Cathy Gellis
@cathygellis.bsky.social
Lawyer, writer, all-around-great person
I mostly post about technology, law, and civil liberties (especially free speech), and how they intersect. And mostly at Techdirt: https://www.techdirt.com/user/cathy/
I also post silly things too.
I mostly post about technology, law, and civil liberties (especially free speech), and how they intersect. And mostly at Techdirt: https://www.techdirt.com/user/cathy/
I also post silly things too.
Pinned
Cathy Gellis
@cathygellis.bsky.social
· Jan 3
Oaths Of Office, And How Everyone Not Moving To Impeach Trump Is Violating Their Own
Until very recently the only member of Congress excused from not having moved to impeach Trump was Rep. Grijalva, because until someone swore her in there was nothing she could officially do. But f…
www.techdirt.com
A reminder: any member of Congress not impeaching is violating their own oath of office.
It's not optional.
www.techdirt.com/2025/11/26/o...
It's not optional.
www.techdirt.com/2025/11/26/o...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN
The Bezos Cut:
Woodward: We're following the money.
Bernstein: The trail leads all the way to the Oval Office.
Bradlee: Sorry, investigative staff is sacked. Clear out your desks.
THE END
The Bezos Cut:
Woodward: We're following the money.
Bernstein: The trail leads all the way to the Oval Office.
Bradlee: Sorry, investigative staff is sacked. Clear out your desks.
THE END
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 PM
ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN
The Bezos Cut:
Woodward: We're following the money.
Bernstein: The trail leads all the way to the Oval Office.
Bradlee: Sorry, investigative staff is sacked. Clear out your desks.
THE END
The Bezos Cut:
Woodward: We're following the money.
Bernstein: The trail leads all the way to the Oval Office.
Bradlee: Sorry, investigative staff is sacked. Clear out your desks.
THE END
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
NEW: A rupture between DOJ and ICE has emerged in Minnesota, where overwhelmed prosecutors keep dropping the ball — and saying ICE won't return their messages.
The crisis has had real-world consequences for migrants illegally detained
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
The crisis has had real-world consequences for migrants illegally detained
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
February 4, 2026 at 8:27 PM
NEW: A rupture between DOJ and ICE has emerged in Minnesota, where overwhelmed prosecutors keep dropping the ball — and saying ICE won't return their messages.
The crisis has had real-world consequences for migrants illegally detained
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
The crisis has had real-world consequences for migrants illegally detained
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Heads are going to explode 💥
Cato Institute just nuked the lie. Immigrants have cut U.S. deficits by $14.5 TRILLION since 1994, slashing the national debt by a third.
All that “immigrants are bleeding us dry” noise? Absolute bullshit.
1/3
Cato Institute just nuked the lie. Immigrants have cut U.S. deficits by $14.5 TRILLION since 1994, slashing the national debt by a third.
All that “immigrants are bleeding us dry” noise? Absolute bullshit.
1/3
February 4, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Heads are going to explode 💥
Cato Institute just nuked the lie. Immigrants have cut U.S. deficits by $14.5 TRILLION since 1994, slashing the national debt by a third.
All that “immigrants are bleeding us dry” noise? Absolute bullshit.
1/3
Cato Institute just nuked the lie. Immigrants have cut U.S. deficits by $14.5 TRILLION since 1994, slashing the national debt by a third.
All that “immigrants are bleeding us dry” noise? Absolute bullshit.
1/3
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
We all want to protect our democracy.
That means facing this hard truth: right now it is facing greater danger at home than from any foreign threat.
That means facing this hard truth: right now it is facing greater danger at home than from any foreign threat.
February 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
We all want to protect our democracy.
That means facing this hard truth: right now it is facing greater danger at home than from any foreign threat.
That means facing this hard truth: right now it is facing greater danger at home than from any foreign threat.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
of course they did
BREAKING: The Trump administration repeatedly said the aggressive apartment raid in Chicago last fall was prompted by intel on a gang takeover.
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
The Real Story Behind the Midnight Immigration Raid on a Chicago Apartment Building
The Trump administration has claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over the building. But new documents make no mention of the gang and reveal federal agents had information about “ille...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 7:55 PM
of course they did
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Well, WaPo certainly picked the worst possible day to send me an e-mail reminder about my subscription renewing soon.
February 4, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Well, WaPo certainly picked the worst possible day to send me an e-mail reminder about my subscription renewing soon.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Per Economist/YouGov, here's the % of Americans who support deporting:
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
Support For Abolishing ICE:
Support: 46%
Oppose: 44%
YouGov / Feb 2, 2026
Support: 46%
Oppose: 44%
YouGov / Feb 2, 2026
February 4, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Per Economist/YouGov, here's the % of Americans who support deporting:
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
I know it's not easy and wouldn't be on the same scale, but I would think there's at least some demand sufficient to support a newspaper in the nation's capital that has actual reporters.
February 4, 2026 at 6:54 PM
I know it's not easy and wouldn't be on the same scale, but I would think there's at least some demand sufficient to support a newspaper in the nation's capital that has actual reporters.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Washington Times and Washington Post are taken but there’s nothing saying somebody can’t start the Washington Gazette or Washington Tribune or whatever other traditional newspaper name and use an old-timey font on the masthead.
February 4, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Washington Times and Washington Post are taken but there’s nothing saying somebody can’t start the Washington Gazette or Washington Tribune or whatever other traditional newspaper name and use an old-timey font on the masthead.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
As expected, #SCOTUS denies the emergency application to block California’s congressional redistricting—with no public dissents.
Among other things, this is also a good addition to the “be cynical but not nihilistic about the Court” file.
Among other things, this is also a good addition to the “be cynical but not nihilistic about the Court” file.
February 4, 2026 at 7:05 PM
As expected, #SCOTUS denies the emergency application to block California’s congressional redistricting—with no public dissents.
Among other things, this is also a good addition to the “be cynical but not nihilistic about the Court” file.
Among other things, this is also a good addition to the “be cynical but not nihilistic about the Court” file.
Interesting. Probably the right call on substance, at least at this stage, and a surprising lack of hypocrisy given their earlier decision.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court will not stop the use of California's new congressional maps in this year's midterm elections.
The court rejected California Republicans' effort to stop the use of the new maps. There were no noted dissents and no opinion.
The court rejected California Republicans' effort to stop the use of the new maps. There were no noted dissents and no opinion.
February 4, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Interesting. Probably the right call on substance, at least at this stage, and a surprising lack of hypocrisy given their earlier decision.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
"One of her 4-year-old twins screamed at the sight of someone holding spray-on deodorant, mistaking it for pepper spray." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/u...
What the Crackdown Has Done to Minneapolis Children
“It’s like living in fear all the time,” a teenager said about the federal raids that have shattered families.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM
"One of her 4-year-old twins screamed at the sight of someone holding spray-on deodorant, mistaking it for pepper spray." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/u...
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
there is a similar problem with only having the glovebox open by pushing a button on a screen. my grandmother gave me an emergency glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, and I am horrified by the thought of being unable to access that because I can't unlock my glovebox.
China has introduced new regulations, starting in 2027, requiring all car doors to open manually from both sides. Electric door handles can malfunction in a crash or battery failure. n.pr/3ZT80ag
China bans hidden car door handles, which can trap people after crashes
China has introduced new regulations, starting in 2027, requiring all car doors to open manually from both sides. Electric door handles can malfunction in a crash or battery failure.
n.pr
February 4, 2026 at 6:34 PM
there is a similar problem with only having the glovebox open by pushing a button on a screen. my grandmother gave me an emergency glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, and I am horrified by the thought of being unable to access that because I can't unlock my glovebox.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Why would anyone want to be a Jeff Bezos when you could be a Craig Newmark.
Jeff Bezos could literally have subsidized the Washington Post for 20 years at a TOTAL cost of a fraction of 1 percent of his net worth.
Instead he put 300 professionals out of work and destroyed the institution that inspired me and a lot of others to become journalists.
Anyway, fuck that guy.
Instead he put 300 professionals out of work and destroyed the institution that inspired me and a lot of others to become journalists.
Anyway, fuck that guy.
February 4, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Why would anyone want to be a Jeff Bezos when you could be a Craig Newmark.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Laying off @joemenn.bsky.social is the newsroom management equivalent of stapling your dick to the wall. Truly insane move, and one of many.
Most of the Washington Post’s tech reporters were laid off today, including me. I have loved my time at the paper, which is where I wanted to work from age 15. I take some consolation in not being among the survivors who will have to work harder with less for fewer readers. On to better things.
February 4, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Laying off @joemenn.bsky.social is the newsroom management equivalent of stapling your dick to the wall. Truly insane move, and one of many.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Since ICE got to Minneapolis, 5-year-old Vera has a new hobby: setting traps.
“All bad guys are trying to take dark skin people like my friend,” Vera said. “So I try to keep them safe.”
@setharichardson.bsky.social on how kids, parents, and schools are handling the upheaval of ICE violence.
“All bad guys are trying to take dark skin people like my friend,” Vera said. “So I try to keep them safe.”
@setharichardson.bsky.social on how kids, parents, and schools are handling the upheaval of ICE violence.
February 3, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Since ICE got to Minneapolis, 5-year-old Vera has a new hobby: setting traps.
“All bad guys are trying to take dark skin people like my friend,” Vera said. “So I try to keep them safe.”
@setharichardson.bsky.social on how kids, parents, and schools are handling the upheaval of ICE violence.
“All bad guys are trying to take dark skin people like my friend,” Vera said. “So I try to keep them safe.”
@setharichardson.bsky.social on how kids, parents, and schools are handling the upheaval of ICE violence.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
can’t not hear and see:
February 4, 2026 at 6:36 PM
can’t not hear and see:
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Also: 2,300 ICE agents is still almost exactly the number of local police officers from the ten largest police forces in Minnesota COMBINED. As such, can report there's been no change on the ground today in my community.
This Homan presser is completely incoherent. He started by announcing a drawdown of 700 agents (good!) but then pivoted to whining about "rhetoric" (bad) and suggested there will be more bloodshed if it doesn't stop (grim). Not clear to me that anything is actually changing on the ground here in MN.
February 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Also: 2,300 ICE agents is still almost exactly the number of local police officers from the ten largest police forces in Minnesota COMBINED. As such, can report there's been no change on the ground today in my community.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
ICE has scaled down in Maine. But they ARE still here.
Please continue to report ICE activity to 207-544-9989.
That so many people are calling my office about this means no one's taking anything for granted. They're continuing to protect their neighbors.
Be vigilant, be safe and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Please continue to report ICE activity to 207-544-9989.
That so many people are calling my office about this means no one's taking anything for granted. They're continuing to protect their neighbors.
Be vigilant, be safe and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Maine immigration enforcement appears to have slowed since surge, but effects linger
Observers say 'normal' enforcement during the Trump administration is far from normal.
www.pressherald.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:37 PM
ICE has scaled down in Maine. But they ARE still here.
Please continue to report ICE activity to 207-544-9989.
That so many people are calling my office about this means no one's taking anything for granted. They're continuing to protect their neighbors.
Be vigilant, be safe and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Please continue to report ICE activity to 207-544-9989.
That so many people are calling my office about this means no one's taking anything for granted. They're continuing to protect their neighbors.
Be vigilant, be safe and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Most of the Washington Post’s tech reporters were laid off today, including me. I have loved my time at the paper, which is where I wanted to work from age 15. I take some consolation in not being among the survivors who will have to work harder with less for fewer readers. On to better things.
February 4, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Most of the Washington Post’s tech reporters were laid off today, including me. I have loved my time at the paper, which is where I wanted to work from age 15. I take some consolation in not being among the survivors who will have to work harder with less for fewer readers. On to better things.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Holy shit in Berks County too. This article says ICE is planning to open 23 (TWENTY THREE) of these things. Are people gonna wake up or not. Christ Almighty you don't NEED to be wilfully stupid you can just get on the right side of history
February 4, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Holy shit in Berks County too. This article says ICE is planning to open 23 (TWENTY THREE) of these things. Are people gonna wake up or not. Christ Almighty you don't NEED to be wilfully stupid you can just get on the right side of history
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
I want to laugh at it but sadly it’s true.
February 3, 2026 at 11:41 AM
I want to laugh at it but sadly it’s true.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
BREAKING: Fulton County demanded in court that the federal government return all of the 2020 election related materials the FBI seized from its central election hub last week.
One county official stated that “our Constitution itself is at stake over this fight.”
One county official stated that “our Constitution itself is at stake over this fight.”
‘Our Constitution itself is at stake’: Fulton County officials challenge FBI’s seizure of 2020 election records
"We will fight using all resources against those who seek to take over our elections."
www.democracydocket.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:23 PM
BREAKING: Fulton County demanded in court that the federal government return all of the 2020 election related materials the FBI seized from its central election hub last week.
One county official stated that “our Constitution itself is at stake over this fight.”
One county official stated that “our Constitution itself is at stake over this fight.”
IME GOP poll workers are EXTREMELY proud of doing their job in a non-partisan way. I remember one manager in AZ in particular. He was red in every way (guns, abortion, etc) but he made damn sure that everyone entitled to a countable ballot got one.
one thing worth observing is that a) even republican election officials are very jealous of their authority and b) the more unpopular trump gets, the less likely he is unable to leverage the rhetorical power of his office www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/u...
Trump’s Call to ‘Nationalize’ Elections Adds to State Officials’ Alarm
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:19 PM
IME GOP poll workers are EXTREMELY proud of doing their job in a non-partisan way. I remember one manager in AZ in particular. He was red in every way (guns, abortion, etc) but he made damn sure that everyone entitled to a countable ballot got one.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Highlighting the speaker who stood in front of the Surprise mayor and told him to consider what the Mayor of Ohrdruf must’ve thought before he died by suicide: “He might have thought ‘how is this my fault I had no jurisdiction over this’ maybe he said ‘this site was not subject to local zoning.’”
February 4, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Highlighting the speaker who stood in front of the Surprise mayor and told him to consider what the Mayor of Ohrdruf must’ve thought before he died by suicide: “He might have thought ‘how is this my fault I had no jurisdiction over this’ maybe he said ‘this site was not subject to local zoning.’”