Udi Ofer
@uofer.bsky.social
Teach constitutional rights, human rights and policy advocacy at Princeton University. Founding Director, Princeton Policy Advocacy Clinic. Former ACLU attorney for 20 years. Chair, International Advisory Council, Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
Fatal overdoses drop in New Jersey to the lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in deaths is far outpacing the national average as New Jersey overdose deaths fall to five-year low nj1015.com/new-jersey-o...
New Jersey overdose deaths hit lowest point since the pandemic
New Jersey is celebrating a significant drop in overdose deaths, with the latest figures showing a decrease to 1,312 in 2025, emphasizing ongoing education and support.
nj1015.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Fatal overdoses drop in New Jersey to the lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in deaths is far outpacing the national average as New Jersey overdose deaths fall to five-year low nj1015.com/new-jersey-o...
Wall Street Journal editorial board calls for ICE to leave Minnesota. Explain that after the shooting of Renee Good, both Minnesota Democrats and Trump had a chance to calm the furies. But Trump instead sent 1,000 more immigration officers on top of 2,000 already there www.wsj.com/opinion/time...
Opinion | Time for ICE to Pause in Minneapolis
Alex Pretti made a mistake, but he wasn’t a ‘domestic terrorist.’
www.wsj.com
January 25, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Wall Street Journal editorial board calls for ICE to leave Minnesota. Explain that after the shooting of Renee Good, both Minnesota Democrats and Trump had a chance to calm the furies. But Trump instead sent 1,000 more immigration officers on top of 2,000 already there www.wsj.com/opinion/time...
57 percent of voters think Mr. Trump has been focusing on the wrong issues — including a whopping 69 percent of voters under 30, more than any other age group. Few voters say Trump’s second term has made the country better www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/u...
Few Voters Say Trump’s Second Term Has Made the Country Better, Poll Finds
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:41 PM
57 percent of voters think Mr. Trump has been focusing on the wrong issues — including a whopping 69 percent of voters under 30, more than any other age group. Few voters say Trump’s second term has made the country better www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/u...
Reposted by Udi Ofer
NEW: On his last day in office, @govmurphy.bsky.social announced a final round of clemency for 148 people, including 16 of our Clemency Project clients.
This is the largest day of clemency action in modern New Jersey history.
www.aclu-nj.org/press-releas...
This is the largest day of clemency action in modern New Jersey history.
www.aclu-nj.org/press-releas...
ACLU-NJ Celebrates Final Round of Releases Under The Clemency Project - ACLU of New Jersey
The ACLU of New Jersey celebrates Governor Murphy’s announcement today of 51 commutations and 97 pardons, including 16 of the ACLU-NJ's Clemency Project clients.
www.aclu-nj.org
January 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM
NEW: On his last day in office, @govmurphy.bsky.social announced a final round of clemency for 148 people, including 16 of our Clemency Project clients.
This is the largest day of clemency action in modern New Jersey history.
www.aclu-nj.org/press-releas...
This is the largest day of clemency action in modern New Jersey history.
www.aclu-nj.org/press-releas...
While the overall global trend continues to move towards death penalty abolition, the world witnessed a sharp hike in number of executions in 2025. And we don't even know the full story, as countries like China & North Korea shroud the death penalty in secrecy
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Alarming trends in executions in 2025 raise serious human rights concerns – UN Human Rights
GENEVA – While the overall global trend continues to move towards universal abolition of the death penalty, the world has witnessed a sharp hike in the number of executions in 2025, primarily due to a...
www.ohchr.org
January 20, 2026 at 2:38 PM
While the overall global trend continues to move towards death penalty abolition, the world witnessed a sharp hike in number of executions in 2025. And we don't even know the full story, as countries like China & North Korea shroud the death penalty in secrecy
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Demetrius Minor: "That is how we honor Kirk — not with another killing [though the death penalty], but with a commitment to the principles that defined his faith and, I hope, will guide our nation forward." "The death penalty is not justice for Charlie Kirk’s killer" thehill.com/opinion/crim...
thehill.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Demetrius Minor: "That is how we honor Kirk — not with another killing [though the death penalty], but with a commitment to the principles that defined his faith and, I hope, will guide our nation forward." "The death penalty is not justice for Charlie Kirk’s killer" thehill.com/opinion/crim...
As the Pentagon began moving some troops from Qatar in anticipation of a potential US attack against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel asked President Trump to postpone any plans for an American military attack on Iran www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/u...
Israel and Arab Nations Ask Trump to Refrain From Attacking Iran
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:26 PM
As the Pentagon began moving some troops from Qatar in anticipation of a potential US attack against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel asked President Trump to postpone any plans for an American military attack on Iran www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/u...
The recent demonstrations in Iran unite men and women from a range of socioeconomic classes and professions: merchants, public and private employees, students, seminarians, public intellectuals, and moderate Shiite clerics. www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/iranian...
The Iranian Regime Could Fall
But a U.S. strike would prop it up.
www.foreignaffairs.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:31 PM
The recent demonstrations in Iran unite men and women from a range of socioeconomic classes and professions: merchants, public and private employees, students, seminarians, public intellectuals, and moderate Shiite clerics. www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/iranian...
In recent Gallup poll, an average of 47% of Americans identified as Democrats or said they were independents who lean toward Democratic Party, while 42% identified as Republicans or leaned Republican. This breaks 3-year stretch in which Republicans held an edge news.gallup.com/poll/700499/...
New High of 45% in U.S. Identify as Political Independents
A new high of 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025.
news.gallup.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:50 PM
In recent Gallup poll, an average of 47% of Americans identified as Democrats or said they were independents who lean toward Democratic Party, while 42% identified as Republicans or leaned Republican. This breaks 3-year stretch in which Republicans held an edge news.gallup.com/poll/700499/...
Spent the morning with @govmurphy.bsky.social at New Hope Baptist Church as he signed an executive order allowing people with past felony convictions to serve on juries in NJ, ending a lifetime ban that affected hundreds of thousands of people and restoring dignity to our neighbors, family & friends
January 11, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Spent the morning with @govmurphy.bsky.social at New Hope Baptist Church as he signed an executive order allowing people with past felony convictions to serve on juries in NJ, ending a lifetime ban that affected hundreds of thousands of people and restoring dignity to our neighbors, family & friends
Some additional context on federal policy:
In 2022, Pres Biden issued Executive Order 14074, which included a requirement that all federal law enforcement agencies adopt clear guidance on use of force standards, and that such policies meet or exceed the minimum standards issued by DOJ in 2022. 1/4
In 2022, Pres Biden issued Executive Order 14074, which included a requirement that all federal law enforcement agencies adopt clear guidance on use of force standards, and that such policies meet or exceed the minimum standards issued by DOJ in 2022. 1/4
I worked with the Biden White House and DOJ to develop a policy on when can federal police shoot at a moving vehicle. DOJ adopted it in 2022, and as far as I know, it hasn't been repealed. Here's what it says:
"Firearms may not be discharged solely to disable moving vehicles. Specifically,... (1/4)
"Firearms may not be discharged solely to disable moving vehicles. Specifically,... (1/4)
January 8, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Some additional context on federal policy:
In 2022, Pres Biden issued Executive Order 14074, which included a requirement that all federal law enforcement agencies adopt clear guidance on use of force standards, and that such policies meet or exceed the minimum standards issued by DOJ in 2022. 1/4
In 2022, Pres Biden issued Executive Order 14074, which included a requirement that all federal law enforcement agencies adopt clear guidance on use of force standards, and that such policies meet or exceed the minimum standards issued by DOJ in 2022. 1/4
Reposted by Udi Ofer
Using imagery online of the shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, we’ve created an animated sequence which highlights the approximate positioning of officers and vehicles at the scene. The red dot represents the agent who fired the shots. Yellow dots are other agents who arrived at the scene.
January 7, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Using imagery online of the shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, we’ve created an animated sequence which highlights the approximate positioning of officers and vehicles at the scene. The red dot represents the agent who fired the shots. Yellow dots are other agents who arrived at the scene.
I worked with the Biden White House and DOJ to develop a policy on when can federal police shoot at a moving vehicle. DOJ adopted it in 2022, and as far as I know, it hasn't been repealed. Here's what it says:
"Firearms may not be discharged solely to disable moving vehicles. Specifically,... (1/4)
"Firearms may not be discharged solely to disable moving vehicles. Specifically,... (1/4)
January 8, 2026 at 3:03 AM
I worked with the Biden White House and DOJ to develop a policy on when can federal police shoot at a moving vehicle. DOJ adopted it in 2022, and as far as I know, it hasn't been repealed. Here's what it says:
"Firearms may not be discharged solely to disable moving vehicles. Specifically,... (1/4)
"Firearms may not be discharged solely to disable moving vehicles. Specifically,... (1/4)
The other January 6th anniversary: 67 years ago today Richard & Mildred Loving were convicted of interracial marriage & banished from the state of Virginia by court order. They challenged the law and won a SCOTUS ruling striking down all bans on interracial marriage calendar.eji.org/racial-injus...
Jan. 6, 1959 | Lovings Convicted of Interracial Marriage and Banished From Virginia
Learn more about our history of racial injustice.
calendar.eji.org
January 6, 2026 at 2:37 PM
The other January 6th anniversary: 67 years ago today Richard & Mildred Loving were convicted of interracial marriage & banished from the state of Virginia by court order. They challenged the law and won a SCOTUS ruling striking down all bans on interracial marriage calendar.eji.org/racial-injus...
Just saw the film It Was Just An Accident by Jafar Panahi. I was blown away. It's a must-see for anyone who cares about democracy and human rights. While other films this year yell loudly about revolution, this actually lives it, and asks us all what it means to live by a certain set of values.
December 26, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Just saw the film It Was Just An Accident by Jafar Panahi. I was blown away. It's a must-see for anyone who cares about democracy and human rights. While other films this year yell loudly about revolution, this actually lives it, and asks us all what it means to live by a certain set of values.
More attention needs to be paid to the importance of establishing an international stabilization force in Gaza. Set aside the politics & work together to build a force that helps build the foundation for future Palestinian state, stops Hamas from returning to power, and helps protect Israel's safety
Gaza’s New Normal
Persistent limited conflict is more likely than peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
More attention needs to be paid to the importance of establishing an international stabilization force in Gaza. Set aside the politics & work together to build a force that helps build the foundation for future Palestinian state, stops Hamas from returning to power, and helps protect Israel's safety
Iran bas executed the 13th man this year for alleged espionage for Israel. Like many others, Aghil Keshavarz was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court without a fair trial and on basis of torture-tainted confessions. It's an extrajudicial killing deathpenaltynews.blogspot.com/2025/12/iran...
Iran | Student Aghil Keshavarz Hanged on Charges of Espionage for Israel
Daily updated news about the death penalty worldwide. Striving for a world without capital punishment. Abolish the Death Penalty.
deathpenaltynews.blogspot.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Iran bas executed the 13th man this year for alleged espionage for Israel. Like many others, Aghil Keshavarz was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court without a fair trial and on basis of torture-tainted confessions. It's an extrajudicial killing deathpenaltynews.blogspot.com/2025/12/iran...
While the world faces unprecedented challenges, there was a $31.1 billion fall in aid in 2025, mostly due to U.S. and German cuts, although others, including France and the UK, have cut aid as well. 83% of USAID programs were cancelled, including most funding for health programs
There are more conflicts happening today than at any other time since WWII. 117 million people are forcibly displaced; nearly 40 million people are facing such severe hunger that urgent action is required to save lives. While crises grow, global humanitarian funding has shrunk by 50%.
IRC Emergency Watchlist 2026: “New World Disorder” Driving Unprecedented Humanitarian Crises as Global Support Collapses | The IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) today released its annual Emergency Watchlist, identifying the 20 countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crises in 2026. The top countries on this ye...
www.rescue.org
December 21, 2025 at 5:27 PM
While the world faces unprecedented challenges, there was a $31.1 billion fall in aid in 2025, mostly due to U.S. and German cuts, although others, including France and the UK, have cut aid as well. 83% of USAID programs were cancelled, including most funding for health programs
There are more conflicts happening today than at any other time since WWII. 117 million people are forcibly displaced; nearly 40 million people are facing such severe hunger that urgent action is required to save lives. While crises grow, global humanitarian funding has shrunk by 50%.
IRC Emergency Watchlist 2026: “New World Disorder” Driving Unprecedented Humanitarian Crises as Global Support Collapses | The IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) today released its annual Emergency Watchlist, identifying the 20 countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crises in 2026. The top countries on this ye...
www.rescue.org
December 21, 2025 at 4:55 PM
There are more conflicts happening today than at any other time since WWII. 117 million people are forcibly displaced; nearly 40 million people are facing such severe hunger that urgent action is required to save lives. While crises grow, global humanitarian funding has shrunk by 50%.
The cruelty in Florida when it comes to the death penalty is only worsening. Now the Florida Supreme Court has upheld sentencing someone to death even when several jurors vote for life sentence. Michael Jackson was sentenced to death by an 8-4 jury & the court upheld it www.aclu.org/press-releas...
ACLU Condemns Florida Supreme Court Decision Upholding Non-Unanimous Capital Juries | American Civil Liberties Union
Florida’s law, allowing for juries split 8-4 to sentence people to death, is the most extreme in the country
www.aclu.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
The cruelty in Florida when it comes to the death penalty is only worsening. Now the Florida Supreme Court has upheld sentencing someone to death even when several jurors vote for life sentence. Michael Jackson was sentenced to death by an 8-4 jury & the court upheld it www.aclu.org/press-releas...
To quote the EO: "The Federal Government’s long delay in recognizing the medical use of marijuana does not serve the Americans who report health benefits from the medical use of marijuana to ease chronic pain and other various medically recognized ailments." 👏 www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
This is an important step forward by President Trump to bring commonsense to our nation's drug laws by rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III. Biden began effort but never finished. Trump's support cements this as true bipartisan issue. More needed but important step www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/u...
Trump Signs Executive Order to Reclassify Marijuana, Easing Restrictions on the Drug
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:50 PM
To quote the EO: "The Federal Government’s long delay in recognizing the medical use of marijuana does not serve the Americans who report health benefits from the medical use of marijuana to ease chronic pain and other various medically recognized ailments." 👏 www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
This is an important step forward by President Trump to bring commonsense to our nation's drug laws by rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III. Biden began effort but never finished. Trump's support cements this as true bipartisan issue. More needed but important step www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/u...
Trump Signs Executive Order to Reclassify Marijuana, Easing Restrictions on the Drug
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
This is an important step forward by President Trump to bring commonsense to our nation's drug laws by rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III. Biden began effort but never finished. Trump's support cements this as true bipartisan issue. More needed but important step www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/u...
Federal immigration authorities continue to violate constitutional law by arresting US citizens, this time in Minneapolis. The US citizen in this case yelled “I’m a citizen” and “I have my ID” before masked ICE agents placed him in an unmarked vehicle. www.startribune.com/mubashir-min...
Minneapolis officials decry ICE arrest of Somali American citizen
Videos show ICE arresting a 20-year-old man who local authorities say is a U.S. citizen.
www.startribune.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Federal immigration authorities continue to violate constitutional law by arresting US citizens, this time in Minneapolis. The US citizen in this case yelled “I’m a citizen” and “I have my ID” before masked ICE agents placed him in an unmarked vehicle. www.startribune.com/mubashir-min...
Let's not repeat the mistakes of the past: In the 1990s, following a spike in youth and adult violence, nearly every state made it easier to try juveniles as adults. The results were disastrous. www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2025...
Opinion: The kids are alright
We need to follow data and best practices to address youth crime.
www.cityandstateny.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Let's not repeat the mistakes of the past: In the 1990s, following a spike in youth and adult violence, nearly every state made it easier to try juveniles as adults. The results were disastrous. www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Udi Ofer
Why fusion voting? Because it gives people agency — a chance to sit at the table and shape the discussions that matter. It’s not the only reform we need, but it’s a key step toward a healthier, more representative democracy.
December 3, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Why fusion voting? Because it gives people agency — a chance to sit at the table and shape the discussions that matter. It’s not the only reform we need, but it’s a key step toward a healthier, more representative democracy.