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Texas Observer

@texasobserver.org
79K followers 1.7K following 5.3K posts

A nonprofit newsroom covering Texas through investigative journalism & narrative storytelling since 1954. Follow our journos: go.bsky.app/EdSL3Co 🤠Learn more about us: linktr.ee/texasobserver

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 1h
Out today: "The 2010 Citizens United decision opened the floodgates to unlimited dark money in American politics, and the right has used it with devastating efficiency. And they do this not by writing treatises but by writing checks."
texasobserver.org
It's Time for the Catholic Church to Distribute the Loaves
The Vatican holds an estimated $73 billion in assets. That is an institution with the resources to move policy, fund organizing, and match the moral urgency of its own documents.
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Eden Shamy @edenshamy.bsky.social · 2h
“I’ve done larger events than this. I’ve never had this much pushback. I’ve never had this much security concerns,” Hasan Piker said. Both Republicans and Democrats told me they wanted the Campus Protection Act to be repealed because they believe it violates the First Amendment.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 2h
New from @edenshamy.bsky.social: A recent appearance by the controversial leftist political streamer highlights how campus free speech restrictions hurt both Democrats and Republicans, alike.
texasobserver.org
Hasan Piker's UT Appearance Put Campus Protection Act to the Test
Although parts of the state law were ruled unconstitutional last year, key elements created barriers for Democrats and Republicans drawn to the controversial event.
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Justin Miller @byjustinmiller.bsky.social · 2h
Hasan Piker's UT appearance was a test of Texas' draconian Campus Protection Act. @edenshamy.bsky.social reports www.texasobserver.org/hasan-piker-...
texasobserver.org
Hasan Piker's UT Appearance Put Campus Protection Act to the Test
Although parts of the state law were ruled unconstitutional last year, key elements created barriers for Democrats and Republicans drawn to the controversial event.
041
Reposted by Texas Observer
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
Governor Greg Abbott has promised to use his deep campaign war chest to turn Harris County "deep red." A blue wave could sweep out even Abbott's GOP favorites. In her newest, @michellepitcher.bsky.social looks at what this could mean for prisons, bail reform and the rights of the accused:
texasobserver.org
A Blue Wave Could Sweep Greg Abbott's Handpicked Houston Judges Out of Office
But experts say that, as Harris County judicial seats have swung with the political tides, it’s not partisanship that matters for criminal defendants.
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Jason Buch @jlbuch.bsky.social · 4h
Public records requests for details of Flock queries resulted in officers facing criminal charges. Now police departments in Texas are charging exorbitant amounts for, or simply refusing to release, those records. From the story: "Houston news station KPRC was quoted (contd) $121,000 t.co/P1UqueS1hh
t.co
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/10/05/texas-flock-cameras-two-million-public-records-information/
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 4h
New, from our magazine by Jorge Meave Jr.: "This is an institution with the resources to move policy, fund organizing, and match the moral urgency of its own documents with the kind of financial and political commitment that actually changes the conditions of people’s lives."
texasobserver.org
It's Time for the Catholic Church to Distribute the Loaves
The Vatican holds an estimated $73 billion in assets. That is an institution with the resources to move policy, fund organizing, and match the moral urgency of its own documents.
0339
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 5h
"No democracy survives if voters are told that the office matters more than the person entrusted to hold it. This is not how accountability works. Once politicians learn they can keep the office no matter what they do, the public loses its only real leverage."
texasobserver.org
Angela Paxton's Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs
Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 22h
From our magazine: “These plays were speaking to the experiences that we had … and yet it was a universal story that was being told. There were stories that dealt with families, communities, human beings, and all of the dynamics that are rolled into who we are.”
texasobserver.org
Houston's Historic Black Theater at 50
For five decades, the Ensemble has brought Houstonians together to laugh, cry, and talk back to plays representing all aspects of African-American life.
0165
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 04/10/2026
From Arjun Sharda: Every Texas school district is required to form a safety and security committee. It must have school board members, law enforcement and medical professionals, a teacher and parents. But one key stakeholder is missing: students.
texasobserver.org
Texas Tells Students to Report Threats. It Should Give Us a Seat at the Safety Table.
State law requires parents, educators, police, and administrators to be a part of district safety committees, but not the kids who are expected to recognize and report danger.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 04/10/2026
From Sue Davis: "A Senate seat is not a family heirloom. It belongs to the public."
texasobserver.org
Angela Paxton's Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs
Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 04/10/2026
From @michellepitcher.bsky.social: Harris County is a judicial battleground for both parties in Texas. Houston's courts went blue in 2016, and the GOP has been trying to claw its way back ever since. Can Governor Abbott's deep pockets beat back the coming blue wave?
texasobserver.org
A Blue Wave Could Sweep Greg Abbott's Handpicked Houston Judges Out of Office
But experts say that, as Harris County judicial seats have swung with the political tides, it’s not partisanship that matters for criminal defendants.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 03/10/2026
From Jesús @jankcurbelo.bsky.social: Violeta Álvarez, an experienced music photographer, turns her camera inward toward her roots. Born in Texas to Mexican parents, she set out to explore the experiences that connect immigrant families, starting with her own. www.texasobserver.org/houston-livi...
Violeta Álvarez, a Latina woman with shoulder length wavy dark hair, poses in an all black dress with lace details and low black cowboy boots, in front of a wall of her music photography showing black and white, evocative close ups of rock musicians performing on stage.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 03/10/2026
Featured story: We identified 20 episodes of Joe Rogan's podcast where he referred to James Talarico or Ken Paxton, since Talarico's original appearance. The result is a portrait of confusion & ignorance in one of the most powerful voices in politics.
texasobserver.org
Does Joe Rogan Care Who Wins the Texas Senate Race?
An exhaustive accounting of the Austin podcast giant's thoughts (and lack thereof) on James Talarico, Ken Paxton, and the electoral contest between them
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
Out today: “I am a Texas woman and a former Republican. I know the language of party loyalty. I know the fear of handing power to 'the other side.' But no democracy survives if voters are told that the office matters more than the person entrusted to hold it.”
texasobserver.org
Angela Paxton's Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs
Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.
105816
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 03/10/2026
From @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social: Tarrant County is Texas' most important battleground county—at the top of the ballot it's flittered red to blue and back again, but for county-wide offices Dems have failed to gain power. Will this November be different?
texasobserver.org
Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground
Amid voter suppression and rampant ideological warfare, Tarrant County Democratic candidates try to capitalize on this surge of local anger.
0206
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 03/10/2026
From our magazine, by Jesús @jankcurbelo.bsky.social: Adrian Martinez died after becoming a sexual assault whistleblower against the U.S. Army. The government says he took his own life, but family believes otherwise. What's clear is how the military mistreated and abandoned him after his report ...
texasobserver.org
A Texas Soldier's Death Casts Doubt on Federal Whistleblower Protections
Adrian Martinez reported a sexual assault two years before he was found dead on a Hawaii Army base. The Vanessa Guillén Act is supposed to protect soldiers like him.
02411
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
“Having a judge that is attuned not just to keeping the public safe, but also safeguarding the defendant’s constitutional rights is really, really important. Public safety and constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive choices.”
texasobserver.org
A Blue Wave Could Sweep Greg Abbott's Handpicked Houston Judges Out of Office
But experts say that, as Harris County judicial seats have swung with the political tides, it’s not partisanship that matters for criminal defendants.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
Out today: “I am a Texas woman and a former Republican. I know the language of party loyalty. I know the fear of handing power to 'the other side.' But no democracy survives if voters are told that the office matters more than the person entrusted to hold it.”
texasobserver.org
Angela Paxton's Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs
Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.
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Reposted by Texas Observer
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 29/09/2026
New from Jesús @jankcurbelo.bsky.social: @violetalvarezphoto.bsky.social, an experienced music photographer, turns her camera inward toward her own roots. Born in Texas to Mexican parents, she set out to explore the experiences that connect immigrant families, starting with her own family.
texasobserver.org
Houston's 'Living Archive' of Migration
At Fresh Arts, photographer Violeta Álvarez created a space where immigrant families in Houston can see their own histories reflected back to them.
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Reposted by Texas Observer
Congressman Greg Casar @repcasar.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Good news: Wilber Garces Perez finally had surgery to remove the bullet that was in his back for 11 days. It took far too long, and it's more proof of ICE cruelty. But we kept up the pressure, and Wilber got the care he needed. Speaking up for our neighbors works.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
“I always wanted to photograph our culture, you know? I wanted to go look for our history. But there wasn’t anyone like me—people of color, especially women—taking those kind of photos.”
texasobserver.org
Houston's 'Living Archive' of Migration
At Fresh Arts, photographer Violeta Álvarez created a space where immigrant families in Houston can see their own histories reflected back to them.
0166
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
When military police found Adrian Martinez's body, his bags had already been packed for his trip home to Houston. The army says he took his own life, but their investigation seemed to ignore one key fact: He was a sexual assault whistleblower.
texasobserver.org
A Texas Soldier's Death Casts Doubt on Federal Whistleblower Protections
Adrian Martinez reported a sexual assault two years before he was found dead on a Hawaii Army base. The Vanessa Guillén Act is supposed to protect soldiers like him.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
New from Sue Davis: The Texas GOP has created a political culture that asks women to set aside character, accountability, and even their own interests whenever party power is at stake.
texasobserver.org
Angela Paxton's Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs
Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.
0267
Reposted by Texas Observer
Justin Miller @byjustinmiller.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"A Senate seat is not a family heirloom. It belongs to the public." www.texasobserver.org/angela-paxto...
texasobserver.org
Angela Paxton's Message: Elect the Elephant at All Costs
Her appeal to put party loyalty above character and accountability ignores the price women will pay if Ken Paxton becomes a U.S. senator.
3256
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
Governor Greg Abbott has promised to use his deep campaign war chest to turn Harris County "deep red." A blue wave could sweep out even Abbott's GOP favorites. In her newest, @michellepitcher.bsky.social looks at what this could mean for prisons, bail reform and the rights of the accused:
texasobserver.org
A Blue Wave Could Sweep Greg Abbott's Handpicked Houston Judges Out of Office
But experts say that, as Harris County judicial seats have swung with the political tides, it’s not partisanship that matters for criminal defendants.
67520
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 02/10/2026
"Students know which social-media posts spread before an adult ever sees them. We know whether classmates understand a reporting system, trust the adults receiving a report, or worry that speaking up will make them a target. We experience drills from underneath desks and behind classroom doors."
texasobserver.org
Texas Tells Students to Report Threats. It Should Give Us a Seat at the Safety Table.
State law requires parents, educators, police, and administrators to be a part of district safety committees, but not the kids who are expected to recognize and report danger.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
From our magazine: "I’m running a campaign to improve the Railroad Commission of Texas and to have it work better for the people that we serve, the people of this state. His campaign seems to be about alarmist rhetoric."
texasobserver.org
Who Stands Between Texas and a Fascist Railroad Commission?
This man here—and a plurality of voters if he can find them
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
“I guess you could call it a church.” In books: "Basic Pistol," from sociologist Harel Shapira, reveals how Americans learn far more than simply how to shoot from firearms training courses.
texasobserver.org
Why Texans Live and Die by the Gun
At the firearms training center, fear becomes the foundation of the state's violent obsession.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
“Art puts a face and a name where there’s usually just a statistic.” Violeta Álvarez wants uses photography to humanize her community in the face of a public discourse that reduces it to numbers, laws, and headlines.
texasobserver.org
Houston's 'Living Archive' of Migration
At Fresh Arts, photographer Violeta Álvarez created a space where immigrant families in Houston can see their own histories reflected back to them.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
🗣
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 27/09/2026
“Rural voters are a huge part of the electoral firewall that the GOP maintains in Texas.” Last week, from @edenshamy.bsky.social: With the midterms approaching, Dems in the land of red dirt and even redder politics are determined to make their own blue wave.
texasobserver.org
‘Up Against a 500-Pound Gorilla’: Can Dems Make Inroads in Deep-Red West Texas?
With a candidate on the ballot in every state and federal race, the minority party is trying hard to gain some ground in the GOP’s electoral firewall.
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David R. Brockman, Ph.D. @drdrbrockman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The @houstonchronicle.com's @cltomlinson.bsky.social interviewed me for his excellent series "Change of State," which examines how Texas is changing and how those changes affect its politics. Here's a gift link: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columni...
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
Out today: Every Texas school district is required to form a safety and security committee. It must have school board members, law enforcement and medical professionals, a teacher and parents. But one key stakeholder is missing: students.
texasobserver.org
Texas Tells Students to Report Threats. It Should Give Us a Seat at the Safety Table.
State law requires parents, educators, police, and administrators to be a part of district safety committees, but not the kids who are expected to recognize and report danger.
03311
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
Top story: Documents provided to the Observer about the tragic death of Adrian Martinez raise serious questions about how he felt abandoned—and at times attacked—by the Army after coming forward about his assault.
texasobserver.org
A Texas Soldier's Death Casts Doubt on Federal Whistleblower Protections
Adrian Martinez reported a sexual assault two years before he was found dead on a Hawaii Army base. The Vanessa Guillén Act is supposed to protect soldiers like him.
0138
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
New from Arjun Sharda: The State of Texas understands that students are essential to recognizing danger. But it has been slower to recognize that we might also have something useful to contribute when adults decide how schools should prevent and respond to threats.
texasobserver.org
Texas Tells Students to Report Threats. It Should Give Us a Seat at the Safety Table.
State law requires parents, educators, police, and administrators to be a part of district safety committees, but not the kids who are expected to recognize and report danger.
0156
Reposted by Texas Observer
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
Violeta Álvarez, who got her start in music photography, took us on a tour of her new exhibition, Casa de Cultura: The Living Archive, and explains its inspiration in her own immigrant roots. Explore with us: www.texasobserver.org/houston-livi...
A memorial altar overseen by saints and a sign reading "Reserved: In Memory of the millions of lives lost to genocide & violence by ICE & inhumane immigration practices." Below it s a display including a photo of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Day of the Dead candle, anti-ICE zines, and flowers including roses and marigolds.
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Reposted by Texas Observer
Andrea Grimes @andreagrimes.com · 01/10/2026
Incredible reporting by @tinavasquez.bsky.social here. A story about how the people who put food on American tables are denied water or even the ability to carry it with them or meaningfully ask for it to be provided, lest they lose their jobs working in oppressive heat.
prismreports.org
Despite farmworker death and another disabled by heat stroke, employer keeps sending people to fields
Florida Orange Gold has exposed workers on H-2A visas to extreme heat, but continues to bring hundreds of migrants to North Carolina
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 01/10/2026
Tarrant County residents flooded a meeting to air their grievances when a Republican-led court voted to close dozens of voting locations in September. But will the justified anger at this and other anti-Democratic moves by the GOP transform into votes for Democrats?
texasobserver.org
Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground
Amid voter suppression and rampant ideological warfare, Tarrant County Democratic candidates try to capitalize on this surge of local anger.
01611
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
Previously: At least 3 people have died at Camp East Montana in the past year, including one incident, ruled a homicide, where a 55-year-old died after a beating by security guards. One report found dozens of violations of national detention standards.
texasobserver.org
ICE Contractor for Controversial Camp East Montana Is Trailed by Fraud Allegations
To continue running the deadly El Paso detention center, the feds turn to a company that’s faced numerous lawsuits from labor unions and former employees and is actively fighting a whistleblower in…
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
Featured story: “These plays were speaking to the experiences that we had … and yet it was a universal story that was being told. There were stories that dealt with families, communities, human beings, and all of the dynamics that are rolled into who we are.”
texasobserver.org
Houston's Historic Black Theater at 50
For five decades, the Ensemble has brought Houstonians together to laugh, cry, and talk back to plays representing all aspects of African-American life.
0143
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
Out today: “In 2026, the numbers are just exponentially greater in the amount of people who are organized, who are active and who are on the ground working to bring about change in our leadership. I think it’s a cumulative effect of all of the horrendous things that our current leadership has done.”
texasobserver.org
Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground
Amid voter suppression and rampant ideological warfare, Tarrant County Democratic candidates try to capitalize on this surge of local anger.
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Reposted by Texas Observer
Kit O'Connell (🏳️‍🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽) @kitoconnell.com · 29/09/2026
Jesus @jankcurbelo.bsky.social has been doing some fab work over at @texasobserver.org, this latest is no exception.
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Reposted by Texas Observer
Gus Bova @gusbova.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This may seem very basic, but the @texasobserver.org finally has a separate subscription process for you to buy a gift subscription for someone else! It's still just $5/month. If you already subscribe but want to help more, I think it's one of the best ways: texasobserver.fundjournalism.org/give/
texasobserver.fundjournalism.org
Join the Texas Observer
The best of investigative journalism since 1954.
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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
Top story: Two years after Adrian Martinez became a sexual assault whistleblower against the U.S. Army, he was found dead. The law says the military should have protected Martinez. His family says he was mistreated, abandoned, and targeted for abuse when he sought help.
texasobserver.org
A Texas Soldier's Death Casts Doubt on Federal Whistleblower Protections
Adrian Martinez reported a sexual assault two years before he was found dead on a Hawaii Army base. The Vanessa Guillén Act is supposed to protect soldiers like him.
13018
Reposted by Texas Observer
Justin Miller @byjustinmiller.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Tarrant County is Texas' most important battleground county—at the top of the ballot it's flittered red to blue and back again, but for county-wide offices Dems have failed to gain power. Will this November be different? www.texasobserver.org/tarrant-coun...
texasobserver.org
Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground
Amid voter suppression and rampant ideological warfare, Tarrant County Democratic candidates try to capitalize on this surge of local anger.
096
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
“Every time Tim O’Hare cuts our polling locations, or every time Bo French says something awful on Twitter, I get more volunteers.” New from @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social: The people of Tarrant County are frustrated, but Democrats need to turn that frustration into votes.
texasobserver.org
Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground
Amid voter suppression and rampant ideological warfare, Tarrant County Democratic candidates try to capitalize on this surge of local anger.
0239
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 30/09/2026
Violeta Álvarez, who got her start in music photography, took us on a tour of her new exhibition, Casa de Cultura: The Living Archive, and explains its inspiration in her own immigrant roots. Explore with us: www.texasobserver.org/houston-livi...
A memorial altar overseen by saints and a sign reading "Reserved: In Memory of the millions of lives lost to genocide & violence by ICE & inhumane immigration practices." Below it s a display including a photo of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Day of the Dead candle, anti-ICE zines, and flowers including roses and marigolds.
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Reposted by Texas Observer
Gus Bova @gusbova.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Criminally charging the shooting victim, criminally charging the protesters... Texas desperately needs a governor who will pull DPS out of this descent into fascism and allow local police and prosecutors to do the same
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Gus Bova @gusbova.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The criminal complaint affidavit against Wilber Garces, from ICE agent Rick Bazan, includes a detailed account (with photos) of an agent possibly being brushed by a sideview mirror--but does nothing to make the later shooting seem justifiable: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
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