Violet Miller
@vimiller.bsky.social
reporter @chicago.suntimes.com
union member @cstguild.bsky.social
drummer, mediocre shortstop
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Violet Miller
@vimiller.bsky.social
· Oct 31
Federal agents fired pepper balls after detaining two people in Albany Park Friday morning as the immigration blitz in Chicago continued through Halloween.
“It’s actually horrifying. ... It happens so fast. You prepare, but then you don’t know what to do.”
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
“It’s actually horrifying. ... It happens so fast. You prepare, but then you don’t know what to do.”
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Reposted by Violet Miller
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that for every 1 percent increase in eviction rate in a given census tract, there were 2.66 additional shootings there.
Study finds link between evictions and gun violence in Chicago
chicago.suntimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:01 AM
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that for every 1 percent increase in eviction rate in a given census tract, there were 2.66 additional shootings there.
Reposted by Violet Miller
Near Lyndale and 24th Ave in Minneapolis tonight, feds have reportedly shot another person.
Preliminary info is shaky for now, hearing two people injured.
BORTAC just rolled up in an armored vehicle. A crowd is gathering outside the police tape—MPD presence as well.
Preliminary info is shaky for now, hearing two people injured.
BORTAC just rolled up in an armored vehicle. A crowd is gathering outside the police tape—MPD presence as well.
January 15, 2026 at 2:12 AM
Near Lyndale and 24th Ave in Minneapolis tonight, feds have reportedly shot another person.
Preliminary info is shaky for now, hearing two people injured.
BORTAC just rolled up in an armored vehicle. A crowd is gathering outside the police tape—MPD presence as well.
Preliminary info is shaky for now, hearing two people injured.
BORTAC just rolled up in an armored vehicle. A crowd is gathering outside the police tape—MPD presence as well.
Reposted by Violet Miller
A single federal agent with a long gun just walked through the crowd, slipped on the ice on his way under the police tape.
Dropped his loaded clip.
Dropped his loaded clip.
January 15, 2026 at 2:39 AM
A single federal agent with a long gun just walked through the crowd, slipped on the ice on his way under the police tape.
Dropped his loaded clip.
Dropped his loaded clip.
Reposted by Violet Miller
The FBI searching Hannah Natanson’s home for classified documents is an attack on the first amendment meant to chill sources and journalism. Her reporting this year has been outstanding.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:08 PM
The FBI searching Hannah Natanson’s home for classified documents is an attack on the first amendment meant to chill sources and journalism. Her reporting this year has been outstanding.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Reposted by Violet Miller
Within seconds, they move forward. Launch some chemical munitions, shove people to the ground, pepper spray some in the face.
From what we can tell in the dark, mostly BOP (prison guards) out here right now.
From what we can tell in the dark, mostly BOP (prison guards) out here right now.
January 14, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Within seconds, they move forward. Launch some chemical munitions, shove people to the ground, pepper spray some in the face.
From what we can tell in the dark, mostly BOP (prison guards) out here right now.
From what we can tell in the dark, mostly BOP (prison guards) out here right now.
Reposted by Violet Miller
Defense attorneys today challenging attempts by the feds to link their client to the Latin Kings through his "affinity" for the gang:
"Counsel has an 'affinity' for the Chicago Bears, lives in Chicago, and even wears Bears' colors, but alas, is not a member of the Chicago Bears."
"Counsel has an 'affinity' for the Chicago Bears, lives in Chicago, and even wears Bears' colors, but alas, is not a member of the Chicago Bears."
![First, an “affinity” for gang members is completely different from “gang membership.” An affinity for gang members can stem anywhere, including family relationships, professional experiences, community involvement, or even media exposure. See Fonoifua v. Robertson, No. 222CV4280PAKES, 2023 WL 4423603, at *28 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 25, 2023) (“Prospective Juror No. 2947 showed an affinity and sympathy to gang members based on the juror’s statements that gang members attending her school had acted as her ‘protectors’ and that she had taught famous gang members.”). Anyone can have an affinity for anything, including gang members or sports teams.2
The Seventh Circuit in Irvin explained “that common membership in any group, whether it be a gang or a church group, makes it more likely that two people are involved in a given activity together.” 87 F.3d at 864. However, it cannot be fairly said that Mr. Espinoza Martinez’s “affinity” alone makes it more likely that he was involved in any given activity with the Latin Kings. As the Eighth Circuit recognized in Street, the government can only introduce evidence of the defendant’s own gang membership. In this case [Mr. Espinoza Martinez] was not nor ever had been a gang member.” See Street, 548 F.3d at 632 (emphasis in original).
Footnote:
2 For example, the undersigned counsel has an “affinity” for the Chicago Bears, lives in Chicago, and even wears Bear’s colors, but alas, is not a member of the Chicago Bears.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:elipdmmf5istuvtyituspske/bafkreigp57ksr27tlpptcgxuekzdhk2ug2szpwv4thh2mlg7xbmmavqqay@jpeg)
January 13, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Defense attorneys today challenging attempts by the feds to link their client to the Latin Kings through his "affinity" for the gang:
"Counsel has an 'affinity' for the Chicago Bears, lives in Chicago, and even wears Bears' colors, but alas, is not a member of the Chicago Bears."
"Counsel has an 'affinity' for the Chicago Bears, lives in Chicago, and even wears Bears' colors, but alas, is not a member of the Chicago Bears."
Reposted by Violet Miller
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson has been a vocal critic of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Chicago area, but he’s also banking on shares of Palantir, a data analysis company that’s helping the Trump administration deport people.
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson discloses stock shares in ICE contractor Palantir
chicago.suntimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:46 AM
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson has been a vocal critic of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Chicago area, but he’s also banking on shares of Palantir, a data analysis company that’s helping the Trump administration deport people.
Reposted by Violet Miller
The White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express "improper ideology." n.pr/4583d8f
Today is the Smithsonian's deadline to give thousands of documents to the White House
The White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express "improper ideology."
n.pr
January 13, 2026 at 11:54 AM
The White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express "improper ideology." n.pr/4583d8f
Reposted by Violet Miller
BREAKING:
We've found 40+ cases of agents using banned chokeholds & other moves that can cut off breathing
People have had seizures. They passed out.
“I felt like I was going to die” said 16-yr-old citizen
Admin won't say whether any agents have been punished
www.propublica.org/article/vide...
We've found 40+ cases of agents using banned chokeholds & other moves that can cut off breathing
People have had seizures. They passed out.
“I felt like I was going to die” said 16-yr-old citizen
Admin won't say whether any agents have been punished
www.propublica.org/article/vide...
January 13, 2026 at 12:06 PM
BREAKING:
We've found 40+ cases of agents using banned chokeholds & other moves that can cut off breathing
People have had seizures. They passed out.
“I felt like I was going to die” said 16-yr-old citizen
Admin won't say whether any agents have been punished
www.propublica.org/article/vide...
We've found 40+ cases of agents using banned chokeholds & other moves that can cut off breathing
People have had seizures. They passed out.
“I felt like I was going to die” said 16-yr-old citizen
Admin won't say whether any agents have been punished
www.propublica.org/article/vide...
Milani Cooper said she was harassed daily by coworkers who called her slurs; one threatened physical violence after another employee shared details of her complaint to HR.
She said HR told her: “Maybe this job isn’t a good fit for you.”
"It made me dread waking up every morning to go to work.”
She said HR told her: “Maybe this job isn’t a good fit for you.”
"It made me dread waking up every morning to go to work.”
Trans former employee sues Cubs over discrimination, silence on harassment
Milani Cooper, 35, worked at Wrigley Field last year. She said she was harassed daily by coworkers who targeted her with transphobic slurs, and one co-worker threatened her with violence, according to...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Milani Cooper said she was harassed daily by coworkers who called her slurs; one threatened physical violence after another employee shared details of her complaint to HR.
She said HR told her: “Maybe this job isn’t a good fit for you.”
"It made me dread waking up every morning to go to work.”
She said HR told her: “Maybe this job isn’t a good fit for you.”
"It made me dread waking up every morning to go to work.”
Reposted by Violet Miller
For context, Border Patrol just gassed residents one block from where Renee Good was killed by ICE last week.
January 12, 2026 at 6:51 PM
For context, Border Patrol just gassed residents one block from where Renee Good was killed by ICE last week.
Reposted by Violet Miller
Local followers, has anyone seen or they themselves have outdoor displays that showcase your or your neighbors rabid devotion to the Chicago Bears especially in this historic playoff run?
If so please let me know below, or via dm, or via email at [email protected]!
If so please let me know below, or via dm, or via email at [email protected]!
January 12, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Local followers, has anyone seen or they themselves have outdoor displays that showcase your or your neighbors rabid devotion to the Chicago Bears especially in this historic playoff run?
If so please let me know below, or via dm, or via email at [email protected]!
If so please let me know below, or via dm, or via email at [email protected]!
Reposted by Violet Miller
on Sat I did my first protest dispatch @us.theguardian.com, reporting from 2 protests in Philadelphia. the message at both:
“From Venezuela to Minneapolis, all we’re seeing is a regime that is scrambling, willing to kill its own citizens, willing to kill foreign citizens, to maintain its power.”
“From Venezuela to Minneapolis, all we’re seeing is a regime that is scrambling, willing to kill its own citizens, willing to kill foreign citizens, to maintain its power.”
US protests condemn ICE killing of Renee Good and ‘a regime that is willing to kill its own citizens’
In Philadelphia, protesters demanded ICE leave US communities and Trump end warmongering in Venezuela
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:09 PM
on Sat I did my first protest dispatch @us.theguardian.com, reporting from 2 protests in Philadelphia. the message at both:
“From Venezuela to Minneapolis, all we’re seeing is a regime that is scrambling, willing to kill its own citizens, willing to kill foreign citizens, to maintain its power.”
“From Venezuela to Minneapolis, all we’re seeing is a regime that is scrambling, willing to kill its own citizens, willing to kill foreign citizens, to maintain its power.”
Reposted by Violet Miller
The national response to Minneapolis has me revisiting the killing of Silverio González Villegas by ICE in Franklin Park, IL. I reported on it last fall. Worth remembering.
southsideweekly.com/a-tragic-hom...
southsideweekly.com/a-tragic-hom...
A Tragic Homecoming
After nearly two decades in Chicago, Silverio Villegas González returned to Michoacán in a coffin. His death at the hands of federal agents left two families divided by borders, shattered with grief, ...
southsideweekly.com
January 11, 2026 at 3:45 PM
The national response to Minneapolis has me revisiting the killing of Silverio González Villegas by ICE in Franklin Park, IL. I reported on it last fall. Worth remembering.
southsideweekly.com/a-tragic-hom...
southsideweekly.com/a-tragic-hom...
Reposted by Violet Miller
Heads up, Twin Cities—
CBP agent Timothy Donahue was photographed outside the Whipple building yesterday. In Chicago, he was documented aggressively detaining bystanders; also involved in at least one car crash.
Most importantly, he also brandished his gun at a crowd in Evanston on 10/31.
CBP agent Timothy Donahue was photographed outside the Whipple building yesterday. In Chicago, he was documented aggressively detaining bystanders; also involved in at least one car crash.
Most importantly, he also brandished his gun at a crowd in Evanston on 10/31.
January 11, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Heads up, Twin Cities—
CBP agent Timothy Donahue was photographed outside the Whipple building yesterday. In Chicago, he was documented aggressively detaining bystanders; also involved in at least one car crash.
Most importantly, he also brandished his gun at a crowd in Evanston on 10/31.
CBP agent Timothy Donahue was photographed outside the Whipple building yesterday. In Chicago, he was documented aggressively detaining bystanders; also involved in at least one car crash.
Most importantly, he also brandished his gun at a crowd in Evanston on 10/31.
Previously, Trump EOs led to hospitals across the nation to cut treatment for thousands of patients, fearing federal retaliation.
Providers "should continue to provide the same medically-necessary care to trans young people that they have been providing for decades” Equality IL said in a statement.
Providers "should continue to provide the same medically-necessary care to trans young people that they have been providing for decades” Equality IL said in a statement.
Feds agree to halt proposed national youth gender care ban while court weighs motion
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agreed to hold off on communicating its new regulations regarding gender-affirming care, per documents filed this week in an ongoing suit from official...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Previously, Trump EOs led to hospitals across the nation to cut treatment for thousands of patients, fearing federal retaliation.
Providers "should continue to provide the same medically-necessary care to trans young people that they have been providing for decades” Equality IL said in a statement.
Providers "should continue to provide the same medically-necessary care to trans young people that they have been providing for decades” Equality IL said in a statement.
This week DHHS agreed to not threaten to/actually withhold funds from health care providers while a federal judge considers a motion that could shut down the proposed restrictions. It could go as late as April 19.
The restrictions also need to undergo a rule-making process before being instated.
The restrictions also need to undergo a rule-making process before being instated.
Feds agree to halt proposed national youth gender care ban while court weighs motion
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agreed to hold off on communicating its new regulations regarding gender-affirming care, per documents filed this week in an ongoing suit from official...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:33 PM
This week DHHS agreed to not threaten to/actually withhold funds from health care providers while a federal judge considers a motion that could shut down the proposed restrictions. It could go as late as April 19.
The restrictions also need to undergo a rule-making process before being instated.
The restrictions also need to undergo a rule-making process before being instated.
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) used her time to caution the agency to act or be voted out.
“To CCPSA, I want to remind you all, while I’m very glad we’re here, you didn’t exist a few years ago.”
“Listen to what you’re hearing today and work to hold all law enforcement accountable.”
“To CCPSA, I want to remind you all, while I’m very glad we’re here, you didn’t exist a few years ago.”
“Listen to what you’re hearing today and work to hold all law enforcement accountable.”
Residents voice frustrations with Chicago police interactions during immigration raids: 'Who protects us?'
Nearly two dozen speakers voiced anger at the way Chicago police interacted with federal agents in recent months and shared details of times they believed officers were illegally coordinating with the...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) used her time to caution the agency to act or be voted out.
“To CCPSA, I want to remind you all, while I’m very glad we’re here, you didn’t exist a few years ago.”
“Listen to what you’re hearing today and work to hold all law enforcement accountable.”
“To CCPSA, I want to remind you all, while I’m very glad we’re here, you didn’t exist a few years ago.”
“Listen to what you’re hearing today and work to hold all law enforcement accountable.”
Jax Lopez — the brother and son of Mexican immigrants — said CPD was “turning their back on our community” by arresting protesters and clearing the way for agents to leave scenes.
“It sends a message that they are willing to violate the Welcoming City Ordinance just to say it’s for public safety.”
“It sends a message that they are willing to violate the Welcoming City Ordinance just to say it’s for public safety.”
Residents voice frustrations with Chicago police interactions during immigration raids: 'Who protects us?'
Nearly two dozen speakers voiced anger at the way Chicago police interacted with federal agents in recent months and shared details of times they believed officers were illegally coordinating with the...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Jax Lopez — the brother and son of Mexican immigrants — said CPD was “turning their back on our community” by arresting protesters and clearing the way for agents to leave scenes.
“It sends a message that they are willing to violate the Welcoming City Ordinance just to say it’s for public safety.”
“It sends a message that they are willing to violate the Welcoming City Ordinance just to say it’s for public safety.”
Omar Lopez, a rapid responder, said he had been following agents along North Sheridan Road on Dec. 17 when he was pulled over by Chicago police, who told him they had been called by the agents he was following.
“They are being protected by police, but who protects us?”
“They are being protected by police, but who protects us?”
Residents voice frustrations with Chicago police interactions during immigration raids: 'Who protects us?'
Nearly two dozen speakers voiced anger at the way Chicago police interacted with federal agents in recent months and shared details of times they believed officers were illegally coordinating with the...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Omar Lopez, a rapid responder, said he had been following agents along North Sheridan Road on Dec. 17 when he was pulled over by Chicago police, who told him they had been called by the agents he was following.
“They are being protected by police, but who protects us?”
“They are being protected by police, but who protects us?”
Reposted by Violet Miller
“The Attorney General’s Office did not respond to questions from WTTW News asking if it sought legal repercussions for those counties that did fulfill immigrant detainers and warrants and transferred individuals into DHS custody.”
Four Illinois Sheriff’s Offices Ignored Sanctuary Laws by Transferring People Into Federal Custody, AG Report Finds
Four Illinois sheriff’s offices defied the state’s sanctuary laws and transferred individuals into Department of Homeland Security custody in 2024, according to a new report.
news.wttw.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:26 PM
“The Attorney General’s Office did not respond to questions from WTTW News asking if it sought legal repercussions for those counties that did fulfill immigrant detainers and warrants and transferred individuals into DHS custody.”
Reposted by Violet Miller
Two months ago, DHS said shots were fired at agents in Chicago.
Border Patrol's Greg Bovino went on Fox News to boast that a suspect was caught quickly.
But a grand jury did NOT charge the immigrant who was arrested of any crime related to a shooting
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Border Patrol's Greg Bovino went on Fox News to boast that a suspect was caught quickly.
But a grand jury did NOT charge the immigrant who was arrested of any crime related to a shooting
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
New indictment cites shooting near Border Patrol agents in Chicago, still doesn't charge gunman
A federal grand jury stopped well short of charging Hector Gomez with any crime related to the shooting, or even of putting the weapon in his hand when shots were fired.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Two months ago, DHS said shots were fired at agents in Chicago.
Border Patrol's Greg Bovino went on Fox News to boast that a suspect was caught quickly.
But a grand jury did NOT charge the immigrant who was arrested of any crime related to a shooting
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Border Patrol's Greg Bovino went on Fox News to boast that a suspect was caught quickly.
But a grand jury did NOT charge the immigrant who was arrested of any crime related to a shooting
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Reposted by Violet Miller
Ongoing and obvious reminder that firing chemical weapons directly at people's heads like this *is* deadly force.
January 8, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Ongoing and obvious reminder that firing chemical weapons directly at people's heads like this *is* deadly force.
“The move came after officials at Roosevelt High School said armed U.S. Border Patrol officers came on school property during dismissal Wednesday and began tackling people, handcuffed two staff members and released chemical weapons on bystanders.”
Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes district-wide for the remainder of the week “due to safety concerns,” following the killing of a woman Wednesday by an ICE agent. The district said it was acting “out of an abundance of caution.”
Minneapolis schools cancel classes after Border Patrol clash disrupts dismissal at Roosevelt
Minneapolis schools closed for the week citing safety concerns after an encounter involving armed Border Patrol agents near Roosevelt High School.
www.mprnews.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:46 PM
“The move came after officials at Roosevelt High School said armed U.S. Border Patrol officers came on school property during dismissal Wednesday and began tackling people, handcuffed two staff members and released chemical weapons on bystanders.”