Silky Shah
@silkys13.bsky.social
executive director, Detention Watch Network, author Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition (Haymarket Books, 2024), from Texas, views my own
book info/events: https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/unbuild-walls
book info/events: https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/unbuild-walls
Pinned
Trump Has Made ICE the Largest Law Enforcement Agency in the Country
With Congress-approved funding, ICE detention is expected to triple in size, mirroring the scale of Japanese internment.
truthout.org
For @truthout.org I wrote an analysis of the mass deportation boom during 2025. Amid all the spectacle, the passage of the funding bill in July was an ominous milestone in the history of U.S. immigration policy and the Trump administration's aspiring fascism.
truthout.org/articles/tru...
truthout.org/articles/tru...
Reposted by Silky Shah
Framing the detention of migrants while their cases are being decided as MAGA policy, rather than a decades-old bipartisan consensus, is part of why people think the system should be reformed, not abolished.
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
Trump’s New “Prison Camp” Threat Unleashes Fury Even in MAGA Country
The next phase of ICE’s big ramp-up: a nationwide network of vast detention facilities. But guess what? Even parts of Red America are saying no.
newrepublic.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Framing the detention of migrants while their cases are being decided as MAGA policy, rather than a decades-old bipartisan consensus, is part of why people think the system should be reformed, not abolished.
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
Reposted by Silky Shah
Here I disagree: "Note that huge majorities are against keeping immigrants in detention 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥. This is a decisive repudiation of a key pillar of MAGA ideology."
This detention is a pillar of 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, a longstanding bipartisan project.
This detention is a pillar of 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, a longstanding bipartisan project.
February 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Here I disagree: "Note that huge majorities are against keeping immigrants in detention 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥. This is a decisive repudiation of a key pillar of MAGA ideology."
This detention is a pillar of 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, a longstanding bipartisan project.
This detention is a pillar of 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, a longstanding bipartisan project.
Reposted by Silky Shah
A good piece on why "professionalization" isn't the answer people think it is
inquest.org/the-ice-refo...
inquest.org/the-ice-refo...
The ICE Reformation Trap - Spencer Piston - Inquest
Professionalization will not make immigration policing less violent. It will only increase its capacity, authority, and scope.
inquest.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:47 PM
A good piece on why "professionalization" isn't the answer people think it is
inquest.org/the-ice-refo...
inquest.org/the-ice-refo...
Reposted by Silky Shah
As Audre Lorde said, “Do not be misled into passivity either by false security (they don’t mean me) or by despair (there’s nothing we can do).”
February 3, 2026 at 3:32 AM
As Audre Lorde said, “Do not be misled into passivity either by false security (they don’t mean me) or by despair (there’s nothing we can do).”
Reposted by Silky Shah
Bringing back this older episode The upEND Podcast with @silkys13.bsky.social because we need to stay really clear about our demands for #Abolition. #AbolishICE
Unbuild Walls | The upEND Podcast Season 2, Episode 4 - upEND Movement
Season 2, Episode 4
upendmovement.org
January 31, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Bringing back this older episode The upEND Podcast with @silkys13.bsky.social because we need to stay really clear about our demands for #Abolition. #AbolishICE
Reposted by Silky Shah
This is the most detailed reporting I've seen yet on the proposed "mega detention center" in the Village of Chester, NY -- @bjmendelson.com, The Monroe Gazette
www.monroegazette.com/p/frequently...
www.monroegazette.com/p/frequently...
Frequently Asked Questions About the Concentration Camp Next Door
You have questions about what’s happening in Chester and how it impacts our region. I have answers.
www.monroegazette.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:13 AM
This is the most detailed reporting I've seen yet on the proposed "mega detention center" in the Village of Chester, NY -- @bjmendelson.com, The Monroe Gazette
www.monroegazette.com/p/frequently...
www.monroegazette.com/p/frequently...
Reposted by Silky Shah
Abolish ICE/DHC. For those hoping for reforms - especially better training, better staffing of detention centers, more oversight, etc. - I offer this book of mine, co-written with Nancy Heitzeg (@naheitzeg.bsky.social), "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."
January 27, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Abolish ICE/DHC. For those hoping for reforms - especially better training, better staffing of detention centers, more oversight, etc. - I offer this book of mine, co-written with Nancy Heitzeg (@naheitzeg.bsky.social), "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."
Reposted by Silky Shah
I also strongly recommend Silky Shah's (@silkys13.bsky.social) powerful & essential book, "Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition." www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2213-u... Justice Needs Abolition.
www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2213-u...
www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2213-u...
Unbuild Walls
www.haymarketbooks.org
January 27, 2026 at 10:32 PM
I also strongly recommend Silky Shah's (@silkys13.bsky.social) powerful & essential book, "Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition." www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2213-u... Justice Needs Abolition.
www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2213-u...
www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2213-u...
Reposted by Silky Shah
The officer who shot Alex worked for DHS for 8 years. The officer who shot Renee worked for DHS for over 10 years. Both are considered “highly trained.”
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
January 26, 2026 at 7:28 PM
The officer who shot Alex worked for DHS for 8 years. The officer who shot Renee worked for DHS for over 10 years. Both are considered “highly trained.”
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
Reposted by Silky Shah
ICE just showed up at our house for the second day in a row. Four cars yesterday, today five. They rolled up slow, then got out to taunt us, and take pictures of the house. They want fear to overwhelm us, to project a fantasy of power meant to intimidate, isolate, produce obedience—not happening.
January 27, 2026 at 10:20 PM
ICE just showed up at our house for the second day in a row. Four cars yesterday, today five. They rolled up slow, then got out to taunt us, and take pictures of the house. They want fear to overwhelm us, to project a fantasy of power meant to intimidate, isolate, produce obedience—not happening.
Reposted by Silky Shah
Ruthie and Craig: “Don’t just think about winning, think about what you’re going to do the day after you win”
In our latest, we speak with Ruth Wilson Gilmore and Craig Gilmore about the rapid escalation of police forces and carceral logics on US streets and why abolition is the only way
www.patreon.com/posts/149118...
www.patreon.com/posts/149118...
The Anti-State State w/ Ruth Wilson Gilmore and Craig Gilmore (01/26/26) | The Death Panel
Get more from The Death Panel on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Ruthie and Craig: “Don’t just think about winning, think about what you’re going to do the day after you win”
Reposted by Silky Shah
Here's our recent Death Panel chat, notable for the great fun we had talking with @reallandsend.bsky.social & getting to meet the newest of the DP gang:
January 26, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Here's our recent Death Panel chat, notable for the great fun we had talking with @reallandsend.bsky.social & getting to meet the newest of the DP gang:
Reposted by Silky Shah
Three free (and very relevant) e-books available from @haymarketbooks.org right now
"Unbuild Walls" by @silkys13.bsky.social
"Border and Rule" by @harshawalia.bsky.social
and my "The Case for Open Borders"
www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/525-fr...
"Unbuild Walls" by @silkys13.bsky.social
"Border and Rule" by @harshawalia.bsky.social
and my "The Case for Open Borders"
www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/525-fr...
Free Ebooks: Abolish ICE, Abolish the Border
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice an...
www.haymarketbooks.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Three free (and very relevant) e-books available from @haymarketbooks.org right now
"Unbuild Walls" by @silkys13.bsky.social
"Border and Rule" by @harshawalia.bsky.social
and my "The Case for Open Borders"
www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/525-fr...
"Unbuild Walls" by @silkys13.bsky.social
"Border and Rule" by @harshawalia.bsky.social
and my "The Case for Open Borders"
www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/525-fr...
Reposted by Silky Shah
Last year, the author of Unbuild Walls, @silkys13.bsky.social, spoke with PRA’s Ethan Fauré about how abolition serves as a critical strategy to combat the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant authoritarian agenda. Learn more here: politicalresearch.org/2025/09/23/w....
January 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Last year, the author of Unbuild Walls, @silkys13.bsky.social, spoke with PRA’s Ethan Fauré about how abolition serves as a critical strategy to combat the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant authoritarian agenda. Learn more here: politicalresearch.org/2025/09/23/w....
Reposted by Silky Shah
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice and border abolition.
We’ve also added a list of additional recommended reading:
We’ve also added a list of additional recommended reading:
Free Ebooks: Abolish ICE, Abolish the Border
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice an...
www.haymarketbooks.org
January 26, 2026 at 5:13 PM
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice and border abolition.
We’ve also added a list of additional recommended reading:
We’ve also added a list of additional recommended reading:
Reposted by Silky Shah
Leave it to @haymarketbooks.org to meet the moment with free access to some important books! LOVED @silkys13.bsky.social's Unbuild Walls and can't wait to read the others. Thank you Haymarket. Now everyone, get you some!
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice and border abolition.
We’ve also added a list of additional recommended reading:
We’ve also added a list of additional recommended reading:
Free Ebooks: Abolish ICE, Abolish the Border
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice an...
www.haymarketbooks.org
January 26, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Leave it to @haymarketbooks.org to meet the moment with free access to some important books! LOVED @silkys13.bsky.social's Unbuild Walls and can't wait to read the others. Thank you Haymarket. Now everyone, get you some!
Reposted by Silky Shah
People are right to be incensed, but there are more names to uplift. ICE killed an immigrant man named Silverio Villegas González in Chicagoland. He had children. Victor Manuel Diaz was kidnapped in Minneapolis and died in ICE custody on January 14. Their names deserve to be repeated, too.
January 25, 2026 at 11:00 PM
People are right to be incensed, but there are more names to uplift. ICE killed an immigrant man named Silverio Villegas González in Chicagoland. He had children. Victor Manuel Diaz was kidnapped in Minneapolis and died in ICE custody on January 14. Their names deserve to be repeated, too.
Reposted by Silky Shah
Reposted by Silky Shah
Found myself reaching for language from @silkys13.bsky.social during some of last week's coordination calls; it's heartening to see folks in the anti-criminalization movement and in the immigration space coming together, because criminalization is at the core of both struggles.
Thanks to the audiobook release, I powered through the rest of @silkys13.bsky.social 's Unbuild Walls with a bitter taste in my mouth, knowing how things are unfolding. Really grateful to have this analysis of campaign successes, struggles & the need for an abolitionist uniting of struggles 📚
Unbuild Walls Audiobook on Libro.fm
Drawing from over twenty years of activism on local and national levels, this striking book offers an organizer's perspective on the intersections of immigrant rights, racial justice, and prison aboli...
libro.fm
January 25, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Found myself reaching for language from @silkys13.bsky.social during some of last week's coordination calls; it's heartening to see folks in the anti-criminalization movement and in the immigration space coming together, because criminalization is at the core of both struggles.
Reposted by Silky Shah
I've been studying the history of US, and indeed, global policing my whole career and I can't make it more clear to law makers that this isn't a bastardization of policing, it is its purest form and logical conclusion. The impunity, militarization, deference, legitimacy, racial targeting, etc.
January 25, 2026 at 2:20 AM
I've been studying the history of US, and indeed, global policing my whole career and I can't make it more clear to law makers that this isn't a bastardization of policing, it is its purest form and logical conclusion. The impunity, militarization, deference, legitimacy, racial targeting, etc.
Reposted by Silky Shah
As many as 1500 detainees at the Dilley ICE camp have erupted in protest.
Lawyers were kicked out amid chants of: "Let us out! libertad!!"
Detainees say ~80% are rebelling, motivated by the news from Minneapolis, the general strike, and the imprisonment of little Liam.
Lawyers were kicked out amid chants of: "Let us out! libertad!!"
Detainees say ~80% are rebelling, motivated by the news from Minneapolis, the general strike, and the imprisonment of little Liam.
January 25, 2026 at 5:45 AM
As many as 1500 detainees at the Dilley ICE camp have erupted in protest.
Lawyers were kicked out amid chants of: "Let us out! libertad!!"
Detainees say ~80% are rebelling, motivated by the news from Minneapolis, the general strike, and the imprisonment of little Liam.
Lawyers were kicked out amid chants of: "Let us out! libertad!!"
Detainees say ~80% are rebelling, motivated by the news from Minneapolis, the general strike, and the imprisonment of little Liam.
Reposted by Silky Shah
Abolish ICE is not enough.
It's not about training -- Ross who killed Renee Good was a TRAINER. It's not about body cams -- we saw Alex Pretti killed with our own eyes.
We have to abolish the idea that violence ever made us safer, before it's too late.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It's not about training -- Ross who killed Renee Good was a TRAINER. It's not about body cams -- we saw Alex Pretti killed with our own eyes.
We have to abolish the idea that violence ever made us safer, before it's too late.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Abolishing ICE isn’t enough – it’s time to center people’s humanity | Heba Gowayed and Victor Ray
It’s far from radical to reject a system predicated on violence – despite what thinktanks might claim
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Abolish ICE is not enough.
It's not about training -- Ross who killed Renee Good was a TRAINER. It's not about body cams -- we saw Alex Pretti killed with our own eyes.
We have to abolish the idea that violence ever made us safer, before it's too late.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It's not about training -- Ross who killed Renee Good was a TRAINER. It's not about body cams -- we saw Alex Pretti killed with our own eyes.
We have to abolish the idea that violence ever made us safer, before it's too late.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Silky Shah
Why would you believe people who tell you that the US can't shut down institutions at the drop of a hat when you are currently witnessing this administration do it in real time?
January 24, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Why would you believe people who tell you that the US can't shut down institutions at the drop of a hat when you are currently witnessing this administration do it in real time?
Reposted by Silky Shah
in trying to understand what makes ICE and CBP so dangerous right now, it is tempting to imagine some new lack of training or experience or professionalism—and not grapple with the truth that a white nationalist movement has put more power and force behind their existing mission
January 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM
in trying to understand what makes ICE and CBP so dangerous right now, it is tempting to imagine some new lack of training or experience or professionalism—and not grapple with the truth that a white nationalist movement has put more power and force behind their existing mission
Reposted by Silky Shah
Minneapolis's anti-ICE organizing grew, in part, from seeds planted in the 2020 uprising. And as Minneapolis organizers @jonathanstegall.bsky.social & @annekosseffjones.bsky.social write, "By protecting our neighbors from ICE, we are practicing abolition."
truthout.org/articles/min...
truthout.org/articles/min...
Minneapolis’s 2020 Uprising Laid an Abolitionist Groundwork for ICE Resistance
The George Floyd uprising laid foundations for the politicized networks of care that are organizing against ICE now.
truthout.org
January 24, 2026 at 3:06 AM
Minneapolis's anti-ICE organizing grew, in part, from seeds planted in the 2020 uprising. And as Minneapolis organizers @jonathanstegall.bsky.social & @annekosseffjones.bsky.social write, "By protecting our neighbors from ICE, we are practicing abolition."
truthout.org/articles/min...
truthout.org/articles/min...