Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
@reichlinmelnick.bsky.social
Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council. Commenting generally on immigration law and policy. Retweets =/= endorsements, views are my own.
Pinned
Brief intro to those who don’t know me from Twitter.
Hello! I’m a Senior Fellow (formerly Policy Director) at @immcouncil.bsky.social, a pro-immigrant nonprofit aiming to defend immigrants through litigation, advocacy, and more. I help break down the confusing world of immigration law and policy.
Hello! I’m a Senior Fellow (formerly Policy Director) at @immcouncil.bsky.social, a pro-immigrant nonprofit aiming to defend immigrants through litigation, advocacy, and more. I help break down the confusing world of immigration law and policy.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Huge @tinanguyen.bsky.social scoop: Trump is preparing to try and ban all state AI laws, going so far as having Brendan Carr’s FCC pull rural broadband funds from states that try to regulate AI www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
Here’s the Trump executive order that would ban state AI laws
Trump is launching an all-out broadside against states with strict AI regulations.
www.theverge.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Huge @tinanguyen.bsky.social scoop: Trump is preparing to try and ban all state AI laws, going so far as having Brendan Carr’s FCC pull rural broadband funds from states that try to regulate AI www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
Apparently a declaration I submitted for this case was cited in the oral opinion, so that’s cool! I look forward to reading the written opinion when she releases it.
BREAKING: A federal court just ordered the Trump administration to delay its termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria while the legal case challenging the decision moves forward.
Read more:
refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
Read more:
refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
November 19, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Apparently a declaration I submitted for this case was cited in the oral opinion, so that’s cool! I look forward to reading the written opinion when she releases it.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
BREAKING: A federal court just ordered the Trump administration to delay its termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria while the legal case challenging the decision moves forward.
Read more:
refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
Read more:
refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
November 19, 2025 at 9:33 PM
BREAKING: A federal court just ordered the Trump administration to delay its termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria while the legal case challenging the decision moves forward.
Read more:
refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
Read more:
refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Gov. JB Pritzker met with Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, discussing the recent Trump immigration raids and inviting the pontiff to visit Illinois. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. Get the full story here: https://loom.ly/ziVwb24
Pritzker discusses immigration crackdown with Pope Leo XIV in Rome
Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, with the two discussing the Trump
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Gov. JB Pritzker met with Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, discussing the recent Trump immigration raids and inviting the pontiff to visit Illinois. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. Get the full story here: https://loom.ly/ziVwb24
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
"Alves’ story of constantly having to jump through hoops for an education and future employment opportunities — despite being given legal status — is one that is all too familiar to the over half a million DACA recipients currently in the U.S." https://bit.ly/4ibVkUv
'We’re still worried': Dreamers in South Florida remain in legal limbo after 13 years
Murilo Alves, 28, is in his final year of medical school — a career path inspired by his experiences as an undocumented immigrant. Despite him saying that "everything changed" when he received DACA in...
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 11:44 PM
"Alves’ story of constantly having to jump through hoops for an education and future employment opportunities — despite being given legal status — is one that is all too familiar to the over half a million DACA recipients currently in the U.S." https://bit.ly/4ibVkUv
Oh it gets nuttier.
November 19, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Oh it gets nuttier.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
I dunno, man, if I began an opinion with a 3+ page "Preliminary Statement" complaining about disrespectful conduct by the other two judges on the panel, I would not immediately follow it up with this:
November 19, 2025 at 8:48 PM
I dunno, man, if I began an opinion with a 3+ page "Preliminary Statement" complaining about disrespectful conduct by the other two judges on the panel, I would not immediately follow it up with this:
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Thor save us! Looks like Witkoff tweeted what was meant to be a DM, saying the content for this Axios story must have come from "K." Almost certainly this refers to Kirill Dmitriev. It seems the russian side is leaking this for a reason. My shortbus comment in 🧵 was way too generous beyond 😜
November 19, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Thor save us! Looks like Witkoff tweeted what was meant to be a DM, saying the content for this Axios story must have come from "K." Almost certainly this refers to Kirill Dmitriev. It seems the russian side is leaking this for a reason. My shortbus comment in 🧵 was way too generous beyond 😜
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Underrated thing that's been flying under the radar: ICE's hiring spree, by necessity since there are so few others willing and able, has been hiring away local cops, which infuriates the departments by causing manpower problems and is, ironically, removing the worst of the worst from their ranks.
The more local police see ICE assholes as criminals, the better it will be for us.
ICE employee among 16 men arrested in Bloomington sex trafficking sting, police say.
"When he was arrested, he said, 'I'm ICE, boys,'" Hodges said during a press conference Tuesday. "Well, unfortunately for him, we locked him up."
"When he was arrested, he said, 'I'm ICE, boys,'" Hodges said during a press conference Tuesday. "Well, unfortunately for him, we locked him up."
November 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Underrated thing that's been flying under the radar: ICE's hiring spree, by necessity since there are so few others willing and able, has been hiring away local cops, which infuriates the departments by causing manpower problems and is, ironically, removing the worst of the worst from their ranks.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
My transcription of the "joking" threat Trump just made at the Saudi Investment Forum to fire Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was sitting in front of him at the time
![Interest rates are down despite the Fed, I mean, [Secretary of the Treasury] Scott [Bessent] you gotta work on this guy [Fed Chair Jerome Powell], he’s got some real mental problems, he’s- something wrong with him, it’s just ridiculous.
I – be honest – I’d love to fire his ass, he should be fired. Guy’s grossly incompetent, and he should be sued for spending four billion dollars to build a little building. I’m building a ballroom that’s gonna cost a tiny fraction of that and it’s bigger than the whole thing put together. You gotta work on him Scott.
The only thing Scott’s blowing it on, because the Fed – the rates are too high Scott. And if you don’t get it fixed fast, I’m gonna fire your ass, ok?
I can’t tell you – Scott: “Sir, don’t fire him [Powell]. Please don’t fire him. He’s got three months to go, don’t fire him.”
“I wanna get him out, Scott!”
“Please” – he’s [Bessent] the voice of reason, you’re very lucky to have him, I’ll tell ya that.
I think [Secretary of Commerce] Howard [Lutnick]’s a little bit more for firing him. Right Howard? I think Howard would say “get him the hell out of there.” Anyway.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k7eezr2ybq7cxtptak2q4uhp/bafkreihhdrf7fwr3jmcq6icjznxqo3rgaqfovdf7wc674bbbc3dsmqzw44@jpeg)
November 19, 2025 at 6:18 PM
My transcription of the "joking" threat Trump just made at the Saudi Investment Forum to fire Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was sitting in front of him at the time
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
An FBI agent-in-training filed a lawsuit after he was handed a letter signed by the bureau’s director, Kash Patel, saying that he was being “summarily dismissed” because of “political signage.” The only thing that could be, he quickly realized, was a rainbow pride flag that had hung near his desk.
F.B.I. Trainee Sues After Being Abruptly Fired Over Display of Gay Pride Flag
He described his dismissal as the latest move by senior F.B.I. officials to play politics, damaging morale and hindering the bureau’s ability to carry out its public safety mission.
nyti.ms
November 19, 2025 at 6:20 PM
An FBI agent-in-training filed a lawsuit after he was handed a letter signed by the bureau’s director, Kash Patel, saying that he was being “summarily dismissed” because of “political signage.” The only thing that could be, he quickly realized, was a rainbow pride flag that had hung near his desk.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
This is almost unreal incompetence.
Here's how this area of inquiry was discussed in Monday's opinion.
In short, this is the afterthought, the ~it couldn't be this, could it?~ moment in the opinion: "If this procedure did not take place, then the Court is in uncharted legal territory ..."
Here's how this area of inquiry was discussed in Monday's opinion.
In short, this is the afterthought, the ~it couldn't be this, could it?~ moment in the opinion: "If this procedure did not take place, then the Court is in uncharted legal territory ..."
November 19, 2025 at 4:53 PM
This is almost unreal incompetence.
Here's how this area of inquiry was discussed in Monday's opinion.
In short, this is the afterthought, the ~it couldn't be this, could it?~ moment in the opinion: "If this procedure did not take place, then the Court is in uncharted legal territory ..."
Here's how this area of inquiry was discussed in Monday's opinion.
In short, this is the afterthought, the ~it couldn't be this, could it?~ moment in the opinion: "If this procedure did not take place, then the Court is in uncharted legal territory ..."
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
If I were sick, I would simply choose to be healthy. Bing bang boom bsky.app/profile/atru...
Markwayne Mullin: "Reward people for being healthy. Think about this. Healthcare is the only industry that you're not rewarded for taking care of your responsibility. If you think about homeowners insurance, if you're within 500 feet of a fire hydrant, your insurance goes down."
November 19, 2025 at 6:16 PM
If I were sick, I would simply choose to be healthy. Bing bang boom bsky.app/profile/atru...
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
I think it went a step further, suggested in Monday's opinion:
This is the relevant discussion from Monday's opinion — and I think(?) it suggests(?) that someone (Halligan?) did, in fact, alter the third image, after it was signed, to add the "Count 1 only" language — perhaps to try and "unwind this procedural knot"?
![Case 1:25-cr-00272-MSN|
Document 3
Filed 09/25/25
Page 1 of 4 PagelD# 7
AO 191 (Rev. 01/09) Report of a Grand Jury's Failure to Concur in an Indictment
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
Eastern District of Virginia
FILED
IN OPEN COURT
2 5 2025
CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
United States of America
V.
gamesB.Comey/r
Defendant
REPORT OF A GRAND JURY'S FAILURE TO CONCUR IN AN INDICTMENT
As the foreperson of the grand jury of this court at a session held at
Alexandria, Virginia
Aup 25, 7025 repon that 12 or more grand jurors did not concur in finding an indictment in [ADDED: "Count 1 only"] this case
Under Fed. R. Crim. P. 6(c), this record is being filed with the court clerk and will not be made public unless the court orders otherwise.
Pursuant to the E-Government Act, The original of this page has been filed
Date:
Sepz5, 2075
under seal in the Clerk's Office
Foreperson's signature](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:36eqtmzysqf7wsslczw4uxcd/bafkreictq62mqi7c3ygxpn5gxd5zqphyuoddedev32pnpzg67ywjpv7yty@jpeg)
November 19, 2025 at 5:28 PM
I think it went a step further, suggested in Monday's opinion:
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
So here’s what apparently happened: they tried to indict Comey on the last day of the statute with a three-count indictment. The grand jury rejected one. Rather than cross it out or indicate on the indictment that only two of the three counts were voted upon, Halligan creates…/1
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
November 19, 2025 at 5:11 PM
So here’s what apparently happened: they tried to indict Comey on the last day of the statute with a three-count indictment. The grand jury rejected one. Rather than cross it out or indicate on the indictment that only two of the three counts were voted upon, Halligan creates…/1
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
“With the way things are now, we feel afraid and insecure.” Months into the Trump administration's deportation campaign, about one-third of noncitizen immigrants now say they are avoiding aspects of everyday life, according to a new national survey of immigrants.
Anxiety Over Trump’s Crackdown Alters Life for Many Immigrants, Poll Finds
Months into the Trump deportation campaign, one-third of noncitizens, including about 60 percent of undocumented immigrants, say they are avoiding aspects of daily life.
nyti.ms
November 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
“With the way things are now, we feel afraid and insecure.” Months into the Trump administration's deportation campaign, about one-third of noncitizen immigrants now say they are avoiding aspects of everyday life, according to a new national survey of immigrants.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
in this week's make it make sense, a weekly news roundup from the @chicagoreader.com:
1/ 🪖 border patrol chief greg bovino and his gang of masked brutes skipped town (for now)—but that doesn't mean federal agents are done disappearing chicagoans.
1/ 🪖 border patrol chief greg bovino and his gang of masked brutes skipped town (for now)—but that doesn't mean federal agents are done disappearing chicagoans.
Make It Make Sense: Border Patrol leaders leave Chicago—for now
Plus: an effort to build an emergency shelter for singles on the northwest side and the Broadview Six appear in court.
chicagoreader.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:21 PM
in this week's make it make sense, a weekly news roundup from the @chicagoreader.com:
1/ 🪖 border patrol chief greg bovino and his gang of masked brutes skipped town (for now)—but that doesn't mean federal agents are done disappearing chicagoans.
1/ 🪖 border patrol chief greg bovino and his gang of masked brutes skipped town (for now)—but that doesn't mean federal agents are done disappearing chicagoans.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
For folks catching up, the reason the second indictment weirdly wasn't in the grand jury transcript, which confused the magistrate judge, is THEY NEVER PRESENTED IT TO THE GRAND JURY.
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
November 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
For folks catching up, the reason the second indictment weirdly wasn't in the grand jury transcript, which confused the magistrate judge, is THEY NEVER PRESENTED IT TO THE GRAND JURY.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
This is pretty amazing. This guy just won a solid victory in Bucks County, PA, one of the most important swing counties in the country, by *explicitly and deliberately* making his race *all about* nationalizing ICE raids. Confirms the point about this now being a winning issue for Dems.
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
This is pretty amazing. This guy just won a solid victory in Bucks County, PA, one of the most important swing counties in the country, by *explicitly and deliberately* making his race *all about* nationalizing ICE raids. Confirms the point about this now being a winning issue for Dems.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Reuters:
U.S. PROPOSALS TO END WAR INCLUDE UKRAINE GIVING UP TERRITORY AND SOME WEAPONS, REDUCING SIZE OF ARMED FORCES, AMONG MANY OTHER POINTS – TWO PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE MATTER // U.S. HAS SIGNALLED TO ZELENSKIY THAT UKRAINE MUST ACCEPT FRAMEWORK AND ITS MAIN POINTS, THE SOURCES SAY
U.S. PROPOSALS TO END WAR INCLUDE UKRAINE GIVING UP TERRITORY AND SOME WEAPONS, REDUCING SIZE OF ARMED FORCES, AMONG MANY OTHER POINTS – TWO PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE MATTER // U.S. HAS SIGNALLED TO ZELENSKIY THAT UKRAINE MUST ACCEPT FRAMEWORK AND ITS MAIN POINTS, THE SOURCES SAY
November 19, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Reuters:
U.S. PROPOSALS TO END WAR INCLUDE UKRAINE GIVING UP TERRITORY AND SOME WEAPONS, REDUCING SIZE OF ARMED FORCES, AMONG MANY OTHER POINTS – TWO PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE MATTER // U.S. HAS SIGNALLED TO ZELENSKIY THAT UKRAINE MUST ACCEPT FRAMEWORK AND ITS MAIN POINTS, THE SOURCES SAY
U.S. PROPOSALS TO END WAR INCLUDE UKRAINE GIVING UP TERRITORY AND SOME WEAPONS, REDUCING SIZE OF ARMED FORCES, AMONG MANY OTHER POINTS – TWO PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE MATTER // U.S. HAS SIGNALLED TO ZELENSKIY THAT UKRAINE MUST ACCEPT FRAMEWORK AND ITS MAIN POINTS, THE SOURCES SAY
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
HUGE development IN hearing for Comey selective prosecution motion, It turns out that the grand jury NEVER saw the operative indictment. Whole separate basis for dismissal. Standby for more.
November 19, 2025 at 4:27 PM
HUGE development IN hearing for Comey selective prosecution motion, It turns out that the grand jury NEVER saw the operative indictment. Whole separate basis for dismissal. Standby for more.
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
I honestly didn't even know this was a mistake you could make. Impressive!
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
November 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
I honestly didn't even know this was a mistake you could make. Impressive!
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
MORE: Under questioning by the judge, prosecutor Tyler Lemons said that he’s under orders from the Deputy Attorney Generals’s office not to disclose whether there is a declination memo recommending against the prosecution of Comey
November 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
MORE: Under questioning by the judge, prosecutor Tyler Lemons said that he’s under orders from the Deputy Attorney Generals’s office not to disclose whether there is a declination memo recommending against the prosecution of Comey
Reposted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
November 19, 2025 at 4:36 PM
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution