Kristina Cooke
@kristinacooke.bsky.social
I write investigative and narrative stories about immigration and criminal justice for Reuters. Please send story tips!
📍San Francisco
kristina.cooke@reuters.com
Signal: kristinacooke.08
📍San Francisco
kristina.cooke@reuters.com
Signal: kristinacooke.08
Pinned
Kristina Cooke
@kristinacooke.bsky.social
· Nov 29
Hi new followers! I’m an investigative reporter at Reuters focused on immigration. If you’re an immigrant, government employee, contractor, attorney etc and you experience/see/hear something you think the public should know or a reporter should look into, please get in touch. Contact info in bio.
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
US citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents children would be coming to get bus, lawyers say
U.S. citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents about children gathering at bus stop, lawyers say
Lawyers for Carlos Jimenez said he was in fear after an agent threatened him with chemical spray, then pointed a gun at him.
www.latimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 11:25 PM
US citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents children would be coming to get bus, lawyers say
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
NEW: “I Don’t Feel Safe.” Black Memphis Residents Report Harassment by Trump’s Police Task Force, by @wendicthomas.bsky.social @katieburgess.bsky.social w/ @mlk50.com
“I Don’t Feel Safe”: Black Memphis Residents Report Harassment by Trump’s Police Task Force
A pastor was pulled over for looking lost. A 72-year-old was marched out in his bathrobe due to mistaken identity. Memphis’ mayor welcomed the federal law enforcement surge, but some residents say the...
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:21 PM
NEW: “I Don’t Feel Safe.” Black Memphis Residents Report Harassment by Trump’s Police Task Force, by @wendicthomas.bsky.social @katieburgess.bsky.social w/ @mlk50.com
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
“The Government sometimes makes brief investigative stops. . . . If the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U. S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, they promptly let the individual go.”
Justice Kavanaugh in Vasquez Perdomo:
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Justice Kavanaugh in Vasquez Perdomo:
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Extraordinary NEW story: We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. @nicolefoy.bsky.social w/ photos by @sbmaneyphoto.bsky.social
More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
The government does not track how often immigration agents grab citizens. So ProPublica did. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes people who were held for days without a lawyer. And near...
www.propublica.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:15 PM
“The Government sometimes makes brief investigative stops. . . . If the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U. S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, they promptly let the individual go.”
Justice Kavanaugh in Vasquez Perdomo:
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Justice Kavanaugh in Vasquez Perdomo:
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government's claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed. A judge ordered Martinez and a co-defendant released pending trial.
trib.al
October 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Of all the things we’ve seen in Chicago, can’t recall anything like these scenes, reportedly from 63rd and Kostner on the South Side
This video of Chicagoans intervening to save a man from being abducted off the streets by ICE is making the rounds on Instagram.
Community action works.
Source: www.instagram.com/reel/DPZL2AL...
Community action works.
Source: www.instagram.com/reel/DPZL2AL...
October 5, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Of all the things we’ve seen in Chicago, can’t recall anything like these scenes, reportedly from 63rd and Kostner on the South Side
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Journalism that fails to infuse a historically informed lens is akin to covering the smoke but never asking who lit the fire. History-centered journalism should be the framework within every newsroom.
October 4, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Journalism that fails to infuse a historically informed lens is akin to covering the smoke but never asking who lit the fire. History-centered journalism should be the framework within every newsroom.
I spoke to a Venezuelan woman who was arrested in this raid and later released with her 4yo son. She said agents broke down their door, pointed guns at them and made sexualized remarks about Venezuelan women. When she returned to her apartment it was boarded up and all her possessions were gone.
US Border Patrol raid sweeps in citizens, families as Chicago crackdown intensifies, w/ @reneehickman.bsky.social @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
US Border Patrol raid sweeps in citizens, families as Chicago crackdown intensifies
U.S. Border Patrol agents deployed to Chicago led a late-night raid on an apartment building this week, rappelling from helicopters onto rooftops and breaking down doors in an operation authorities said targeted gang members but which swept up U.S. citizens and families.
www.reuters.com
October 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
I spoke to a Venezuelan woman who was arrested in this raid and later released with her 4yo son. She said agents broke down their door, pointed guns at them and made sexualized remarks about Venezuelan women. When she returned to her apartment it was boarded up and all her possessions were gone.
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
In which a top US Border Patrol official, incredibly, tells my tall and Anglo colleague @chipmitchell1.bsky.social that he's not the type they're looking for as they go about downtown Chicago arresting people based on "how they look"
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Feds in military gear flood downtown Chicago; top border official says arrests based on 'how they look'
The immigration agents were spotted making arrests in downtown Chicago and River North neighborhood early Sunday.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 28, 2025 at 11:49 PM
In which a top US Border Patrol official, incredibly, tells my tall and Anglo colleague @chipmitchell1.bsky.social that he's not the type they're looking for as they go about downtown Chicago arresting people based on "how they look"
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Exclusive: Guatemalan document undercuts U.S. claims on child deportations, w/ Emily Green and @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Exclusive: Guatemalan document undercuts U.S. claims on child deportations
Many family members of unaccompanied Guatemalan migrant children who are part of a group the Trump administration attempted to deport over the weekend did not want their children returned to Guatemala, according to an internal Guatemalan government report that contradicts assertions made by U.S. officials.
www.reuters.com
September 3, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Exclusive: Guatemalan document undercuts U.S. claims on child deportations, w/ Emily Green and @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
NEW FROM @reuters.com: Top U.S. law firms have sharply scaled back their efforts to challenge the federal government in court, especially on behalf of pro bono clients, in the face of threats from President Trump.
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
July 31, 2025 at 11:37 AM
NEW FROM @reuters.com: Top U.S. law firms have sharply scaled back their efforts to challenge the federal government in court, especially on behalf of pro bono clients, in the face of threats from President Trump.
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
My colleague Diego Ore tells the story of a family who self-deported to Mexico. As they passed Mexican customs, officials confiscated their truck and took $5,000, the family's entire savings, for what they called a fine.
July 28, 2025 at 3:42 PM
My colleague Diego Ore tells the story of a family who self-deported to Mexico. As they passed Mexican customs, officials confiscated their truck and took $5,000, the family's entire savings, for what they called a fine.
This week, I wrote about Ingrid Mejia, a Guatemalan egg farmworker who spent more than four months in ICE detention after a traffic misdemeanor, while her 3-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, was stuck in foster care. www.reuters.com/world/us/an-...
An American toddler in foster care, a mom in ICE detention
A brief jail sentence turned into over four months in an immigration detention cell for the mother and an extended stay in foster care for son
www.reuters.com
July 27, 2025 at 5:54 PM
This week, I wrote about Ingrid Mejia, a Guatemalan egg farmworker who spent more than four months in ICE detention after a traffic misdemeanor, while her 3-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, was stuck in foster care. www.reuters.com/world/us/an-...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
To date, the Trump Administration has refused to share the names of the men it has sent to El Salvador. One attorney involved in the advocacy efforts described her clients as “ghosts.”
Trump’s Deportees to El Salvador Are Now “Ghosts” in U.S. Courts
Even as the Administration refuses to reveal the names of those it has deported under the Alien Enemies Act, a network of lawyers and advocates is fighting to keep their cases alive.
www.newyorker.com
May 2, 2025 at 5:43 PM
To date, the Trump Administration has refused to share the names of the men it has sent to El Salvador. One attorney involved in the advocacy efforts described her clients as “ghosts.”
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Jeferson Escalona, who DHS said was a “self-admitted” member of Tren de Aragua: "They're making false accusations about me. I don't belong to any gang." W/ @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/americ...
SOS: Migrants held in Texas fear notorious El Salvador prison
Venezuelan detainees in Texas fear the Trump administration will send them to El Salvador's notorious CECOT maximum security prison.
www.reuters.com
April 30, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Jeferson Escalona, who DHS said was a “self-admitted” member of Tren de Aragua: "They're making false accusations about me. I don't belong to any gang." W/ @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/americ...
After Trump's order on refugee status for Afrikaners, hundreds of white South Africans joined informal WhatsApp groups where they share information about the process.
In one, applicants discussed potentially chartering a flight for their pet dogs.
www.reuters.com/world/us-foc...
In one, applicants discussed potentially chartering a flight for their pet dogs.
www.reuters.com/world/us-foc...
US focuses on persecution claims as white South Africans seek resettlement
U.S. officials have interviewed white South Africans seeking refugee status about their troubles with land disputes, crime and perceived racism, while refugees from other countries are being deported or barred from the United States.
www.reuters.com
April 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
After Trump's order on refugee status for Afrikaners, hundreds of white South Africans joined informal WhatsApp groups where they share information about the process.
In one, applicants discussed potentially chartering a flight for their pet dogs.
www.reuters.com/world/us-foc...
In one, applicants discussed potentially chartering a flight for their pet dogs.
www.reuters.com/world/us-foc...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.
April 18, 2025 at 1:02 AM
I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
EXCLUSIVE: A woman last month flagged down a Houston police officer to tell them about a car crash. The officer responded by calling federal immigration authorities on her.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Exclusive: Houston police are cooperating with ICE, experts say
Experts say the reports reveal a growing sense of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
www.houstonchronicle.com
April 13, 2025 at 6:13 PM
EXCLUSIVE: A woman last month flagged down a Houston police officer to tell them about a car crash. The officer responded by calling federal immigration authorities on her.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
🚨 WaPo exclusive — The Trump admin has set its sights on deporting **1 MILLION** immigrants this year.
How it went from a quiet ambition to a White House strategy.
Scooping with @mariasacchetti.bsky.social.
How it went from a quiet ambition to a White House strategy.
Scooping with @mariasacchetti.bsky.social.
‘One million.’ The private goal driving Trump’s push for mass deportations.
Immigration officers and analysts are increasingly skeptical the Trump administration can deport that many immigrants in a single year.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 12, 2025 at 7:11 PM
🚨 WaPo exclusive — The Trump admin has set its sights on deporting **1 MILLION** immigrants this year.
How it went from a quiet ambition to a White House strategy.
Scooping with @mariasacchetti.bsky.social.
How it went from a quiet ambition to a White House strategy.
Scooping with @mariasacchetti.bsky.social.
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
An investigation into obtained arrest records contradicts the U.S. Customs & Border Protection's messaging that Operation Return to Sender was a "highly targeted” law enforcement action.
Full report from Evident, @calmatters.org, @sergioolmos.bsky.social & @bellingcat.com: evidentmedia.live/44fZ1mX
Full report from Evident, @calmatters.org, @sergioolmos.bsky.social & @bellingcat.com: evidentmedia.live/44fZ1mX
April 8, 2025 at 5:56 PM
An investigation into obtained arrest records contradicts the U.S. Customs & Border Protection's messaging that Operation Return to Sender was a "highly targeted” law enforcement action.
Full report from Evident, @calmatters.org, @sergioolmos.bsky.social & @bellingcat.com: evidentmedia.live/44fZ1mX
Full report from Evident, @calmatters.org, @sergioolmos.bsky.social & @bellingcat.com: evidentmedia.live/44fZ1mX
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Asked why the Trump admin will not release details on cases of alleged gang members sent to El Salvador, Noem defended the government’s assessment.
“We’re confident that people that are there should be there, and they should stay there for the rest of their lives"
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
“We’re confident that people that are there should be there, and they should stay there for the rest of their lives"
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Trump's bid to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members faces new US court limits
U.S. judges said on Wednesday they would impose new limits on President Donald Trump's attempts to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members under a wartime law, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a broad ban on such removals in another court.
www.reuters.com
April 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Asked why the Trump admin will not release details on cases of alleged gang members sent to El Salvador, Noem defended the government’s assessment.
“We’re confident that people that are there should be there, and they should stay there for the rest of their lives"
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
“We’re confident that people that are there should be there, and they should stay there for the rest of their lives"
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
The Trump administration plans to fine migrants under deportation orders up to $998 a day if they fail to leave the United States and to seize their property if they do not pay, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. W/ @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Trump plans to fine migrants $998 a day for failing to leave after deportation order
The Trump administration plans to fine migrants under deportation orders up to $998 a day if they fail to leave the United States and to seize their property if they do not pay, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
www.reuters.com
April 8, 2025 at 11:20 AM
The Trump administration plans to fine migrants under deportation orders up to $998 a day if they fail to leave the United States and to seize their property if they do not pay, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. W/ @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
We talked to 50 families of Venezuelans sent to El Salvador. They said their loved ones were barbers, tattoo artists, construction workers; many had tattoos that honored family members and their professions. They all said they had no links to Tren de Aragua.
Trump deported 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador. Dozens have active asylum cases. W/ Sarah Kinosian and @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Insight: Trump deported 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador. Dozens have active asylum cases
On a Thursday morning last month, immigration agents knocked on the door of Leonel Echavez' Dallas home looking for someone else. Despite an upcoming immigration hearing, the 19-year-old Venezuelan was taken into custody for questioning about his tattoos.
www.reuters.com
April 1, 2025 at 6:56 PM
We talked to 50 families of Venezuelans sent to El Salvador. They said their loved ones were barbers, tattoo artists, construction workers; many had tattoos that honored family members and their professions. They all said they had no links to Tren de Aragua.
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
As a journalist, I'm pleased that everyone connected with the Trump administration seems to be in agreement that people shouldn't be punished for handing over sensitive information to reporters.
March 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
As a journalist, I'm pleased that everyone connected with the Trump administration seems to be in agreement that people shouldn't be punished for handing over sensitive information to reporters.
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Family members of Venezuelan migrants who suspect their loved ones were sent to El Salvador as part of a rapid US deportation operation over the weekend are struggling to get more information as a legal battle plays out. @kristinacooke.bsky.social and Sarah Kinosian www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Relatives of missing Venezuelan migrants desperate for answers after US deportations to El Salvador
Family members of Venezuelan migrants who suspect their loved ones were sent to El Salvador as part of a rapid U.S. deportation operation over the weekend are struggling to get more information as a legal battle plays out.
www.reuters.com
March 18, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Family members of Venezuelan migrants who suspect their loved ones were sent to El Salvador as part of a rapid US deportation operation over the weekend are struggling to get more information as a legal battle plays out. @kristinacooke.bsky.social and Sarah Kinosian www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Reposted by Kristina Cooke
Exclusive: Trump plans to revoke legal status of Ukrainians who fled to US - w/ @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Exclusive: Trump plans to revoke legal status of Ukrainians who fled to US, sources say
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is planning to revoke temporary legal status for some 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict with Russia, a senior Trump official and three sources familiar with the matter said, potentially putting them on a fast-track to deportation.
www.reuters.com
March 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Exclusive: Trump plans to revoke legal status of Ukrainians who fled to US - w/ @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...