Mike Ludwig
@mludwig.bsky.social
I'm the senior staff reporter at Truthout.org
Pinned
ICE Was Warned About Conditions at Fort Bliss Migrant Jail. Then 2 Men Died.
Immigrant rights activists and elected officials are calling to shut down Camp East Montana.
truthout.org
This is where people snatched up in Trump's occupation of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are being sent.
After the first death at the notorious "tent city" at Fort Bliss, advocates warned ICE that detainees reported extreme physical and sexual abuse at the facility.
Within weeks, two men were dead.
After the first death at the notorious "tent city" at Fort Bliss, advocates warned ICE that detainees reported extreme physical and sexual abuse at the facility.
Within weeks, two men were dead.
FEMA employees were sent home after the deadly flash floods in Texas for calling out Noem.
“Secretary Noem took only 36 hours to illegally retaliate against us as whistleblowers … that is twice as long as she took to send search and rescue to Kerrville.”
-- Abby McIlraith said, FEMA whistleblower
“Secretary Noem took only 36 hours to illegally retaliate against us as whistleblowers … that is twice as long as she took to send search and rescue to Kerrville.”
-- Abby McIlraith said, FEMA whistleblower
Noem Faces More Calls to Resign After Gutting FEMA, Abandoning Disaster Victims
A FEMA whistleblower is calling for the agency, which Trump has threatened to phase out, to become independent again.
truthout.org
February 6, 2026 at 6:46 PM
FEMA employees were sent home after the deadly flash floods in Texas for calling out Noem.
“Secretary Noem took only 36 hours to illegally retaliate against us as whistleblowers … that is twice as long as she took to send search and rescue to Kerrville.”
-- Abby McIlraith said, FEMA whistleblower
“Secretary Noem took only 36 hours to illegally retaliate against us as whistleblowers … that is twice as long as she took to send search and rescue to Kerrville.”
-- Abby McIlraith said, FEMA whistleblower
I always opt out of the facial recognition scan at the airport. I do not trust signs claiming the data will be deleted in 12 hours for US citizens. Kristi Noem is in charge and a proven liar. Even if you've already done it, you can still limit exposure by opting out from now on.
February 5, 2026 at 7:45 PM
I always opt out of the facial recognition scan at the airport. I do not trust signs claiming the data will be deleted in 12 hours for US citizens. Kristi Noem is in charge and a proven liar. Even if you've already done it, you can still limit exposure by opting out from now on.
allow me to say what some of my union sisters and brothers cannot: Jeff Bezos is making a complete fool of himself licking Trump's boots like this
Mass layoffs at Washington Post; hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos gives millions to Melania Trump | The NewsGuild - TNG-CWA
The Washington Post on Wednesday announced a devastating number of layoffs to journalists, decimating one of the most important newsrooms in the country.
newsguild.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:06 PM
allow me to say what some of my union sisters and brothers cannot: Jeff Bezos is making a complete fool of himself licking Trump's boots like this
Reposted by Mike Ludwig
A federal judge has temporarily blocked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s latest effort to prevent Democratic lawmakers from making unannounced inspections of federal immigration jails, where at least 38 people have died since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Judge Blocks Noem’s Latest Attempt to Stop Democrats From Inspecting ICE Jails
ICE is incarcerating a record 73,000 people in dangerous and increasingly deadly immigration jails.
truthout.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:53 PM
A federal judge has temporarily blocked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s latest effort to prevent Democratic lawmakers from making unannounced inspections of federal immigration jails, where at least 38 people have died since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
With ICE ravaging my neighborhood, it's easy to forget Pete Hegseth is still blowing up speedboats.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is deferring questions about whether there's really any cocaine on those boats to the "War" secretary.
Wrote this last week but still timely:
truthout.org/articles/rub...
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is deferring questions about whether there's really any cocaine on those boats to the "War" secretary.
Wrote this last week but still timely:
truthout.org/articles/rub...
Rubio Dodges Accountability at Senate Hearing as Deadly Boat Strikes Continue
The families of two men killed on a small boat targeted by the US military filed a wrongful death lawsuit this week.
truthout.org
February 3, 2026 at 6:02 PM
With ICE ravaging my neighborhood, it's easy to forget Pete Hegseth is still blowing up speedboats.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is deferring questions about whether there's really any cocaine on those boats to the "War" secretary.
Wrote this last week but still timely:
truthout.org/articles/rub...
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is deferring questions about whether there's really any cocaine on those boats to the "War" secretary.
Wrote this last week but still timely:
truthout.org/articles/rub...
Reposted by Mike Ludwig
A reminder that incarcerated folks in Texas reported having to douse themselves with toilet water to cool off from sweltering heat – and the state still refuses to provide A/C.
Today I published my last story for The Texas Newsroom @KUTNews.
We analyzed years of data from Texas prisons w/o AC and found — more often than not — temps would violate standards for county jails.
Jails must keep temps between 65-85°. State prisons don’t. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
We analyzed years of data from Texas prisons w/o AC and found — more often than not — temps would violate standards for county jails.
Jails must keep temps between 65-85°. State prisons don’t. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
Many Texas prisons are regularly topping 90 degrees. The state is about to defend itself in court.
A new comprehensive analysis of state data shows Texas prisons get so hot in summer that temperatures there would routinely violate state standards for other types of lockups. The state will be back i...
www.kut.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:54 PM
A reminder that incarcerated folks in Texas reported having to douse themselves with toilet water to cool off from sweltering heat – and the state still refuses to provide A/C.
This is where people snatched up in Trump's occupation of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are being sent.
After the first death at the notorious "tent city" at Fort Bliss, advocates warned ICE that detainees reported extreme physical and sexual abuse at the facility.
Within weeks, two men were dead.
After the first death at the notorious "tent city" at Fort Bliss, advocates warned ICE that detainees reported extreme physical and sexual abuse at the facility.
Within weeks, two men were dead.
ICE Was Warned About Conditions at Fort Bliss Migrant Jail. Then 2 Men Died.
Immigrant rights activists and elected officials are calling to shut down Camp East Montana.
truthout.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:36 PM
This is where people snatched up in Trump's occupation of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are being sent.
After the first death at the notorious "tent city" at Fort Bliss, advocates warned ICE that detainees reported extreme physical and sexual abuse at the facility.
Within weeks, two men were dead.
After the first death at the notorious "tent city" at Fort Bliss, advocates warned ICE that detainees reported extreme physical and sexual abuse at the facility.
Within weeks, two men were dead.
Submission to humiliation in exchange for power is one of their most ancient rituals, still practiced today in frat houses and White Houses
And so mockery becomes the antidote to their evil spells, and a nation roars with laughter at the small men wearing big man shoes
And so mockery becomes the antidote to their evil spells, and a nation roars with laughter at the small men wearing big man shoes
Vance and Rubio Show Off Weird Gifts From ‘Daddy’ Trump
The president bought four pairs of shoes for the vice president and the secretary of state.
www.thedailybeast.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Submission to humiliation in exchange for power is one of their most ancient rituals, still practiced today in frat houses and White Houses
And so mockery becomes the antidote to their evil spells, and a nation roars with laughter at the small men wearing big man shoes
And so mockery becomes the antidote to their evil spells, and a nation roars with laughter at the small men wearing big man shoes
ICE left Parady La to die in his cell of withdrawal, which is totally preventable. That's just one of dozens of deaths.
“If we are seeing that sort of outward extreme violence in broad daylight in the streets of Minneapolis...imagine what people must be facing behind closed doors and behind bars."
“If we are seeing that sort of outward extreme violence in broad daylight in the streets of Minneapolis...imagine what people must be facing behind closed doors and behind bars."
Deaths in Detention Warn of Horrors Behind ICE’s Prison Walls
At least 32 people died in ICE jails in 2025, and four more have already died in ICE custody this year.
truthout.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:14 PM
ICE left Parady La to die in his cell of withdrawal, which is totally preventable. That's just one of dozens of deaths.
“If we are seeing that sort of outward extreme violence in broad daylight in the streets of Minneapolis...imagine what people must be facing behind closed doors and behind bars."
“If we are seeing that sort of outward extreme violence in broad daylight in the streets of Minneapolis...imagine what people must be facing behind closed doors and behind bars."
Reposted by Mike Ludwig
Even just a name can put in motion efforts that get someone released. If they're a citizen, we can get them jail support. If they're an immigrant, there are groups working overtime to file habeas petitions before they're whisked out of state. But it starts with a name.
If you see one, the most important thing to say is “WHAT’S YOUR NAME” because otherwise the person is gone for good, maybe. I witnessed one in an alley as the sole pursuit car, I was the only witness, I froze for a second and didn’t shout it in time, and the guy is just… gone now. I’ll never know.
January 14, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Even just a name can put in motion efforts that get someone released. If they're a citizen, we can get them jail support. If they're an immigrant, there are groups working overtime to file habeas petitions before they're whisked out of state. But it starts with a name.
In a rambling speech full of lies, Trump pledged to release a housing plan next week.
Right.
Pushing big $ out of the housing market is an interesting idea but won't make up for costs pushed up by tariffs, deportation of workers, and destruction of the safety net, says @shamusroller.bsky.social.
Right.
Pushing big $ out of the housing market is an interesting idea but won't make up for costs pushed up by tariffs, deportation of workers, and destruction of the safety net, says @shamusroller.bsky.social.
Trump’s “Homes for People” Plan Distracts From Failing Policies, Experts Say
Trump’s proposal to ban institutional investors from buying homes won’t make up for damage of tariffs and deportations.
truthout.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:47 PM
In a rambling speech full of lies, Trump pledged to release a housing plan next week.
Right.
Pushing big $ out of the housing market is an interesting idea but won't make up for costs pushed up by tariffs, deportation of workers, and destruction of the safety net, says @shamusroller.bsky.social.
Right.
Pushing big $ out of the housing market is an interesting idea but won't make up for costs pushed up by tariffs, deportation of workers, and destruction of the safety net, says @shamusroller.bsky.social.
the split screen of trump glued to the protests for freedom in Iran while attempting to crush those of his own people...
January 11, 2026 at 9:40 PM
the split screen of trump glued to the protests for freedom in Iran while attempting to crush those of his own people...
My go to for ICE data:
ICE just reported its fourth in-custody death of 2026. It’s only January 10.
January 11, 2026 at 4:29 AM
My go to for ICE data:
mainstream press is scratching its head about Trump playing nice Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela. She went from Marxist to businesswomen!
Trump needs the same police state he accuses of serving coke to stay in power and prevent chaos so he doesn't have to send in troops. There's no plan. That's why
Trump needs the same police state he accuses of serving coke to stay in power and prevent chaos so he doesn't have to send in troops. There's no plan. That's why
January 10, 2026 at 4:19 PM
mainstream press is scratching its head about Trump playing nice Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela. She went from Marxist to businesswomen!
Trump needs the same police state he accuses of serving coke to stay in power and prevent chaos so he doesn't have to send in troops. There's no plan. That's why
Trump needs the same police state he accuses of serving coke to stay in power and prevent chaos so he doesn't have to send in troops. There's no plan. That's why
Reposted by Mike Ludwig
I saw this video of a Vietnam vet in the fur coat yelling at ICE and thought to myself, "this is missing something," before I realized, "Ah, of course, the Ether instrumental. It's so obvious."
January 9, 2026 at 7:53 PM
I saw this video of a Vietnam vet in the fur coat yelling at ICE and thought to myself, "this is missing something," before I realized, "Ah, of course, the Ether instrumental. It's so obvious."
ICE’s Murder of Renee Nicole Good Was Not an Aberration — It Is the New Normal
ICE was already a problem, but Trump created a not-so-secret police that is enforcing MAGA ideology at the barrel of a gun. That's not a political statement, here's the evidence to prove it.
ICE was already a problem, but Trump created a not-so-secret police that is enforcing MAGA ideology at the barrel of a gun. That's not a political statement, here's the evidence to prove it.
ICE’s Murder of Renee Nicole Good Was Not an Aberration — It Is the New Normal
US immigration agents have now shot 11 civilians in cars in four months.
truthout.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:11 PM
ICE’s Murder of Renee Nicole Good Was Not an Aberration — It Is the New Normal
ICE was already a problem, but Trump created a not-so-secret police that is enforcing MAGA ideology at the barrel of a gun. That's not a political statement, here's the evidence to prove it.
ICE was already a problem, but Trump created a not-so-secret police that is enforcing MAGA ideology at the barrel of a gun. That's not a political statement, here's the evidence to prove it.
Lol JD Vane converted to Catholicism, a religion that demands compassion for migrants, and is now crucifying his entire reputation and career to defend a murderous immigration cop because his boss won't do it
January 9, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Lol JD Vane converted to Catholicism, a religion that demands compassion for migrants, and is now crucifying his entire reputation and career to defend a murderous immigration cop because his boss won't do it
Cable news needs to get rid of these "former law enforcement" so-called "experts" on who make excuses for abusers and murderers as long as they are in uniform
January 7, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Cable news needs to get rid of these "former law enforcement" so-called "experts" on who make excuses for abusers and murderers as long as they are in uniform
ICE shot and killed a women in South Minneapolis. She is dead. Protests are already being organized. The video shows ICE agent firing into her car as he tries to drive away.
Kristi Noem is calling her a "terrorist." Lies. This could change everything.
Kristi Noem is calling her a "terrorist." Lies. This could change everything.
January 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
ICE shot and killed a women in South Minneapolis. She is dead. Protests are already being organized. The video shows ICE agent firing into her car as he tries to drive away.
Kristi Noem is calling her a "terrorist." Lies. This could change everything.
Kristi Noem is calling her a "terrorist." Lies. This could change everything.
As Towns and Cities Fight Off AI Data Centers, Calls Grow for a National Moratorium
The rush to build data centers emerged in 2025 as a major fault line dividing working people of all political stripes against Silicon Valley.
The fight is dissolving partisan division and set to explode in 2026...
The rush to build data centers emerged in 2025 as a major fault line dividing working people of all political stripes against Silicon Valley.
The fight is dissolving partisan division and set to explode in 2026...
As Towns and Cities Fight Off Data Centers, Calls Grow for a National Moratorium
The battle to build new data centers has pitted communities across the country against Silicon Valley.
truthout.org
January 2, 2026 at 2:20 PM
As Towns and Cities Fight Off AI Data Centers, Calls Grow for a National Moratorium
The rush to build data centers emerged in 2025 as a major fault line dividing working people of all political stripes against Silicon Valley.
The fight is dissolving partisan division and set to explode in 2026...
The rush to build data centers emerged in 2025 as a major fault line dividing working people of all political stripes against Silicon Valley.
The fight is dissolving partisan division and set to explode in 2026...
Here's a fun fact to share with relatives: Trump promised over and over to slash our energy bills in half but also embraced the fossil fuel industry's rush to export as much fracked gas as possible.
Now winter heating bills are up 22% over 2024, even though the US is the world's top gas producer!
Now winter heating bills are up 22% over 2024, even though the US is the world's top gas producer!
Trump’s Embrace of Natural Gas Exports Is Driving Up Energy Bills for Consumers
US households paid $12 billion more for natural gas over the first nine months of Trump’s term, about $124 per family.
truthout.org
December 23, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Here's a fun fact to share with relatives: Trump promised over and over to slash our energy bills in half but also embraced the fossil fuel industry's rush to export as much fracked gas as possible.
Now winter heating bills are up 22% over 2024, even though the US is the world's top gas producer!
Now winter heating bills are up 22% over 2024, even though the US is the world's top gas producer!
Trump’s Expanded Drug War Will Make Overdose Crisis Worse, Experts Say
Trump declares fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" -- it's not, and it's not made in Venezuela either -- while his administration slashes budgets for mental health and addiction treatment.
truthout.org/articles/tru...
Trump declares fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" -- it's not, and it's not made in Venezuela either -- while his administration slashes budgets for mental health and addiction treatment.
truthout.org/articles/tru...
Trump’s Expanded Drug War Will Make Overdose Crisis Worse, Experts Say
An executive order declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction could remove supports that keep people alive.
truthout.org
December 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Trump’s Expanded Drug War Will Make Overdose Crisis Worse, Experts Say
Trump declares fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" -- it's not, and it's not made in Venezuela either -- while his administration slashes budgets for mental health and addiction treatment.
truthout.org/articles/tru...
Trump declares fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" -- it's not, and it's not made in Venezuela either -- while his administration slashes budgets for mental health and addiction treatment.
truthout.org/articles/tru...
He keeps saying this
Trump just claimed he brought peace to the Middle East for the first time in 3000 years.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 AM
He keeps saying this
Reposted by Mike Ludwig
"Such an overhaul at #FEMA would leave cities and states shouldering the costs of disaster preparation, response, and recovery — costs most states cannot afford — and put disaster victims at risk of serious harm, especially those with fewer financial resources..."
Survivors of deadly floods, wildfires, and tornadoes converged on DC this week to demand accountability from Noem as the Trump admin guts FEMA.
“That means the next time a hurricane or horrific wildfires materialize we may again experience a disturbing FEMA fiasco on par with Hurricane Katrina."
“That means the next time a hurricane or horrific wildfires materialize we may again experience a disturbing FEMA fiasco on par with Hurricane Katrina."
Survivors Slam Kristi Noem Over FEMA’s Response to Deadly Disasters
FEMA workers say the agency is being gutted under Trump, putting disaster victims at risk.
truthout.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:27 PM
"Such an overhaul at #FEMA would leave cities and states shouldering the costs of disaster preparation, response, and recovery — costs most states cannot afford — and put disaster victims at risk of serious harm, especially those with fewer financial resources..."
Survivors of deadly floods, wildfires, and tornadoes converged on DC this week to demand accountability from Noem as the Trump admin guts FEMA.
“That means the next time a hurricane or horrific wildfires materialize we may again experience a disturbing FEMA fiasco on par with Hurricane Katrina."
“That means the next time a hurricane or horrific wildfires materialize we may again experience a disturbing FEMA fiasco on par with Hurricane Katrina."
Survivors Slam Kristi Noem Over FEMA’s Response to Deadly Disasters
FEMA workers say the agency is being gutted under Trump, putting disaster victims at risk.
truthout.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Survivors of deadly floods, wildfires, and tornadoes converged on DC this week to demand accountability from Noem as the Trump admin guts FEMA.
“That means the next time a hurricane or horrific wildfires materialize we may again experience a disturbing FEMA fiasco on par with Hurricane Katrina."
“That means the next time a hurricane or horrific wildfires materialize we may again experience a disturbing FEMA fiasco on par with Hurricane Katrina."