Kavitha Rajagopalan
@kxraja.bsky.social
Founding director, Asian Media Initiative @ccmnewmarkj.bsky.social. Writer. Previously Sr Fellow Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affrs. Global migration + Asia-Pacific. Pediatric transplant mom.
Pinned
Kavitha Rajagopalan
@kxraja.bsky.social
· Dec 18
Protecting immigrant journalists has to be an industry-wide priority
"Immigrant journalists face the double threat of trying to stay safe while running headlong into unsafe situations in order to do their jobs."
www.niemanlab.org
Honored to have been invited to share my thoughts for @niemanlab.org’s 2026 predictions. The safety and survival of immigrant journos working in in-language and community news is essential to protecting multiracial democracy at this moment. Please read and share:
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/prot...
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/prot...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
A dresser inside a museum in New York City has been discovered as a secret stop on the Underground Railroad — the first of its kind discovered in Manhattan in over 100 years
February 11, 2026 at 3:43 AM
A dresser inside a museum in New York City has been discovered as a secret stop on the Underground Railroad — the first of its kind discovered in Manhattan in over 100 years
This is the guy who bragged after the shooting he’d unloaded 5 into her and left her with 7 holes. Sicko.
in a text string after the shooting, a fellow agent told Exum he's a "legend"
"Beers on me"
"Beers on me"
February 11, 2026 at 1:35 AM
This is the guy who bragged after the shooting he’d unloaded 5 into her and left her with 7 holes. Sicko.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Friends from Minneapolis reporting to me that things are at the point where folks are being hidden in other people's houses and we are in the "again" part of "never again" which the "never" was supposed to preclude
February 10, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Friends from Minneapolis reporting to me that things are at the point where folks are being hidden in other people's houses and we are in the "again" part of "never again" which the "never" was supposed to preclude
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
"One might say, 'I don’t care because that only happens to THOSE people.' Perhaps. But what if someone here legally, or even a United States citizen, is afforded no due process after being seized by mistake?... Or by a choice?
Fortunately, our Constitution demands more, including the rule of law.."
Fortunately, our Constitution demands more, including the rule of law.."
BONUS RULING: Judge Thomas Johnston, a George W. Bush appoiintee in West Virginia, used a recent ruling to warn of the dangers of defying due process for immigrants because of what it could also mean for Americans. It's worth a read.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 10, 2026 at 3:38 PM
"One might say, 'I don’t care because that only happens to THOSE people.' Perhaps. But what if someone here legally, or even a United States citizen, is afforded no due process after being seized by mistake?... Or by a choice?
Fortunately, our Constitution demands more, including the rule of law.."
Fortunately, our Constitution demands more, including the rule of law.."
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Evidence that mainstream journalism has adapted to the times, exhibit whatever:
An article about TX GOP animus towards Muslims that makes it clear from the top it’s entirely a cynical political project.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
An article about TX GOP animus towards Muslims that makes it clear from the top it’s entirely a cynical political project.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
Without a Border ‘Invasion,’ Texas G.O.P. Turns to an Old Enemy, Islam
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Evidence that mainstream journalism has adapted to the times, exhibit whatever:
An article about TX GOP animus towards Muslims that makes it clear from the top it’s entirely a cynical political project.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
An article about TX GOP animus towards Muslims that makes it clear from the top it’s entirely a cynical political project.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
In 1947 the US War Department released “Don’t Be a Sucker,” now archived by the National Archives. It shows how fascism grows through fear lies and scapegoating. This should not be history. It is a reminder our government once wanted remembered.
Don't Be a Sucker
YouTube video by US National Archives
www.youtube.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:20 PM
In 1947 the US War Department released “Don’t Be a Sucker,” now archived by the National Archives. It shows how fascism grows through fear lies and scapegoating. This should not be history. It is a reminder our government once wanted remembered.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
This is literally what CURRENT LAW requires. It’s in the Constitution! www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
February 10, 2026 at 3:18 AM
This is literally what CURRENT LAW requires. It’s in the Constitution! www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
I hate to say this but I think things are just going to keep getting increasingly chaotic and morally shocking before this tidal wave of sadism finally recedes
Its important to identify for yourself what moral injury (as witnesses & those coerced) feels like and how to recognize its after effects
Its important to identify for yourself what moral injury (as witnesses & those coerced) feels like and how to recognize its after effects
February 10, 2026 at 2:20 AM
I hate to say this but I think things are just going to keep getting increasingly chaotic and morally shocking before this tidal wave of sadism finally recedes
Its important to identify for yourself what moral injury (as witnesses & those coerced) feels like and how to recognize its after effects
Its important to identify for yourself what moral injury (as witnesses & those coerced) feels like and how to recognize its after effects
😭😭😭
Lindsay Vonn gives her first statement since her devastating crash in the Olympic downhill
February 10, 2026 at 1:48 AM
😭😭😭
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Octopuses have been wandering in the oceans for 296 million years. They have three hearts and blue blood and they can even be elegant in their magical underwater dance.
February 9, 2026 at 6:49 AM
Octopuses have been wandering in the oceans for 296 million years. They have three hearts and blue blood and they can even be elegant in their magical underwater dance.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
The Heritage Foundation has released a 250-year roadmap to “save America.”
The document is a how-to guide for subjugating girls & young women: a detailed plan to push them out of college, funnel them into early marriage and motherhood, and then trap them there.
jessica.substack.com/p/theyre-com...
The document is a how-to guide for subjugating girls & young women: a detailed plan to push them out of college, funnel them into early marriage and motherhood, and then trap them there.
jessica.substack.com/p/theyre-com...
They're Coming for Our Daughters
The conservative plan to shrink girls’ futures
jessica.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The Heritage Foundation has released a 250-year roadmap to “save America.”
The document is a how-to guide for subjugating girls & young women: a detailed plan to push them out of college, funnel them into early marriage and motherhood, and then trap them there.
jessica.substack.com/p/theyre-com...
The document is a how-to guide for subjugating girls & young women: a detailed plan to push them out of college, funnel them into early marriage and motherhood, and then trap them there.
jessica.substack.com/p/theyre-com...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
In the last month ICE has bought warehouses in:
- Hagerstown, MD: $102 million
- Surprise, AZ: $70 million
- Hamburg, PA: $87 million
- Tremont, PA: $120 million
- San Antonio, TX: $82 million
- El Paso, TX: $123 million
- Social Circle, GA: price unknown
This is unprecedented.
- Hagerstown, MD: $102 million
- Surprise, AZ: $70 million
- Hamburg, PA: $87 million
- Tremont, PA: $120 million
- San Antonio, TX: $82 million
- El Paso, TX: $123 million
- Social Circle, GA: price unknown
This is unprecedented.
February 9, 2026 at 6:09 PM
In the last month ICE has bought warehouses in:
- Hagerstown, MD: $102 million
- Surprise, AZ: $70 million
- Hamburg, PA: $87 million
- Tremont, PA: $120 million
- San Antonio, TX: $82 million
- El Paso, TX: $123 million
- Social Circle, GA: price unknown
This is unprecedented.
- Hagerstown, MD: $102 million
- Surprise, AZ: $70 million
- Hamburg, PA: $87 million
- Tremont, PA: $120 million
- San Antonio, TX: $82 million
- El Paso, TX: $123 million
- Social Circle, GA: price unknown
This is unprecedented.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
The International Organization for Migration says that almost 500 migrants have been reported dead or missing trying the cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya so far in 2026.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Migrant boat capsizes off Libya leaving 53 dead, including two babies
The IOM says that almost 500 people have been reported dead or missing off Libya so far this year.
www.bbc.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:29 PM
The International Organization for Migration says that almost 500 migrants have been reported dead or missing trying the cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya so far in 2026.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
This is a Good change but should have been done from the start.
And shouldn't of had to wait for this set of convictions.
There are also other gaps / barriers that mean many HKers cant access this route.
without getting into all of it the British immigration regime sucks shit & is cruel & inhumane
And shouldn't of had to wait for this set of convictions.
There are also other gaps / barriers that mean many HKers cant access this route.
without getting into all of it the British immigration regime sucks shit & is cruel & inhumane
UK expands Hong Kong visa scheme in wake of Jimmy Lai’s prison sentence
Exclusive: Home Office ruling means thousands more Hongkongers will be eligible to come to the UK over next five years
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:45 AM
This is a Good change but should have been done from the start.
And shouldn't of had to wait for this set of convictions.
There are also other gaps / barriers that mean many HKers cant access this route.
without getting into all of it the British immigration regime sucks shit & is cruel & inhumane
And shouldn't of had to wait for this set of convictions.
There are also other gaps / barriers that mean many HKers cant access this route.
without getting into all of it the British immigration regime sucks shit & is cruel & inhumane
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
In Uganda, about 5 percent of the population has HIV, the tenth highest prevalence rate in the world. American foreign aid programs such as USAID and PEPFAR long provided funding was key to slowing the spread of the virus and saving lives.
For the Interept, I reported from Uganda about the effects of USAID cuts on LGBTQ people, HIV prevention activists and sex workers—and tried to tell the story from the POV of these important but criminalized communities. Please read and share.
theintercept.com/2026/02/09/t...
theintercept.com/2026/02/09/t...
By Slashing Foreign Aid, Trump Is Fueling the Spread of HIV in Uganda
Reporting from Uganda, The Intercept saw how Trump’s effort to slash foreign aid is encouraging the transmission of HIV.
theintercept.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:52 PM
In Uganda, about 5 percent of the population has HIV, the tenth highest prevalence rate in the world. American foreign aid programs such as USAID and PEPFAR long provided funding was key to slowing the spread of the virus and saving lives.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
ICE has now spent over half a BILLION dollars just on purchasing warehouses around the country to convert into detention camps.
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
ICE to begin detaining immigrants inside Social Circle warehouse in April
Homeland Security plans to build warehouse detention facilities in other cities being met with opposition.
www.ajc.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:56 PM
ICE has now spent over half a BILLION dollars just on purchasing warehouses around the country to convert into detention camps.
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
This morning at @propublica.org, we published a pair of stories about the children held at the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. www.propublica.org/article/life...
February 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
This morning at @propublica.org, we published a pair of stories about the children held at the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. www.propublica.org/article/life...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Abolish ICE, Abolish the Border
Join @harshawalia.bsky.social, @silkys13.bsky.social, & @reallandsend.bsky.social of @deathpanel.bsky.social for a discussion on the brutal enforcement of immigration policing in Minneapolis and beyond.
Thursday at 7 PM ET
events.haymarketbooks.org/events/hayma...
Join @harshawalia.bsky.social, @silkys13.bsky.social, & @reallandsend.bsky.social of @deathpanel.bsky.social for a discussion on the brutal enforcement of immigration policing in Minneapolis and beyond.
Thursday at 7 PM ET
events.haymarketbooks.org/events/hayma...
February 9, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Abolish ICE, Abolish the Border
Join @harshawalia.bsky.social, @silkys13.bsky.social, & @reallandsend.bsky.social of @deathpanel.bsky.social for a discussion on the brutal enforcement of immigration policing in Minneapolis and beyond.
Thursday at 7 PM ET
events.haymarketbooks.org/events/hayma...
Join @harshawalia.bsky.social, @silkys13.bsky.social, & @reallandsend.bsky.social of @deathpanel.bsky.social for a discussion on the brutal enforcement of immigration policing in Minneapolis and beyond.
Thursday at 7 PM ET
events.haymarketbooks.org/events/hayma...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
for the @studyhall.bsky.social podcast, I spoke with @tinavasquez.bsky.social of @prismreports.org about movement journalism and reporting on immigration and ICE Raids. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Reporting on Immigration and ICE Raids ft. Tina Vásquez
Podcast Episode · The Study Hall Podcast · 02/09/2026 · 43m
podcasts.apple.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:49 PM
for the @studyhall.bsky.social podcast, I spoke with @tinavasquez.bsky.social of @prismreports.org about movement journalism and reporting on immigration and ICE Raids. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
This also seems to be merging with culture wars in a weird way. It was so bizarre seeing Mike Tyson call us all fatties when so many conservative voters got angry at smaller soda cans or Michelle Obama saying let’s get moving.
February 9, 2026 at 5:38 PM
This also seems to be merging with culture wars in a weird way. It was so bizarre seeing Mike Tyson call us all fatties when so many conservative voters got angry at smaller soda cans or Michelle Obama saying let’s get moving.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Over the last four years, Badakhshan has witnessed horrific and mysterious killings. None have been investigated. The victims were often Ismaili religious figures, social workers, or educated community members.
zantimes.com/2026/02/09/e...
zantimes.com/2026/02/09/e...
February 9, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Over the last four years, Badakhshan has witnessed horrific and mysterious killings. None have been investigated. The victims were often Ismaili religious figures, social workers, or educated community members.
zantimes.com/2026/02/09/e...
zantimes.com/2026/02/09/e...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
The data.
exclav.es/2026/02/08/e...
exclav.es/2026/02/08/e...
National data, local stories: ICE detention in 2026
Statistics and stories from ICE's archipelago of detention centers, based on the first data release since "Operation Metro Surge" arrived in Minneapolis.
exclav.es
February 9, 2026 at 5:11 PM
The data.
exclav.es/2026/02/08/e...
exclav.es/2026/02/08/e...
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Delivery workers risk life and limb during frigid weather – and still might be iced out of a good tip.
The Hands That Feed New York in the Cold - Documented
Delivery workers risk life and limb during frigid weather – and still might be iced out of a good tip.
documentedny.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Delivery workers risk life and limb during frigid weather – and still might be iced out of a good tip.
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
Tamara Leigh of @blaqueoutmagazine.bsky.social explains why journalists need to be embedded in the communities they cover.
This convo is part of The Map of Us pod, a series from @newsisout.bsky.social bringing the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life.
🎧 Listen: newsisout.com/the-map-of-us-podcast
This convo is part of The Map of Us pod, a series from @newsisout.bsky.social bringing the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life.
🎧 Listen: newsisout.com/the-map-of-us-podcast
February 9, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Tamara Leigh of @blaqueoutmagazine.bsky.social explains why journalists need to be embedded in the communities they cover.
This convo is part of The Map of Us pod, a series from @newsisout.bsky.social bringing the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life.
🎧 Listen: newsisout.com/the-map-of-us-podcast
This convo is part of The Map of Us pod, a series from @newsisout.bsky.social bringing the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life.
🎧 Listen: newsisout.com/the-map-of-us-podcast
Reposted by Kavitha Rajagopalan
new from me: Trump's suggestion that the GOP "nationalize" elections in "15 areas" struck me for being a full-on Bizarro version of the Voting Rights Act — a system of federal oversight of election law but targeted -against- minorities
Opinion | Trump wouldn’t just undo the Voting Rights Act. He’d reverse it.
In hinting at “nationalizing” elections, Trump suggests a world in which minorities would have more difficulty voting than any time since 1965.
www.ms.now
February 9, 2026 at 3:39 PM
new from me: Trump's suggestion that the GOP "nationalize" elections in "15 areas" struck me for being a full-on Bizarro version of the Voting Rights Act — a system of federal oversight of election law but targeted -against- minorities