Ric Fouad
@ricfouad.bsky.social
Adjunct prof (legal ethics) Fordham Law & Temple Law (Tokyo Campus), attorney, child welfare advocate, Foster Care Alumni of America, Milton Hershey School alum (7YRS), expert on consequences of political violence for immediate family.
1/2 “Now, a year later, about 780 men have been held at the base — not the 30,000 [‘criminal aliens’] Mr. Trump imagined…” Mind-boggling.
Note that there are only 67K incarcerated undocumented immigrants, meaning abt 15M remain outside Trump’s rhetorical (imaginary) “deportable-criminal” figures.
Note that there are only 67K incarcerated undocumented immigrants, meaning abt 15M remain outside Trump’s rhetorical (imaginary) “deportable-criminal” figures.
Remember those Cubans the U.S. was trying to deport who ended up stranded at Guantanamo Bay since before Christmas? They're in Mississippi now.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
Cuban Deportees Who Were Transferred to Guantánamo Sent Back to U.S.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:40 AM
1/2 “Now, a year later, about 780 men have been held at the base — not the 30,000 [‘criminal aliens’] Mr. Trump imagined…” Mind-boggling.
Note that there are only 67K incarcerated undocumented immigrants, meaning abt 15M remain outside Trump’s rhetorical (imaginary) “deportable-criminal” figures.
Note that there are only 67K incarcerated undocumented immigrants, meaning abt 15M remain outside Trump’s rhetorical (imaginary) “deportable-criminal” figures.
Once again: We can either change our immigration laws or allow Trump to scapegoat, abuse, & deport our 15M hardworking, law-abiding undocumented immigrant neighbors, using existing immigration laws. For decades Dems waffled & pandered on this, allowing Trump to go Nigel Farage: time now to stand up.
HAPPENING NOW: DHS just expedited Liam Conejo Ramos' asylum hearing to this morning, meaning it's possible the five-year-old and his family could be deported as soon as today.
Rep. Joaquin Castro: "The Trump administration is trying to take him away again." www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-...
Rep. Joaquin Castro: "The Trump administration is trying to take him away again." www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-...
Five-Year-Old Liam Ramos Is In His Asylum Hearing Right Now
www.huffpost.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Once again: We can either change our immigration laws or allow Trump to scapegoat, abuse, & deport our 15M hardworking, law-abiding undocumented immigrant neighbors, using existing immigration laws. For decades Dems waffled & pandered on this, allowing Trump to go Nigel Farage: time now to stand up.
Brad Karp logging pro bono time on work concerning abused kids: “I particularly liked the argument that the ‘victims’ lied in wait and sat on their rights for their strategic advantage, knowing you were in prison, before they came forward,” Mr. Karp added.
No paywall: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/b...
No paywall: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/b...
Paul Weiss Partners Turned on Brad Karp After Learning Extent of His Epstein Ties
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Brad Karp logging pro bono time on work concerning abused kids: “I particularly liked the argument that the ‘victims’ lied in wait and sat on their rights for their strategic advantage, knowing you were in prison, before they came forward,” Mr. Karp added.
No paywall: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/b...
No paywall: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/b...
Reposted by Ric Fouad
Our updated tracker of the Trump administration boat strikes is here. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Tracking U.S. Military Killings in Boat Attacks
In four months, the Trump administration has killed scores of people it accused of smuggling drugs aboard boats. Here are the acknowledged strikes so far.
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Our updated tracker of the Trump administration boat strikes is here. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Ric Fouad
VA Gov. Spanberger (moderate, was in CIA) and NYC Mayor Mamdani (left, is in DSA) both taking steps to block local law enforcement from helping ICE as it violently violates people's rights is a good example of how the relevant divide in the Dem coalition isn't center-left, it's fight-don't fight.
February 6, 2026 at 6:40 PM
VA Gov. Spanberger (moderate, was in CIA) and NYC Mayor Mamdani (left, is in DSA) both taking steps to block local law enforcement from helping ICE as it violently violates people's rights is a good example of how the relevant divide in the Dem coalition isn't center-left, it's fight-don't fight.
1/2 Trump sharing vid depicting the Obamas as apes is among most depressing developments of an utterly depressing era. Makes me want to cry—the way GQP racism against the Obamas made me want to cry during Obama presidency. Signals another depraved, racist low in bottomless descent we’re
February 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM
1/2 Trump sharing vid depicting the Obamas as apes is among most depressing developments of an utterly depressing era. Makes me want to cry—the way GQP racism against the Obamas made me want to cry during Obama presidency. Signals another depraved, racist low in bottomless descent we’re
“The ethical constraints on the Supreme Court are notoriously non-existent.” Can say that again. This too: “Conservatives at [Sup Ct] fare even worse on the ethical ledger.” Takeaway? Jackson in truth shld of had no book deal—no Justice shld. But 16th Century Six has log in eye, Jackson a splinter.
February 6, 2026 at 6:19 PM
“The ethical constraints on the Supreme Court are notoriously non-existent.” Can say that again. This too: “Conservatives at [Sup Ct] fare even worse on the ethical ledger.” Takeaway? Jackson in truth shld of had no book deal—no Justice shld. But 16th Century Six has log in eye, Jackson a splinter.
Reposted by Ric Fouad
1/6 Good roundup piece (linking compelling related pieces) by ever thoughtful @joepatrice.bsky.social, lamenting sorry state of affairs in, particularly, Trump Admin atty ethics. All good.
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
February 5, 2026 at 9:01 PM
1/6 Good roundup piece (linking compelling related pieces) by ever thoughtful @joepatrice.bsky.social, lamenting sorry state of affairs in, particularly, Trump Admin atty ethics. All good.
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
Reposted by Ric Fouad
“this case will likely last through decades of appellate and post-conviction litigation”
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Breaking News: A Pentagon official has rejected a proposal to settle the USS Cole bombing case with a plea agreement and a sentence of up to life in prison, setting the stage for the first death penalty trial at Guantánamo Bay to start this summer.
Pentagon Official Rejects Plea Deal in U.S.S. Cole Bombing Case
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:04 AM
“this case will likely last through decades of appellate and post-conviction litigation”
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
“this case will likely last through decades of appellate and post-conviction litigation”
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Breaking News: A Pentagon official has rejected a proposal to settle the USS Cole bombing case with a plea agreement and a sentence of up to life in prison, setting the stage for the first death penalty trial at Guantánamo Bay to start this summer.
Pentagon Official Rejects Plea Deal in U.S.S. Cole Bombing Case
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:04 AM
“this case will likely last through decades of appellate and post-conviction litigation”
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Mockery of justice will not end during the lifetimes of the defendants or the victims’ families, as US tramples rule of law. We shld all be ashamed of our gov here.
Excellent. Have read Hussein’s work, first time hearing him interviewed. Great commentary, devastating truths: the Israeli nut jobs & their Hamas counterparts are hurtling everyone concerned into spiraling violence & forever war. Kabuki show indeed.
I explain to the excellent Mark z Owen of France 24 TV that neither Israel nor Hamas is sincerely interested in “Phase 2” of Trump’s non-existent ceasefire, but are both preparing to cement the very real partition and ongoing war in Gaza.
www.france24.com/en/neither-i...
www.france24.com/en/neither-i...
Neither Israel nor Hamas interested in phase 2 of ceasefire, researcher says
www.france24.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Excellent. Have read Hussein’s work, first time hearing him interviewed. Great commentary, devastating truths: the Israeli nut jobs & their Hamas counterparts are hurtling everyone concerned into spiraling violence & forever war. Kabuki show indeed.
1/6 Good roundup piece (linking compelling related pieces) by ever thoughtful @joepatrice.bsky.social, lamenting sorry state of affairs in, particularly, Trump Admin atty ethics. All good.
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
February 5, 2026 at 9:01 PM
1/6 Good roundup piece (linking compelling related pieces) by ever thoughtful @joepatrice.bsky.social, lamenting sorry state of affairs in, particularly, Trump Admin atty ethics. All good.
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
But I wld add that our key line of defense is federal courts themselves: they shld all take a page from Judge
This kid distills the questions very well: why are these names redacted? It’s plausible that there are legitimate reasons & I don’t subscribe to mobs-with-pitchforks-&-torches approach. But if there are sound reasons for redaction, let’s hear them.
Donald Trump is mentioned in the Epstein files, 38,000 times!
Tell everyone you know & share videos like Harry Sisson's across platforms.
Talk about this while you're walking around the stores even if you have to do a pretend phone call(don't forget to silence your phone)
Link in thread
Tell everyone you know & share videos like Harry Sisson's across platforms.
Talk about this while you're walking around the stores even if you have to do a pretend phone call(don't forget to silence your phone)
Link in thread
February 5, 2026 at 3:39 AM
This kid distills the questions very well: why are these names redacted? It’s plausible that there are legitimate reasons & I don’t subscribe to mobs-with-pitchforks-&-torches approach. But if there are sound reasons for redaction, let’s hear them.
Allowing control of media—including social media—to be concentrated in hands of small coterie of predatory tech oligarchs who seek to avoid having antitrust & other laws enforced against them by politicians whom they simultaneously flatter, bribe, cajole, & fete: what cld possibly go wrong?🤔
Marty Baron slams Jeff Bezos for his sucking up to Trump and damaging the Washington Post brand perhaps irretrievably
Former Washington Post Editor Torches Jeff Bezos Over Newsroom Cuts
Marty Baron blasted the publication’s billionaire owner for “sickening efforts to curry favor” with President Donald Trump.
www.huffpost.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Allowing control of media—including social media—to be concentrated in hands of small coterie of predatory tech oligarchs who seek to avoid having antitrust & other laws enforced against them by politicians whom they simultaneously flatter, bribe, cajole, & fete: what cld possibly go wrong?🤔
💯This is a commendable public service. By all means pls watch, they’ve distilled this travesty to its essence—while Schumer & Dems abjectly fail to demand genuine accountability & improvements.
If you can, take a few minutes to watch us run through the parade of lies from DHS.
“The official story—promulgated by Kristi Noem, and Stephen Miller and JD Vance—was a lie. They are lying to you. They're lying to us. They know it. And in fact, they seem proud of it,” says Chris Hayes on JD Vance saying he won’t apologize for labeling Alex Pretti an “assassin.”
February 5, 2026 at 3:14 AM
💯This is a commendable public service. By all means pls watch, they’ve distilled this travesty to its essence—while Schumer & Dems abjectly fail to demand genuine accountability & improvements.
Reposted by Ric Fouad
We are deciding right now whether we want to be a country with ethnic cleansing and concentration camps.
This is another effort that has taken a HUGE amount of local activism, led by community folks who care.
It CAN be done. Get involved where you live and push back.
www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/i...
It CAN be done. Get involved where you live and push back.
www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/i...
New Mexico Senate approves bill to ban ICE detention centers
The New Mexico Legislature approved the Immigration Safety Act. House bill 9 bars the state from allowing ICE detention centers.
www.elpasotimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:01 AM
We are deciding right now whether we want to be a country with ethnic cleansing and concentration camps.
Reposted by Ric Fouad
NAMES MENTIONED IN THE FILES:
•Trump— 38K+
•Reid Hoffman— 2.6K+
•Bill Gates— 2.5K+
•Peter Thiel— 2.2K+
•Elon Musk—1.1K+
•Richard Branson— ~1K
•Howard Lutnick— 653
•Kevin Warsh— 521
•Larry Ellison— 398
•DACA recipients— 0
•Trans people— 0
•Drag queens— 0
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
•Trump— 38K+
•Reid Hoffman— 2.6K+
•Bill Gates— 2.5K+
•Peter Thiel— 2.2K+
•Elon Musk—1.1K+
•Richard Branson— ~1K
•Howard Lutnick— 653
•Kevin Warsh— 521
•Larry Ellison— 398
•DACA recipients— 0
•Trans people— 0
•Drag queens— 0
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
A list of powerful men named in the Epstein files, from Elon Musk to former Prince Andrew
A who’s who of powerful men make appearances in the huge trove of documents released by the Justice Department in connection with its investigations of Jeffrey Epstein.
www.pbs.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:40 PM
NAMES MENTIONED IN THE FILES:
•Trump— 38K+
•Reid Hoffman— 2.6K+
•Bill Gates— 2.5K+
•Peter Thiel— 2.2K+
•Elon Musk—1.1K+
•Richard Branson— ~1K
•Howard Lutnick— 653
•Kevin Warsh— 521
•Larry Ellison— 398
•DACA recipients— 0
•Trans people— 0
•Drag queens— 0
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
•Trump— 38K+
•Reid Hoffman— 2.6K+
•Bill Gates— 2.5K+
•Peter Thiel— 2.2K+
•Elon Musk—1.1K+
•Richard Branson— ~1K
•Howard Lutnick— 653
•Kevin Warsh— 521
•Larry Ellison— 398
•DACA recipients— 0
•Trans people— 0
•Drag queens— 0
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
Who does something like this? In a nation reeling from cumulative trauma? Much of which she helped cause? Including by singular inability to read the room? I don’t care what the damn announcement is, just make it sans circus antics, for heaven’s sake.
February 5, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Who does something like this? In a nation reeling from cumulative trauma? Much of which she helped cause? Including by singular inability to read the room? I don’t care what the damn announcement is, just make it sans circus antics, for heaven’s sake.
As I was saying…
What’s the over/under? Three months before Karp steps aside? Less? More?🤔
The king of law firm capitulators was also apparently an Epstein fanboy. www.ft.com/content/e12a...
February 5, 2026 at 2:37 AM
As I was saying…
Reposted by Ric Fouad
that stage of society when school children share the bond of having endured the camps together
The two children who returned to MN today say they saw one of their Valley View schoolmates at a detention center in TX. This is a child whose family was last in contact with the school on January 9. No one has known where they were until now.
February 5, 2026 at 2:12 AM
that stage of society when school children share the bond of having endured the camps together
Government by who-last-talked-with-the-President.
Unclear if the hesitation within the administration on the next Iran move is a product of a tug of war between Israel, which prefers war, and increasingly proactive Arab leaders, or a symptom of Trump's own uncertainty about the consequences of his moves, especially politically.
February 4, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Government by who-last-talked-with-the-President.
Look at this juxtaposition of NYT headlines: just when it seemed MN may have pulled us back from descent-into-authoritarianism brink, a new insanity emerges to put midterms at risk. We’re on a perpetual rollercoaster—none of this is normal.
February 4, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Look at this juxtaposition of NYT headlines: just when it seemed MN may have pulled us back from descent-into-authoritarianism brink, a new insanity emerges to put midterms at risk. We’re on a perpetual rollercoaster—none of this is normal.
Cohen was Trump fixer (a lucrative role), then his fierce critic (which he monetized), & now his defender on NY conviction (which helps his pardon effort, something I had naively ignored). There is a pattern here, even if one agrees Bragg/James pursuit of Trump was political. Good reminder piece.
February 4, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Cohen was Trump fixer (a lucrative role), then his fierce critic (which he monetized), & now his defender on NY conviction (which helps his pardon effort, something I had naively ignored). There is a pattern here, even if one agrees Bragg/James pursuit of Trump was political. Good reminder piece.
1/2 Kathryn Rubino series on Karp/Epstein bromance is must-read: sordid relationship far worse than headlines—& don't miss Epstein giving career advice to Kathryn Ruemmler, w assist from Larry Summers. Bottom line? These ppl DGAF abt anyone but themselves—nasty, transactional aspect to all they do,
February 4, 2026 at 1:29 AM
1/2 Kathryn Rubino series on Karp/Epstein bromance is must-read: sordid relationship far worse than headlines—& don't miss Epstein giving career advice to Kathryn Ruemmler, w assist from Larry Summers. Bottom line? These ppl DGAF abt anyone but themselves—nasty, transactional aspect to all they do,