John Saveland
@johnsaveland.com
Immigration and human rights advocate. Hopelessly optimistic. Digital director and writer. Exploring and loving Los Angeles.
Reposted by John Saveland
"I never want to see a child run away from our own government ever again"
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 3:59 PM
"I never want to see a child run away from our own government ever again"
Reposted by John Saveland
I interviewed a family of Russian asylum seekers who’ve been held more than four months at the Dilley detention center in Texas.
As we spoke over Zoom this week, their daughter Kamilla was one day shy of turning 12. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday.
She replied: “To get out of here.”
As we spoke over Zoom this week, their daughter Kamilla was one day shy of turning 12. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday.
She replied: “To get out of here.”
'Even in Russia, they don't treat children like this': A family's nightmare in ICE detention
A Russian couple and their children sought asylum in the U.S. In a Texas detention center, they say they endured worms in the food and hourslong waits for medicine.
www.nbcnews.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:39 PM
I interviewed a family of Russian asylum seekers who’ve been held more than four months at the Dilley detention center in Texas.
As we spoke over Zoom this week, their daughter Kamilla was one day shy of turning 12. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday.
She replied: “To get out of here.”
As we spoke over Zoom this week, their daughter Kamilla was one day shy of turning 12. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday.
She replied: “To get out of here.”
Reposted by John Saveland
Reporting in northern Cameroon, I noticed a few people sitting at the back of a hospital compound. They had drug-resistant TB. They weren't there to get meds or see a doctor: they LIVE there. For months. In isolation. That's government policy. Sanitarium throwback. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/h...
4 Months Trapped in a Hospital for an Obsolete Way of Treating Their Disease
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Reporting in northern Cameroon, I noticed a few people sitting at the back of a hospital compound. They had drug-resistant TB. They weren't there to get meds or see a doctor: they LIVE there. For months. In isolation. That's government policy. Sanitarium throwback. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/h...
Reposted by John Saveland
“Research published on Thursday by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Columbia University suggests that, through November 2025, 90 percent of the economic burden of the president’s tariffs fell on U.S. companies and consumers.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/b...
Americans Are Paying the Bill for Tariffs, Despite Trump’s Claims
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:16 AM
“Research published on Thursday by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Columbia University suggests that, through November 2025, 90 percent of the economic burden of the president’s tariffs fell on U.S. companies and consumers.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/b...
Reposted by John Saveland
Lost amid the noise is the fact that the president just tried to throw six members of Congress in prison because he didn't like what they said. Per @sbg1.bsky.social you have to go back to 1798 to find a congressman prosecuted for exercising his right to free speech www.newyorker.com/news/letter-...
Donald Trump’s Disingenuous Promise to Champion Free Speech
It is Donald Trump’s systematic campaign to stamp out dissent and punish those who disagree with him that will be remembered as among the most singularly un-American aspects of his disruptive tenure.
www.newyorker.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:16 AM
Lost amid the noise is the fact that the president just tried to throw six members of Congress in prison because he didn't like what they said. Per @sbg1.bsky.social you have to go back to 1798 to find a congressman prosecuted for exercising his right to free speech www.newyorker.com/news/letter-...
Reposted by John Saveland
🇺🇦 President Zelenskyy has awarded Vladyslav Heraskevych the Order of Freedom.
“For his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, his civic courage, and patriotism in defending the ideals of freedom and democratic values,” the presidential decree states.
“For his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, his civic courage, and patriotism in defending the ideals of freedom and democratic values,” the presidential decree states.
February 12, 2026 at 2:08 PM
🇺🇦 President Zelenskyy has awarded Vladyslav Heraskevych the Order of Freedom.
“For his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, his civic courage, and patriotism in defending the ideals of freedom and democratic values,” the presidential decree states.
“For his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, his civic courage, and patriotism in defending the ideals of freedom and democratic values,” the presidential decree states.
Reposted by John Saveland
Today in Colombia, it is impossible to talk about the nature of armed conflict without understanding that there are children being forced to participate in every part of it
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Kids on the Front Lines: Stopping Child Recruitment in Colombia | International Crisis Group
Colombia’s armed and criminal groups have recruited hundreds of children into their ranks, inflicting enormous harm on minors, their families and communities. The government and international partners...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Today in Colombia, it is impossible to talk about the nature of armed conflict without understanding that there are children being forced to participate in every part of it
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
🧵on our new @crisisgroup.org report & how generalized child recruitment has become
www.crisisgroup.org/brf/latin-am...
Reposted by John Saveland
In India, gig work seems to be leading to more job security not less. www.economist.com/asia/2026/02...
A booming gig economy is formalising India’s labour force
Good news for delivery drivers
www.economist.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:42 PM
In India, gig work seems to be leading to more job security not less. www.economist.com/asia/2026/02...
Reposted by John Saveland
A small example of how protectionism will de-optimize the global economy.
If everyone needs to build their own can factories, it's going to be more expensive. It just is. But, here we are...
globalnews.ca/news/1165447...
If everyone needs to build their own can factories, it's going to be more expensive. It just is. But, here we are...
globalnews.ca/news/1165447...
Why Canadian beer cans are ‘almost impossible’ as tariffs near 1-year mark - National | Globalnews.ca
As Canada pivots away from U.S.-reliant supply chains, beer makers say they have little choice to move away from U.S.-made aluminum cans, a packaging staple for the industry.
globalnews.ca
February 11, 2026 at 9:00 PM
A small example of how protectionism will de-optimize the global economy.
If everyone needs to build their own can factories, it's going to be more expensive. It just is. But, here we are...
globalnews.ca/news/1165447...
If everyone needs to build their own can factories, it's going to be more expensive. It just is. But, here we are...
globalnews.ca/news/1165447...
Reposted by John Saveland
Reposted by John Saveland
Unsurprisingly, Trump's immigration crackdown is still not delivering labor market improvements for the US-born
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
February 11, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Unsurprisingly, Trump's immigration crackdown is still not delivering labor market improvements for the US-born
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
Over the last year, native-born unemployment is up from 4.3% to 4.7% while native-born employment has decreased
Reposted by John Saveland
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford? Europeans & US allies hear that now in Washington & from Asian, MidEast govts. But here’s the trap: when democracies turn illiberal they don’t become efficient technocracies, they become Russia or Hungary. My column
economist.com/internationa...
economist.com/internationa...
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford?
Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule
economist.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford? Europeans & US allies hear that now in Washington & from Asian, MidEast govts. But here’s the trap: when democracies turn illiberal they don’t become efficient technocracies, they become Russia or Hungary. My column
economist.com/internationa...
economist.com/internationa...
Reposted by John Saveland
NEW: Jonathon Redondo-Rosales, a 36-year-old LA protester, spent six months in jail accused of assaulting a federal officer with a *cloth hat.*
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
Case dismissed against LA protester accused of assaulting federal officer with cloth hat
Judge says US government acted in ‘bad faith’ in case of Jonathon Redondo-Rosales, 36, who spent six months in jail
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:40 AM
NEW: Jonathon Redondo-Rosales, a 36-year-old LA protester, spent six months in jail accused of assaulting a federal officer with a *cloth hat.*
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
A judge tossed out the DOJ’s case, accusing govt of acting in “bad faith” and engaging in “prosecutorial harassment“ that could “chill lawful protest”
Reposted by John Saveland
NEW: The F.D.A. refused to accept an application from Moderna for its mRNA flu vaccine.
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
F.D.A. Refuses to Review Moderna Flu Vaccine
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:12 PM
NEW: The F.D.A. refused to accept an application from Moderna for its mRNA flu vaccine.
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
Reposted by John Saveland
We now have confirmation that the Social Circle warehouse cost ICE $130 million, bringing the total spent on warehouses to $714 million. ICE is also reportedly planning on buying a second warehouse in Oakwood, GA and is finalizing the sale now.
Billions more will be spent on retrofitting/staffing.
Billions more will be spent on retrofitting/staffing.
February 10, 2026 at 10:15 PM
We now have confirmation that the Social Circle warehouse cost ICE $130 million, bringing the total spent on warehouses to $714 million. ICE is also reportedly planning on buying a second warehouse in Oakwood, GA and is finalizing the sale now.
Billions more will be spent on retrofitting/staffing.
Billions more will be spent on retrofitting/staffing.
Reposted by John Saveland
Natalia Kazak, 76, had no light, heat or working stove. She sat shrouded in sweaters to stay warm.
When asked how she was doing, she began to sob.
“I didn’t think I would have an old age like this,” she said. “Please don’t forget about us.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w...
When asked how she was doing, she began to sob.
“I didn’t think I would have an old age like this,” she said. “Please don’t forget about us.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w...
Russia Knocked Out the Heat. So She Slept in a Tent on Her Bed.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Natalia Kazak, 76, had no light, heat or working stove. She sat shrouded in sweaters to stay warm.
When asked how she was doing, she began to sob.
“I didn’t think I would have an old age like this,” she said. “Please don’t forget about us.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w...
When asked how she was doing, she began to sob.
“I didn’t think I would have an old age like this,” she said. “Please don’t forget about us.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w...
Reposted by John Saveland
The European Parliament voted today to usher in changes to EU asylum rules that jeopardize the right to seek asylum. Human Rights Watch detailed human rights abuses in every country on the EU’s “safe countries of origin” list: www.hrw.org/news/2026/02...
European Parliament Tries to Bury the Right to Seek Asylum
The European Parliament voted today to usher in changes to European Union asylum rules that jeopardize the right to seek asylum.
www.hrw.org
February 10, 2026 at 3:57 PM
The European Parliament voted today to usher in changes to EU asylum rules that jeopardize the right to seek asylum. Human Rights Watch detailed human rights abuses in every country on the EU’s “safe countries of origin” list: www.hrw.org/news/2026/02...
Reposted by John Saveland
This means that at least as far as the European Parliament is concerned, a core tenet of the EU's migration policy is now co-decided by the far-right, including its most extreme elements in the ESN, like the German AfD.
February 10, 2026 at 1:48 PM
This means that at least as far as the European Parliament is concerned, a core tenet of the EU's migration policy is now co-decided by the far-right, including its most extreme elements in the ESN, like the German AfD.
Reposted by John Saveland
As expected, all three votes today on the aspects of the 'safe third countries' list at EU level were carried by the EPP with the three far-right parties.
Each of the votes looked like a variation of this (data via @howtheyvote.eu):
Each of the votes looked like a variation of this (data via @howtheyvote.eu):
February 10, 2026 at 1:48 PM
As expected, all three votes today on the aspects of the 'safe third countries' list at EU level were carried by the EPP with the three far-right parties.
Each of the votes looked like a variation of this (data via @howtheyvote.eu):
Each of the votes looked like a variation of this (data via @howtheyvote.eu):
Reposted by John Saveland
"If the government may simply seize *someone* without due process, there is no check on its ability to seize *anyone*."
Perhaps the most fundamental check against tyranny. And it is gravely threatened.
Perhaps the most fundamental check against tyranny. And it is gravely threatened.
BONUS RULING: Judge Thomas Johnston, a George W. Bush appoiintee in West Virginia, used a recent ruling to warn of the dangers of defying due process for immigrants because of what it could also mean for Americans. It's worth a read.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 10, 2026 at 1:40 PM
"If the government may simply seize *someone* without due process, there is no check on its ability to seize *anyone*."
Perhaps the most fundamental check against tyranny. And it is gravely threatened.
Perhaps the most fundamental check against tyranny. And it is gravely threatened.
Reposted by John Saveland
I will never forgot how Ozturk could have been a statistic in ICE deaths because her asthma medicine was withheld from her.
An immigration court dropped its case against Turkish graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk, a little less than a year after federal agents arrested her on a street near Tufts University
Immigration Court Drops Case Against Tufts Student Rumeysa Ozturk
The Turkish national had been arrested by plainclothes federal officers outside her apartment.
on.wsj.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:44 AM
I will never forgot how Ozturk could have been a statistic in ICE deaths because her asthma medicine was withheld from her.
Reposted by John Saveland
Kerryman who is married, living and working legally in the United States for >20 years has been incarcerated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) since September 2025.
Profoundly disturbing report by Karlin Lillington @klillington.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
Profoundly disturbing report by Karlin Lillington @klillington.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
‘Absolute hell’: Irish man with valid US work permit held by Ice since September
Seamus Culleton has been in a detention facility in Texas for nearly five months despite having no criminal record
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:36 AM
Kerryman who is married, living and working legally in the United States for >20 years has been incarcerated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) since September 2025.
Profoundly disturbing report by Karlin Lillington @klillington.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
Profoundly disturbing report by Karlin Lillington @klillington.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
Reposted by John Saveland
BREAKING: Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, is sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the most prominent cases prosecuted under a China-imposed national security law.
Hong Kong ex-media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison in national security case
Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, is sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the most prominent cases prosecuted under a China-imposed national security law.
bit.ly
February 9, 2026 at 2:16 AM
BREAKING: Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, is sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the most prominent cases prosecuted under a China-imposed national security law.
Reposted by John Saveland
Concentration camps: stories of as many as 50 people to a cell — men and women in some cases — with no windows and limited airflow, a single camera-monitored toilet, aluminum blankets, no showers and poor quality food.
ICE detainees from Maine being held under ‘inhumane’ conditions in Mass. facility, attorneys say
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said the allegations of overcrowding and lack of access to lawyers are false.
www.pressherald.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Concentration camps: stories of as many as 50 people to a cell — men and women in some cases — with no windows and limited airflow, a single camera-monitored toilet, aluminum blankets, no showers and poor quality food.
Reposted by John Saveland
In Afghanistan, child malnutrition is at levels unseen in 25 years. The New York Times witnessed hardship across the country in the wake of U.S. cuts.
In Afghanistan, a Trail of Hunger and Death Behind U.S. Aid Cuts
Afghanistan has plunged deeper into a crisis marked by levels of child hunger unseen in 25 years and the closure of almost 450 health centers.
nyti.ms
February 7, 2026 at 4:15 AM
In Afghanistan, child malnutrition is at levels unseen in 25 years. The New York Times witnessed hardship across the country in the wake of U.S. cuts.