Rachel Levinson-Waldman
@rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social
Director, Liberty & National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice. Raised in Austin TX; in DC for last 20+ years; MA/WA/IL/CA/NZ in between. Owner of extremely cute dog.
Pinned
This is outrageous and un-American. Full stop. Let's start with the basics: being an observer or a protester does not make you a "domestic terrorist," as I explained shortly after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good. 1/12 www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/o...
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“But more to the point, it’s election subversion, not cancellation, that is the real authoritarian move. The goal is to keep elections going but without unseating those in power.”
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“But more to the point, it’s election subversion, not cancellation, that is the real authoritarian move. The goal is to keep elections going but without unseating those in power.”
Opinion | Trump Says He Wants to Cancel Elections, but Here Is the Real Threat
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:30 AM
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/o...
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“But more to the point, it’s election subversion, not cancellation, that is the real authoritarian move. The goal is to keep elections going but without unseating those in power.”
👇👇👇
“But more to the point, it’s election subversion, not cancellation, that is the real authoritarian move. The goal is to keep elections going but without unseating those in power.”
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
Yesterday we learned that the Department of Justice is monitoring and tracking members of Congress’s searches of the Epstein files. There’s no sugar coating it: the administration is spying on lawmakers as they exercise their constitutional oversight responsibilities. 1/10
February 12, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Yesterday we learned that the Department of Justice is monitoring and tracking members of Congress’s searches of the Epstein files. There’s no sugar coating it: the administration is spying on lawmakers as they exercise their constitutional oversight responsibilities. 1/10
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
NEW: Most election cases in 2022 and 2024 were decided in state court. I previewed some of what the @statecourtreport.org team will be watching this election year -- and explain why Trump's call to nationalize elections is unconstitutional. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
What We're Watching in the 2026 Elections
State Court Report's new Election 2026 hub provides coverage of major legal and judicial developments shaping this election cycle.
statecourtreport.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:47 PM
NEW: Most election cases in 2022 and 2024 were decided in state court. I previewed some of what the @statecourtreport.org team will be watching this election year -- and explain why Trump's call to nationalize elections is unconstitutional. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
See more of @margyoh.bsky.social's analysis of ICE's arrest data here: www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
February 12, 2026 at 3:42 PM
See more of @margyoh.bsky.social's analysis of ICE's arrest data here: www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
Alarming new revelations about ICE's use of administrative subpoenas to get information about people the administration wanted to detain and deport because of their protests against government policies. theintercept.com/2026/02/10/g...
Google Handed ICE Student Journalist’s Bank and Credit Card Numbers
Amandla Thomas-Johnson didn't know how much information ICE requested in a subpoena now. Google never gave him a chance to fight it.
theintercept.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Alarming new revelations about ICE's use of administrative subpoenas to get information about people the administration wanted to detain and deport because of their protests against government policies. theintercept.com/2026/02/10/g...
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
No DHS funding without stronger oversight and accountability, civil liberties protections, curbs on violence. Congress must "flex its muscle" - by @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social, @margyoh.bsky.social, @hannahajames.bsky.social
Expert Survey on DHS, CBP, and ICE Reforms
Experts detail targeted reforms and legislative pathways Congress could enact to improve ICE and CBP accountability.
www.justsecurity.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:17 PM
No DHS funding without stronger oversight and accountability, civil liberties protections, curbs on violence. Congress must "flex its muscle" - by @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social, @margyoh.bsky.social, @hannahajames.bsky.social
It was great to join KQED’s Marisa Lagos for this conversation today - we hit ICE surveillance tech, the admin’s targeting of observers and protestors (and even retirees emailing govt employees!), the exception that gives the govt free rein to buy loads of personal data from data brokers, and more.
Trump admin memos set out a framework casting ordinary Americans as potential domestic terrorists. “And we’re starting to see how that’s playing out …with people placed into a government database on the basis of lawful activity.” - @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social
Federal Agents Deploy High Tech to Track Protesters | KQED
We talk to experts about how federal surveillance technologies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
www.kqed.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:07 PM
It was great to join KQED’s Marisa Lagos for this conversation today - we hit ICE surveillance tech, the admin’s targeting of observers and protestors (and even retirees emailing govt employees!), the exception that gives the govt free rein to buy loads of personal data from data brokers, and more.
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
The Constitution is quite clear: states run elections in our country. The president has no role.” - @mawaldman.bsky.social on Trump's talk of federalizing elections.
'Very chilling and disturbing': Lawyer reacts to bodycam of raid at GA elections hub
YouTube video by MS NOW
https://youtu.be/wtdHUm6vm2I?si…
February 3, 2026 at 8:36 PM
The Constitution is quite clear: states run elections in our country. The president has no role.” - @mawaldman.bsky.social on Trump's talk of federalizing elections.
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
🎙️ON AIR:
We're talking to @brennancenter.org's @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's @sheeraf.bsky.social about how the facial-recognition tools used by federal immigration agencies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
❓What are your Qs about this tech?
📻Listen:
We're talking to @brennancenter.org's @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's @sheeraf.bsky.social about how the facial-recognition tools used by federal immigration agencies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
❓What are your Qs about this tech?
📻Listen:
Federal Agents Deploy High Tech to Track Protesters | KQED
We talk to experts about how federal surveillance technologies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
www.kqed.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
🎙️ON AIR:
We're talking to @brennancenter.org's @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's @sheeraf.bsky.social about how the facial-recognition tools used by federal immigration agencies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
❓What are your Qs about this tech?
📻Listen:
We're talking to @brennancenter.org's @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's @sheeraf.bsky.social about how the facial-recognition tools used by federal immigration agencies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
❓What are your Qs about this tech?
📻Listen:
I shouldn't be shocked by the exciting new frontiers[TM] in unwanted consumer-facing AI, but this one took me by surprise. I'm emailing with a staff member at my son's school about signing up to bring some kind of food that reflects my family's culture for Culture Day.
February 4, 2026 at 5:09 PM
I shouldn't be shocked by the exciting new frontiers[TM] in unwanted consumer-facing AI, but this one took me by surprise. I'm emailing with a staff member at my son's school about signing up to bring some kind of food that reflects my family's culture for Culture Day.
Join me and @sheeraf.bsky.social at 1 pm ET/10 am PT *today* as we talk with @kqedforum.bsky.social about ICE surveillance and more. www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
Federal Agents Deploy High Tech to Track Protesters | KQED
We talk to experts about how federal surveillance technologies work and what they mean for enforcement and civil liberties.
www.kqed.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Join me and @sheeraf.bsky.social at 1 pm ET/10 am PT *today* as we talk with @kqedforum.bsky.social about ICE surveillance and more. www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
Excellent piece from my colleague @hannahajames.bsky.social on the legal and constitutional bankruptcy of ICE's position that it can break down doors on the basis of nothing more than a piece of paper signed by an employee of the executive branch. www.justsecurity.org/130497/dhs-w...
DHS Warrantless Home Entry Memo’s Fourth Amendment Problem
A leaked ICE memo authorizes warrantless home raids, defying DHS policy and raising grave Fourth Amendment concerns.
www.justsecurity.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:08 AM
Excellent piece from my colleague @hannahajames.bsky.social on the legal and constitutional bankruptcy of ICE's position that it can break down doors on the basis of nothing more than a piece of paper signed by an employee of the executive branch. www.justsecurity.org/130497/dhs-w...
Love to see the increasing recognition that DHS is overdue for major reform and that we need to "end the securitization of American life." I couldn't agree more! www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/o...
Opinion | The Rot Goes Deeper Than ICE
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Love to see the increasing recognition that DHS is overdue for major reform and that we need to "end the securitization of American life." I couldn't agree more! www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/o...
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
The administration is massively expanding surveillance for immigration enforcement. @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social asks: “Are we also going to expand it or wield it against U.S. citizens who are engaging in entirely lawful protest activity?”
DHS ramps up surveillance in immigration raids, sweeping in citizens
The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is providing insights into the surveillance technologies the government is using in its mass deportation campaign.
apnews.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:32 PM
The administration is massively expanding surveillance for immigration enforcement. @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social asks: “Are we also going to expand it or wield it against U.S. citizens who are engaging in entirely lawful protest activity?”
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
🔔 Immigration enforcement reporting can be dangerous.
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
January 29, 2026 at 10:39 PM
🔔 Immigration enforcement reporting can be dangerous.
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
wapo.st/4bXee03
Good rundown of the tech that ICE has in hand, fueled partly by the spending spree it was able to go on after the Big Beautiful Bill.
Good rundown of the tech that ICE has in hand, fueled partly by the spending spree it was able to go on after the Big Beautiful Bill.
The powerful tools in ICE’s arsenal to track suspects — and protesters
Biometric trackers, cellphone location databases and drones are among the surveillance technologies agents are using in their immigration enforcement campaign.
wapo.st
January 30, 2026 at 4:22 AM
wapo.st/4bXee03
Good rundown of the tech that ICE has in hand, fueled partly by the spending spree it was able to go on after the Big Beautiful Bill.
Good rundown of the tech that ICE has in hand, fueled partly by the spending spree it was able to go on after the Big Beautiful Bill.
Important thread from an expert on immigration and DHS funding👇👇🧵🧵
Congress is debating whether to give DHS additional funding for immigration enforcement, but ICE and CBP have only spent a fraction of its staggering budget – much of it on a violent crackdown on immigrants and protesters. Here are the numbers. 1/23
January 28, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Important thread from an expert on immigration and DHS funding👇👇🧵🧵
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
ICE is spending big on surveillance tools like iris scanning software. That raises serious privacy and free speech concerns. “The idea that someone is going to be pulled off the street and have their face scanned feels enormously dystopian,” says Brennan Center's @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social.
ICE ups investment in surveillance technology with $4.5 million contract with Mass. tech firm - The Boston Globe
New technologies would help federal immigration officers identify people faster and more easily.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:38 PM
ICE is spending big on surveillance tools like iris scanning software. That raises serious privacy and free speech concerns. “The idea that someone is going to be pulled off the street and have their face scanned feels enormously dystopian,” says Brennan Center's @rlevinsonwaldman.bsky.social.
Federal agents showed up *at the house* of an ICE watcher in order to threaten her over completely lawful activity. They literally told her: “This is a warning. We know you live right here.” This is not normal. www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
ICE watchers in Maine say they were threatened by federal agents
Community members have been monitoring the activity of immigration agents in Greater Portland.
www.pressherald.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:10 AM
Federal agents showed up *at the house* of an ICE watcher in order to threaten her over completely lawful activity. They literally told her: “This is a warning. We know you live right here.” This is not normal. www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
Federal agents killed innocent civilians. The response of the U.S. attorney general is to use it as leverage to illegally access voter data.
Bondi Links Minneapolis Violence to Voter Data
The attorney general laid bare the administration’s plan to interfere with the midterms.
www.brennancenter.org
January 27, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Federal agents killed innocent civilians. The response of the U.S. attorney general is to use it as leverage to illegally access voter data.
Day after day in Minneapolis, ordinary people have pulled out their phones and documented ICE & Border Patrol's actions, often in the face of threats and tear gas. They showed the world the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. But what happens when the camera is in ICE’s hands? 1/11
January 27, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Day after day in Minneapolis, ordinary people have pulled out their phones and documented ICE & Border Patrol's actions, often in the face of threats and tear gas. They showed the world the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. But what happens when the camera is in ICE’s hands? 1/11
Reposted by Rachel Levinson-Waldman
The Insurrection Act lets the president deploy the military on American soil. It's dangerously vague. Learn more: bit.ly/3GsFBhL
The Insurrection Act, Explained
The vague and rarely used law gives the president broad power to deploy the military domestically — but it’s not a blank check.
www.brennancenter.org
January 26, 2026 at 6:39 PM
The Insurrection Act lets the president deploy the military on American soil. It's dangerously vague. Learn more: bit.ly/3GsFBhL
And now Alex Pretti is being called a domestic terrorist by Stephen Miller. This should be no surprise at this point - it’s part of a playbook that strips the word of its meaning and facilitates the targeting of people who oppose the administration’s policies. www.cnn.com/us/live-news...
January 25, 2026 at 3:06 PM
And now Alex Pretti is being called a domestic terrorist by Stephen Miller. This should be no surprise at this point - it’s part of a playbook that strips the word of its meaning and facilitates the targeting of people who oppose the administration’s policies. www.cnn.com/us/live-news...
My heroes today include documentary photographers. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
Live Updates: Federal Agents Kill a 37-Year-Old Minneapolis Man
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 9:27 PM
My heroes today include documentary photographers. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
This is outrageous and un-American. Full stop. Let's start with the basics: being an observer or a protester does not make you a "domestic terrorist," as I explained shortly after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good. 1/12 www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
January 24, 2026 at 3:12 PM
This is outrageous and un-American. Full stop. Let's start with the basics: being an observer or a protester does not make you a "domestic terrorist," as I explained shortly after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good. 1/12 www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...