Shanlon Wu
@shanlonwu.com
Former federal prosecutor | Legal Analyst | Asian-American. Father. Boxer. Providing legal analysis & commentary with clarity, savvy, & humor.
https://linktr.ee/shanlonwu
https://linktr.ee/shanlonwu
Pinned
Shanlon Wu
@shanlonwu.com
· Jul 29
Under Color of Law with Shan Wu | Shanlon Wu | Substack
Under Color of Law with Shan Wu cuts through the noise, fact-checking the spin & uncovering the hidden threads shaping our world. With exclusive insider analysis, it goes beyond the headlines to expose the truth behind today’s legal and political battles. Click to read Under Color of Law with Shan Wu, by Shanlon Wu, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
shanlonwu.substack.com
One newsletter. Real news without the fluff. Subscribe to Under Color of Law: https://shanlonwu.substack.com/
An ICE officer killed a U.S. citizen and the federal government moved immediately to declare the case closed, block independent accountability, and prevent a meaningful investigation.
That is not the rule of law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
That is not the rule of law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
January 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM
An ICE officer killed a U.S. citizen and the federal government moved immediately to declare the case closed, block independent accountability, and prevent a meaningful investigation.
That is not the rule of law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
That is not the rule of law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
Obey or Die.
A U.S. citizen and mother was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Unarmed. In her car.
Within hours, the government declared the shooting justified and shut down accountability.
That is not law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
#FederalPower #ICE
A U.S. citizen and mother was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Unarmed. In her car.
Within hours, the government declared the shooting justified and shut down accountability.
That is not law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
#FederalPower #ICE
January 14, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Obey or Die.
A U.S. citizen and mother was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Unarmed. In her car.
Within hours, the government declared the shooting justified and shut down accountability.
That is not law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
#FederalPower #ICE
A U.S. citizen and mother was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Unarmed. In her car.
Within hours, the government declared the shooting justified and shut down accountability.
That is not law. That is power protecting itself.
open.substack.com/pub/shanlonw...
#FederalPower #ICE
No person of conscience can acquiesce to this DOJ's conduct -
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
Six Prosecutors Quit Over Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:03 AM
No person of conscience can acquiesce to this DOJ's conduct -
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
Join a Substack that challenges power, not just reports on it. https://shanlonwu.substack.com/
Under Color of Law with Shan Wu | Shanlon Wu | Substack
Under Color of Law with Shan Wu cuts through the noise, fact-checking the spin & uncovering the hidden threads shaping our world. With exclusive insider analysis, it goes beyond the headlines to expose the truth behind today’s legal and political battles. Click to read Under Color of Law with Shan Wu, by Shanlon Wu, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
shanlonwu.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Join a Substack that challenges power, not just reports on it. https://shanlonwu.substack.com/
DOJ Civil Rights chief Harmeet Dhillon at DOJ reacts to prosecutors quitting:
“I think that’s fine,” Dhillon said. “We don’t want people in the federal government who feel like it’s their pet project to go persecute police department based on statistical evidence"
www.ms.now/news/doj-civ...
“I think that’s fine,” Dhillon said. “We don’t want people in the federal government who feel like it’s their pet project to go persecute police department based on statistical evidence"
www.ms.now/news/doj-civ...
A new spate of Justice Department officials quit because their section didn't want to probe Renee Good's shooting
At least four leaders of the Civil Rights Division resigned because the section's head, Harmeet Dhillon, decided not to investigate shooting of Renee Good.
www.ms.now
January 13, 2026 at 8:46 PM
DOJ Civil Rights chief Harmeet Dhillon at DOJ reacts to prosecutors quitting:
“I think that’s fine,” Dhillon said. “We don’t want people in the federal government who feel like it’s their pet project to go persecute police department based on statistical evidence"
www.ms.now/news/doj-civ...
“I think that’s fine,” Dhillon said. “We don’t want people in the federal government who feel like it’s their pet project to go persecute police department based on statistical evidence"
www.ms.now/news/doj-civ...
New episode, new analysis, no nonsense. Join Under Color of Law: https://shanlonwu.substack.com/subscribe
Subscribe to Under Color of Law with Shan Wu
Under Color of Law with Shan Wu cuts through the noise, fact-checking the spin & uncovering the hidden threads shaping our world. With exclusive insider analysis, it goes beyond the headlines to expose the truth behind today’s legal and political battles. Click to read Under Color of Law with Shan Wu, by Shanlon Wu, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
shanlonwu.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM
New episode, new analysis, no nonsense. Join Under Color of Law: https://shanlonwu.substack.com/subscribe
The work of lawyers like Norm Eisen has been the only thing that has stopped Trump and the MAGA movement thus far - the rule of law is far more than the work of judges - it's the work of brave advocates, courageous clients & the will of the people to support them & the justice they seek.
I disagree with the suggestion in the NYT story today that rule of law is not working to stop Trump
Yes the "Trump judges" have been disproportionately bad, but the overall win rate of over 60% or >320 wins is still EXTRAORDINARY
And the wins in the most important areas have been even bigger👇
1/x
Yes the "Trump judges" have been disproportionately bad, but the overall win rate of over 60% or >320 wins is still EXTRAORDINARY
And the wins in the most important areas have been even bigger👇
1/x
A Year of Fighting for Democracy–in Print and in Court
Exactly one year ago today, Jen Rubin and I and a small band of colleagues were furiously working to launch a new publication dedicated to the idea of honest but unabashed defense of democracy.
open.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 10:59 PM
The work of lawyers like Norm Eisen has been the only thing that has stopped Trump and the MAGA movement thus far - the rule of law is far more than the work of judges - it's the work of brave advocates, courageous clients & the will of the people to support them & the justice they seek.
Reposted by Shanlon Wu
“I’m not mad at you.”
“FUCKING B!TCH!”
“FUCKING B!TCH!”
January 10, 2026 at 2:46 AM
“I’m not mad at you.”
“FUCKING B!TCH!”
“FUCKING B!TCH!”
Reposted by Shanlon Wu
You can see why the Trump administration wants Colbert off the air -
Stephen Colbert on the ICE murder of Renee Nicole Good: “The message from this administration is clear. Only they determine the truth. And when their forces come to your city: obey or die. And if you die, you clearly didn’t obey. This should be an alarm bell for the entire country.”
January 9, 2026 at 11:07 PM
You can see why the Trump administration wants Colbert off the air -
Keeping the public safe?
ICE is responsible for the *only* shooting and homicide in Minneapolis so far in 2026.
January 9, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Keeping the public safe?
When institutions stop explaining themselves, power fills the void. Authority advances. Accountability waits.
https://open.substack.com/pub/shanlonwu/p/power-is-being-exercised-without?r=5dicwe&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://open.substack.com/pub/shanlonwu/p/power-is-being-exercised-without?r=5dicwe&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
January 9, 2026 at 7:20 PM
When institutions stop explaining themselves, power fills the void. Authority advances. Accountability waits.
https://open.substack.com/pub/shanlonwu/p/power-is-being-exercised-without?r=5dicwe&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://open.substack.com/pub/shanlonwu/p/power-is-being-exercised-without?r=5dicwe&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
ICE Officer Ross does not look here like he was run over, hit by, or in any danger whatsoever from the car as he aims his gun at Rene Nicole Wood - she was shot in the face and apparently died on the scene although it is unclear what and when medical assistance was provided to her -
January 9, 2026 at 6:16 PM
ICE Officer Ross does not look here like he was run over, hit by, or in any danger whatsoever from the car as he aims his gun at Rene Nicole Wood - she was shot in the face and apparently died on the scene although it is unclear what and when medical assistance was provided to her -
Reposted by Shanlon Wu
Pieced together the surveillance video, including the new angle dropped by CNN (added slow-motion), and the condition of the officer after Renee Good was shot. What do you observe?
Vehicles were able to drive around her with plenty of clearance.
1/2
Vehicles were able to drive around her with plenty of clearance.
1/2
January 9, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Pieced together the surveillance video, including the new angle dropped by CNN (added slow-motion), and the condition of the officer after Renee Good was shot. What do you observe?
Vehicles were able to drive around her with plenty of clearance.
1/2
Vehicles were able to drive around her with plenty of clearance.
1/2
DHS police displaying their contempt & arrogance - the officer sums up the whole problem with his statement: "I don't give a f**k." What does he give a "f***k" about?
ICE destroying a memorial for Renee Good set up by protesters after ICE murdered her in cold blood.
January 9, 2026 at 10:20 AM
DHS police displaying their contempt & arrogance - the officer sums up the whole problem with his statement: "I don't give a f**k." What does he give a "f***k" about?
Reposted by Shanlon Wu
If he was so sensitized by his earlier "punching through a window" blowing back on him that he thought, "next time I'll kill whoever tries to do this to me," he shouldn't have been allowed anywhere near a policing-type gig.
January 9, 2026 at 1:05 AM
If he was so sensitized by his earlier "punching through a window" blowing back on him that he thought, "next time I'll kill whoever tries to do this to me," he shouldn't have been allowed anywhere near a policing-type gig.
Reposted by Shanlon Wu
Then he should not have been assigned to work. Not a justification for murdering someone.
January 9, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Then he should not have been assigned to work. Not a justification for murdering someone.
"You think maybe he's a little sensitive?" VP Vance on ICE Ofc Ross who killed Rene Good implying Ross traumatized b/c he once got dragged by a car after punching thru its window-"Little Sensitive" is NOT the legal standard in assessing if Ross committed murder.
www.startribune.com/ice-agent-wh...
www.startribune.com/ice-agent-wh...
Star Tribune identifies ICE agent who fatally shot woman in Minneapolis
Jonathan Ross was dragged in a separate incident last year by a fleeing driver, according to court records.
www.startribune.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:07 AM
"You think maybe he's a little sensitive?" VP Vance on ICE Ofc Ross who killed Rene Good implying Ross traumatized b/c he once got dragged by a car after punching thru its window-"Little Sensitive" is NOT the legal standard in assessing if Ross committed murder.
www.startribune.com/ice-agent-wh...
www.startribune.com/ice-agent-wh...
Over 1000 known victims. Only two people charged.
According to DOJ reporting, trafficking extended beyond Epstein, yet accountability stopped almost immediately. Names stayed hidden. Evidence stayed buried.
That is investigative failure, not justice.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
According to DOJ reporting, trafficking extended beyond Epstein, yet accountability stopped almost immediately. Names stayed hidden. Evidence stayed buried.
That is investigative failure, not justice.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
January 8, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Over 1000 known victims. Only two people charged.
According to DOJ reporting, trafficking extended beyond Epstein, yet accountability stopped almost immediately. Names stayed hidden. Evidence stayed buried.
That is investigative failure, not justice.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
According to DOJ reporting, trafficking extended beyond Epstein, yet accountability stopped almost immediately. Names stayed hidden. Evidence stayed buried.
That is investigative failure, not justice.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
Use of state criminal laws against federal law enforcement dates back to the 1800s-in 1992 Idaho charged an FBI sharpshooter for the killing of anti-government separatist Randall Weaver's family members at Ruby Ridge after DOJ declined prosecution
www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-doj-w...
www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-doj-w...
Trump’s DOJ Won’t Police ICE. It’s Time for the States to Step Up
Who is overseeing ICE as they use batons, chemical sprays and pepper-ball guns against unarmed people who appear to pose no threat?
www.thedailybeast.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Use of state criminal laws against federal law enforcement dates back to the 1800s-in 1992 Idaho charged an FBI sharpshooter for the killing of anti-government separatist Randall Weaver's family members at Ruby Ridge after DOJ declined prosecution
www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-doj-w...
www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-doj-w...
Americans are used to thinking that DOJ steps in where states fail - the opposite is true now. States must step up where DOJ is failing -
Highly important video of the ICE Minnesota shooting.
"The driver ... waves for other [vehicles] to go ahead"
"The agent is not being run over. In fact, his feet are positioned away from the SUV"
"Agents blocked...a physician" from providing medical care.
www.nytimes.com/video/us/100...
"The driver ... waves for other [vehicles] to go ahead"
"The agent is not being run over. In fact, his feet are positioned away from the SUV"
"Agents blocked...a physician" from providing medical care.
www.nytimes.com/video/us/100...
Video: Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
An analysis of footage from three camera angles shows that the motorist was driving away from — not toward — a federal officer when he opened fire.
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Americans are used to thinking that DOJ steps in where states fail - the opposite is true now. States must step up where DOJ is failing -
Epstein evidence was released and then redacted under the banner of "protecting victims."
The documents were already anonymized. Names were already withheld. Yet key material still disappeared.
That is not protection. It is concealment.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
@legalafmtn.bsky.social
The documents were already anonymized. Names were already withheld. Yet key material still disappeared.
That is not protection. It is concealment.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
@legalafmtn.bsky.social
January 8, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Epstein evidence was released and then redacted under the banner of "protecting victims."
The documents were already anonymized. Names were already withheld. Yet key material still disappeared.
That is not protection. It is concealment.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
@legalafmtn.bsky.social
The documents were already anonymized. Names were already withheld. Yet key material still disappeared.
That is not protection. It is concealment.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug1O...
@legalafmtn.bsky.social
Authority without restraint means ICE officials acting and speaking first, and letting the legal system deal with the fallout later.
When power moves like this, neutrality is already compromised.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tILc...
#ICE #AuthorityWithoutRestraint #AbuseOfPower #CriminalJustice
When power moves like this, neutrality is already compromised.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tILc...
#ICE #AuthorityWithoutRestraint #AbuseOfPower #CriminalJustice
January 8, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Authority without restraint means ICE officials acting and speaking first, and letting the legal system deal with the fallout later.
When power moves like this, neutrality is already compromised.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tILc...
#ICE #AuthorityWithoutRestraint #AbuseOfPower #CriminalJustice
When power moves like this, neutrality is already compromised.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tILc...
#ICE #AuthorityWithoutRestraint #AbuseOfPower #CriminalJustice
Federal authority is not a license to kill.
A 37-year-old mother is dead after an encounter with an ICE agent. The Supremacy Clause does not protect conduct that falls outside the lawful scope of duty.
Law enforcement or something that amounts to murder?
youtube.com/watch?v=xJbW...
A 37-year-old mother is dead after an encounter with an ICE agent. The Supremacy Clause does not protect conduct that falls outside the lawful scope of duty.
Law enforcement or something that amounts to murder?
youtube.com/watch?v=xJbW...
January 8, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Federal authority is not a license to kill.
A 37-year-old mother is dead after an encounter with an ICE agent. The Supremacy Clause does not protect conduct that falls outside the lawful scope of duty.
Law enforcement or something that amounts to murder?
youtube.com/watch?v=xJbW...
A 37-year-old mother is dead after an encounter with an ICE agent. The Supremacy Clause does not protect conduct that falls outside the lawful scope of duty.
Law enforcement or something that amounts to murder?
youtube.com/watch?v=xJbW...
Reposted by Shanlon Wu
This seems significant: not a FORMER DHS official, but a SENIOR (current) one saying the officer who fired acted counter to training.
This is not an admin that admits mistakes. And they are hanging this guy out to dry on Day One.
I think they know this is bad. Really bad.
This is not an admin that admits mistakes. And they are hanging this guy out to dry on Day One.
I think they know this is bad. Really bad.
January 7, 2026 at 9:33 PM
This seems significant: not a FORMER DHS official, but a SENIOR (current) one saying the officer who fired acted counter to training.
This is not an admin that admits mistakes. And they are hanging this guy out to dry on Day One.
I think they know this is bad. Really bad.
This is not an admin that admits mistakes. And they are hanging this guy out to dry on Day One.
I think they know this is bad. Really bad.