Firsk.bsky.social
@firsk.bsky.social
Sailor, entrepreneur (electronic instrumentation), designer, woodworker, boat builder, potter.
Pacific Northwest resident, outdoorsy, classical liberal.
Parent of an adult trans child.
Date from the final days of the Truman administration.
Pacific Northwest resident, outdoorsy, classical liberal.
Parent of an adult trans child.
Date from the final days of the Truman administration.
If they had an ounce of decency they would not be in their jobs.
Anderson Cooper played side-by-side video of Noem and Bovino smearing the victim of Saturday's shooting, then said, "If either of these public officials had an ounce of decency, they would call up Alex Pretti's parents and apologize."
January 28, 2026 at 6:01 AM
If they had an ounce of decency they would not be in their jobs.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Something important to understand about ICE thugs in the Twin Cities is that they're harassing innocent kids and parents at bus stops and schools every single day. Even after the Pretti shooting. It's terrorism.
January 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Something important to understand about ICE thugs in the Twin Cities is that they're harassing innocent kids and parents at bus stops and schools every single day. Even after the Pretti shooting. It's terrorism.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Exactly right, and therefore important not to give credit for an investigation of an obvious atrocity. Appropriate responses are apologies, resignations, firings, impeachments. The individuals who killed people should be tried before a judge and jury.
Okay, so this is an authoritarian playbook trick, once the evidence is overwhelming say everyone needs to wait for the official investigation then either fix it or attack it when its completed. Same shit Russian pulled with MH17 and chemical attacks in Syria, very predictable.
Reporter: Will Stephen Miller be apologizing to the family of Alex Pretti for calling him an assassin?
Leavitt: This incident remains under investigation.
Leavitt: This incident remains under investigation.
January 27, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Exactly right, and therefore important not to give credit for an investigation of an obvious atrocity. Appropriate responses are apologies, resignations, firings, impeachments. The individuals who killed people should be tried before a judge and jury.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
2. ICE is buying your private location data from sleazy data brokers through a legal loophole. I've had a bill to stop this since 2021. I'm renewing my push to get it passed into black letter law as soon as possible.
Wyden, Paul and Bipartisan Senators Reintroduce the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon
The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon
www.wyden.senate.gov
January 27, 2026 at 9:28 PM
2. ICE is buying your private location data from sleazy data brokers through a legal loophole. I've had a bill to stop this since 2021. I'm renewing my push to get it passed into black letter law as soon as possible.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
It would be better to investigate actual crimes, such as public executions. Also: whenever these characters use the term “law enforcement” it is a tipoff that they are talking about an act that is questionable or downright illegal.
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
FBI is investigating Minnesota Signal groups tracking ICE, Patel says
FBI Director Kash Patel made the statement after right-wing media figures said they joined the chats and claimed participants were obstructing law enforcement.
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:30 PM
It would be better to investigate actual crimes, such as public executions. Also: whenever these characters use the term “law enforcement” it is a tipoff that they are talking about an act that is questionable or downright illegal.
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Here's what ICE is up to in Northeast Minneapolis today. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Warning: video is hard to watch
Warning: video is hard to watch
January 27, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Here's what ICE is up to in Northeast Minneapolis today. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Warning: video is hard to watch
Warning: video is hard to watch
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Imagine if grocery stores only operated one day a month for 12 hours, election expert David Becker said. “It is a recipe for disaster.”
That’s exactly what anti-voting activists are championing through precinct strategy — a push to restrict polling locations, times and overall ballot access.
That’s exactly what anti-voting activists are championing through precinct strategy — a push to restrict polling locations, times and overall ballot access.
Vote centers have made it easier to vote. Cleta Mitchell is coming for them
The battle over vote centers is currently playing out in Arizona, where Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) last year vetoed a GOP bill to abolish the use of them.
www.democracydocket.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Imagine if grocery stores only operated one day a month for 12 hours, election expert David Becker said. “It is a recipe for disaster.”
That’s exactly what anti-voting activists are championing through precinct strategy — a push to restrict polling locations, times and overall ballot access.
That’s exactly what anti-voting activists are championing through precinct strategy — a push to restrict polling locations, times and overall ballot access.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Thread for thoughts
Interesting moment in the post-Trump succession struggle. 1/
January 27, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Thread for thoughts
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Tadeusz Borowski was an extraordinary, formative writer, whose main subject was Auschwitz. I am very proud of this forward to Yale UP’s excellent collection, translated by Madeline Levine.
www.nybooks.com/online/2021/...
www.nybooks.com/online/2021/...
The World of Tadeusz Borowski’s Auschwitz | Timothy Snyder
“Crematorium Esperanto.” When I first read that phrase, decades ago, I put my thumb on the page, let the book close on my hand, lay down in the grass, and
www.nybooks.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Tadeusz Borowski was an extraordinary, formative writer, whose main subject was Auschwitz. I am very proud of this forward to Yale UP’s excellent collection, translated by Madeline Levine.
www.nybooks.com/online/2021/...
www.nybooks.com/online/2021/...
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Stephen Miller wasn't in the meeting, but the comms team was. This tells you this isn't a policy shift, it was just a meeting to figure out how to sell the bullshit better. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/us/noem-trump-meeting-minneapolis-ice.html
Trump Holds 2-Hour Meeting With Noem Amid Backlash to Minneapolis Shooting
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Stephen Miller wasn't in the meeting, but the comms team was. This tells you this isn't a policy shift, it was just a meeting to figure out how to sell the bullshit better. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/us/noem-trump-meeting-minneapolis-ice.html
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Here's Senator Chris Murphy's extended discussion of this group of restrictions on ICE:
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
January 27, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Here's Senator Chris Murphy's extended discussion of this group of restrictions on ICE:
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Dems coalescing around 5 restrictions on ICE, I'm told:
DHS required to cooperate with state probes (big)
CBP stays at border
warrants for arrests
IDs, bodycams
ICE out of churches, schools
"That package unites a lot of Dems," Sen Chris Murphy tells me on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
DHS required to cooperate with state probes (big)
CBP stays at border
warrants for arrests
IDs, bodycams
ICE out of churches, schools
"That package unites a lot of Dems," Sen Chris Murphy tells me on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
A Dem Senator’s Harsh Takedown of Trump Hits Home: “Breaking Point”
As Trump scrambles to contain the damage from the latest ICE horrors, Senator Chris Murphy offers a sharp indictment of Trump-ICE lawlessness—and explains how Dems can meet the urgency of the moment.
newrepublic.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Dems coalescing around 5 restrictions on ICE, I'm told:
DHS required to cooperate with state probes (big)
CBP stays at border
warrants for arrests
IDs, bodycams
ICE out of churches, schools
"That package unites a lot of Dems," Sen Chris Murphy tells me on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
DHS required to cooperate with state probes (big)
CBP stays at border
warrants for arrests
IDs, bodycams
ICE out of churches, schools
"That package unites a lot of Dems," Sen Chris Murphy tells me on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2057...
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
I don’t think we should make concessions to the Masked Murderers Guild of America. I don’t think we should compromise so the Masked Murderers Guild of America stops using kidnapped kids from schools as bait. I thought this was already illegal. The Masked Murderers Guild of America should not exist.
January 27, 2026 at 3:06 PM
I don’t think we should make concessions to the Masked Murderers Guild of America. I don’t think we should compromise so the Masked Murderers Guild of America stops using kidnapped kids from schools as bait. I thought this was already illegal. The Masked Murderers Guild of America should not exist.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
"The court's patience is at an end," U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz wrote.
"…ordering the head of a federal agency to personally appear is an extraordinary step. But the extent of ICE's violation of court orders is likewise extraordinary, and lesser measures have been tried and failed."
"…ordering the head of a federal agency to personally appear is an extraordinary step. But the extent of ICE's violation of court orders is likewise extraordinary, and lesser measures have been tried and failed."
BREAKING:
Minnesota's chief federal judge has demanded the acting head of ICE personally appear in court Friday to explain what the judge described as repeated failures to comply with dozens of court orders amid its enforcement efforts in the state.
Minnesota's chief federal judge has demanded the acting head of ICE personally appear in court Friday to explain what the judge described as repeated failures to comply with dozens of court orders amid its enforcement efforts in the state.
January 27, 2026 at 1:55 PM
"The court's patience is at an end," U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz wrote.
"…ordering the head of a federal agency to personally appear is an extraordinary step. But the extent of ICE's violation of court orders is likewise extraordinary, and lesser measures have been tried and failed."
"…ordering the head of a federal agency to personally appear is an extraordinary step. But the extent of ICE's violation of court orders is likewise extraordinary, and lesser measures have been tried and failed."
The last two sentences hit on the truth.
One thing I found deeply moving about resistance in the Twin Cities was the universalism of loving your neighbor, the philosophy driving the opposition to the ICE/BP invasion. I couldn't help but notice the contrast with the blood and soil-ism of Miller and Vance. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
January 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The last two sentences hit on the truth.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
No ICE agents have been placed under suspension or modified duty for the murders of Renee Nicole Good or Alex Pretti in Minneapolis but a police officer kills a raccoon in New York City and he has to surrender his weapon and gets desk duty.
We’re in serious trouble in this country.
We’re in serious trouble in this country.
Officer placed on modified duty after fatally shooting raccoon at a NYC beach
Officials say a New York police officer who fatally shot a raccoon at a New York City beach has been placed on modified duty while the matter is reviewed.
apnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:50 AM
No ICE agents have been placed under suspension or modified duty for the murders of Renee Nicole Good or Alex Pretti in Minneapolis but a police officer kills a raccoon in New York City and he has to surrender his weapon and gets desk duty.
We’re in serious trouble in this country.
We’re in serious trouble in this country.
The Roberts Court bears the greatest responsibility for our present situation. Especially for their unconscionable delay of Trump's prosecution followed by the immunity ruling. He could be in prison now, but for that.
The most destructive Chief Justice in history, Roger Taney not excepted.
The most destructive Chief Justice in history, Roger Taney not excepted.
The testing ground for Bovino’s Operation At Large was Los Angeles. A California judge initially prohibited ICE/CBP’s most flagrant constitutional violations. SCOTUS overruled her 6–3, handing Bovino a blank check to inflict unspeakable brutality on Chicago and Minneapolis. The 6 bear so much blame.
BREAKING Greg Bovino has been removed as Border Patrol "commander at large" and will return to El Centro Calif, where he is expected to retire soon. A stunning turnaround after Pretti killing. Bovino's traveling blue city crackdown is over www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
January 27, 2026 at 7:10 AM
The Roberts Court bears the greatest responsibility for our present situation. Especially for their unconscionable delay of Trump's prosecution followed by the immunity ruling. He could be in prison now, but for that.
The most destructive Chief Justice in history, Roger Taney not excepted.
The most destructive Chief Justice in history, Roger Taney not excepted.
I look forward to reading the interviews. It seems clear the buzz is building- that's a big increase in ticket sales!
UK cinemas being paid to play Amazon's pro-Trump propaganda film to near empty rooms
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
January 27, 2026 at 7:04 AM
I look forward to reading the interviews. It seems clear the buzz is building- that's a big increase in ticket sales!
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
This attorney's clients & their 5yr old twins have been detained for 8 months. Their little one had a medical emergency. The child had appendicitis & ICE refused to provide medical attention until the child was in critical condition.
Here's a picture they drew of the facility saying:
"LET US GO"
Here's a picture they drew of the facility saying:
"LET US GO"
January 27, 2026 at 6:11 AM
This attorney's clients & their 5yr old twins have been detained for 8 months. Their little one had a medical emergency. The child had appendicitis & ICE refused to provide medical attention until the child was in critical condition.
Here's a picture they drew of the facility saying:
"LET US GO"
Here's a picture they drew of the facility saying:
"LET US GO"
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
I shared this video the other day.
Tonight @maddow had this lawyer on her show.
People are being tortured at Trump's detention camps Including children deprived of medical care.
PUTRID WATER
BUGS IN FOOD
Call your Senators & DEMAND they stop funding DHS!
202-224-3121
Do Not Fund ICE terrorism.
Tonight @maddow had this lawyer on her show.
People are being tortured at Trump's detention camps Including children deprived of medical care.
PUTRID WATER
BUGS IN FOOD
Call your Senators & DEMAND they stop funding DHS!
202-224-3121
Do Not Fund ICE terrorism.
January 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM
I shared this video the other day.
Tonight @maddow had this lawyer on her show.
People are being tortured at Trump's detention camps Including children deprived of medical care.
PUTRID WATER
BUGS IN FOOD
Call your Senators & DEMAND they stop funding DHS!
202-224-3121
Do Not Fund ICE terrorism.
Tonight @maddow had this lawyer on her show.
People are being tortured at Trump's detention camps Including children deprived of medical care.
PUTRID WATER
BUGS IN FOOD
Call your Senators & DEMAND they stop funding DHS!
202-224-3121
Do Not Fund ICE terrorism.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Yes we do! Thanks @50501supporters.bsky.social
January 27, 2026 at 3:43 AM
Yes we do! Thanks @50501supporters.bsky.social
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
This is a terrific piece of rhetorical construction that also happens to be a very good point. A lot of us have been heartened by the courage and integrity so many Minnesotans have shown over this past week, in the face of intimidation and spiteful violence.
January 27, 2026 at 4:45 AM
This is a terrific piece of rhetorical construction that also happens to be a very good point. A lot of us have been heartened by the courage and integrity so many Minnesotans have shown over this past week, in the face of intimidation and spiteful violence.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Bovino is just the patsy - a noxious and odious fall guy. Stephen Miller is the architect and prime mover of the whole thing. Everything they do is at his direction - often after his threats. As long as he runs policy in the WH, nothing will change no matter how many Bovinos come and go.
January 27, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Bovino is just the patsy - a noxious and odious fall guy. Stephen Miller is the architect and prime mover of the whole thing. Everything they do is at his direction - often after his threats. As long as he runs policy in the WH, nothing will change no matter how many Bovinos come and go.
Reposted by Firsk.bsky.social
Imagine a paramilitary gang kills 2 observers over 2 weeks, then shows up at your home to say, "You, observer, we know where you live."
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
One human rights observer in Maine said agents followed her home, blocked off her street, and came to her door to say they know where she lives. Her children are now staying elsewhere, to keep them safe.
Now in Maine: ICE watchers say federal agents are coming to their house to threaten and intimidate them.
www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
January 27, 2026 at 5:38 AM
Imagine a paramilitary gang kills 2 observers over 2 weeks, then shows up at your home to say, "You, observer, we know where you live."
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.