Rachel de Leon
@raeoflion.bsky.social
Video reporter and producer at The Center for Investigative Reporting
How to reach me:
Signal: @raeoflion.08
Email: rdeleon[ a t] cir [ d o t] org or raedeleon[ a t] protonmail[ d o t ] com
How to reach me:
Signal: @raeoflion.08
Email: rdeleon[ a t] cir [ d o t] org or raedeleon[ a t] protonmail[ d o t ] com
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
1/2
Ignoring FOIA requests tracks w/this regime.
"When ICE uses footage for public relations, it is especially important the agency disclose it for public accountability."
— Victoria Baranetsky, general counsel, Center for Investigative Reporting
🧾 is.gd/PCDfLV
⚖️ Lawsuit: is.gd/xnR6Vw
Ignoring FOIA requests tracks w/this regime.
"When ICE uses footage for public relations, it is especially important the agency disclose it for public accountability."
— Victoria Baranetsky, general counsel, Center for Investigative Reporting
🧾 is.gd/PCDfLV
⚖️ Lawsuit: is.gd/xnR6Vw
News group sues ICE for raid footage
The Center for Investigative Reporting says ICE hasn't responded to public records requests and is violating federal transparency law.
www.courthousenews.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:47 PM
1/2
Ignoring FOIA requests tracks w/this regime.
"When ICE uses footage for public relations, it is especially important the agency disclose it for public accountability."
— Victoria Baranetsky, general counsel, Center for Investigative Reporting
🧾 is.gd/PCDfLV
⚖️ Lawsuit: is.gd/xnR6Vw
Ignoring FOIA requests tracks w/this regime.
"When ICE uses footage for public relations, it is especially important the agency disclose it for public accountability."
— Victoria Baranetsky, general counsel, Center for Investigative Reporting
🧾 is.gd/PCDfLV
⚖️ Lawsuit: is.gd/xnR6Vw
Our legal team is suing ICE and CPB for footage from their raids. Let's see how Kristi Noem's transparency claim holds up.
After announcing that all federal agents will be issued body cameras, Kristi Noem called this administration the most transparent in American history. We're putting that claim to the test.
Testing Kristi Noem's transparency claim
We're suing CPB and ICE for their footage.
www.motherjones.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Our legal team is suing ICE and CPB for footage from their raids. Let's see how Kristi Noem's transparency claim holds up.
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
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
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.
Incredible and distressing scoop from @samanthamichaels.bsky.social ://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/trump-us-attorneys-office-minnesota-prosecutors-resignations-ice-protesters-evidence-don-lemon/
Trump's minions are pressuring prosecutors to charge ICE protesters based on scant evidence
Don Lemon is just the tip of the iceberg.
www.motherjones.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Incredible and distressing scoop from @samanthamichaels.bsky.social ://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/trump-us-attorneys-office-minnesota-prosecutors-resignations-ice-protesters-evidence-don-lemon/
What women said "Melania" director Brett Ratner did to them www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
What women said "Melania" director Brett Ratner did to them
The First Lady’s documentary premiere marks the return of a director accused of sexual violence by six actresses in 2017.
www.motherjones.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:21 PM
What women said "Melania" director Brett Ratner did to them www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
An observer arrested in Suth Minneapolis. Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 21, 2026 at 9:18 PM
An observer arrested in Suth Minneapolis. Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
In one of the most appalling developments of past day, Elon Musk's AI chatbot desecrated Renee Nicole Good's body. That's in addition to harassing women and sexually exploiting minors. By @katieherchenroeder.bsky.social
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Grok deepfaked Renee Nicole Good's body into a bikini
Hours after an ICE agent killed the mother of three, Elon Musk’s chatbot was undressing her.
www.motherjones.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:41 PM
In one of the most appalling developments of past day, Elon Musk's AI chatbot desecrated Renee Nicole Good's body. That's in addition to harassing women and sexually exploiting minors. By @katieherchenroeder.bsky.social
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
Everything aside, this is not even close an accurate average estimate of a phallo or metoidioplasty cost.
Dr Oz: "The creation of a penis costs on average in America $150,000 per child ... if you add testicles, that's extra"
December 18, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Everything aside, this is not even close an accurate average estimate of a phallo or metoidioplasty cost.
Can't get over @annamerlan.bsky.social recapping how Benny took the news of his firing. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
December 17, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Can't get over @annamerlan.bsky.social recapping how Benny took the news of his firing. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
I wrote about Nicole Chase's lawsuit against her former boss and the Canton police department after she was charged with lying that she was sexually assaulted. She's now going through a life-changing diagnosis and is in medical debt. Please share: gofund.me/c57db5ff7
Donate to Help Nicole & Kids Rebuild After Medical Crisis, organized by Nicole Chase
My name is Nicole, and I’m reaching out for help for myself and my childr… Nicole Chase needs your support for Help Nicole & Kids Rebuild After Medical Crisis
gofund.me
December 12, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I wrote about Nicole Chase's lawsuit against her former boss and the Canton police department after she was charged with lying that she was sexually assaulted. She's now going through a life-changing diagnosis and is in medical debt. Please share: gofund.me/c57db5ff7
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
Do you have a “creepy fetish for Asian women"?
That was just one of several false and wildly personal allegations that Posobiec, a newly-minted member of the Pentagon press corps, said that he planned to include in “a story that I’m writing about" our reporter.
That was just one of several false and wildly personal allegations that Posobiec, a newly-minted member of the Pentagon press corps, said that he planned to include in “a story that I’m writing about" our reporter.
I asked the Pentagon about Pete Hegseth's mentor. Then the threats started.
Journalism in the second Trump administration gets personal.
www.motherjones.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Do you have a “creepy fetish for Asian women"?
That was just one of several false and wildly personal allegations that Posobiec, a newly-minted member of the Pentagon press corps, said that he planned to include in “a story that I’m writing about" our reporter.
That was just one of several false and wildly personal allegations that Posobiec, a newly-minted member of the Pentagon press corps, said that he planned to include in “a story that I’m writing about" our reporter.
"Posobiec’s email arrived the day after my inquiries… This was either an incredible coincidence or a deliberate message: Publish your article and get smeared.” ow.ly/EpQp50XHpYo
December 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
"Posobiec’s email arrived the day after my inquiries… This was either an incredible coincidence or a deliberate message: Publish your article and get smeared.” ow.ly/EpQp50XHpYo
This conversation is all too familiar to me, as someone who's read through dozens of reports where police have decided someone is lying about a sexual assault.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives repeats a familiar problem: We still don't believe women.
The big problem with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
The Demi-Marciano storyline reveals that we still don't believe women.
www.motherjones.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
This conversation is all too familiar to me, as someone who's read through dozens of reports where police have decided someone is lying about a sexual assault.
My son is about to turn 1 and has Down syndrome. I came across this podcast hosted by two people with Down syndrome and was simultaneously overjoyed to see them live such cool lives, and heartbroken that my son might not be able to take advantage of those services with the looming Medicaid cuts.
Medicaid-funded services are their lifeline—and make their work possible. But the Trump cuts to the program could change it all.
Meet Audrey and Jeremy, who went viral for talking about how the GOP's Medicaid cuts could devastate their everyday.
Meet Audrey and Jeremy, who went viral for talking about how the GOP's Medicaid cuts could devastate their everyday.
What Trump's Medicaid cuts mean for two podcasters with Down syndrome
Medicaid-funded services are their lifeline—and make their work possible.
www.motherjones.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:01 AM
My son is about to turn 1 and has Down syndrome. I came across this podcast hosted by two people with Down syndrome and was simultaneously overjoyed to see them live such cool lives, and heartbroken that my son might not be able to take advantage of those services with the looming Medicaid cuts.
Another tragic case of child sexual abuse that could have been prevented by police. This time in New York.
NEW:
A teen said she was being sexually abused by her adoptive father. An officer didn't believe the teen and didn't take steps to investigate. The teen was returned to the home, where she continued to face sexual abuse. The officer was given just a reprimand.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/u...
A teen said she was being sexually abused by her adoptive father. An officer didn't believe the teen and didn't take steps to investigate. The teen was returned to the home, where she continued to face sexual abuse. The officer was given just a reprimand.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/u...
An Officer Bungled a Teen Rape Case. The Victim Was Abused Again.
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Another tragic case of child sexual abuse that could have been prevented by police. This time in New York.
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
As @raeoflion.bsky.social and I wrote in this article featuring Rae's video:
A report from the California Health Care Foundation found that 10 percent cut to HCBS programs would lead to $1 billion more in Medicaid spending in the state... due to the greater overall costs of institutionalization.
A report from the California Health Care Foundation found that 10 percent cut to HCBS programs would lead to $1 billion more in Medicaid spending in the state... due to the greater overall costs of institutionalization.
Medicaid-funded services are their lifeline—and make their work possible. But the Trump cuts to the program could change it all.
Meet Audrey and Jeremy, who went viral for talking about how the GOP's Medicaid cuts could devastate their everyday.
Meet Audrey and Jeremy, who went viral for talking about how the GOP's Medicaid cuts could devastate their everyday.
What Trump's Medicaid cuts mean for two podcasters with Down syndrome
Medicaid-funded services are their lifeline—and make their work possible.
www.motherjones.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:52 AM
As @raeoflion.bsky.social and I wrote in this article featuring Rae's video:
A report from the California Health Care Foundation found that 10 percent cut to HCBS programs would lead to $1 billion more in Medicaid spending in the state... due to the greater overall costs of institutionalization.
A report from the California Health Care Foundation found that 10 percent cut to HCBS programs would lead to $1 billion more in Medicaid spending in the state... due to the greater overall costs of institutionalization.
Sometimes people will ask how I unwind after working on stories that are depressing and infuriating. Listening to stories like this one from @acleek.bsky.social is one method. I love when a journalist's insatiable curiosity is used for something unexpected and sweet. 🥰
Reveal’s smallest, most personal investigations yet
Serious investigations into deeply Unserious questions. Hear the first in our occasional series of “inconsequential investigations.”
revealnews.org
October 27, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Sometimes people will ask how I unwind after working on stories that are depressing and infuriating. Listening to stories like this one from @acleek.bsky.social is one method. I love when a journalist's insatiable curiosity is used for something unexpected and sweet. 🥰
I hadn't read this before: "[...] states newly covered by the PWFA saw a 3.2 percent increase in births, suggesting that the law has helped reduce miscarriage rates by nearly 9.6 percent. The latest from @julialurie.bsky.social www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
A pregnant Amazon employee asked for a chair to sit on—and wound up homeless
"You're just a number to them."
www.motherjones.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:26 PM
I hadn't read this before: "[...] states newly covered by the PWFA saw a 3.2 percent increase in births, suggesting that the law has helped reduce miscarriage rates by nearly 9.6 percent. The latest from @julialurie.bsky.social www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
"Unflinching" was the word we used to describe Taylor Cadle in @julialurie.bsky.social's and my reporting. It's really something to see her now, at 22-years-old, speaking so loudly for the child version of herself and for other child victims who may be in her position.
'I have to be the voice': Woman sues Grady Judd, Polk deputies over botched rape case from 2016
Taylor Cadle was 12 when she told a sheriff’s office detective she'd been raped for years by her adoptive father. But deputies didn't believe her.
www.wtsp.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:55 PM
"Unflinching" was the word we used to describe Taylor Cadle in @julialurie.bsky.social's and my reporting. It's really something to see her now, at 22-years-old, speaking so loudly for the child version of herself and for other child victims who may be in her position.
This office has still never apologized to a child rape victim for labeling her a liar and prosecuting her.
October 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
This office has still never apologized to a child rape victim for labeling her a liar and prosecuting her.
Last year, we wrote about survivor Taylor Cadle. When she was 12, she told police she’d been raped. They said she was lying and charged her with false reporting. She then took the extraordinary measure of recording the next act of abuse.
Now, Taylor has legal counsel and filed a lawsuit.
Now, Taylor has legal counsel and filed a lawsuit.
October 13, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Last year, we wrote about survivor Taylor Cadle. When she was 12, she told police she’d been raped. They said she was lying and charged her with false reporting. She then took the extraordinary measure of recording the next act of abuse.
Now, Taylor has legal counsel and filed a lawsuit.
Now, Taylor has legal counsel and filed a lawsuit.
Lawyers have been publicizing a new term to describe ICE's racially targeted detainments: a “Kavanaugh stop.”
Mother Jones reporter Pema Levy explains in this new video:
Mother Jones reporter Pema Levy explains in this new video:
October 10, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Fetal personhood laws can turn a miscarriage into a crime scene. As @abbyvesoulis.bsky.social writes, "being pregnant is not just a health status. Sometimes, it’s a criminal liability."
@pregnancyjust.bsky.social's new reports sheds light on what police weigh when criminalizing pregnancy outcomes.
@pregnancyjust.bsky.social's new reports sheds light on what police weigh when criminalizing pregnancy outcomes.
When miscarriages become crimes
412 women faced criminal charges for pregnancy outcomes. This is what fetal personhood looks like.
www.motherjones.com
September 30, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Fetal personhood laws can turn a miscarriage into a crime scene. As @abbyvesoulis.bsky.social writes, "being pregnant is not just a health status. Sometimes, it’s a criminal liability."
@pregnancyjust.bsky.social's new reports sheds light on what police weigh when criminalizing pregnancy outcomes.
@pregnancyjust.bsky.social's new reports sheds light on what police weigh when criminalizing pregnancy outcomes.
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
What happens when a miscarriage is treated like a crime?
That’s not a hypothetical anymore. It’s happening in the U.S. right now. 🧵 www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
That’s not a hypothetical anymore. It’s happening in the U.S. right now. 🧵 www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
When miscarriages become crimes
412 women faced criminal charges for pregnancy outcomes. This is what fetal personhood looks like.
www.motherjones.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:14 PM
What happens when a miscarriage is treated like a crime?
That’s not a hypothetical anymore. It’s happening in the U.S. right now. 🧵 www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
That’s not a hypothetical anymore. It’s happening in the U.S. right now. 🧵 www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Rachel de Leon
For years, medical professionals and transgender advocates have been saying the "Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine" was not following the principles of evidenced-based medicine.
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Trans health care "skeptics" lost a key ally—now they're having a meltdown
The godfather of evidence-based medicine on rejecting anti-trans "misuse" of his work.
www.motherjones.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:11 PM
For years, medical professionals and transgender advocates have been saying the "Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine" was not following the principles of evidenced-based medicine.
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)
Now the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine is leveraging the same claim against them. (1/)