Dan Hinkel
@danhinkel.bsky.social
Chicago journalist at Injustice Watch.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
As an addendum, the feds are now 0 - 15 (by my count) in prosecutions deriving from Operation Midway Blitz.
You can read more about how they keep losing here:
You can read more about how they keep losing here:
January 22, 2026 at 10:15 PM
As an addendum, the feds are now 0 - 15 (by my count) in prosecutions deriving from Operation Midway Blitz.
You can read more about how they keep losing here:
You can read more about how they keep losing here:
Took a federal jury about three hours to acquit.
#BREAKING: Federal jury finds Chicago man NOT GUILTY of offering $10K for the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.
The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: chicago.suntimes.com/live/closing...
The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: chicago.suntimes.com/live/closing...
January 22, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Took a federal jury about three hours to acquit.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
#BREAKING: Federal jury finds Chicago man NOT GUILTY of offering $10K for the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.
The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: chicago.suntimes.com/live/closing...
The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: chicago.suntimes.com/live/closing...
January 22, 2026 at 10:07 PM
#BREAKING: Federal jury finds Chicago man NOT GUILTY of offering $10K for the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.
The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: chicago.suntimes.com/live/closing...
The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: chicago.suntimes.com/live/closing...
Absolutely dying at the idea of suffering a devastating loss and being consoled by a guy in a big funny novelty hat
January 20, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Absolutely dying at the idea of suffering a devastating loss and being consoled by a guy in a big funny novelty hat
Boban.
There's a good reason that Michael B. Jordan has a B in his name, and it has everything to do with a certain NBA legend.
Michael B. Jordan almost changed his name after being compared to NBA superstar: 'I got teased so much'
There's a good reason that Michael B. Jordan has a B in his name, and it has everything to do with a certain NBA legend.
bit.ly
January 20, 2026 at 4:13 AM
Boban.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
Before CPD Officer Carlos Baker fatally shot his tactical team partner Krystal Rivera, Patrol Chief Jon Hein blocked his bid to join the team because of his disciplinary record.
Hein later reversed course a few months before the shooting.
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Hein later reversed course a few months before the shooting.
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Chicago police brass had rejected troubled cop's move to elite unit before he fatally shot partner
Chief of Patrol Jon Hein ultimately approved Officer Carlos Baker’s transfer despite having denied his request for the move less than a year earlier because of “discipline" problems.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Before CPD Officer Carlos Baker fatally shot his tactical team partner Krystal Rivera, Patrol Chief Jon Hein blocked his bid to join the team because of his disciplinary record.
Hein later reversed course a few months before the shooting.
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Hein later reversed course a few months before the shooting.
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
this is by the Post reporter whose house was just searched by the FBI www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
“One day, a woman wrote to me on Signal, asking me not to respond. She lived alone, she messaged, and planned to die that weekend. Before she did, she wanted at least one person to understand: Trump had unraveled the government, and with it, her life.” @hannahnatanson.bsky.social essay:
I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal.
One reporter’s effort to show how Trump was transforming government brought her 1,168 new sources — and nearly broke her.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:16 PM
this is by the Post reporter whose house was just searched by the FBI www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
We’re hiring an editor in chief to execute a strategy for scrutinizing the Cook County court system, provide direction and supervision to our editorial team, and work across departments to maintain a standard of excellence that aligns with our mission. buff.ly/m2ySFTD
January 14, 2026 at 2:02 PM
We’re hiring an editor in chief to execute a strategy for scrutinizing the Cook County court system, provide direction and supervision to our editorial team, and work across departments to maintain a standard of excellence that aligns with our mission. buff.ly/m2ySFTD
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
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."
It has been remarkable to see the historical echoes between the Democratic response to Renee Good’s killing and the cycle of reform touched off by Laquan McDonald’s murder in Chicago. I see we are now knee-deep in the Training Discourse.
abcnews.go.com/amp/US/chica...
abcnews.go.com/amp/US/chica...
January 13, 2026 at 1:20 AM
It has been remarkable to see the historical echoes between the Democratic response to Renee Good’s killing and the cycle of reform touched off by Laquan McDonald’s murder in Chicago. I see we are now knee-deep in the Training Discourse.
abcnews.go.com/amp/US/chica...
abcnews.go.com/amp/US/chica...
If you approach my desk, you’d better be ready to laugh.
January 12, 2026 at 4:44 PM
If you approach my desk, you’d better be ready to laugh.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
We’re looking for an experienced manager and editor with a track record of successful investigative work who can demonstrate an understanding of the way courts impact local communities. buff.ly/m2ySFTD
January 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM
We’re looking for an experienced manager and editor with a track record of successful investigative work who can demonstrate an understanding of the way courts impact local communities. buff.ly/m2ySFTD
A wonderful recent development is the wide availability of this candy in the Chicago area. They’re the answer to “how about circus peanuts, except good?”
January 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
A wonderful recent development is the wide availability of this candy in the Chicago area. They’re the answer to “how about circus peanuts, except good?”
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says they've been informed by the FBI that US DOJ has said FBI will solely lead the investigation into Renee Nicole Good's killing by a federal officer. State investigators no longer have access to "case materials, scene evidence/investigative interviews"
January 8, 2026 at 4:03 PM
The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says they've been informed by the FBI that US DOJ has said FBI will solely lead the investigation into Renee Nicole Good's killing by a federal officer. State investigators no longer have access to "case materials, scene evidence/investigative interviews"
I covered the Chicago Police Department for years and it's impossible to miss the similarities to shootings here over the years. The tactical chaos. The car-as-weapon official account that doesn't match the known evidence. The immediate insistence on justification by forces representing the shooter.
January 8, 2026 at 3:33 PM
I covered the Chicago Police Department for years and it's impossible to miss the similarities to shootings here over the years. The tactical chaos. The car-as-weapon official account that doesn't match the known evidence. The immediate insistence on justification by forces representing the shooter.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
After border patrol agents fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, agents showed up to a high school and released chemical weapons during dismissal, Minnesota Public Radio reports. Their live reporting here: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Live updates: Minneapolis confirms name of woman shot by ICE agent
Renee Good, 37, was identified as the woman shot and killed Wednesday morning by an ICE agent in south Minneapolis. ICE said Good was shot while trying to run over agents with her car. Mayor Jacob Fre...
www.mprnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 11:37 PM
After border patrol agents fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, agents showed up to a high school and released chemical weapons during dismissal, Minnesota Public Radio reports. Their live reporting here: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
Update: As of January 7, The Trace has identified 28 incidents, including 14 shootings, in which federal agents shot someone or held them at gunpoint during an immigration enforcement action under Trump’s crackdown. At least four people have been killed and five others have been injured.
How Many People Have Been Shot in ICE Raids?
The Trace is tracking gun incidents connected to Trump’s immigration crackdown. Know of one? Please be in touch.
www.thetrace.org
January 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Update: As of January 7, The Trace has identified 28 incidents, including 14 shootings, in which federal agents shot someone or held them at gunpoint during an immigration enforcement action under Trump’s crackdown. At least four people have been killed and five others have been injured.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
Context: A decade ago, Border Patrol agents had to be ordered not to put themselves in front of moving vehicles as a pretext to use deadly force
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/new-dir...
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/new-dir...
NEW: Second video shows ICE shooting in Minneapolis. A woman, a U.S. citizen, was killed
January 7, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Context: A decade ago, Border Patrol agents had to be ordered not to put themselves in front of moving vehicles as a pretext to use deadly force
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/new-dir...
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/new-dir...
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
NOW: During a pretrial conference for Juan Espinoza Martinez, accused of putting a hit on U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino, AUSA Minje Shin says a key issue will not necessarily be Martinez's alleged membership in the Latin Kings, but his "affinity" for the gang.
New details about alleged bounty on Bovino's head revealed in unsealed court records
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
New details about alleged bounty on Bovino's head revealed in unsealed court records
A judge ordered the records unsealed days before lawyers for Juan Espinoza Martinez are expected to argue for his release.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:21 PM
NOW: During a pretrial conference for Juan Espinoza Martinez, accused of putting a hit on U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino, AUSA Minje Shin says a key issue will not necessarily be Martinez's alleged membership in the Latin Kings, but his "affinity" for the gang.
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
We’re looking for an experienced newsroom leader with a track record of producing and editing impactful, community-centered journalism. If that sounds like you, apply to be our next editor in chief: buff.ly/jKsWWgE
January 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
We’re looking for an experienced newsroom leader with a track record of producing and editing impactful, community-centered journalism. If that sounds like you, apply to be our next editor in chief: buff.ly/jKsWWgE
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
ICYMI over holidays: 3,800 children, including infants, were held in immigrant detention in 2025. Families report children are so distressed they are hitting themselves in the face and soiling themselves, despite being potty-trained.
www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/17/c...
www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/17/c...
ICE Threw Thousands of Kids in Detention, Many For Longer Than Court-Prescribed Limit
Former immigration staffers argue ICE is choosing to detain families for prolonged periods to speed deportations and compel them to leave.
www.themarshallproject.org
January 5, 2026 at 4:36 PM
ICYMI over holidays: 3,800 children, including infants, were held in immigrant detention in 2025. Families report children are so distressed they are hitting themselves in the face and soiling themselves, despite being potty-trained.
www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/17/c...
www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/17/c...
I had somehow not read this and it is incredible.
January 1, 2026 at 9:46 PM
I had somehow not read this and it is incredible.
Would you like to be my boss?
📣 We’re hiring an editor in chief to lead our award-winning editorial team. Check out the full job posting and apply here: buff.ly/jKsWWgE
January 1, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Would you like to be my boss?
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
Reposted by Dan Hinkel
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December 31, 2025 at 3:01 PM
If you value our work, please consider making a donation before midnight to sustain public service journalism. Any amount helps and all donations are being matched. As a thank you, we’ll send a pair of Injustice Watch socks to anyone who donates $50 or more.
buff.ly/tEnMhe0
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