Carlos Ballesteros
@cb-312.bsky.social
Senior reporter @ Injustice Watch, son of immigrants, against genocide, se habla español
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
"Multiple witnesses reported on July 9 that 'an unmarked black, extended-cab truck taking part in ICE enforcement actions' had rammed into the rear of a civilian vehicle and trapped it near the intersection of Cass and Arch streets in Joliet."
Rep. Underwood demands answers over alleged ‘reckless’ ICE activity in Joliet
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood wants answers about alleged federal immigration enforcement activity in Joliet that she says flagrantly violated law enforcement standards and recklessly put people at risk.
www.shawlocal.com
July 19, 2025 at 12:49 AM
"Multiple witnesses reported on July 9 that 'an unmarked black, extended-cab truck taking part in ICE enforcement actions' had rammed into the rear of a civilian vehicle and trapped it near the intersection of Cass and Arch streets in Joliet."
Bad news roundup from the last 24 hours:
- ICE will deny bond to captured immigrants and cage them in prisons and jails until they’re deported
- IRS is building a database with taxpayer data for ICE
- ICE prosecutors are withholding their names in immigration court
Fascism debate is over it’s here
- ICE will deny bond to captured immigrants and cage them in prisons and jails until they’re deported
- IRS is building a database with taxpayer data for ICE
- ICE prosecutors are withholding their names in immigration court
Fascism debate is over it’s here
July 15, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Bad news roundup from the last 24 hours:
- ICE will deny bond to captured immigrants and cage them in prisons and jails until they’re deported
- IRS is building a database with taxpayer data for ICE
- ICE prosecutors are withholding their names in immigration court
Fascism debate is over it’s here
- ICE will deny bond to captured immigrants and cage them in prisons and jails until they’re deported
- IRS is building a database with taxpayer data for ICE
- ICE prosecutors are withholding their names in immigration court
Fascism debate is over it’s here
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
sign of a healthy democracy:
masked, anonymous secret police working with anonymous government attorneys to disappear people
masked, anonymous secret police working with anonymous government attorneys to disappear people
![“I’ve never heard of someone in open court not being identified,” said Elissa Steglich, a law professor and co-director of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Texas at Austin. “Part of the court’s ethical obligation is transparency, including clear identification of the parties. Not identifying an attorney for the government means if there are unethical or professional concerns regarding [the Department of Homeland Security], the individual cannot be held accountable. And it makes the judge appear partial to the government.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:htqlqkynhupi6fw4c7x26qti/bafkreibudf6wxplao4qgdxsprfgvb3rndk2z6c3mf3dsx3i4fvavbqkty4@jpeg)
July 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM
sign of a healthy democracy:
masked, anonymous secret police working with anonymous government attorneys to disappear people
masked, anonymous secret police working with anonymous government attorneys to disappear people
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
every single Dem who acts like broad public opposition to immigration is just an immutable fact of life is committing an act of gross moral and political malpractice.
Gallup has new polling on immigration. Topline findings:
-Americans hate Trump's immigration policy (35% approve, 62% disapprove)
-Share who say immigration is a "good thing" for the country just hit an all-time high (79%)
news.gallup.com/poll/692522/...
-Americans hate Trump's immigration policy (35% approve, 62% disapprove)
-Share who say immigration is a "good thing" for the country just hit an all-time high (79%)
news.gallup.com/poll/692522/...
July 11, 2025 at 12:21 PM
every single Dem who acts like broad public opposition to immigration is just an immutable fact of life is committing an act of gross moral and political malpractice.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Dangling the threat of arresting the opposition-party mayor of a major city because she asked ICE etc. to stop a photo-op of paramilitary police storming a park, where the worst thing was a soccer game.
Now yelling abt protecting gangs.
No longer "if you saw this in another country." We're them.
Now yelling abt protecting gangs.
No longer "if you saw this in another country." We're them.
DHS's Tricia McLaughlin on possibility of arresting Karen Bass: "We are certainly keeping everything on the table."
July 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Dangling the threat of arresting the opposition-party mayor of a major city because she asked ICE etc. to stop a photo-op of paramilitary police storming a park, where the worst thing was a soccer game.
Now yelling abt protecting gangs.
No longer "if you saw this in another country." We're them.
Now yelling abt protecting gangs.
No longer "if you saw this in another country." We're them.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Join us online tonight at 7pm to hear from @injusticewatch.org. Reporters Emeline Posner and @cb-312.bsky.social will discuss their joint investigation with the Investigative Project on Race and Equity into property tax foreclosures.
Find full details here: chihacknight.org/events/2025/...
Find full details here: chihacknight.org/events/2025/...
Online: Property tax foreclosures in Cook County - Chi Hack Night
Since 2019, more than 1,000 Cook County homeowners have lost their homes and home equity to investors — called tax buyers — through property tax foreclosure. Collectively, these homeowners owed $2.3 m...
chihacknight.org
July 8, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Join us online tonight at 7pm to hear from @injusticewatch.org. Reporters Emeline Posner and @cb-312.bsky.social will discuss their joint investigation with the Investigative Project on Race and Equity into property tax foreclosures.
Find full details here: chihacknight.org/events/2025/...
Find full details here: chihacknight.org/events/2025/...
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
NEW: In first public account, Kilmar Abrego Garcia details weeks in Salvadoran prison CECOT. Says he was subjected to 'severe beatings,' psychological torture & soiled himself. Also says jailers confirmed his tattoos have no gang meaning. w/@kyledcheney www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Kilmar Abrego Garcia describes ‘severe beatings’ and ‘psychological torture’ in Salvadoran prison
Abrego submitted a harrowing and detailed account of abuse after the Trump administration illegally deported him.
www.politico.com
July 3, 2025 at 12:43 AM
NEW: In first public account, Kilmar Abrego Garcia details weeks in Salvadoran prison CECOT. Says he was subjected to 'severe beatings,' psychological torture & soiled himself. Also says jailers confirmed his tattoos have no gang meaning. w/@kyledcheney www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
"The family of a man [Cory Ulmer] who died in Cook County Jail last year after he was beaten by guards is suing Sheriff Tom Dart alleging civil rights violations and demanding punitive damages."
"An additional 30 county employees are named defendants."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration
"An additional 30 county employees are named defendants."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration
Family sues Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart over ‘brutal’ jail death
The family of a man who died in Cook County Jail last year after he was beaten by guards is suing Sheriff Tom Dart alleging civil rights violations and
www.injusticewatch.org
June 25, 2025 at 3:17 PM
"The family of a man [Cory Ulmer] who died in Cook County Jail last year after he was beaten by guards is suing Sheriff Tom Dart alleging civil rights violations and demanding punitive damages."
"An additional 30 county employees are named defendants."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration
"An additional 30 county employees are named defendants."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
A 68-year-old Mexican-born man has become the first ICE detainee in at least a decade to die while being transported. Experts warn there will likely be more such deaths amid the current administration’s “mass deportation” push across the US. ca.news.yahoo.com/ticking-time...
‘Ticking time bomb’: Ice detainee dies in transit as experts say more deaths likely
Guardian reporting reveals confusing and contradictory events surrounding death of Abelardo Avellaneda Delgado
ca.news.yahoo.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:44 AM
A 68-year-old Mexican-born man has become the first ICE detainee in at least a decade to die while being transported. Experts warn there will likely be more such deaths amid the current administration’s “mass deportation” push across the US. ca.news.yahoo.com/ticking-time...
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
It turns out that running on a platform that addresses the out-of-control cost of housing is a winning idea.
High housing costs are not only the biggest driver of homelessness, but they are also the biggest strain on most people's budgets.
Pay attention, Dems.
High housing costs are not only the biggest driver of homelessness, but they are also the biggest strain on most people's budgets.
Pay attention, Dems.
June 25, 2025 at 11:55 AM
It turns out that running on a platform that addresses the out-of-control cost of housing is a winning idea.
High housing costs are not only the biggest driver of homelessness, but they are also the biggest strain on most people's budgets.
Pay attention, Dems.
High housing costs are not only the biggest driver of homelessness, but they are also the biggest strain on most people's budgets.
Pay attention, Dems.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Fewer than 1 in 10 of over 185k immigrants booked into ICE custody since October were convicted of serious crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, or rape. Over 75% had no criminal convictions other than immigration or traffic-related offenses.
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
June 20, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Fewer than 1 in 10 of over 185k immigrants booked into ICE custody since October were convicted of serious crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, or rape. Over 75% had no criminal convictions other than immigration or traffic-related offenses.
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
NEW: The Trump administration is using a method to remove asylum seekers from the country that is likely unlawful and is doing so by evading judicial review, according to an Arizona federal judge www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
Trump administration evading judicial review of disputed immigration practice, judge says
The government is using a method to remove people from the country that is likely unlawful and is doing so by evading judicial review, a judge said.
www.azcentral.com
June 20, 2025 at 1:51 PM
NEW: The Trump administration is using a method to remove asylum seekers from the country that is likely unlawful and is doing so by evading judicial review, according to an Arizona federal judge www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
I've been writing about CPD tactical teams for over a year now because of the terror they inflict upon Chicago's south and west sides.
The way these agents jumped out of their cars at people—same cop behavior. Sending these teams deeper into urban communities will get people killed.
The way these agents jumped out of their cars at people—same cop behavior. Sending these teams deeper into urban communities will get people killed.
June 19, 2025 at 2:34 AM
I've been writing about CPD tactical teams for over a year now because of the terror they inflict upon Chicago's south and west sides.
The way these agents jumped out of their cars at people—same cop behavior. Sending these teams deeper into urban communities will get people killed.
The way these agents jumped out of their cars at people—same cop behavior. Sending these teams deeper into urban communities will get people killed.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
"The Beat's analysis covered tens of thousands of misdemeanor and felony drug arrest records obtained from the Baltimore Police Department."
"[N]early all people arrested and charged with drug crimes in Baltimore are Black."
#Maryland #USA #Policing #Drugs
"[N]early all people arrested and charged with drug crimes in Baltimore are Black."
#Maryland #USA #Policing #Drugs
In Baltimore's drug war, 'public safety' comes before public health. Nearly everyone impacted is Black
At first glance, it may seem that the War on Drugs has all but disappeared in Baltimore. The decades-long campaign decimated Black neighborhoods and fueled mass incarceration in the city under the…
baltimorebeat.com
June 19, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Fuerza responds to scenes where alleged ICE enforcement is reported. If officers are indeed with ICE, they hit record and spread the word. They also speak directly with those being detained.
They are part of a growing scrappy network of volunteers protecting neighbors from ICE. bit.ly/4lgke5N
They are part of a growing scrappy network of volunteers protecting neighbors from ICE. bit.ly/4lgke5N
June 18, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Fuerza responds to scenes where alleged ICE enforcement is reported. If officers are indeed with ICE, they hit record and spread the word. They also speak directly with those being detained.
They are part of a growing scrappy network of volunteers protecting neighbors from ICE. bit.ly/4lgke5N
They are part of a growing scrappy network of volunteers protecting neighbors from ICE. bit.ly/4lgke5N
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
in this week’s make it make sense:
👉 a dispatch from chicago’s immigration court, where masked federal agents have been disappearing immigrants & targeting protesters
👉 the illinois secretary of state hits local cops for “illegally” using license plate readers (via @juggaloreporter.bsky.social)
👉 a dispatch from chicago’s immigration court, where masked federal agents have been disappearing immigrants & targeting protesters
👉 the illinois secretary of state hits local cops for “illegally” using license plate readers (via @juggaloreporter.bsky.social)
ICE targets Chicago’s immigration court for deportations - Chicago Reader
Plus: The Illinois Secretary of State’s office decries the “illegal” use of license plate readers
chicagoreader.com
June 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
in this week’s make it make sense:
👉 a dispatch from chicago’s immigration court, where masked federal agents have been disappearing immigrants & targeting protesters
👉 the illinois secretary of state hits local cops for “illegally” using license plate readers (via @juggaloreporter.bsky.social)
👉 a dispatch from chicago’s immigration court, where masked federal agents have been disappearing immigrants & targeting protesters
👉 the illinois secretary of state hits local cops for “illegally” using license plate readers (via @juggaloreporter.bsky.social)
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
28-year-old Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, who has no known criminal record, was accused by Texas police of being in a Venezuelan gang because they found a photo of him posing with another man with tattoos, his lawyers say.
From ProPublica partner @texastribune.org:
From ProPublica partner @texastribune.org:
Migrant deported to El Salvador after DPS labeled him a member of Tren de Aragua without evidence, lawyer says
Lawyers for Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo deny he is a gang member and say the DPS accusation hinges on a photo they found of him standing next to a man with tattoos.
www.texastribune.org
June 18, 2025 at 10:03 PM
28-year-old Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, who has no known criminal record, was accused by Texas police of being in a Venezuelan gang because they found a photo of him posing with another man with tattoos, his lawyers say.
From ProPublica partner @texastribune.org:
From ProPublica partner @texastribune.org:
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
A day after Dem officials were denied access to another ICE facility in Chicago, they gave a guided tour to House Speaker Mike Johnson plus favored media.
wgntv.com
June 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
A day after Dem officials were denied access to another ICE facility in Chicago, they gave a guided tour to House Speaker Mike Johnson plus favored media.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Mind-blowing from @writeralejandra.bsky.social: tenants in substandard apts assert their legal rights, landlord retaliates, tenants sue over retaliation, landlord files evictions anyway. Then, to drop the evictions, landlord requires tenants to sign NDAs.
www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts...
www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts...
Pilsen tenants followed the law in withholding rent. They were forced to move out anyway.
By the time three Pilsen tenants began writing letters to their landlord requesting repairs in May 2023, water was dripping from the ceiling of a
www.injusticewatch.org
June 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Mind-blowing from @writeralejandra.bsky.social: tenants in substandard apts assert their legal rights, landlord retaliates, tenants sue over retaliation, landlord files evictions anyway. Then, to drop the evictions, landlord requires tenants to sign NDAs.
www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts...
www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts...
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
"Homelessness among newborns, infants, and toddlers skyrocketed from 2022 to 2023, impacting 446,996 newborns, infants, and toddlers."
"23 percent increase in the number of unhoused children under the age of 3 since 2021."
#USA #Housing
"23 percent increase in the number of unhoused children under the age of 3 since 2021."
#USA #Housing
The Number of Unhoused Young Children Is at Crisis Level. It’s Set to Get Worse.
Nearly 447,000 US kids under 3 were unhoused at last count. Trump’s budget bill threatens to make that number skyrocket.
truthout.org
June 17, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
We’ve seen multiple ICE detentions from Chicago’s immigration court, some that happened in front of attorneys.
Every time we’ve heard attorneys ask for an administrative warrant, ICE had none, or refused to show it. If attorneys pressed more, they were threatened with arrest or removed from court.
Every time we’ve heard attorneys ask for an administrative warrant, ICE had none, or refused to show it. If attorneys pressed more, they were threatened with arrest or removed from court.
Lander is incorrect that a judicial warrant is required (only an administrative warrant), but ICE refuses even to show him that, which is outrageous. If they have a warrant, they should show it. If they don't, they don't have arrest authority. But him holding on to the guy... could be trouble.
Here's a longer video of Brad Lander's detention just now inside 26 Federal Plaza as he tried to walk a man out of immigration court, by masked federal agents.
June 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
We’ve seen multiple ICE detentions from Chicago’s immigration court, some that happened in front of attorneys.
Every time we’ve heard attorneys ask for an administrative warrant, ICE had none, or refused to show it. If attorneys pressed more, they were threatened with arrest or removed from court.
Every time we’ve heard attorneys ask for an administrative warrant, ICE had none, or refused to show it. If attorneys pressed more, they were threatened with arrest or removed from court.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Protesters are back this morning outside 55 E Monroe in Chicago, blocking the garage entrance & exits used by ICE to access immigration court.
For weeks now, agents have been arresting immigrants showing up for their hearings.
Last week, protesters’ presence shut down court twice.
For weeks now, agents have been arresting immigrants showing up for their hearings.
Last week, protesters’ presence shut down court twice.
June 17, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Protesters are back this morning outside 55 E Monroe in Chicago, blocking the garage entrance & exits used by ICE to access immigration court.
For weeks now, agents have been arresting immigrants showing up for their hearings.
Last week, protesters’ presence shut down court twice.
For weeks now, agents have been arresting immigrants showing up for their hearings.
Last week, protesters’ presence shut down court twice.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
“I find it unconscionable that someone could step up to serve, voluntarily, in our military and be willing to sacrifice their life for our country only to have their families torn apart.”
This article first appeared @thewarhorsenews.bsky.social
This article first appeared @thewarhorsenews.bsky.social
"They’re taking Shirly": An Army sergeant thought his family as safe. Then ICE deported his wife.
For tens of thousands of US service members with undocumented family members, there’s no guaranteed protection from immigration raids.
www.motherjones.com
June 16, 2025 at 6:34 PM
“I find it unconscionable that someone could step up to serve, voluntarily, in our military and be willing to sacrifice their life for our country only to have their families torn apart.”
This article first appeared @thewarhorsenews.bsky.social
This article first appeared @thewarhorsenews.bsky.social
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Illinois’ property tax sale system has been called the “most abusive” in the nation by experts. Why is that? Senior reporter Carlos Ballesteros breaks it down.
June 13, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Illinois’ property tax sale system has been called the “most abusive” in the nation by experts. Why is that? Senior reporter Carlos Ballesteros breaks it down.
Reposted by Carlos Ballesteros
Important piece from @writeralejandra.bsky.social about the challenges Chicago tenants face in court when asserting their rights 👇🏼
The three tenants' protracted legal battle is a stark illustration of how little tenants are able to rely on laws that promised to protect them in Chicago. www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts...
Pilsen tenants followed the law in withholding rent. They were forced to move out anyway.
By the time three Pilsen tenants began writing letters to their landlord requesting repairs in May 2023, water was dripping from the ceiling of a
www.injusticewatch.org
June 17, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Important piece from @writeralejandra.bsky.social about the challenges Chicago tenants face in court when asserting their rights 👇🏼