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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

“For the president to denigrate the service of these patriots is absolutely unconscionable,” he said. “No wonder Keir Starmer is p----d off… these folks stood shoulder to shoulder with us for two decades of war and across numerous missions.” www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/2b30441...

telegraph.co.uk

‘Draft-dodging’ Trump should not criticise British troops, say US soldiers

Veterans say president risks isolating America from allies with remarks on Afghanistan

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Reposted by Shawn VanDiver

Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti. "Please get the truth out about our son."

Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti
Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti

“We are heartbroken but also very angry.

Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.

I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed.

Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.

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Reposted by Shawn VanDiver

Andrew Dyer @andrewdyer.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Just in: The 1,100-ish Afghans the U.S. moved to Qatar for asylum & SIV processing were just told the camp is closing in March and they'll be transferred elsewhere. They (half women & children) have been stuck since Trump froze refugee travel a year ago. Via @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social

What We Know After Today’s CAS Meeting

U.S. government officials informed residents of Camp As Sayliyah that the camp will close by March 31.

Officials said residents will be moved to unspecified third countries, but did not name a single country under consideration.

No information was provided on legal status, durability of protection, or long-term assistance in those third countries.

When residents asked whether they would be sent to African countries, officials declined to answer and moved on.

Officials stated the decision came from Washington, underscoring that this is a policy choice, not a logistical inevitability.

Residents were told that details would be shared later, despite a rapidly approaching deadline.

Some residents were told they could “voluntarily” return to Afghanistan, a country still under Taliban control.

Many residents made clear they would refuse transfer to countries where they have no legal protection, family ties, or viable future.

Who Is at CAS

1100 Afghan USRAP referral recipients (800) and SIV applicants (300).

Afghans who worked alongside U.S. forces, diplomats, and aid organizations.

Family members of Afghans already legally in the United States.

150 Family of U.S. military servicemembers

More than half women

More than half children

Individuals evacuated by the U.S. government because remaining in Afghanistan was deemed unsafe.

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Join me and my family on Friday, January 16, to hear from my friend and our next governor, Eric Swalwell. Location coming soon. I hope to see you there. www.eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-...

eventbrite.com

San Diego Town Hall with Eric Swalwell

Join Congressman Eric Swalwell on Friday night for a town hall in San Diego!

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Today is #Festivus. On Festivus, we air our grievances. I’ve got many. Watch this, share it, and then post your own. Do feel free to, as I have in mine, include a special message to those most deserving.

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

#ICE has been sending check in notices to Afghans (and others) to appear on Christmas Day (Dec 25) and New Years Day (Jan 1). Visit AfghanEvac.org/ice to share your information with use so we can rally attorneys and other support in places where ICE is trying to ruin holidays. Please share.

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Reposted by Shawn VanDiver

afghanevac.bsky.social @afghanevac.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

#BREAKING: The President just ended exemptions to the travel ban for Afghan SIVs and immediate family members. #AfghanEvac’s statement below, attributable to @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

Don't believe the nonsense out there on the internet about the tragic Bondi Beach shooting attacking Jewish Australians celebrating Hanukkah. There is no known connection to Afghanistan or Afghans.

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

A heartbreaking story and a reminder that trauma doesn’t disappear at the airport. Our Afghan allies need real mental-health support, community, and stability. One tragedy cannot define an entire community. time.com/7340248/afgh...

time.com

Afghan Veterans Confront Trauma and Isolation in the U.S.

Many Afghans who helped fight the Taliban struggle after resettling in the U.S. The results are sometimes deadly.

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Reposted by Shawn VanDiver

afghanevac.bsky.social @afghanevac.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

#AfghanEvac President @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social was on MS Now yesterday discussing the horrific shooting in DC and why we cannot allow all Afghans to be vilified for the actions of one man. We must #HonorThePromise. Full clip at youtu.be/L-rZP3kcKo8

youtu.be

AfghanEvac on MS Now -- DC Shooter

YouTube video by #AfghanEvac

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

I submitted this letter to the California Legislature today in strong support of the #ElectionRiggingResponseAct. It’s a temporary safeguard against attempts to rewrite the rules of our democracy for partisan gain. 🧵👇

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

Time for another #AfghanEvac 🧵 @statedeptus.bsky.social just fired the entire leadership team working on #Afghan Relocations (CARE). And Mary Bischoping—the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Afghanistan—took the day off.

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

ICE is now arresting Afghan allies—at their first court hearing—after they entered legally via CBP One, filed asylum + SIV paperwork, and followed every damn rule. They’re using “improvidently issued” like a magic phrase to disappear people. We have the video. #AfghanEvac

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Shawn VanDiver @shawnjvandiver.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

I’m tired of hearing how much Members of Congress “care” behind closed doors. If you’re not speaking up in public about the Afghan allies we left behind, then you’re part of the problem. This week, a few stood up. Most stayed silent. Enough is enough. Take a stand. @afghanevac.bsky.social

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