Walker Bragman
@walkerbragman.bsky.social
He/Him. Dad. Journo tracking dark money and attacks on public health. JD, ADHD, occasional cartoonist.
Co-founder of Accountability Journalism Institute. Accountabilityjournalism.org
Signal: walkerbragman.44
Reporting: https://www.importantcontext.news
Co-founder of Accountability Journalism Institute. Accountabilityjournalism.org
Signal: walkerbragman.44
Reporting: https://www.importantcontext.news
Pinned
Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans
Genocide scholars say policies targeting transgender Americans match early warning signs of mass atrocity.
www.importantcontext.news
NEW from Important Context:
Genocide experts, including two past presidents of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, are speaking out about escalating attacks on transgender Americans in the U.S.
www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
Genocide experts, including two past presidents of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, are speaking out about escalating attacks on transgender Americans in the U.S.
www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
Reposted by Walker Bragman
I live an hour north of Minneapolis and they’re here too. They’re rounding up workers in chicken processing plants and breweries.
A reminder that ICE hasn’t slowed down in Minneapolis at all.
Outside of Minnesota, it might feel like everything has changed since Alex Pretti’s murder. But ICE hasn’t actually lost any power and they’re continuing to terrorize our communities.
Outside of Minnesota, it might feel like everything has changed since Alex Pretti’s murder. But ICE hasn’t actually lost any power and they’re continuing to terrorize our communities.
January 27, 2026 at 10:44 PM
I live an hour north of Minneapolis and they’re here too. They’re rounding up workers in chicken processing plants and breweries.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
They do this parting shot with tear gas all the time, pretty much a matter of policy at this point. Maybe a Bovino special? We’ll see.
Stancil said something I’ve been thinking about for the past two days.
He said he’s getting tear gassed basically every other day at this point because after a standoff with neighbors, agents “all kind of load into a convoy of cars, and then as they leave…toss a bunch of tear gas out the back.”
He said he’s getting tear gassed basically every other day at this point because after a standoff with neighbors, agents “all kind of load into a convoy of cars, and then as they leave…toss a bunch of tear gas out the back.”
NEW: Hours after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, I interviewed @whstancil.bsky.social, who has been involved in local rapid response efforts to track ICE in the city.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
January 28, 2026 at 12:22 AM
They do this parting shot with tear gas all the time, pretty much a matter of policy at this point. Maybe a Bovino special? We’ll see.
I know the cruelty is the point, but this is just fucking evil.
Maher Tarabishi, who has been detained by ICE since October, was the primary caretaker of his disabled adult child, Wael.
On Jan. 23, Wael died from complications related to Pompe disease, a rare genetic condition.
ICE has now denied Maher’s request to attend his funeral, his attorney says.
On Jan. 23, Wael died from complications related to Pompe disease, a rare genetic condition.
ICE has now denied Maher’s request to attend his funeral, his attorney says.
ICE Denies Detainee's Request to Attend His Son's Funeral, Attorney Says
Maher Tarabishi was the primary caretaker of his son, Wael Tarabishi, 30, who died on Friday, Jan. 23, from complications related to Pompe disease.
people.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:15 AM
I know the cruelty is the point, but this is just fucking evil.
Stancil said something I’ve been thinking about for the past two days.
He said he’s getting tear gassed basically every other day at this point because after a standoff with neighbors, agents “all kind of load into a convoy of cars, and then as they leave…toss a bunch of tear gas out the back.”
He said he’s getting tear gassed basically every other day at this point because after a standoff with neighbors, agents “all kind of load into a convoy of cars, and then as they leave…toss a bunch of tear gas out the back.”
NEW: Hours after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, I interviewed @whstancil.bsky.social, who has been involved in local rapid response efforts to track ICE in the city.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
“The Entire City's in This Sort of State of Siege:” A Conversation With A Minneapolis ICE Tracker
Important Context spoke with attorney Will Stancil, who has been tracking ICE in his city.
www.importantcontext.news
January 28, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Stancil said something I’ve been thinking about for the past two days.
He said he’s getting tear gassed basically every other day at this point because after a standoff with neighbors, agents “all kind of load into a convoy of cars, and then as they leave…toss a bunch of tear gas out the back.”
He said he’s getting tear gassed basically every other day at this point because after a standoff with neighbors, agents “all kind of load into a convoy of cars, and then as they leave…toss a bunch of tear gas out the back.”
Reposted by Walker Bragman
NEW: Hours after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, I interviewed @whstancil.bsky.social, who has been involved in local rapid response efforts to track ICE in the city.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
“The Entire City's in This Sort of State of Siege:” A Conversation With A Minneapolis ICE Tracker
Important Context spoke with attorney Will Stancil, who has been tracking ICE in his city.
www.importantcontext.news
January 27, 2026 at 9:40 PM
NEW: Hours after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, I interviewed @whstancil.bsky.social, who has been involved in local rapid response efforts to track ICE in the city.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
NEW: Hours after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, I interviewed @whstancil.bsky.social, who has been involved in local rapid response efforts to track ICE in the city.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
“The Entire City's in This Sort of State of Siege:” A Conversation With A Minneapolis ICE Tracker
Important Context spoke with attorney Will Stancil, who has been tracking ICE in his city.
www.importantcontext.news
January 27, 2026 at 9:40 PM
NEW: Hours after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, I interviewed @whstancil.bsky.social, who has been involved in local rapid response efforts to track ICE in the city.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
This was a harrowing—and inspiring—interview.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
getting feds to say shit like this on camera with their face exposed is NUTS -- you can not reform this agency, everyone involved must go, there is no practical way to root out all of these guys
"You raise your voice, I erase your voice."
ICE in Minneapolis are erasing your rights.
Please share our new video of what's happening in our city. youtu.be/W1dyNcRGRXY
ICE in Minneapolis are erasing your rights.
Please share our new video of what's happening in our city. youtu.be/W1dyNcRGRXY
January 27, 2026 at 6:10 PM
getting feds to say shit like this on camera with their face exposed is NUTS -- you can not reform this agency, everyone involved must go, there is no practical way to root out all of these guys
The idea that right-wing podcasts present “the other side” is so toxic.
Like, if you’re a reporter looking to cover right-wing conspiracy theories, it’s important to listen.
If you’re a regular person, there’s no reason.
Like, if you’re a reporter looking to cover right-wing conspiracy theories, it’s important to listen.
If you’re a regular person, there’s no reason.
January 27, 2026 at 4:23 PM
The idea that right-wing podcasts present “the other side” is so toxic.
Like, if you’re a reporter looking to cover right-wing conspiracy theories, it’s important to listen.
If you’re a regular person, there’s no reason.
Like, if you’re a reporter looking to cover right-wing conspiracy theories, it’s important to listen.
If you’re a regular person, there’s no reason.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
these people seem like idiots
January 27, 2026 at 3:34 PM
these people seem like idiots
Reposted by Walker Bragman
Trump also raised the possibility that Preti’s gun accidentally misfired. That’s a pretty straightforward thing to prove, and given that it’s slightly exculpatory, you’d think they’d have stated it as fact by now if it were true
January 26, 2026 at 1:51 AM
Trump also raised the possibility that Preti’s gun accidentally misfired. That’s a pretty straightforward thing to prove, and given that it’s slightly exculpatory, you’d think they’d have stated it as fact by now if it were true
Reposted by Walker Bragman
The Trump admin is scrambling because the secret police it sends out for kidnappings and rioting has been killing people on video then brazenly lying about it, but Schumer's instinct is to whip his caucus into taking a position *more conservative* than that held by the median voter.
He's got to go.
He's got to go.
Majority of the country now wants to abolish and/or dismantle ICE and yet Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. told the caucus the message had to be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Senate Democrats plot strategy as DHS standoff deepens heading into shutdown week
Two sources who were on a Democratic caucus strategy call Sunday said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the group the message must be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:48 AM
The Trump admin is scrambling because the secret police it sends out for kidnappings and rioting has been killing people on video then brazenly lying about it, but Schumer's instinct is to whip his caucus into taking a position *more conservative* than that held by the median voter.
He's got to go.
He's got to go.
Fascism in America will never hold.
We will win.
Minnesota just showed us how.
We will win.
Minnesota just showed us how.
The people of Minnesota have executed one of the most impressive civil resistance campaigns I can remember:
- Organized a city wide general strike
- Maintained nonviolent discipline amidst violence
- Mobilized 10,000s in subzero temps to protest and watch ICE
- Flipped public opinion against ICE
- Organized a city wide general strike
- Maintained nonviolent discipline amidst violence
- Mobilized 10,000s in subzero temps to protest and watch ICE
- Flipped public opinion against ICE
January 27, 2026 at 4:17 AM
Fascism in America will never hold.
We will win.
Minnesota just showed us how.
We will win.
Minnesota just showed us how.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
National Nurses United, largest nurses' union in US, are holding actions over the coming week in honor of Alex Pretti and all others killed by ICE
www.nationalnursesunited.org/week-of-acti...
www.nationalnursesunited.org/week-of-acti...
Week of action in honor of Alex Pretti, RN and all others killed by ice
Join National Nurses United RN members in a week-long series of actions to honor Pretti and all who have been murdered by ICE, as well as demand that Congress vote to immediately abolish this violent,...
www.nationalnursesunited.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:31 PM
National Nurses United, largest nurses' union in US, are holding actions over the coming week in honor of Alex Pretti and all others killed by ICE
www.nationalnursesunited.org/week-of-acti...
www.nationalnursesunited.org/week-of-acti...
Minneapolis is the model. If you have ICE in your area. They’ve got the solution.
Nonviolent resistance works.
Fascism will lose in America.
Nonviolent resistance works.
Fascism will lose in America.
![01/26/2026 15:27:26[TWT]
Priscilla Alvarez
@priscialva
BREAKING: Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino and some of his
agents are expected to leave Minneapolis and return to their respective
sectors, sources tell me, @KristenhCNN + @kaitlancollins.
Sent via Twitter Web App. View original tweet.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:pnx2fjuannbdpy3337ggthpp/bafkreiglia3lsgoularsdrttknes76e3otad6xpnyp2eia2nmg5ckrc7cq@jpeg)
January 26, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Minneapolis is the model. If you have ICE in your area. They’ve got the solution.
Nonviolent resistance works.
Fascism will lose in America.
Nonviolent resistance works.
Fascism will lose in America.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
America's national political institutions are deeply broken, & lots of our societal institutions/leaders have failed to meet the moment. The platform must be institutional reform 👇
And yet, when you look at Minneapolis, you know we're going to win, & it's going to be 🇺🇸 civil society that does it.
And yet, when you look at Minneapolis, you know we're going to win, & it's going to be 🇺🇸 civil society that does it.
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
The institutions are broken & deeeply antidemocratic & not self-enforcing & the imperial presidency was a grave mistake & Article I, II, & III have all failed.
The platform, going forward, must be institutional reform. Ready to go immediately.
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
The institutions are broken & deeeply antidemocratic & not self-enforcing & the imperial presidency was a grave mistake & Article I, II, & III have all failed.
The platform, going forward, must be institutional reform. Ready to go immediately.
January 26, 2026 at 7:29 PM
America's national political institutions are deeply broken, & lots of our societal institutions/leaders have failed to meet the moment. The platform must be institutional reform 👇
And yet, when you look at Minneapolis, you know we're going to win, & it's going to be 🇺🇸 civil society that does it.
And yet, when you look at Minneapolis, you know we're going to win, & it's going to be 🇺🇸 civil society that does it.
They were not, in fact, greeted as liberators.
Morale plummeting among ICE agents over long hours, quotas and public hatred: reports
Morale plummeting among ICE agents over long hours, quotas and public hatred: reports
Morale plummeting among ICE agents over long hours, quotas and public hatred: reports
www.independent.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 6:33 PM
They were not, in fact, greeted as liberators.
I was watching coverage of the winter storm in NYC and the reporter told a kid live on air that in-person learning had been canceled for the next day—he would be remote.
His face lit up as he cheered, “YES!”
Thought about all the parents who insisted COVID school closures were just hated by kids.
His face lit up as he cheered, “YES!”
Thought about all the parents who insisted COVID school closures were just hated by kids.
January 26, 2026 at 6:25 PM
I was watching coverage of the winter storm in NYC and the reporter told a kid live on air that in-person learning had been canceled for the next day—he would be remote.
His face lit up as he cheered, “YES!”
Thought about all the parents who insisted COVID school closures were just hated by kids.
His face lit up as he cheered, “YES!”
Thought about all the parents who insisted COVID school closures were just hated by kids.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
Wow! This read-along of the NYT moment-by-moment leading to the murder of Alex Pretti should shake everyone awake. He was a Good Samaritan.
Agents fired at least ten shots in roughly five seconds. DHS and Pam Bondi claim Pretti approached them armed and intent on a “massacre.”
Agents fired at least ten shots in roughly five seconds. DHS and Pam Bondi claim Pretti approached them armed and intent on a “massacre.”
January 26, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Wow! This read-along of the NYT moment-by-moment leading to the murder of Alex Pretti should shake everyone awake. He was a Good Samaritan.
Agents fired at least ten shots in roughly five seconds. DHS and Pam Bondi claim Pretti approached them armed and intent on a “massacre.”
Agents fired at least ten shots in roughly five seconds. DHS and Pam Bondi claim Pretti approached them armed and intent on a “massacre.”
Reposted by Walker Bragman
This is a really incredible piece. Share it widely 🎁https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/minneapolis-uprising/685755/?gift=C-rzmQ8PsUHt15odxTKJDn7xrpPNxSpotkNz_P27oI0
Welcome to the American Winter
In the frozen streets of Minneapolis, something profound is happening.
www.theatlantic.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:29 AM
This is a really incredible piece. Share it widely 🎁https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/minneapolis-uprising/685755/?gift=C-rzmQ8PsUHt15odxTKJDn7xrpPNxSpotkNz_P27oI0
The feds are rattled.
Minneapolis is united against them. It’s like this scene…
Minneapolis is united against them. It’s like this scene…
January 26, 2026 at 5:23 AM
The feds are rattled.
Minneapolis is united against them. It’s like this scene…
Minneapolis is united against them. It’s like this scene…
I’d like to skip to this part.
January 26, 2026 at 3:06 AM
I’d like to skip to this part.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
Walz: "To Americans who are watching this, I've got a question for you: What side do you want to be on? The side of an all powerful federal govt that can kill, injury, menace, & kidnap its citizens off the streets? Or on the side of a nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness to such govt?"
January 25, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Walz: "To Americans who are watching this, I've got a question for you: What side do you want to be on? The side of an all powerful federal govt that can kill, injury, menace, & kidnap its citizens off the streets? Or on the side of a nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness to such govt?"
Reposted by Walker Bragman
"Authoritarianism is the conversion of rule of law into rule by the lawless.” This quote from @ruthbenghiat.bsky.social is ringing true today in the US as it did in years past.
January 26, 2026 at 2:48 AM
"Authoritarianism is the conversion of rule of law into rule by the lawless.” This quote from @ruthbenghiat.bsky.social is ringing true today in the US as it did in years past.
Oh my god.
Something jarring about seeing Hillary Clinton and Tucker Carlson on the same speech program.
This is for a Saudi Real Estate conference starting tomorrow.
This is for a Saudi Real Estate conference starting tomorrow.
January 26, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Oh my god.
Reposted by Walker Bragman
Just say the government is lying. The goal of journalism should be to inform, not gaslight.
A battle over the truth erupts after deadly Minneapolis shooting
A battle over the truth erupts after deadly Minneapolis shooting
Federal and local leaders are sharply divided over what happened and who is to blame.
dlvr.it
January 26, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Just say the government is lying. The goal of journalism should be to inform, not gaslight.