Francesca D'Annunzio
LightNews LightNews
banner
francescadnunz.bsky.social
Francesca D'Annunzio
@francescadnunz.bsky.social
3K followers 820 following 430 posts
investigative reporter covering immigration enforcement for @propublica.org

multilingual, nosy, and probably filing records requests

📩 francesca.dannunzio@proton.me
Signal: FrancescaDnunz.08
https://linktr.ee/FrancescaDnunz
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
francescadnunz.bsky.social
Francesca D'Annunzio @francescadnunz.bsky.social · Oct 20
A decade ago, Douglas Menjivar became a whistleblower and activist after he was raped in ICE detention.

He married a US citizen, but wasn't able to get a green card.

In June, agents arrested him just before his 50th birthday. 🧵

www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
Trump's ICE Arrested a Whistleblower Who Exposed Sexual Assault in Detention. Now, He’s Left the Country.
Douglas Menjivar is a survivor and activist. He’s also married to a U.S. citizen, but he was caught up in the president’s mass deportation agenda anyway.
www.texasobserver.org
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
mc2x.bsky.social
@mprnews.org has been consistently knocking it out of the park, along with outfits like @sahanjournal.bsky.social and @minnesotareformer.com. So grateful for their great work under terrible circumstances.
Indie and non-profit news are critical rn:
www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/ice-...
February 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
davidmcswane.bsky.social
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
propublica.org
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
couts.bsky.social
WARNING, fellow journalists: As @nicoschmidt.io explains, attackers are trying to hijack reporters' Signal accounts by tricking people into handing over their 2FA codes. www.linkedin.com/posts/nicosc...
In the last days, there has been an unprecedented attack targeting investigative journalists trying to seize their Signal accounts. This has gone largely unreported. I have been repeatedly targeted by phishing, and I learned that also colleagues from other outlets were targeted, with the attackers unfortunately managing to compromise at least one colleague’s account. What’s worrying: this doesn’t seem like an isolated case. A broader wave is apparently hitting journalists (and some civil society actors) via Signal. How it works: Attackers message you on Signal pretending to be “Signal Support,” warning about “suspicious activity,” and urging you to “re-verify” your account. Once you accept the chat, you receive a real Signal SMS verification code, because the attacker is actively trying to register your number on a new device. If you share that code, you’re handing them the keys. Signal’s extra protection is the Signal PIN. If an attacker also tricks you into giving up your PIN (or you don’t have strong protections enabled), they can see your contacts and networks, potentially join chats going forward, and lock you out by changing settings. Quick protections worth doing today: - Signal will never contact you via a two-way in-app support chat. Treat those messages as hostile. - Never share SMS codes, Signal PIN, or anything called “registration lock.” - Turn on Registration Lock (Settings → Account → Registration Lock). - If you see a “safety number changed” alert: verify the person via a different channel (call/video), not just Signal text. - Report + block suspicious requests, and review linked devices. If you work with sensitive sources: this isn’t just about losing an account, it’s about exposing networks. Please share this with colleagues who rely on Signal day-to-day.
January 28, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
gusbova.bsky.social
Post-publication, one subject of this story who did not respond to requests for comment, has stated on video: "Basically North Texas Patriot Front guys have like a network of businesses—it’s like five or so—of businesses we own." Update at bottom: www.texasobserver.org/revealed-fou...
Revealed: Four Businesses with Ties to Patriot Front Operating in North Texas
The neo-Nazi group is engaged in a strategy to establish an independent economic ecosystem. Through publicly available information, interviews, and in-person observation, the Observer has identified c...
www.texasobserver.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:07 PM
francescadnunz.bsky.social
some professional news: today is my first day at
@propublica.org

I'm joining the powerhouse national immigration team as fellow for two years.

if you have tips about ICE, Border Patrol, or immigration detention:

FrancescaDnunz.08 on Signal
📩 francesca.dannunzio@propublica.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
josephcox.bsky.social
Feds have created a drone no fly zone that will stop people from filming ICE. It's not just above stationary facilities, but convoys of vehicles too.

www.404media.co/feds-create-...
Feds Create Drone No Fly Zone That Would Stop People Filming ICE
The FAA has altered a no fly zone designation that was originally created for US military bases to apply to DHS units.
www.404media.co
January 20, 2026 at 5:43 PM
francescadnunz.bsky.social
some professional news: Monday is my last day at the Texas Observer.

I'll be able to say more soon about where I'm going next. I'm staying on the immigration enforcement beat. 🧵
January 16, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
nicolefoy.bsky.social
Thanks @democracynow.org for giving me a chance to share a new @propublica.org investigation from @mckenziefunk.com & me

Here's the story: www.propublica.org/article/vide...
democracynow.org Democracy Now! @democracynow.org · Jan 16
A new investigation by @propublica.org has found over 40 cases of immigration agents using chokeholds and other potentially fatal breathing restrictions, including during the ICE arrest of 16-year-old U.S. citizen Arnoldo Bazan in Texas.
January 16, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
josephcox.bsky.social
New: meet ELITE, the Palantir app ICE is using to find neighborhoods to raid. Map interface; officers search for immigrants; click person to bring up individual dossier. This is clearest link between what Palantir is building and ICE's activities on the ground yet www.404media.co/elite-the-pa...
‘ELITE’: The Palantir App ICE Uses to Find Neighborhoods to Raid
Internal ICE material and testimony from an official obtained by 404 Media provides the clearest link yet between the technological infrastructure Palantir is building for ICE and the agency’s activit...
www.404media.co
January 15, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
francescadnunz.bsky.social
NEW: Police—sheriffs, Texas state cops, and even ICE—can follow the location of your smart phone without a warrant.

Yet, we know little about how this software has been used.

via @texasobserver.org + @pulitzercenter.org

www.texasobserver.org/texas-police...
Texas Police Invested Millions in a Shadowy Phone-Tracking Software. They Won’t Say How They’ve Used It.
One sheriff who leads an anti-smuggling task force says the software helps “develop leads to eventually obtain probable cause.” Civil liberties experts say its use violates constitutional rights.
www.texasobserver.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
texasobserver.org
From @francescadnunz.bsky.social: Police—sheriffs, Texas state cops, and even ICE—can follow the location of your smart phone without a warrant.

Yet, we know little about how this software has been used.

Presented with support from @pulitzercenter.org
Texas Police Invested Millions in a Shadowy Phone-Tracking Software. They Won’t Say How They’ve Used It.
One sheriff who leads an anti-smuggling task force says the software helps “develop leads to eventually obtain probable cause.” Civil liberties experts say its use violates constitutional rights.
www.texasobserver.org
January 14, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
404media.co
This week, 404 Media obtained material that explains how Tangles and Webloc, two surveillance systems ICE recently purchased, work. Webloc can track phones without a warrant and follow their owners home or to their employer.

Watch now:
Podcast: The ICE Tool That Tracks Entire Neighborhoods
We talk all about Webloc, ICE's tool for monitoring phone locations; the continuing Grok abuse wave; and how police unwittingly revealed millions of Flock surveillance targets.
www.404media.co
January 14, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
stevanzetti.bsky.social
BREAKING: James Rodden, an ICE prosecutor who the Observer identified last year as the operator of an X account that posted “America is a White nation," “‘Migrants’ are all criminals,” and apparent praise of Adolf Hitler, appeared to be back at work Tuesday.

www.texasobserver.org/ice-prosecut...
ICE Prosecutor Who Runs Racist X Account Returns to Dallas Immigration Court
James Rodden, who the Observer identified last year as the operator of the account that routinely posted hateful statements, appeared to be back at work Tuesday.
www.texasobserver.org
January 14, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
josephinelee.bsky.social
92% of private schools already enrolled in Texas’ voucher programs serving kids beyond kindergarten are religious. @texasobserver.org found many of these exclude non-Christian and LGBTQ+ kids. #TxEd #TxLege #TexasSchools #ProtectPublicSchools #SchoolVouchers www.texasobserver.org/texas-vouche...
Texas Taxpayers Will Fund Dozens of Private Schools that Openly Discriminate
The state has signed off on voucher funds for schools that exclude non-Christian and LGBTQ+ kids.
www.texasobserver.org
January 13, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
texasobserver.org
New from @francescadnunz.bsky.social: Civil liberties experts are raising the alarm about "Tangles," a law-enforcement surveillance software that allows police to bypass judicial oversight by spying on smartphone users without a warrant.
Texas Police Invested Millions in a Shadowy Phone-Tracking Software. They Won’t Say How They’ve Used It.
One sheriff who leads an anti-smuggling task force says the software helps “develop leads to eventually obtain probable cause.” Civil liberties experts say its use violates constitutional rights.
www.texasobserver.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:22 PM
francescadnunz.bsky.social
NEW: Police—sheriffs, Texas state cops, and even ICE—can follow the location of your smart phone without a warrant.

Yet, we know little about how this software has been used.

via @texasobserver.org + @pulitzercenter.org

www.texasobserver.org/texas-police...
Texas Police Invested Millions in a Shadowy Phone-Tracking Software. They Won’t Say How They’ve Used It.
One sheriff who leads an anti-smuggling task force says the software helps “develop leads to eventually obtain probable cause.” Civil liberties experts say its use violates constitutional rights.
www.texasobserver.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
texasobserver.org
We're hiring for our David McHam Fellowship for Investigative Reporting! This one-to-two-year full-time fellowship allows experienced journalists to pursue investigative projects and enterprise stories.

More details here: www.texasobserver.org/jobs/

Apply by Feb 6!
Work for the Texas Observer
We’re a nonprofit with a strong public service mission; we seek to expose injustice and to produce the kind of impact journalism that makes a difference.
www.texasobserver.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
404media.co
404 Media has obtained material that explains how two surveillance systems ICE recently purchased, work. One can track phones without a warrant and follow their owners home or to their employer. @evystadium.bsky.social has more.

Scoop by @josephcox.bsky.social: www.404media.co/inside-ices-...
January 8, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
francescadnunz.bsky.social
NEW: Texas DPS touts one of the largest drone programs in the country. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, DPS has more than doubled its drone inventory.

Now, DPS has almost as many drones as the US Border Patrol.

www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-dr...
Under Operation Lone Star, Texas State Police More than Doubled Their Drone Fleet
The Department of Public Safety has acquired an army of unmanned aerial vehicles—nearly as large as the U.S. Border Patrol's.
www.texasobserver.org
December 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
gusbova.bsky.social
Excited to see the Texas Observer's nonprofit board grow at the end of this year, adding @maudbeelman.bsky.social, @blibal.bsky.social, and Gabriela Resto-Montero: www.texasobserver.org/board/
The Texas Democracy Foundation
Parent board of the Texas Observer In 1994, Ronnie Dugger, founding editor and the publisher of the Texas Observer for 40 years, transferred ownership to the Texas Democracy Foundation, which was esta...
www.texasobserver.org
December 17, 2025 at 6:40 PM
francescadnunz.bsky.social
NEW: Texas DPS touts one of the largest drone programs in the country. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, DPS has more than doubled its drone inventory.

Now, DPS has almost as many drones as the US Border Patrol.

www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-dr...
Under Operation Lone Star, Texas State Police More than Doubled Their Drone Fleet
The Department of Public Safety has acquired an army of unmanned aerial vehicles—nearly as large as the U.S. Border Patrol's.
www.texasobserver.org
December 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
kitoconnell.com
I'm here, I'm queer, I belong in Texas, too.

thebarbedwire.com asked me to take a moment to introduce myself, and why our state needs reporters like me, and media where we can see our stories reflected.

This one starts when I'm just 13 years old...
I’m a Trans Journalist Choosing to Live in Texas. Here’s Why That Matters.
My name is Kit O’Connell. I’ll be covering queer and trans life in Texas for Big & Bright — The Barbed Wire’s first underwritten vertical.
thebarbedwire.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
francescadnunz.bsky.social
UPDATE: I re-requested a bunch of records about the Hays County multi-agency raid, since the only criminal charges were dropped in October.

DPS declined to release more records, citing an ongoing FBI investigation.

www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Prosecutors Drop Only Criminal Cases from Hays County Airbnb Raid
Pending drug charges have been abandoned from the multi-agency April operation that supposedly targeted Tren de Aragua and led to multiple deportations.
www.texasobserver.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Reposted by Francesca D'Annunzio
stevanzetti.bsky.social
If you follow my work you know that I often ask my audience to support my journalism. This time, it's different. My fiancee's mother has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She's on fixed income and we had to relocate her to Dallas for care. She needs your help.

www.gofundme.com/f/extend-pat...
Donate to Extend Patti's Joyful Life Amidst Cancer Fight, organized by Kaitlin Siebert
On October 30th, 2025, my mom, Patti, was diagnosed with stage IV color… Kaitlin Siebert needs your support for Extend Patti's Joyful Life Amidst Cancer Fight
www.gofundme.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:11 PM