Janai Nelson
@janainelson.bsky.social
President & Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.) the nation's premier racial justice & civil rights law organization.
Posts are my own.
Posts are my own.
Reposted by Janai Nelson
I’m glad that Congresswoman Omar is safe.
Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nation’s leaders needs to stop immediately.
www.startribune.com/man-tackled-...
Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nation’s leaders needs to stop immediately.
www.startribune.com/man-tackled-...
Man sprays unknown substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar and is tackled at Minneapolis town hall
A man sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and was tackled to the ground Tuesday during a town hall she was hosting in Minneapolis, where tensions over federal immigration e...
www.startribune.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:00 AM
I’m glad that Congresswoman Omar is safe.
Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nation’s leaders needs to stop immediately.
www.startribune.com/man-tackled-...
Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nation’s leaders needs to stop immediately.
www.startribune.com/man-tackled-...
Ilhan the Invincible defends herself against cowardly attacker and continues with powerful speech calling to #AbolishICE and #ImpeachKristiNoem. She is fearlessness personified. This is the hatred the Trump regime unleashed. Congress must condemn now.
www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...
www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...
MSN
www.msn.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Ilhan the Invincible defends herself against cowardly attacker and continues with powerful speech calling to #AbolishICE and #ImpeachKristiNoem. She is fearlessness personified. This is the hatred the Trump regime unleashed. Congress must condemn now.
www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...
www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...
Reposted by Janai Nelson
🚨ICYMI:The Senate is voting on ICE funding this week. Not only are we calling on senators to DEFUND ICE but we're also demanding Congress ABOLISH ICE, Border Patrol, and other DHS offices that violently harm our communities.
January 27, 2026 at 8:14 PM
🚨ICYMI:The Senate is voting on ICE funding this week. Not only are we calling on senators to DEFUND ICE but we're also demanding Congress ABOLISH ICE, Border Patrol, and other DHS offices that violently harm our communities.
Trump's anti-immigrant policies are not only shrinking U.S. population growth and threatening economic sustainability, it will have real impact on the apportionment of Congressional seats across the states. There is quite literally power in numbers.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
U.S. Population Growth Slows Sharply as Immigration Numbers Plunge
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Trump's anti-immigrant policies are not only shrinking U.S. population growth and threatening economic sustainability, it will have real impact on the apportionment of Congressional seats across the states. There is quite literally power in numbers.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/u...
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself …” Leviticus 19:34
www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/pope-leos-...
www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/pope-leos-...
Pope Leo’s Top U.S. Ally Says ‘No’ to Funding ICE
Cardinal Joseph Tobin calls ICE a “lawless organization” perpetuating a “machinery of death” and urges Congress to defund Trump’s deportation force.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:53 AM
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself …” Leviticus 19:34
www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/pope-leos-...
www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/pope-leos-...
Legacy Civil Rights Leaders Demand Senate Vote No on ICE and DHS Enforcement Operation Funding Amid Federal Lawlessness and Deadly Abuses in Minnesota
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Legacy Civil Rights Leaders Demand Senate Vote No on ICE and DHS Enforcement Operation Funding Amid Federal Lawlessness and Deadly Abuses in Minnesota
The leaders of the nation’s legacy civil rights organizations issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement: We condemn the...
www.naacpldf.org
January 26, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Legacy Civil Rights Leaders Demand Senate Vote No on ICE and DHS Enforcement Operation Funding Amid Federal Lawlessness and Deadly Abuses in Minnesota
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Congratulations to the brilliant Darren Walker on his appointment at CEO of Anonymous Content. Thrilled for all that’s coming next.
For His Next Act, Ex-Ford Foundation Leader Heads to Hollywood www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/a...
For His Next Act, Ex-Ford Foundation Leader Heads to Hollywood www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/a...
For His Next Act, Ex-Ford Foundation Leader Heads to Hollywood
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Congratulations to the brilliant Darren Walker on his appointment at CEO of Anonymous Content. Thrilled for all that’s coming next.
For His Next Act, Ex-Ford Foundation Leader Heads to Hollywood www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/a...
For His Next Act, Ex-Ford Foundation Leader Heads to Hollywood www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/a...
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.… Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”
- Michael & Susan Pretti
- Michael & Susan Pretti
January 26, 2026 at 4:48 PM
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.… Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”
- Michael & Susan Pretti
- Michael & Susan Pretti
60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies have issued an open letter, calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.
www.mnchamber.com/blog/open-le...
www.mnchamber.com/blog/open-le...
Open letter from more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
www.mnchamber.com
January 25, 2026 at 9:49 PM
60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies have issued an open letter, calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.
www.mnchamber.com/blog/open-le...
www.mnchamber.com/blog/open-le...
LDF Condemns Egregious Killing of Alex Pretti by Federal Law Enforcement in Minneapolis
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
LDF Condemns Egregious Killing of Alex Pretti by Federal Law Enforcement in Minneapolis
Today, a Minneapolis man, Alex Pretti, was fatally shot by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent, according to city officials. The 37-year-old was a U.S. citizen and intensive care unit nurse....
www.naacpldf.org
January 25, 2026 at 3:46 AM
LDF Condemns Egregious Killing of Alex Pretti by Federal Law Enforcement in Minneapolis
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Killings and other brutal attacks by ICE and other fed agents are on the rise—and our tax dollars are funding them. There are many ways to fight back and we must use them all. Here are a few to start. #thread
January 24, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Killings and other brutal attacks by ICE and other fed agents are on the rise—and our tax dollars are funding them. There are many ways to fight back and we must use them all. Here are a few to start. #thread
Must-read warning. The Trump regime wants a war to destabilize the country and permanently cement its authoritarian dictatorship. There must be arrests and prosecutions of lower level govt officials who do not have the immunity SCOTUS granted Trump.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We ran high-level US civil war simulations. Minnesota is exactly how they start | Claire Finkelstein
Developments in Minnesota closely mirror a scenario explored in a 2024 exercise conducted at the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania, which I direct
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Must-read warning. The Trump regime wants a war to destabilize the country and permanently cement its authoritarian dictatorship. There must be arrests and prosecutions of lower level govt officials who do not have the immunity SCOTUS granted Trump.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
ICE is destroying America. And, contrary to what JD Vance says, there is no context that makes that ok.
January 23, 2026 at 8:52 PM
ICE is destroying America. And, contrary to what JD Vance says, there is no context that makes that ok.
After returning to the Supreme Court chamber to witness the Trump v. Cook oral arguments, I joined the weekend to talk about what I saw and heard—and what I expect from the court.
“Abuses of executive power”: Legal Defense Fund President @janainelson.bsky.social says Supreme Court is finally questioning Trump
January 22, 2026 at 6:15 PM
After returning to the Supreme Court chamber to witness the Trump v. Cook oral arguments, I joined the weekend to talk about what I saw and heard—and what I expect from the court.
DOJ must face consequences for harassment of protesters and journalists alike. The recent targeted arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen are similarly suspect. DOJ is not above the law and courts are critical to curbing these abuses.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/p...
www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/p...
Judge rejects Justice Department’s attempt to bring charges against Don Lemon | CNN Politics
A federal magistrate judge rejected the Justice Department’s attempt to bring charges against journalist Don Lemon for appearing alongside protesters who breached a Minnesota church over the weekend, ...
www.cnn.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:40 PM
DOJ must face consequences for harassment of protesters and journalists alike. The recent targeted arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen are similarly suspect. DOJ is not above the law and courts are critical to curbing these abuses.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/p...
www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/p...
Back at the Supreme Court today—this time to support Lisa Cook against Trump’s targeted and discriminatory attempt to remove her from the Fed Reserve Bar. Ran into @fatimagossgraves head of @nwlc. #UnitedFront #BlackWomenLead
January 21, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Back at the Supreme Court today—this time to support Lisa Cook against Trump’s targeted and discriminatory attempt to remove her from the Fed Reserve Bar. Ran into @fatimagossgraves head of @nwlc. #UnitedFront #BlackWomenLead
By supporting the rigging of congressional district lines through racial and partisan gerrymandering, the Trump regime is inoculate him from accountability. I spoke to @JRubinBlogger at Contrarian.substack.com about Callais and its potential consequences.
January 21, 2026 at 1:50 PM
By supporting the rigging of congressional district lines through racial and partisan gerrymandering, the Trump regime is inoculate him from accountability. I spoke to @JRubinBlogger at Contrarian.substack.com about Callais and its potential consequences.
LDF is celebrating the five years of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program (MMSP), a groundbreaking initiative created to train and support the next generation of civil rights lawyers committed to advancing racial justice in the South.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
LDF Celebrates Five Years of Innovative Program Training the Next Generation of Civil Rights Lawyers
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) today celebrates the five-year anniversary of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program (MMSP), a groundbreaking initiative created to train and support the next generation of ...
www.naacpldf.org
January 20, 2026 at 7:16 PM
LDF is celebrating the five years of the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program (MMSP), a groundbreaking initiative created to train and support the next generation of civil rights lawyers committed to advancing racial justice in the South.
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Calling all media: prepare to turn in your badges if you do not stand up and speak out against the threatened arrest of @donlemonofficial.bsky.social Freedom of the press will be non-existent if the capitulation and cowardice continue.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus... via @nbcnews
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus... via @nbcnews
DOJ civil rights chief blasts Don Lemon for covering anti-ICE protest inside church, vows charges against protesters
Harmeet Dhillon said that "nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this" after anti-ICE protesters halted Sunday service at a St. Paul church.
www.nbcnews.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Calling all media: prepare to turn in your badges if you do not stand up and speak out against the threatened arrest of @donlemonofficial.bsky.social Freedom of the press will be non-existent if the capitulation and cowardice continue.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus... via @nbcnews
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus... via @nbcnews
Amazing time celebrating #MLKDay in Baton Rouge at United Christian Faith Ministries w/ Louisiana v. Callais clients Power Coalition & Davante Lewis. Thank you UCFM for the award and opportunity to share why “the fierce urgency of now” means that justice requires us. All of us.
January 20, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Amazing time celebrating #MLKDay in Baton Rouge at United Christian Faith Ministries w/ Louisiana v. Callais clients Power Coalition & Davante Lewis. Thank you UCFM for the award and opportunity to share why “the fierce urgency of now” means that justice requires us. All of us.
Reckoning with our past is as critical to our refounding as reimagining our future. Join LDF on Substack as we chart the course for #TheNext250 : Reckon. Reimagine. Refound.
open.substack.com/pub/legaldef...
open.substack.com/pub/legaldef...
Special Edition Newsletter: LDF’s 250th Birthday Gift to America Is a Radical Reimagining of American Democracy
By: Janai Nelson, LDF President and Director-Counsel
open.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Reckoning with our past is as critical to our refounding as reimagining our future. Join LDF on Substack as we chart the course for #TheNext250 : Reckon. Reimagine. Refound.
open.substack.com/pub/legaldef...
open.substack.com/pub/legaldef...
Reposted by Janai Nelson
Will the Supreme Court cement its MAGA allegiance and gut the Voting Rights Act?
@janainelson.bsky.social unpacks the threat: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/supreme-court-considers-axing-voting
@janainelson.bsky.social unpacks the threat: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/supreme-court-considers-axing-voting
Supreme Court Considers Axing Voting Rights
Janai Nelson forebodes on what is at stake with the Callais case.
contrarian.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Will the Supreme Court cement its MAGA allegiance and gut the Voting Rights Act?
@janainelson.bsky.social unpacks the threat: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/supreme-court-considers-axing-voting
@janainelson.bsky.social unpacks the threat: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/supreme-court-considers-axing-voting
JONATHAN ROSS is a killer.
Where’s the lie?
Where’s the lie?
'Don't say his name!' Kristi Noem snaps after asked about ICE agent who killed Renee Good
'Don't say his name!' Kristi Noem snaps after asked about ICE agent who killed Renee Good
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem snapped at CBS News’ Margaret Brennan on Sunday after being asked about Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross, the agent who earlier this month fatally shot Minnesota woman Renee Good after she was issued conflicting commands.“Let me talk to ...
bit.ly
January 18, 2026 at 10:45 PM
JONATHAN ROSS is a killer.
Where’s the lie?
Where’s the lie?
This is where the fans come in. Kaepernick’s career cancellation never should have happened. If the fans stand with the players they can be protected from punishment. The @NFL should get an earful about fining Azeez Al-Shaair.
Report: Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair fined for eye-black message reut.rs/45j2Vvd
Report: Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair fined for eye-black message
The NFL fined Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for writing "stop the genocide" across his eye black, ESPN reported Sunday.
reut.rs
January 18, 2026 at 10:37 PM
This is where the fans come in. Kaepernick’s career cancellation never should have happened. If the fans stand with the players they can be protected from punishment. The @NFL should get an earful about fining Azeez Al-Shaair.
MN protester ruling is important b/c it puts ICE agents on further notice abt what constitutes unconstitutional conduct which breaks the shield of immunity & allows agents to be prosecuted.
Judge Restricts ICE Agents’ Actions Toward Minnesota Protesters www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/u...
Judge Restricts ICE Agents’ Actions Toward Minnesota Protesters www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/u...
Judge Restricts Immigration Agents’ Actions Toward Minnesota Protesters
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 4:41 AM
MN protester ruling is important b/c it puts ICE agents on further notice abt what constitutes unconstitutional conduct which breaks the shield of immunity & allows agents to be prosecuted.
Judge Restricts ICE Agents’ Actions Toward Minnesota Protesters www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/u...
Judge Restricts ICE Agents’ Actions Toward Minnesota Protesters www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/u...