Predicting that this week we’ll hear more conciliatory words from the Administration regarding Minnesota (since they’re starting to realize that ICE has become politically toxic) but everyone outside of Minnesota needs to know that nothing on the ground has changed.

In other words, things haven't changed here at all, and the operation is still ongoing.

I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free

Earlier today, I discovered I am eligible to nominate candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize (@nobelprize.org). I nominated "the people of the Twin Cities".

The biggest risk in this moment is something sociologists call “symbolic compliance.” That’s when an institution that is violating civil rights gives the public just enough symbolic victories that accountability efforts lose steam before there has been any meaningful change.

What's even better is that, while community groups are celebrating this, they haven't stopped organizing and protecting their neighbors. This isn't over until the op is shutdown and ICE/CBP are gone.

This is really moving. Definitely give it a listen.

Good, and good riddance.

ICE out of MN

Hi everyone -- there is a general strike in Minnesota tomorrow to protest what the Trump administration and DHS are doing to our community. In solidarity with the action, I am going to donate my revenue from tmrw's newsletter to People over Papers, the Midway-Hamline Diaper Bank, & Every Meal. (1/2)

Another friend put it to me like this: "ICE has made the classic Nazi mistake. They've invaded a winter people in the winter."

This video filmed by Ben Luhmann shows the moment a federal agent sprayed chemical irritants directly into a man's face in south Minneapolis. Three agents already had the man pinned to the ground when a fourth agent walked up and sprayed the irritants.

It is even worse than it looks

@professormusgrave.bsky.social Welcome back! Missed you here.

National media: Please stop describing what’s happening in Minneapolis as “protests.” There has been a modest, sustained protest outside the Whipple federal building, about 10 miles from downtown, but... 1/3

Even if we believe ICE’s pretexts (and we shouldn’t), this is a STUPID way to do a law enforcement operation. Which, of course, is why it isn’t one: www.liberalcurrents.com/so-hows-the-...

There's no actual law enforcement strategy for ICE's operations. That is, identified and confirmed suspects, probable cause to arrest using the least force possible, sent to a judicial system where suspects receive due process.

This is a great idea! I'd be happy to guest lecture in-person on international security, international order, China-Taiwan, and laws of war.

MN's former SecState once recounted a story. They invited a DFL and GOP strategist to share their thoughts on state politics. Last question: What's your biggest regret from your work? GOP guy: That we convinced rural areas that urban areas owe them yet simultaneously look down on them.

An excellent piece describing what it's like in the Twin Cities. I find myself constantly monitoring my surroundings, looking for who may need protection or assistance, where the exits and private spaces are. And checking each car I pass to see if there might be trouble coming.

"I'm not in Minnesota -- what can I do to help?" A list of ideas!

Again I say into the void: stop saying the ICE officer had no time to think. Time doesn’t start when the drama starts. They drove up. They walked up. They engaged. Stop saying there is only reflex, no thought. If so, stop arming ambulatory startle reflexes & calling them cops

Not an exaggeration at all to say that the feeling in Minneapolis is that the entire metro area is being treated as occupied territory by federal agents. Impossible to overstate how overwhelmingly people here do not like it. This does not feel sustainable.

This is excellent, especially the cataloging of all the ways our present moment is different from what's come before. It's disorienting to hear some many people claim the opposite, and this is a good corrective.

I can guarantee you that this Minnesotan was not crying.

Hey, a quick hint for anyone trying to follow the news in Minneapolis from out of state: if you add ?utm_source=gift to any Star Tribune URL, it'll let you read it. Also, some reliable local outlets that are both better and free: www.mprnews.org www.minnpost.com sahanjournal.com

This is a vetted fundraiser for the family of Renee Good, the woman who was killed by ICE in Minneapolis. www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...

Show up to show ICE just how much we despise them and want them OUT OF MN! Thursday morning, 7am Whipple Federal Building.

ICE out of MN protest tomorrow, Jan. 8 at 7 am.

Twin Cities journalists to follow: @taylordahlin.com @wedge.live @dbrauer.net Also, my neighbor @lynnellmick.bsky.social

Any LatAm or Venezuela experts to follow on here? How stable is the regime? Are we likely to see it falling into factional infighting, or will this actually galvanize Chavismo?

House Judiciary Committee releases on New Years Eve (in an obvious attempt to bury this info) the Jack Smith deposition transcript. I recommend doing a word search for "proof beyond a reasonable doubt." And explanation of disenfranchisement of urban areas. judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-su...

European reactions: let’s start with EU “China’s recent military exercise further increases cross-strait tensions and endangers international peace and stability.” www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/spokesp...

Just to be clear. It’s the John F Kennedy center legally. Just like it’s still the department of defense

This is a great resource for anyone interested in Chinese influence operations and effects! #TWSky

“There’s no way I’m bending the knee I have left for a king in America.” Damn. Just … damn.

Retired Army Sgt. Brian Wofford spoke to me this morning at the Oklahoma City #NoKings protest. Didn’t expect him to be carrying his DD214 so I asked some warmup questions like when he got out and whether his injury was service-related. He paused while describing the car bomb in Iraq to say this:

No Kings in the Twin Cities

Trace-ism with American characteristics.

This just seems like an incredibly cool job: www.spymuseum.org/about/career... For PhDs in history, poli sci, IR, or related fields!

Saw the barr bros, Stephen Sanchez, and mumford and sons tonight! Outstanding performances!

If appropriations bills are not seen as enforceable contracts, why should any Member of Congress vote to fund any part of the federal government under Donald Trump? You're voting to provide money for lawlessness. www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/there-is-n...

🧵 Fascism is an ideology. The government is fascist. But it's an unconsolidated competitive authoritarian regime, not a totalitarian one. @justinscasey.bsky.social and I discuss this, and the heterogeneity of interwar fascism, here 👇

So much Democrat and pundit handwringing about the shutdown as if they're in charge of the government. They're not. The only possibilities are Trump makes things worse with Democratic approval or Trump makes things worse despite Democratic resistance. Don't bail him out. My latest (on @msnbc.com):

Crockett: "What assurances do we have if we entered into an agreement with these Republicans that they wouldn't go back on their word and just say, 'Oh yeah, we'll sign off on a rescissions package'"

So...how do we code this in ATOP? #polisky

Applications for the next cohort of the Taiwan Next Gen Working Group are open: conta.cc/4gtPME5 Great program, outstanding opportunity to build networks in Taiwan, the US, and Europe. Everyone is incredibly passionate about better understanding Taiwan and its global role.

This was a lot of fun! Thanks so much, @warontherocks.bsky.social!