Daniel Knowles
@dlknowles.bsky.social
Midwest correspondent at The Economist, in Chicago. Before that, in London, Mumbai, Nairobi and DC.
Buy my book: http://shorturl.at/BJOUV
Buy my book: http://shorturl.at/BJOUV
Pinned
Just reposting this - my story this week is part of this week's cover package on Minneapolis and the rise of what we call "America's paramilitary peril."
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
By the way, for those of you not in MN: Homan’s strategy was to withdraw some agents, so it felt like we were in the denouement of the crisis, and then escalate hard against observers. They’re being incredibly aggressive with observers now. National media may not want to check out just yet
February 7, 2026 at 3:38 AM
By the way, for those of you not in MN: Homan’s strategy was to withdraw some agents, so it felt like we were in the denouement of the crisis, and then escalate hard against observers. They’re being incredibly aggressive with observers now. National media may not want to check out just yet
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
Minneapolis residents are trying a new tactic to slow and deter federal agents from entering city neighborhoods. Called filter blockades, they’re pop-up block parties in the middle of city streets, and they’ve already earned the ire of Trump border czar Tom Homan (1) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Neighbors: Blockades are pop-up parties that also slow down ICE agents
Organizers are trying a new tactic to slow and deter federal agents from entering city neighborhoods: pop-up block parties in the middle of city streets. Tom Homan, the Trump administration border cza...
www.mprnews.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Minneapolis residents are trying a new tactic to slow and deter federal agents from entering city neighborhoods. Called filter blockades, they’re pop-up block parties in the middle of city streets, and they’ve already earned the ire of Trump border czar Tom Homan (1) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
He's disabled. They're going to murder him because he's disabled.
A man taken into custody in Rochester Thursday by federal immigration agents and now held at the Whipple Federal Building in the Twin Cities is a recent organ transplant recipient who is without his needed anti-rejection medication, state Rep. Kim Hicks tells MPR News.
Transplant recipient arrested by federal agents in Rochester needs medicine, state representative says
State Rep. Kim Hicks told MPR News she drove to the Whipple Federal Building near Ft. Snelling Thursday night to give the man his medication but authorities wouldn't take it without a doctor's note. S...
www.mprnews.org
February 6, 2026 at 9:18 PM
He's disabled. They're going to murder him because he's disabled.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
The value bet here is Ed Miliband.
A competent minister, has an agenda, possesses politics.
Who might succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister?
economist.com/britain/2026...
from The Economist
A competent minister, has an agenda, possesses politics.
Who might succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister?
economist.com/britain/2026...
from The Economist
February 6, 2026 at 9:23 PM
The value bet here is Ed Miliband.
A competent minister, has an agenda, possesses politics.
Who might succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister?
economist.com/britain/2026...
from The Economist
A competent minister, has an agenda, possesses politics.
Who might succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister?
economist.com/britain/2026...
from The Economist
Apropos of nothing, a truly excellent book I am planning to reread soon by @fromagehomme.bsky.social and @brianklaas.bsky.social : www.amazon.com/How-Rig-Elec...
How to Rig an Election
How to Rig an Election [Cheeseman, Nic, Klaas, Brian] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How to Rig an Election
www.amazon.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Apropos of nothing, a truly excellent book I am planning to reread soon by @fromagehomme.bsky.social and @brianklaas.bsky.social : www.amazon.com/How-Rig-Elec...
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
A federal judge has agreed to release video, photos and other evidence sought by Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park last fall.
Judge OKs Release of Video, Other Evidence After Chicago Woman Shot Five Times by Border Patrol
A federal judge has agreed to release video, photos and other evidence sought by Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park last fall. Martin...
news.wttw.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:19 PM
A federal judge has agreed to release video, photos and other evidence sought by Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park last fall.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
In the overstuffed closet containing things about which I shall never give a listless fuck, the status of alternatives to nationally-backed currencies or recognized commodities will forever reside. These are Dutch tulips. This is a long-con pyramid game. Every rube should lose his last nickel.
Despite? Or because there is no surer indicator that something is a scam?
February 6, 2026 at 6:05 AM
In the overstuffed closet containing things about which I shall never give a listless fuck, the status of alternatives to nationally-backed currencies or recognized commodities will forever reside. These are Dutch tulips. This is a long-con pyramid game. Every rube should lose his last nickel.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
They’re trying to run the Kilmar Abrego Garcia playbook with a five year old boy in a bunny hat because nobody can find peace if they embarrass the Trump administration publicly. Normal people didn’t like it with Garcia and they really aren’t going to like it for Liam.
BREAKING: The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
DHS has requested expedited deportation proceedings against family of Liam Conejo Ramos
The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
www.mprnews.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:51 AM
They’re trying to run the Kilmar Abrego Garcia playbook with a five year old boy in a bunny hat because nobody can find peace if they embarrass the Trump administration publicly. Normal people didn’t like it with Garcia and they really aren’t going to like it for Liam.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
The problem with Capitalism is you eventually run out of other people's money.
February 6, 2026 at 5:13 AM
The problem with Capitalism is you eventually run out of other people's money.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
The #SellAmerica trade: 🇺🇸
“.. The year-to-date underperformance of US equities relative to the rest of the world is the worst since at least 1995.”
- Auger
“.. The year-to-date underperformance of US equities relative to the rest of the world is the worst since at least 1995.”
- Auger
February 6, 2026 at 12:20 PM
The #SellAmerica trade: 🇺🇸
“.. The year-to-date underperformance of US equities relative to the rest of the world is the worst since at least 1995.”
- Auger
“.. The year-to-date underperformance of US equities relative to the rest of the world is the worst since at least 1995.”
- Auger
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
our government used a Blackhawk helicopter in a major American city, detained children and zip-tied U.S. citizens all to target... squatters
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
The Real Story Behind the Midnight Immigration Raid on a Chicago Apartment Building
The Trump administration has claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over the building. But new documents make no mention of the gang and reveal federal agents had information about “ille...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:46 PM
our government used a Blackhawk helicopter in a major American city, detained children and zip-tied U.S. citizens all to target... squatters
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
They have made clear that it was never just about illegal immigration: they hate all immigrants.
The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won't be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1.
SBA to bar green card holders from applying for small business loans
The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won't be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1.
www.10news.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:12 PM
They have made clear that it was never just about illegal immigration: they hate all immigrants.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
I spoke with Aliya Rahman, the autistic woman with a TBI whom ICE dragged out of her car. But that video was just the beginning of her nightmare. To this day, she can’t lift her arms normally.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
I’m autistic and have a brain injury. ICE dragged me from my car anyway.
Exclusive Details: Aliya Rahman speaks to Eric Garcia about her ordeals — on the streets of Minneapolis, in a grim ICE detention center where she was mocked over her condition and through the public t...
www.independent.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 6:34 PM
I spoke with Aliya Rahman, the autistic woman with a TBI whom ICE dragged out of her car. But that video was just the beginning of her nightmare. To this day, she can’t lift her arms normally.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
A jokey 2014 Brandeis University mathematics paper I just love found this: "trying hard to be different often ends up in hipsters consistently taking the same decision". Feel like it applies perfectly to "contrarian" writing
February 5, 2026 at 4:46 PM
A jokey 2014 Brandeis University mathematics paper I just love found this: "trying hard to be different often ends up in hipsters consistently taking the same decision". Feel like it applies perfectly to "contrarian" writing
My piece this week tying together the prosecution of Don Lemon and the ruination of the federal justice system:
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota are cracking down on dissent
But the pursuit of serious criminals has slackened off
www.economist.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:58 PM
My piece this week tying together the prosecution of Don Lemon and the ruination of the federal justice system:
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
🚨HOLY CRAP. The Trump admin just took a SLEDGEHAMMER to due process, largely eliminating the Board of Immigration Appeals process and MANDATING DISMISSAL of ALL appeals (which cost $1,000 thanks to OBBBA) filed after tomorrow unless a majority of the BIA votes to hear the case.
February 5, 2026 at 2:37 PM
🚨HOLY CRAP. The Trump admin just took a SLEDGEHAMMER to due process, largely eliminating the Board of Immigration Appeals process and MANDATING DISMISSAL of ALL appeals (which cost $1,000 thanks to OBBBA) filed after tomorrow unless a majority of the BIA votes to hear the case.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
I’m on the scene at Franklin and 1st. A convoy of about a couple dozen ICE/HSI agents broke the entryway into an apartment building at 6am. No warrant presented. Less than 24 hours ago, Tom Homan announced the end of large convoys in Minnesota… Bullshit.
February 5, 2026 at 12:49 PM
I’m on the scene at Franklin and 1st. A convoy of about a couple dozen ICE/HSI agents broke the entryway into an apartment building at 6am. No warrant presented. Less than 24 hours ago, Tom Homan announced the end of large convoys in Minnesota… Bullshit.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
After 6am this morning in Whittier, Minneapolis—FOUR BLOCKS from where Pretti was murdered.
18 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) markings smashed an apartment window, ran in, and came out with one man.
18 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) markings smashed an apartment window, ran in, and came out with one man.
February 5, 2026 at 1:41 PM
After 6am this morning in Whittier, Minneapolis—FOUR BLOCKS from where Pretti was murdered.
18 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) markings smashed an apartment window, ran in, and came out with one man.
18 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) markings smashed an apartment window, ran in, and came out with one man.
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
Must-read from @emptywheel.bsky.social
"The problem here is not just that ICE is blowing off judicial orders ... there are so many orders because the detentions are illegal ... The crime is the unlawful detention of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. They’re kidnapping people legally..."
"The problem here is not just that ICE is blowing off judicial orders ... there are so many orders because the detentions are illegal ... The crime is the unlawful detention of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. They’re kidnapping people legally..."
The Minnesota Lawyer Backlog Arises from ICE Kidnappings - emptywheel
The reason -- at least one reason -- ICE is having such a difficult time following judicial instructions in Minnesota is because ICE is snatching so many people illegally.
emptywheel.net
February 5, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Must-read from @emptywheel.bsky.social
"The problem here is not just that ICE is blowing off judicial orders ... there are so many orders because the detentions are illegal ... The crime is the unlawful detention of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. They’re kidnapping people legally..."
"The problem here is not just that ICE is blowing off judicial orders ... there are so many orders because the detentions are illegal ... The crime is the unlawful detention of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. They’re kidnapping people legally..."
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
February 5, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
This NYT piece never mentions the most important detail of the hearing.
THESE PEOPLE ARE UNLAWFULLY being held--and many are unlawfully being snatched in the first place.
The reason there's such a caseload is bc ICE is kidnapping people illegally.
THESE PEOPLE ARE UNLAWFULLY being held--and many are unlawfully being snatched in the first place.
The reason there's such a caseload is bc ICE is kidnapping people illegally.
Flooding the zone with shit, but for the legal system. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/u...
Surge in Immigration Cases in Minnesota Pushes Prosecutors and Judges to Brink
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:49 PM
This NYT piece never mentions the most important detail of the hearing.
THESE PEOPLE ARE UNLAWFULLY being held--and many are unlawfully being snatched in the first place.
The reason there's such a caseload is bc ICE is kidnapping people illegally.
THESE PEOPLE ARE UNLAWFULLY being held--and many are unlawfully being snatched in the first place.
The reason there's such a caseload is bc ICE is kidnapping people illegally.
Honestly going on r/Bitcoin to watch the cope is the only source of hope and joy I have from the internet
February 5, 2026 at 6:35 AM
Honestly going on r/Bitcoin to watch the cope is the only source of hope and joy I have from the internet
Reposted by Daniel Knowles
I just read the declaration that Kira Kelley asked J. Blackwell to consider.
This immigrant describes being
-unlawfully arrested
-taken from one overcrowded & filthy prison to another over 19 days
-held incommunicado
& ICE never telling him a court ordered his release
He describes an American gulag
This immigrant describes being
-unlawfully arrested
-taken from one overcrowded & filthy prison to another over 19 days
-held incommunicado
& ICE never telling him a court ordered his release
He describes an American gulag
February 5, 2026 at 5:52 AM
I just read the declaration that Kira Kelley asked J. Blackwell to consider.
This immigrant describes being
-unlawfully arrested
-taken from one overcrowded & filthy prison to another over 19 days
-held incommunicado
& ICE never telling him a court ordered his release
He describes an American gulag
This immigrant describes being
-unlawfully arrested
-taken from one overcrowded & filthy prison to another over 19 days
-held incommunicado
& ICE never telling him a court ordered his release
He describes an American gulag