White House said that China was gonna buy 12 million tons of soybeans from the US by January. That's approaching and they've only purchased 332,000. China has not confirmed that pledge.
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
November 25, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Want to know how bad Donald Trump is losing his trade war with China?
Last month, he said China will buy 12 million tons of US soybeans by January. China hasn’t even bought 1/10th of that amount yet.
Trump is getting played by China while American farmers pay the price.
Last month, he said China will buy 12 million tons of US soybeans by January. China hasn’t even bought 1/10th of that amount yet.
Trump is getting played by China while American farmers pay the price.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
This is why I have depositions on video in addition to transcription. It is easy for opposing counsel to cloud the record by claiming that the questioning counsel is "yelling" at the witness when there is no audio/visual record. Playing the tape of someone make this false accusation is devastating.
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This is why I have depositions on video in addition to transcription. It is easy for opposing counsel to cloud the record by claiming that the questioning counsel is "yelling" at the witness when there is no audio/visual record. Playing the tape of someone make this false accusation is devastating.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
In an ideal deposition, the witness is so well prepared and in control that the defense lawyer doesn't have to say anything.
This is what happens when the witness is not prepared and is not controlling himself so the defense lawyer has to throw himself across the table.
This is what happens when the witness is not prepared and is not controlling himself so the defense lawyer has to throw himself across the table.
And, here is Bovino's third day of depositions, November 4: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
The lawyers:
Locke Bowman for the plaintiffs.
Sarmad Khojasteh for the government.
The lawyers:
Locke Bowman for the plaintiffs.
Sarmad Khojasteh for the government.
November 25, 2025 at 4:17 PM
In an ideal deposition, the witness is so well prepared and in control that the defense lawyer doesn't have to say anything.
This is what happens when the witness is not prepared and is not controlling himself so the defense lawyer has to throw himself across the table.
This is what happens when the witness is not prepared and is not controlling himself so the defense lawyer has to throw himself across the table.