Tina Vasquez
@tinavasquez.bsky.social
Features Editor & Immigration Reporter @prismreports.org | co-founder @theflytrapmedia.com | tina@prismreports.org
I’ve been home in LA for the last two weeks and things don’t feel particularly hopeful. The weather is dismal and a major threat to communities whose homes were burned down at this same time last year. The ICE raids are like a dark cloud over the city.
December 31, 2025 at 8:19 PM
I’ve been home in LA for the last two weeks and things don’t feel particularly hopeful. The weather is dismal and a major threat to communities whose homes were burned down at this same time last year. The ICE raids are like a dark cloud over the city.
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
I can’t believe it’s been a year since I didn’t become a better person
December 31, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I can’t believe it’s been a year since I didn’t become a better person
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
'In some parts of the country, emergency removals [taking kids from their homes with no court hearing] account for 70% to 95% of all entries into foster care.'
Most Kids Taken Into Foster Care Before Parents Get a Hearing
Despite federal law, emergency removals account for 70% to 95% of all entries into foster care, data collected by The Imprint shows.
imprintnews.org
December 31, 2025 at 8:10 PM
'In some parts of the country, emergency removals [taking kids from their homes with no court hearing] account for 70% to 95% of all entries into foster care.'
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
New: We got an internal ICE document revealing its $100 million ad plan to bring in 14,000 new hires: deals with "tactical" influencers; ads to gun & military buffs; and geo-targeting phones around NASCAR races and gun shows.
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
ICE plans $100 million ‘wartime recruitment’ push targeting gun shows, military fans for hires
An internal ICE document shared among immigration officials details plans to use influencers and geo-targeted ads to rapidly hire thousands of deportation officers.
wapo.st
December 31, 2025 at 12:09 PM
New: We got an internal ICE document revealing its $100 million ad plan to bring in 14,000 new hires: deals with "tactical" influencers; ads to gun & military buffs; and geo-targeting phones around NASCAR races and gun shows.
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
I love this time of year, and I hate this time of year.
December 11, 2025 at 2:06 AM
I love this time of year, and I hate this time of year.
In 2024, Sierra Dickey reported a story for @prismreports.org in which an official from VT Department of Corrections claimed the agency supports abolition. Sierra came through with this follow-up, reporting on how VT DOC is actually trying to expand the state's carceral system to ensnare more women
Vermont Department of Corrections once claimed to support abolition and is now pursuing new prison
The “pinkwashing” of prisons ramps up in Vermont, where local officials are pushing for the construction of a “gender-responsive” facility
prismreports.org
December 9, 2025 at 7:49 PM
In 2024, Sierra Dickey reported a story for @prismreports.org in which an official from VT Department of Corrections claimed the agency supports abolition. Sierra came through with this follow-up, reporting on how VT DOC is actually trying to expand the state's carceral system to ensnare more women
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
MY LATEST @kcrw.com ORANGE COUNTY LINE: The legacy of Chicano artist Jose Lozano. Share, porfas!
The legacy of Chicano artist Jose Lozano | KCRW
The late painter's art is featured across Southern California.
www.kcrw.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
MY LATEST @kcrw.com ORANGE COUNTY LINE: The legacy of Chicano artist Jose Lozano. Share, porfas!
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
Got the Sunday Scaries?
Get fired up with this tasty @tinavasquez.bsky.social feature from our archives about a new era for Latino cookbooks!
(P.S. Some good gift ideas for the cooks in your lives in here...)
Get fired up with this tasty @tinavasquez.bsky.social feature from our archives about a new era for Latino cookbooks!
(P.S. Some good gift ideas for the cooks in your lives in here...)
A New Era for Latino Cookbooks
Latino cookbooks written by Latino people used to be an anomaly, but with the publication of “SalviSoul” and “Bodega Bakes,” the canon is expanding even further.
the-flytrap.ghost.io
December 8, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Got the Sunday Scaries?
Get fired up with this tasty @tinavasquez.bsky.social feature from our archives about a new era for Latino cookbooks!
(P.S. Some good gift ideas for the cooks in your lives in here...)
Get fired up with this tasty @tinavasquez.bsky.social feature from our archives about a new era for Latino cookbooks!
(P.S. Some good gift ideas for the cooks in your lives in here...)
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
I spent eight months investigating the messaging being published online by US embassies in Latin America, focusing on Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico:
You should also read this fascinating @prismreports.org exclusive from the brilliant @nicolefroio.bsky.social. Nicole spent months studying social media posts from U.S. embassies in Latin America, identifying the State Department’s xenophobic campaign of fear in Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico:
U.S. is exporting xenophobia through some Latin American embassies
A Prism investigation reveals the State Department’s social media campaign of fear in Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico
prismreports.org
December 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
I spent eight months investigating the messaging being published online by US embassies in Latin America, focusing on Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico:
DHS today announced its new "Worst of the Worst” site that allows you to search immigrants in ICE custody. The site features mugshots, along with the alleged convictions of each person. I say "alleged" because DHS has made a practice of proliferating false info. about the immigrants ICE detains.
December 8, 2025 at 5:25 PM
DHS today announced its new "Worst of the Worst” site that allows you to search immigrants in ICE custody. The site features mugshots, along with the alleged convictions of each person. I say "alleged" because DHS has made a practice of proliferating false info. about the immigrants ICE detains.
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
"Bringing people into federal custody" sounds like a public service connecting people with help. They abducted people; say so.
The Louisiana Department Of Wildlife And Fisheries (LDWF), typically responsible in part for overseeing wildlife reserves and enforcing local hunting rules, has assisted United States immigration authorities with bringing at least six people into federal custody this year.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Is Detaining People for ICE
Louisiana’s hunting and wildlife authority is one of more than 1,000 state and local agencies that have partnered with US immigration authorities this year alone.
www.wired.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:48 PM
"Bringing people into federal custody" sounds like a public service connecting people with help. They abducted people; say so.
After visiting Harvard Law professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea pled not guilty and had 3 of 4 charges against him dismissed for allegedly shooting a pellet gun outside of a synagogue while "hunting rats," DHS announced today that the agency revoked his visa and has apprehended him.
ICE Arrests Harvard Law School Professor Following Anti-Semitic Shooting Outside of a Synagogue | Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security on December 3rd announced the arrest of Harvard Law School professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea, whose temporary non-immigrant (J-1) visa was revoked following an anti-...
www.dhs.gov
December 5, 2025 at 1:08 AM
After visiting Harvard Law professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea pled not guilty and had 3 of 4 charges against him dismissed for allegedly shooting a pellet gun outside of a synagogue while "hunting rats," DHS announced today that the agency revoked his visa and has apprehended him.
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
Some 600 immigrant kids have been sent to federal custody by ICE this year.
A 17-year-old was detained at a traffic stop because officers couldn’t make contact with his dad, who is deaf.
Another kid ended up in a shelter after making a wrong turn.
A 17-year-old was detained at a traffic stop because officers couldn’t make contact with his dad, who is deaf.
Another kid ended up in a shelter after making a wrong turn.
ICE Sent 600 Immigrant Kids to Detention in Federal Shelters This Year. It’s a New Record.
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. New data suggests separations are happening all over the count...
www.propublica.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Some 600 immigrant kids have been sent to federal custody by ICE this year.
A 17-year-old was detained at a traffic stop because officers couldn’t make contact with his dad, who is deaf.
Another kid ended up in a shelter after making a wrong turn.
A 17-year-old was detained at a traffic stop because officers couldn’t make contact with his dad, who is deaf.
Another kid ended up in a shelter after making a wrong turn.
HEADS UP, LOUISIANA: Today, DHS announced it's launching "Operation Catahoula Crunch" this week in New Orleans. What you've seen in Los Angeles, D.C., Chicago, Charlotte, etc. is now coming to y'all.
December 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
HEADS UP, LOUISIANA: Today, DHS announced it's launching "Operation Catahoula Crunch" this week in New Orleans. What you've seen in Los Angeles, D.C., Chicago, Charlotte, etc. is now coming to y'all.
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
I can't stress enough that you should take every opportunity that comes your way to support your local public libraries. Many of them are currently struggling and are being DEFUNDED. Local action matters on this front. Don't sit back until those libraries are gone before taking ACTION.
December 2, 2025 at 10:48 PM
I can't stress enough that you should take every opportunity that comes your way to support your local public libraries. Many of them are currently struggling and are being DEFUNDED. Local action matters on this front. Don't sit back until those libraries are gone before taking ACTION.
You should also read this fascinating @prismreports.org exclusive from the brilliant @nicolefroio.bsky.social. Nicole spent months studying social media posts from U.S. embassies in Latin America, identifying the State Department’s xenophobic campaign of fear in Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico:
U.S. is exporting xenophobia through some Latin American embassies
A Prism investigation reveals the State Department’s social media campaign of fear in Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico
prismreports.org
December 3, 2025 at 12:25 AM
You should also read this fascinating @prismreports.org exclusive from the brilliant @nicolefroio.bsky.social. Nicole spent months studying social media posts from U.S. embassies in Latin America, identifying the State Department’s xenophobic campaign of fear in Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico:
In case you didn't know, @prismreports.org is publishing some extraordinary journalism. This two-part Q&A conducted by Marah Abdel Jaber with Dr. Feroze Sidhwa about his time providing care in Gaza is a must-read. Here's an excerpt from part-one. I'll link both parts in a thread.
December 3, 2025 at 12:15 AM
In case you didn't know, @prismreports.org is publishing some extraordinary journalism. This two-part Q&A conducted by Marah Abdel Jaber with Dr. Feroze Sidhwa about his time providing care in Gaza is a must-read. Here's an excerpt from part-one. I'll link both parts in a thread.
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
We're so proud to celebrate rigorous journalism in service of collective liberation with #MovementMediaMonday. Thanks to @inn.org's NewsMatch, your donation to Prism or any of our Movement Media Alliance partners will be doubled!! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/prism?REFCODE=rageagainstAI
Support independent, nonprofit news led by journalists of color.
Join Prism's community of justice seekers and truth-tellers, building collective power through journalism. Understanding the full story has never mattered more.
secure.actblue.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:05 PM
We're so proud to celebrate rigorous journalism in service of collective liberation with #MovementMediaMonday. Thanks to @inn.org's NewsMatch, your donation to Prism or any of our Movement Media Alliance partners will be doubled!! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/prism?REFCODE=rageagainstAI
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
International students vying to study in the U.S. face discrimination & ever-increasing fees, Zoë Watkins reports. The student visa process is unpredictable, costly, & rife with systemic barriers, especially for students from the Global South.
International student applicants face discrimination and ever-increasing fees
The student visa process is unpredictable, costly, and rife with systemic barriers, especially for students from the Global South
prismreports.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:28 PM
International students vying to study in the U.S. face discrimination & ever-increasing fees, Zoë Watkins reports. The student visa process is unpredictable, costly, & rife with systemic barriers, especially for students from the Global South.
THIS IS THE JOURNALISM I AM HERE FOR. I'm so deeply jealous that I didn't pitch this story, but high five to Lauren Bethke and @lataco.bsky.social for this story about what Jumbo's Clown Room girlies like to eat:
Your Favorite Jumbo’s Clown Room Dancer’s Favorite Meal ~ L.A. TACO
Once the Jumbo’s pizza oven disappeared and the poles showed up, its legacy as an adult entertainment hub for off-duty chefs, line cooks, celebrities in the food world looking to blow off steam after ...
lataco.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:50 PM
THIS IS THE JOURNALISM I AM HERE FOR. I'm so deeply jealous that I didn't pitch this story, but high five to Lauren Bethke and @lataco.bsky.social for this story about what Jumbo's Clown Room girlies like to eat:
These are screenshots from an actual DHS press release that just went out offering "self-deportation" as a "gift" to "illegal aliens" this holiday season.
This administration is truly repugnant.
This administration is truly repugnant.
December 1, 2025 at 10:04 PM
These are screenshots from an actual DHS press release that just went out offering "self-deportation" as a "gift" to "illegal aliens" this holiday season.
This administration is truly repugnant.
This administration is truly repugnant.
I probably shouldn't say anything while I am so upset, but I am so deeply upset, I cannot refrain!
November 25, 2025 at 7:46 PM
I probably shouldn't say anything while I am so upset, but I am so deeply upset, I cannot refrain!
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
Donald Trump’s ICE is breaking the law and violating Americans’ rights.
Oversight Dems have launched a new immigration enforcement dashboard. We will hold this Administration accountable.
Oversight Dems have launched a new immigration enforcement dashboard. We will hold this Administration accountable.
November 24, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Donald Trump’s ICE is breaking the law and violating Americans’ rights.
Oversight Dems have launched a new immigration enforcement dashboard. We will hold this Administration accountable.
Oversight Dems have launched a new immigration enforcement dashboard. We will hold this Administration accountable.
Reposted by Tina Vasquez
ICE & CBP are terrorizing North Carolina immigrants. Read @tinavasquez.bsky.social’s story for @prismreports.org at bit.ly/melticenc detailing the current immigrant raids in the state & the powerful community resistance growing in response.
North Carolina immigration raids expected to escalate
As the impacts of the raids quickly ripple outward from Charlotte, North Carolinians are mobilizing to stem enforcement operations in their communities
bit.ly
November 22, 2025 at 1:03 AM
ICE & CBP are terrorizing North Carolina immigrants. Read @tinavasquez.bsky.social’s story for @prismreports.org at bit.ly/melticenc detailing the current immigrant raids in the state & the powerful community resistance growing in response.
I was looking at protest photos from NC and if this isn’t the shadiest, most southern ass sign… I love you, Durham!
November 22, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I was looking at protest photos from NC and if this isn’t the shadiest, most southern ass sign… I love you, Durham!