Theodore Grunewald
@tedgrunewald.bsky.social
🍉 • art • architecture • historic preservation • urbanism • ecology • advocacy • NYC Landmarks whisperer • wit wry and champagne dry
Distractedly commencing a dilatory relocation from that other place.
Distractedly commencing a dilatory relocation from that other place.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
I know we're laughing (because it's funny) but what do we think the Democrats would do if ICE just lined people up and machine-gunned them into a ditch? Do you think they'd say "abolish" then?
February 5, 2026 at 3:06 AM
I know we're laughing (because it's funny) but what do we think the Democrats would do if ICE just lined people up and machine-gunned them into a ditch? Do you think they'd say "abolish" then?
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Dem leadership are complicit in all of this. Hopefully you’ll see that some day.
bsky.app/profile/eoin...
bsky.app/profile/eoin...
February 5, 2026 at 3:06 AM
Dem leadership are complicit in all of this. Hopefully you’ll see that some day.
bsky.app/profile/eoin...
bsky.app/profile/eoin...
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
yes queen give us nothing
February 5, 2026 at 3:08 AM
yes queen give us nothing
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Translation: ICE starts deploying tear gas more frequently to wear gas masks. Malicious compliance.
There would be no consequences for wearing a mask anyways but now they'll just feel goaded on.
There would be no consequences for wearing a mask anyways but now they'll just feel goaded on.
February 5, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Translation: ICE starts deploying tear gas more frequently to wear gas masks. Malicious compliance.
There would be no consequences for wearing a mask anyways but now they'll just feel goaded on.
There would be no consequences for wearing a mask anyways but now they'll just feel goaded on.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Yes. Yes! Thank you
February 5, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Yes. Yes! Thank you
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Chuck Schumer To Negotiate Rules For Armed Racist Mercenaries In Exchange For Funding Armed Racist Mercenaries
January 30, 2026 at 1:25 AM
Chuck Schumer To Negotiate Rules For Armed Racist Mercenaries In Exchange For Funding Armed Racist Mercenaries
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
If you read (no paywall!), you'll see these CBP agents are likely among the most-trained in the agency.
These guys are essentially like a hostage rescue team or SWAT.
Now, if you had SWAT working protests and making traffic stops, how different would it look? The answer is don't have SWAT do that.
These guys are essentially like a hostage rescue team or SWAT.
Now, if you had SWAT working protests and making traffic stops, how different would it look? The answer is don't have SWAT do that.
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Identified: the El Paso BORTAC crew rampaging through the Midwest
One violent duo in particular, U.S. Border Patrol agents Michael Sveum (EZ-2) and Edgar Vazquez (EZ-17), have been frequently seen alongside former commander-at-large Greg Bovino terrorizing crowds wi...
unraveledpress.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:11 AM
If you read (no paywall!), you'll see these CBP agents are likely among the most-trained in the agency.
These guys are essentially like a hostage rescue team or SWAT.
Now, if you had SWAT working protests and making traffic stops, how different would it look? The answer is don't have SWAT do that.
These guys are essentially like a hostage rescue team or SWAT.
Now, if you had SWAT working protests and making traffic stops, how different would it look? The answer is don't have SWAT do that.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
It's unclear at this time if Bovino's departure from MN and the subsequent shuffle in leadership means Sveum, Vazquez, or others will also depart permanently.
If you have additional video or photos of them you'd like to bring to our attention, you can text anonymously on Signal at unraveled.66
If you have additional video or photos of them you'd like to bring to our attention, you can text anonymously on Signal at unraveled.66
February 4, 2026 at 10:05 PM
It's unclear at this time if Bovino's departure from MN and the subsequent shuffle in leadership means Sveum, Vazquez, or others will also depart permanently.
If you have additional video or photos of them you'd like to bring to our attention, you can text anonymously on Signal at unraveled.66
If you have additional video or photos of them you'd like to bring to our attention, you can text anonymously on Signal at unraveled.66
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
On October 14, Sveum, Vazquez, and Meza responded to a call for assistance after a car crash on Chicago's East Side.
They arrived with 36-year-old BORTAC agent Derrick Flores, who can be heard here talking to a detainee coughing and retching as tear gas seeps into the feds' vehicle:
They arrived with 36-year-old BORTAC agent Derrick Flores, who can be heard here talking to a detainee coughing and retching as tear gas seeps into the feds' vehicle:
February 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM
On October 14, Sveum, Vazquez, and Meza responded to a call for assistance after a car crash on Chicago's East Side.
They arrived with 36-year-old BORTAC agent Derrick Flores, who can be heard here talking to a detainee coughing and retching as tear gas seeps into the feds' vehicle:
They arrived with 36-year-old BORTAC agent Derrick Flores, who can be heard here talking to a detainee coughing and retching as tear gas seeps into the feds' vehicle:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
We used records from the gassing of Chicago's Little Village neighborhood to identify some other notable members of the unit: Bryan Belen Lleras, 32, Chad B. Hickman, 50, and Oscar A. Meza, 36.
Belen, Hickman (EZ-9), and Meza (EZ-13) joined CBP in 2017, 2000, and 2008, respectively.
Belen, Hickman (EZ-9), and Meza (EZ-13) joined CBP in 2017, 2000, and 2008, respectively.
February 4, 2026 at 9:51 PM
We used records from the gassing of Chicago's Little Village neighborhood to identify some other notable members of the unit: Bryan Belen Lleras, 32, Chad B. Hickman, 50, and Oscar A. Meza, 36.
Belen, Hickman (EZ-9), and Meza (EZ-13) joined CBP in 2017, 2000, and 2008, respectively.
Belen, Hickman (EZ-9), and Meza (EZ-13) joined CBP in 2017, 2000, and 2008, respectively.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
The team was also present for the absolutely brutal and wanton gassing of a majority Black Minneapolis neighborhood that happened on January 14:
Feds realized they weren't going to have an easy time getting through. Can't see what's happening on other end of the road. They're reversing out.
February 4, 2026 at 9:49 PM
The team was also present for the absolutely brutal and wanton gassing of a majority Black Minneapolis neighborhood that happened on January 14:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Outside the gas station, one of our reporters tried asking Sveum (EZ-2) to confirm his name.
He said one word in response: "what?" & went immediately to his vehicle.
A few minutes later, he had pulled his mask more over his face, and appeared to be in furtive conversation with another agent:
He said one word in response: "what?" & went immediately to his vehicle.
A few minutes later, he had pulled his mask more over his face, and appeared to be in furtive conversation with another agent:
February 4, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Outside the gas station, one of our reporters tried asking Sveum (EZ-2) to confirm his name.
He said one word in response: "what?" & went immediately to his vehicle.
A few minutes later, he had pulled his mask more over his face, and appeared to be in furtive conversation with another agent:
He said one word in response: "what?" & went immediately to his vehicle.
A few minutes later, he had pulled his mask more over his face, and appeared to be in furtive conversation with another agent:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
By happenstance, we encountered both agents at this Speedway on January 13. Inside, Vazquez, center here, waited in line for the bathroom with others from Bovino's crew:
We haven't seen any detentions so far. Feds lined up for a pit stop in this Speedway.
February 4, 2026 at 9:42 PM
By happenstance, we encountered both agents at this Speedway on January 13. Inside, Vazquez, center here, waited in line for the bathroom with others from Bovino's crew:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Sveum and Vazquez, alongside other BORTAC agents, showed up in reports and body cam footage released by a federal judge in November.
We were able to further confirm Michael Sveum's identity because one of those videos includes his phone lockscreen with a photo of himself at an ultrarunning event.
We were able to further confirm Michael Sveum's identity because one of those videos includes his phone lockscreen with a photo of himself at an ultrarunning event.
February 4, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Sveum and Vazquez, alongside other BORTAC agents, showed up in reports and body cam footage released by a federal judge in November.
We were able to further confirm Michael Sveum's identity because one of those videos includes his phone lockscreen with a photo of himself at an ultrarunning event.
We were able to further confirm Michael Sveum's identity because one of those videos includes his phone lockscreen with a photo of himself at an ultrarunning event.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
This wasn't the only incident where Vazquez has been seen aiming or firing directly at folks' heads (sometimes it's OC rounds, sometimes tear gas canisters) He did it in Chicago as well. Here he is on January 15 once again doing it to protesters and press outside Whipple:
More footage from a Jan. 15 protest against ICE at the Whipple Building shows federal agents using force against protesters, including agent EZ-17 from the BorTac unit of the Border Patrol firing tear gas at head level at someone from a short distance while other agents record video & take pictures.
February 4, 2026 at 9:31 PM
This wasn't the only incident where Vazquez has been seen aiming or firing directly at folks' heads (sometimes it's OC rounds, sometimes tear gas canisters) He did it in Chicago as well. Here he is on January 15 once again doing it to protesters and press outside Whipple:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
On January 16, researchers with @bellingcat.com wrote about EZ-17's (Vazquez’s) behavior at just one scene in Minneapolis where he was counted firing his 40mm launcher at people five times within five minutes:
Analysing One Federal Agent’s Use of Less-Lethal Launcher in Minneapolis
After the fatal shooting of Renee Good, Border Patrol agent "EZ-17" was filmed shooting less-lethal munitions at protesters five times in five minutes.
www.bellingcat.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:27 PM
On January 16, researchers with @bellingcat.com wrote about EZ-17's (Vazquez’s) behavior at just one scene in Minneapolis where he was counted firing his 40mm launcher at people five times within five minutes:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
*Note: @pacantifa.is first identified Michael Sveum on January 14. This was entirely separate from our investigation into his team, which we started in November.
WANTED FOR KIDNAPPING / ASSAULT - Michael B. Sveum of Las Cruces, NM: BORTAC agent with Customs and Border Protection. He is in Minneapolis now and he was in Los Angeles in June and July.
Insignia "EZ-2" and "BTC". Witness to the murder of Renee Nicole Good. #OneOfOursAllOfYours #ICEList #UnmaskICE
Insignia "EZ-2" and "BTC". Witness to the murder of Renee Nicole Good. #OneOfOursAllOfYours #ICEList #UnmaskICE
February 4, 2026 at 9:25 PM
*Note: @pacantifa.is first identified Michael Sveum on January 14. This was entirely separate from our investigation into his team, which we started in November.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Identified: the El Paso BORTAC crew rampaging through the Midwest
One violent duo in particular, U.S. Border Patrol agents Michael Sveum (EZ-2) and Edgar Vazquez (EZ-17), have been frequently seen alongside former commander-at-large Greg Bovino terrorizing crowds wi...
unraveledpress.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:24 PM
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
ICE Is Circling Minnesota Schools, Looking For Children to Take
ICE Is Circling Minnesota Schools, Looking For Children to Take
Liam Ramos, 5, isn’t the only child in detention. Teachers and parents describe kids being hunted by federal agents.
www.huffpost.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:59 AM
ICE Is Circling Minnesota Schools, Looking For Children to Take
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Our thread of ICE and Border Patrol sex offenders is up to 53 agents, with many more to go.
Patrick Andrew Hamburg, 46, a Customs and Border Protection officer from International Falls, MN, was sentenced on Aug 16, 2011 to 7 and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a preteen girl over a period of several years. Hamburg moved to Montana after his release from prison.
February 1, 2026 at 2:56 AM
Our thread of ICE and Border Patrol sex offenders is up to 53 agents, with many more to go.
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
2 weeks ago, the El Paso Medical Examiner ruled the death of a Cuban ICE detainee a homicide.
This time, when a 32-year-old Nicaraguan man died, ICE bypassed the county medical examiner in favor of a military facility. They won’t publicly release a ruling.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
This time, when a 32-year-old Nicaraguan man died, ICE bypassed the county medical examiner in favor of a military facility. They won’t publicly release a ruling.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
ICE bypasses El Paso medical examiner for autopsy on migrant
ICE bypassed the county medical examiner in favor of a military facility for the autopsy of a Nicaraguan man and won’t release a ruling to the public.
www.texastribune.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:52 PM
2 weeks ago, the El Paso Medical Examiner ruled the death of a Cuban ICE detainee a homicide.
This time, when a 32-year-old Nicaraguan man died, ICE bypassed the county medical examiner in favor of a military facility. They won’t publicly release a ruling.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
This time, when a 32-year-old Nicaraguan man died, ICE bypassed the county medical examiner in favor of a military facility. They won’t publicly release a ruling.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
senators only do this when they're in extreme distress
February 4, 2026 at 9:32 PM
senators only do this when they're in extreme distress
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
no additional comment right now from wyden's office.
wild guess: timing is the big contextual clue here (b/c there's literally nothing else to go on)
wild guess: timing is the big contextual clue here (b/c there's literally nothing else to go on)
February 4, 2026 at 11:06 PM
no additional comment right now from wyden's office.
wild guess: timing is the big contextual clue here (b/c there's literally nothing else to go on)
wild guess: timing is the big contextual clue here (b/c there's literally nothing else to go on)
Reposted by Theodore Grunewald
Wyden has been the main voice pointing at the large trove of US Treasury documents that exist on Epstein that haven't been released either.
Epstein made 4,725 wire transfers of over $1 billion dollars, with no legitimate purpose... And yet was never audited by the IRS?
Shady all the way down.
Epstein made 4,725 wire transfers of over $1 billion dollars, with no legitimate purpose... And yet was never audited by the IRS?
Shady all the way down.
February 5, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Wyden has been the main voice pointing at the large trove of US Treasury documents that exist on Epstein that haven't been released either.
Epstein made 4,725 wire transfers of over $1 billion dollars, with no legitimate purpose... And yet was never audited by the IRS?
Shady all the way down.
Epstein made 4,725 wire transfers of over $1 billion dollars, with no legitimate purpose... And yet was never audited by the IRS?
Shady all the way down.