Justice Forward VA
@justicefwdva.bsky.social
Founded by public defenders. Promoting criminal justice reform in Virginia by drafting & lobbying for humane, evidence-informed legislation, and educating & mobilizing advocates for action.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Arlington spends gobs of $/yr on fascism-enabling Flock cameras, at a time when ArlCo has no long term subst abuse treatment & an 8 wk wait for emergency shelter
ACPD/Flock told the County Board chair the technology is totally risk-free & that was good enough for him
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
ACPD/Flock told the County Board chair the technology is totally risk-free & that was good enough for him
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Flock haters cross political divides to remove error-prone cameras
Lawmakers’ calls for Flock probe may help kill local contracts, expert says.
arstechnica.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Arlington spends gobs of $/yr on fascism-enabling Flock cameras, at a time when ArlCo has no long term subst abuse treatment & an 8 wk wait for emergency shelter
ACPD/Flock told the County Board chair the technology is totally risk-free & that was good enough for him
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
ACPD/Flock told the County Board chair the technology is totally risk-free & that was good enough for him
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
I always recommend anything by @laurengill.bsky.social, who really cares about the people she writes about.
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I always recommend anything by @laurengill.bsky.social, who really cares about the people she writes about.
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
"Flock wants to place about a dozen cameras near the site of the future Norfolk casino. The City Council voted on Tuesday to allow it."
Norfolk allows Flock cameras around future casino
Flock wants to place about a dozen cameras near the site of the future Norfolk casino. The City Council voted on Tuesday to allow it.
www.13newsnow.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:54 PM
"Flock wants to place about a dozen cameras near the site of the future Norfolk casino. The City Council voted on Tuesday to allow it."
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious, The Associated Press has found. https://to.pbs.org/486bTMT
Border Patrol monitoring drivers and detaining those with 'suspicious' travel patterns
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.
www.pbs.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious, The Associated Press has found. https://to.pbs.org/486bTMT
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
AP finds a secretive Border Patrol intelligence program detains Americans for “suspicious” travel. Critics call it mass surveillance.
Border Patrol is monitoring US drivers and detaining those with 'suspicious' travel patterns
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
AP finds a secretive Border Patrol intelligence program detains Americans for “suspicious” travel. Critics call it mass surveillance.
SUFFOLK: For the first time in VA’s history people will be able to seal their criminal convictions. Join Justice Forward Virginia Foundation, Nolef Turns Inc., and Virginia Organizing at Morgan Memorial Library—Nov. 24th at 6PM—for a criminal records expungement & sealing info session.
November 20, 2025 at 12:25 AM
SUFFOLK: For the first time in VA’s history people will be able to seal their criminal convictions. Join Justice Forward Virginia Foundation, Nolef Turns Inc., and Virginia Organizing at Morgan Memorial Library—Nov. 24th at 6PM—for a criminal records expungement & sealing info session.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Senator @barbarafavola.bsky.social is an exemplary leader, who has dedicated her career in public service to improving lives across Virginia. Today, I was honored to share her strong legislative record as she was presented the William L. Winston Award by the Arlington County Bar Foundation.
November 19, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Senator @barbarafavola.bsky.social is an exemplary leader, who has dedicated her career in public service to improving lives across Virginia. Today, I was honored to share her strong legislative record as she was presented the William L. Winston Award by the Arlington County Bar Foundation.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
I'm seeing people wonder why ICE is going after Charlotte.
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
“When the 8 African American sheriffs took over the largest counties in North Carolina, it became a threat to the good ol’ boy system,” says the sheriff of Charlotte. These new sheriffs broke ties with ICE.
But GOP lawmakers cracked down this week, overbidding the governor’s veto to adopt this law:
But GOP lawmakers cracked down this week, overbidding the governor’s veto to adopt this law:
North Carolina GOP Is Cracking Down on the Black Sheriffs Who Stood Up to ICE
Boosted by new supermajorities, Republicans are closing in on legislation to mandate more collaboration with ICE and preempt local policies hard-won by immigrants’ rights advocates.
boltsmag.org
November 15, 2025 at 10:43 PM
I'm seeing people wonder why ICE is going after Charlotte.
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
it’s funny how the most basic cop behavior is a scandal any time it’s actually caught on camera
Statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety:
"The DPS Trooper involved has been sent home from the game. DPS’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter."
Story on the Nyck Harbor incident: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
"The DPS Trooper involved has been sent home from the game. DPS’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter."
Story on the Nyck Harbor incident: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 15, 2025 at 8:58 PM
it’s funny how the most basic cop behavior is a scandal any time it’s actually caught on camera
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
"In a decisive rebuke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an immigration judge on Wednesday ordered the agency to release a young immigrant held at a Virginia detention center — one day after the same court ordered the release of two brothers..."
Three young immigrants ordered freed as Virginia lawsuit tests ICE detention policy • Virginia Mercury
In a decisive rebuke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an immigration judge on Wednesday ordered the agency to release a young immigrant held at a Virginia detention center — one day after the s...
virginiamercury.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:39 AM
"In a decisive rebuke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an immigration judge on Wednesday ordered the agency to release a young immigrant held at a Virginia detention center — one day after the same court ordered the release of two brothers..."
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer announced this week that her office would discontinue using Flock Safety cameras over concerns that a recent Washington state court decision could make it easier to weaponize the data they collect.
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office to stop using controversial Flock cameras
The license plate reader cameras have led to concerns about immigration enforcement and unnecessary searches.
www.opb.org
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer announced this week that her office would discontinue using Flock Safety cameras over concerns that a recent Washington state court decision could make it easier to weaponize the data they collect.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
For more on Rev. Woolf, who appears to have been arrested today: he published an editorial with @rns.org literally this week titled “Why clergy should risk assault to protest ICE” —> religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
November 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
For more on Rev. Woolf, who appears to have been arrested today: he published an editorial with @rns.org literally this week titled “Why clergy should risk assault to protest ICE” —> religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Despite an Illinois law prohibiting data sharing agreements between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, Illinois State Police is providing access to gang database info to DHS and has been doing so since 2024
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
Illinois State Police Keeps Data on Suspected Gang Members. ICE Has Access
According to agreements obtained by WTTW News, the Illinois State Police has shared data with ICE through its statewide computer system since 2008, including criminal history data and its gang member ...
news.wttw.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Despite an Illinois law prohibiting data sharing agreements between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, Illinois State Police is providing access to gang database info to DHS and has been doing so since 2024
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
New: a judge has ruled that Flock surveillance images are public records that can be requested by anyone. Shows that at least in some cases, police cannot withhold the data collected by its surveillance systems.
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
Judge Rules Flock Surveillance Images Are Public Records That Can Be Requested By Anyone
A Washington judge said images taken by Flock cameras are "not exempt from disclosure" in public record requests.
www.404media.co
November 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
New: a judge has ruled that Flock surveillance images are public records that can be requested by anyone. Shows that at least in some cases, police cannot withhold the data collected by its surveillance systems.
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
On this day in 1831, an enslaved Black man named Nat Turner was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, after being convicted of leading a revolt against slavery.
Nov. 11, 1831 | Nat Turner Hanged and White Mobs Killed Hundreds of Black People
Learn more about our history of racial injustice.
calendar.eji.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM
On this day in 1831, an enslaved Black man named Nat Turner was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, after being convicted of leading a revolt against slavery.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Imagine getting a 67% funding hike and begging for more
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
State police superintendent predicts 'lean year' for Virginia’s largest law enforcement agency
Soaring overtime and rising costs will make this year a lean one for Virginia State Police, according to an email sent by the agency’s chief executive.
richmond.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Imagine getting a 67% funding hike and begging for more
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
The people were fired up for criminal legal reforms at Justice Reform Happy Hour! Many thanks to @parisaforjustice.bsky.social @hopeforvirginia.bsky.social @salimvasenate.bsky.social for joining us! And to advocates and indigent defenders committed to restoring justice to our communities and courts!
November 9, 2025 at 1:18 AM
The people were fired up for criminal legal reforms at Justice Reform Happy Hour! Many thanks to @parisaforjustice.bsky.social @hopeforvirginia.bsky.social @salimvasenate.bsky.social for joining us! And to advocates and indigent defenders committed to restoring justice to our communities and courts!
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
On this day in 1889, a white mob abducted 18-year-old Orion “Owen” Anderson from jail in Leesburg, Virginia, and lynched him for allegedly frightening a white girl.
Nov. 8, 1889 | Young Black Man Lynched for Allegedly Frightening White Girl in Virginia
Learn more about our history of racial injustice.
calendar.eji.org
November 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
On this day in 1889, a white mob abducted 18-year-old Orion “Owen” Anderson from jail in Leesburg, Virginia, and lynched him for allegedly frightening a white girl.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
A few years ago, Equal Justice USA was awarded $3 million in federal grants to expand the organization’s work supporting community violence intervention efforts.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
How Trump’s DOJ wiped out a pioneering anti-violence nonprofit
“We’re just the tip of the iceberg.”
www.motherjones.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
A few years ago, Equal Justice USA was awarded $3 million in federal grants to expand the organization’s work supporting community violence intervention efforts.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Arresting a parent then kidnapping their baby...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Armed US immigration agents drive off with toddler after arrest of father
‘Devastated’ family demands answers after two-year-old driven by armed agents from LA Home Depot parking lot
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Arresting a parent then kidnapping their baby...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
We’re rallying support for criminal justice reform. Join us for a FREE TACO BAR & MARGARITAS Wednesday, November 5th from 6-8PM in Falls Church, VA. We’re honored to have special guests @parisaforjustice.bsky.social and Del. @HopeforVirginia.bsky.social!
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
We’re rallying support for criminal justice reform. Join us for a FREE TACO BAR & MARGARITAS Wednesday, November 5th from 6-8PM in Falls Church, VA. We’re honored to have special guests @parisaforjustice.bsky.social and Del. @HopeforVirginia.bsky.social!
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Thousands of cities allowed cops to run racists searches through their Flock Safety license plate reader databases. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
License Plate Surveillance Logs Reveal Racist Policing Against Romani
More than 80 law enforcement agencies across the United States have used language perpetuating harmful stereotypes against Romani people when searching the nationwide Flock Safety automated license
www.eff.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Thousands of cities allowed cops to run racists searches through their Flock Safety license plate reader databases. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...