jenna ruddock
@ruddock.bsky.social
researcher, organizer, professor, a lot of hats
opinions my own and also my dog’s (probably)
opinions my own and also my dog’s (probably)
Pinned
jenna ruddock
@ruddock.bsky.social
· Dec 17
The Real Race for an AI Moratorium: Stopping Data Centers | TechPolicy.Press
Cities and counties across the US are pulling the emergency brake on data center development, writes Jenna Ruddock.
www.techpolicy.press
tired: a federal moratorium blocking states from regulating AI
wired: local moratoriums blocking tech companies' AI-fueled resource grabs
me for @techpolicypress.bsky.social with a big thanks to the folks I talked to and everyone in these fights across the US
www.techpolicy.press/the-real-rac...
wired: local moratoriums blocking tech companies' AI-fueled resource grabs
me for @techpolicypress.bsky.social with a big thanks to the folks I talked to and everyone in these fights across the US
www.techpolicy.press/the-real-rac...
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Tenants of an affordable housing complex near an ICE field office have slept wearing gas masks or in their bathtubs to escape tear gas that wafts into their homes when federal agents try to disperse a protest, residents allege in a lawsuit against DHS.
Tenants living near ICE facility sue DHS, say tear gas clouds their homes
One resident said she was hit with rubber bullets while trying to get home. Others said they wore gas masks or slept in their bathtubs to escape the tear gas.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Tenants of an affordable housing complex near an ICE field office have slept wearing gas masks or in their bathtubs to escape tear gas that wafts into their homes when federal agents try to disperse a protest, residents allege in a lawsuit against DHS.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
"DOGE’s objective was never to save taxpayer dollars. Musk did not 'fail'...DOGE was—and remains, through Vought’s OMB—an effort to extinguish the existing government and create a new one in the image of oligarchs and far-right ideologues."
From rural elders forced to live in dilapidated homes to families abandoned in the midst of carbon pollution, real people are experiencing material harms as a result of DOGE’s attacks on the administrative state.
DOGE Lives On Through Russell Vought
Trump’s White House OMB director has quietly institutionalized the government demolition agenda set in motion by Elon Musk’s wrecking crew.
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 9:06 PM
"DOGE’s objective was never to save taxpayer dollars. Musk did not 'fail'...DOGE was—and remains, through Vought’s OMB—an effort to extinguish the existing government and create a new one in the image of oligarchs and far-right ideologues."
facial recognition is, above all, a technology of control: just as harmful when it's "good" and when it's bad
NEW: Records reviewed by WIRED show DHS’s facial recognition app (Mobile Fortify) isn’t designed to actually "verify" identity—despite DHS claims and its agents relying on its matches to support probable cause in the field.
ICE and CBP’s Face-Recognition App Can’t Actually Verify Who People Are
ICE has used Mobile Fortify to identify immigrants and citizens alike over 100,000 times, by one estimate. It wasn't built to work like that—and only got approved after DHS abandoned its own privacy r...
www.wired.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:50 PM
facial recognition is, above all, a technology of control: just as harmful when it's "good" and when it's bad
Reposted by jenna ruddock
@pabloreports.bsky.social : What do you make of DHS making watchlists of American protestors?
REP. HANK JOHNSON: It's deeply disturbing that we have become a surveillance state ... We're gonna have to abolish ICE.
REP. HANK JOHNSON: It's deeply disturbing that we have become a surveillance state ... We're gonna have to abolish ICE.
February 5, 2026 at 7:07 PM
@pabloreports.bsky.social : What do you make of DHS making watchlists of American protestors?
REP. HANK JOHNSON: It's deeply disturbing that we have become a surveillance state ... We're gonna have to abolish ICE.
REP. HANK JOHNSON: It's deeply disturbing that we have become a surveillance state ... We're gonna have to abolish ICE.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Somehow we need more of those rightly critical of the surveillance state to deal with antiblackness as a structuring logic and how practices commonly used against Black people are part of what more of us are vulnerable to now.
February 5, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Somehow we need more of those rightly critical of the surveillance state to deal with antiblackness as a structuring logic and how practices commonly used against Black people are part of what more of us are vulnerable to now.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Orwellian surveillance tools have no place in a democracy. That is why I introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act—to stop ICE and CBP from using dangerous and discriminatory facial recognition technologies. This must end now.
February 5, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Orwellian surveillance tools have no place in a democracy. That is why I introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act—to stop ICE and CBP from using dangerous and discriminatory facial recognition technologies. This must end now.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
While reporting this, I had something happen that's never happened. A comms rep for one of the co's disputed my reporting and said what I was telling them was untrue because it was not in Grok, xAI's chatbot.
I was looking directly at the files. And this person was using AI to challenge the truth.
I was looking directly at the files. And this person was using AI to challenge the truth.
Epstein had many known connections to Silicon Valley CEOs, but less known was how he made money from those relationships.
We did a deep dive into how he got dealflow in Silicon Valley, giving him shots to invest in Coinbase, Palantir, SpaceX and other companies.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/b...
We did a deep dive into how he got dealflow in Silicon Valley, giving him shots to invest in Coinbase, Palantir, SpaceX and other companies.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/b...
Jeffrey Epstein’s Money Mingled With Silicon Valley Start-Ups
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
While reporting this, I had something happen that's never happened. A comms rep for one of the co's disputed my reporting and said what I was telling them was untrue because it was not in Grok, xAI's chatbot.
I was looking directly at the files. And this person was using AI to challenge the truth.
I was looking directly at the files. And this person was using AI to challenge the truth.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
@wyden.senate.gov's record of warning that there is deep and constitutionally-serious dirt being done by the intelligence agencies in secret is unblemished. The vaguer he is, the filthier the dirt is. This is the vaguest I've ever seen him
Ron Wyden Only Talks Like This When The Spies Do Something *Real* Bad
No, I don't know what they did. But I have a lot of experience with the senator
www.forever-wars.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:10 PM
@wyden.senate.gov's record of warning that there is deep and constitutionally-serious dirt being done by the intelligence agencies in secret is unblemished. The vaguer he is, the filthier the dirt is. This is the vaguest I've ever seen him
Reposted by jenna ruddock
as i keep saying, the things to do to secure elections are to volunteer to work the polls or to serve as an observer, & to pressure your *state representatives* to take steps to further secure voting locations and ballots. you should also learn about how election administration works in your area.
February 5, 2026 at 1:35 PM
as i keep saying, the things to do to secure elections are to volunteer to work the polls or to serve as an observer, & to pressure your *state representatives* to take steps to further secure voting locations and ballots. you should also learn about how election administration works in your area.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Trump admin memos set out a framework casting ordinary Americans as potential domestic terrorists. “And we’re starting to see how that’s playing out …with people placed into a government database on the basis of lawful activity.” - @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social
Federal Agents Deploy High Tech to Track Protesters | KQED
We talk to experts about how federal surveillance technologies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
www.kqed.org
February 4, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Trump admin memos set out a framework casting ordinary Americans as potential domestic terrorists. “And we’re starting to see how that’s playing out …with people placed into a government database on the basis of lawful activity.” - @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social
Reposted by jenna ruddock
That mask is also popular with neo-Nazi accelerationist groups, which I think is really important to mention. Just like it's important to mention that ICE agents in Denver have been dropping Ace of Spades cards where they've kidnapped people. The white nationalist culture at work is clear.
In 2009, this was the mask of a UK SAS character in “Call of Duty.” By 2015 it was de rigeur among Iraqi government commandos and Shiite militiamen. In 2018, in “Sicario 2,” it was what CIA surrogate characters wore to disguise themselves as cartel gunmen.
Now US law enforcement wears it.
Now US law enforcement wears it.
February 4, 2026 at 11:24 PM
That mask is also popular with neo-Nazi accelerationist groups, which I think is really important to mention. Just like it's important to mention that ICE agents in Denver have been dropping Ace of Spades cards where they've kidnapped people. The white nationalist culture at work is clear.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
this is program police were using to funnel flock data to ice. so, good move
NEW: Abigail Spanberger this afternoon ordered that all state agencies leave ICE's 287(g) program.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
Virginia’s New Governor Ends ICE Program. Local Contracts Remain, For Now. - Bolts
Abigail Spanberger left the 287(g) program, which empowered state law enforcement to detain immigrants. Will Democrats also bar local police and sheriffs from the program?
boltsmag.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:49 PM
this is program police were using to funnel flock data to ice. so, good move
Reposted by jenna ruddock
The targeting of Native Americans by ICE is so widespread, tribal governments all over are responding. To protect tribal citizens from ICE raids, tribes are holding events to help citizens get updated IDs and even speeding up the printing and processing times.
February 4, 2026 at 4:59 PM
The targeting of Native Americans by ICE is so widespread, tribal governments all over are responding. To protect tribal citizens from ICE raids, tribes are holding events to help citizens get updated IDs and even speeding up the printing and processing times.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Wisconsin is electing all of its sheriffs this year, and several swing counties, such as Kenosha and Sauk, are currently run by sheriffs who have signed on to a key program to collaborate with ICE.
In Criminal Justice Elections This Year, ICE Contracts Are on the Hot Seat
With roughly 2,400 elections for prosecutor and sheriff in 2026, Bolts reviews the map and early hotspots that will shape criminal punishment and law enforcement practices.
boltsmag.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Wisconsin is electing all of its sheriffs this year, and several swing counties, such as Kenosha and Sauk, are currently run by sheriffs who have signed on to a key program to collaborate with ICE.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Identified: the El Paso BORTAC crew rampaging through the Midwest
One violent duo in particular, U.S. Border Patrol agents Michael Sveum (EZ-2) and Edgar Vazquez (EZ-17), have been frequently seen alongside former commander-at-large Greg Bovino terrorizing crowds wi...
unraveledpress.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:24 PM
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Reposted by jenna ruddock
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
February 4, 2026 at 5:11 PM
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Police used the city’s license plate readers to track a local writer’s movements, then issued a BOLO on him.
No charge, and he was the wrong suspect.
www.kcur.org/politics-ele...
No charge, and he was the wrong suspect.
www.kcur.org/politics-ele...
Lenexa police investigated author of column criticizing the department. He's 'pissed off'
A KCUR investigation discovered the department used the city’s license plate readers to track the writer’s movements and it issued a “be on the lookout” for him.
www.kcur.org
February 3, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Police used the city’s license plate readers to track a local writer’s movements, then issued a BOLO on him.
No charge, and he was the wrong suspect.
www.kcur.org/politics-ele...
No charge, and he was the wrong suspect.
www.kcur.org/politics-ele...
Reposted by jenna ruddock
"While journalists and civilians continue to heroically document conditions on the ground in the face of escalating violence from federal agents, Trump is using every weapon at its disposal to shut down efforts to document, report and dissent." - @ruddock.bsky.social via @theguardian.com
Press freedom groups denounce arrests of two journalists including Don Lemon after Minnesota anti-ICE protest
Groups say arrests of ex-CNN anchor and Georgia Fort are ‘extremely alarming’ and an ‘attack on the first amendment’
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:57 PM
"While journalists and civilians continue to heroically document conditions on the ground in the face of escalating violence from federal agents, Trump is using every weapon at its disposal to shut down efforts to document, report and dissent." - @ruddock.bsky.social via @theguardian.com
Reposted by jenna ruddock
In the wake of the horrific ICE killings in Minnesota, many prominent Democrats have called for ICE to wear body cameras. Yesterday, @equalityalec.bsky.social talked to @democracynow.org about how important it is that we don't get distracted by meaningless & counterproductive reforms.
January 28, 2026 at 8:14 PM
In the wake of the horrific ICE killings in Minnesota, many prominent Democrats have called for ICE to wear body cameras. Yesterday, @equalityalec.bsky.social talked to @democracynow.org about how important it is that we don't get distracted by meaningless & counterproductive reforms.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
DHS said that the woman CBP shot in the chest in Portland was “involved” in a gang shooting.
Her ~involvement~ was that suspected gang members sexually assaulted and robbed her.
Her ~involvement~ was that suspected gang members sexually assaulted and robbed her.
After Border Patrol shot two people in Portland, DHS claimed they were "vicious gang members" tied to a past shooting.
But records I obtained reveal a US prosecutor has since directly contradicted DHS, saying, "We're not suggesting he is a gang member." My dive into how DHS' claims have collapsed:
But records I obtained reveal a US prosecutor has since directly contradicted DHS, saying, "We're not suggesting he is a gang member." My dive into how DHS' claims have collapsed:
DHS’s account of two Venezuelans shot by border patrol falls apart in court: ‘A smear campaign’
Immigration officials said agent shot two ‘vicious gang members’ in Portland, but records obtained by the Guardian reveal US prosecutor contradicted claims
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:02 AM
DHS said that the woman CBP shot in the chest in Portland was “involved” in a gang shooting.
Her ~involvement~ was that suspected gang members sexually assaulted and robbed her.
Her ~involvement~ was that suspected gang members sexually assaulted and robbed her.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
The filing deadline has already passed in many states and key elections have drawn just one candidate. In Nevada, for instance, no one filed to challenge the two conservative supreme court justices who are up for reelection this year.
In Criminal Justice Elections This Year, ICE Contracts Are on the Hot Seat
With roughly 2,400 elections for prosecutor and sheriff in 2026, Bolts reviews the map and early hotspots that will shape criminal punishment and law enforcement practices.
boltsmag.org
February 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The filing deadline has already passed in many states and key elections have drawn just one candidate. In Nevada, for instance, no one filed to challenge the two conservative supreme court justices who are up for reelection this year.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
The glow up for these devices is campaigns like this, which is an attempt to obscure the fact of them building a surveillance network for an authoritarian state.
Move Over, Puppy Bowl: Ring's Dog-Rescuing Super Bowl Ad Brings Tears and Tech
Ring is bringing its pup-finding AI to everyone, even non-Ring owners, with an adorable video for the big game day.
www.cnet.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:06 PM
The glow up for these devices is campaigns like this, which is an attempt to obscure the fact of them building a surveillance network for an authoritarian state.
Reposted by jenna ruddock
4 federal agents pull over an elderly US citizen for the suspected crime of being brown, break her car window, throw her to the ground, then drive off after they find her US Passport in her purse. The Salem Police, when called, say there’s nothing they can do. www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/31/u...
U.S. citizen injured by federal agents in Salem who demanded to see “papers,” union says - Salem Reporter
A home care worker and union worker was pulled from her car and injured by federal agents Thursday according to a statement by SEIU 503. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the repor...
www.salemreporter.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:47 PM
4 federal agents pull over an elderly US citizen for the suspected crime of being brown, break her car window, throw her to the ground, then drive off after they find her US Passport in her purse. The Salem Police, when called, say there’s nothing they can do. www.salemreporter.com/2026/01/31/u...
Reposted by jenna ruddock
Yesterday, five-year-old Liam and his dad Adrian were released from Dilley detention center. I picked them up last night and escorted them back to Minnesota this morning.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
February 1, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Yesterday, five-year-old Liam and his dad Adrian were released from Dilley detention center. I picked them up last night and escorted them back to Minnesota this morning.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam and his dad are on a plane home to Minnesota this morning ❤️🩹 abcnews.go.com/US/5-year-li...
5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, father board plane for Minneapolis after detention center release
A federal judge on Saturday ordered that the pair be released.
abcnews.go.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Liam and his dad are on a plane home to Minnesota this morning ❤️🩹 abcnews.go.com/US/5-year-li...