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Tyler Hicks

@tylerfromtexas.bsky.social
474 followers 556 following 49 posts

Writer. Bylines in Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Inkstick, Al Jazeera, NYT + more.

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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 21h
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.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
big dynamic this fall
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
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 Tyler Hicks
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.
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
If you’ve seen those viral videos coming out of Tarrant County commissioners court (a sentence I never thought I’d say) then this story is for you. Big thank you to @byjustinmiller.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org for the assignment. 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.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
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.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 23/09/2026
"Last year ... the US government put 76 children from Guatemala on a deportation plane over Labor Day weekend. The children were woken up in the middle of the night; one had a panic attack, another vomited from their nerves."
inkstickmedia.com
The Quiet, Alarming Escalation of Trump's Immigration Crackdown
With Kristi Noem out at the Department of Homeland Security, Trump's immigration crackdown is going through a quiet, alarming escalation.
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This is a compelling and timely longread from @patrickobrienstrickland.com and @inkstickmedia.com. Worth every minute, and then some: inkstickmedia.com/the-sedition...
inkstickmedia.com
The Seditionist: The Rise and Fall of an American White Nationalist
Louis Beam spent decades elevating violence to new heights in the white nationalist movement, then disappeared from public life.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
new, extraordinarily important, distressing reporting by @burness.bsky.social
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 17/09/2026
"Virginia has also become one of many states where so-called 'mega-master' hearings take place ... This is another area where the Trump administration is breaking records: These hearings have led to a record high number of in-absentia deportation orders." inkstickmedia.com/the-quiet-al...
inkstickmedia.com
The Quiet, Alarming Escalation of Trump's Immigration Crackdown
With Kristi Noem out at the Department of Homeland Security, Trump's immigration crackdown is going through a quiet, alarming escalation.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 15/09/2026
“It’s very disheartening and scary,” says Naila Syed, who lives in Dallas. “I have my two kids at public school, and then I have one son who goes to a private school at our mosque. It’s very scary to drop him off there every day when I know that there have been protestors showing up there, as well.”
inkstickmedia.com
Ahead of Midterms, Texas Republicans Put Muslims in Line of Fire
As the United States gears up for midterms, Texas Republicans are ratcheting up Islamophobia and putting Muslims in the line of fire.
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
New @inkstickmedia.com story about the Markwayne Mullin era so far and what it means for immigrants and those trying to protect them: inkstickmedia.com/the-quiet-al...
inkstickmedia.com
The Quiet, Alarming Escalation of Trump's Immigration Crackdown
With Kristi Noem out at the Department of Homeland Security, Trump's immigration crackdown is going through a quiet, alarming escalation.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 16/09/2026
"Activists and attorneys say the theatrics that were a core part of the Noem-era immigration crackdown have now quieted down to some extent in favor of different tactics ... designed to deport as many people as quickly as possible." By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social
inkstickmedia.com
The Quiet, Alarming Escalation of Trump's Immigration Crackdown
With Kristi Noem out at the Department of Homeland Security, Trump's immigration crackdown is going through a quiet, alarming escalation.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
NEW: DHS's Inspector General releases a scathing report about the Everglades detention camp known as "Alligator Alcatraz." The OIG finds that the now-closed camp, violated multiple ICE standards. The OIG also confirms detainees were punished with placement in a metal cage in the Florida heat.🧵
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Staff also reported that time spent in the small metal enclosures is closely monitored, and
detainees are not locked in, even though we observed locking mechanisms on the enclosures.
Figures 11 and 12. Small Metal Enclosures; Observed January 21, 2026

Underneath is a picture of a metal cage that is 4 feet 3 inches wide by 4 feet 3 inches long, and 7 feet 9 inches high. The cage itself is placed on a tiny spot of fake turf, and then surrounded by another chainlink fence with razor wire on top. The cage is covered by a roof, but it's entirely exposed to the outside otherwise, meaning mosquitos and no air conditioning.
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Islamophobia in Texas is rampant and more mainstream than ever. I dig into it for @inkstickmedia.com: inkstickmedia.com/ahead-of-mid...
inkstickmedia.com
Ahead of Midterms, Texas Republicans Put Muslims in Line of Fire
As the United States gears up for midterms, Texas Republicans are ratcheting up Islamophobia and putting Muslims in the line of fire.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 01/09/2026
Sabah Mooswi was driving on the highway when someone shot a bullet through her windshield. Police told her they didn’t believe her faith, activism, or the fact that she wears a hijab motivated the incident. She has her doubts. inkstickmedia.com/ahead-of-mid...
inkstickmedia.com
Ahead of Midterms, Texas Republicans Put Muslims in Line of Fire
As the United States gears up for midterms, Texas Republicans are ratcheting up Islamophobia and putting Muslims in the line of fire.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 01/09/2026
As wars abroad drive Islamophobia at home, Texas Republicans are drumming up anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstickmedia.com/ahead-of-mid...
inkstickmedia.com
Ahead of Midterms, Texas Republicans Put Muslims in Line of Fire
As the United States gears up for midterms, Texas Republicans are ratcheting up Islamophobia and putting Muslims in the line of fire.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Joshua Eaton @joshuaeaton.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
NEW: ICE tased a man in Danbury on Thursday, sending him to the hospital. I got video and the 911 call. DHS says the man reached for a pocketknife. It comes after four days of ICE sweeps in the city and dozens of arrests. My latest at @ctinsider.bsky.social — www.ctinsider.com/news/article...
ctinsider.com
ICE agent uses Taser during Danbury arrest, sending man to hospital
ICE also criticized Sen. Chris Murphy Thursday, refuting reported arrests at a bus stop in Danbury.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 24/08/2026
From the assault on Iran to the kidnapping of Venezuela's president, prediction markets have sparked concerns over war profiteering. inkstickmedia.com/betting-on-w...
inkstickmedia.com
Betting on War: The Legality and Lethality of Prediction Markets
With the rise of prediction markets, people around the world are betting on war and bloodshed from their smartphones.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 21/08/2026
Pima county figures show highest number of monthly migrant deaths in two years as critics condemn US policy
theguardian.com
Rise in migrant deaths as 19 bodies found along Arizona border last month
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Shortly after the Prairieland verdicts came down, the FBI raided the home of a Dallas activist known for carrying guns at protest. Later, they offered her $200,000 to become an informant. Full story here for @inkstickmedia.com: inkstickmedia.com/is-trumps-an...
inkstickmedia.com
Is Trump’s ‘Antifa’ Crackdown Pushing More Leftists Toward Guns?
As the Trump administration targets leftists and supposed Antifa activists, some of his political opponents adopt community defense.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Jack Mirkinson @jackmirkinson.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Today in @thenation.com: a harrowing piece written from inside the Dilley ICE detention center by Maryam Tahmasebi, a green card holder who's been locked up along with her husband and son for months despite none of them committing any crime. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
thenation.com
One Woman’s Message From the Hell of ICE Detention
My husband, son, and I have been locked up for months—despite being permanent residents with no criminal record. It is an unendurable, unending nightmare.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 09/08/2026
"The surge in deaths outpaced the growth of the detained population itself. Between January 2025 and January 2026, the number of people in ICE detention rose by 77%, while annual deaths more than tripled, producing a 138% jump in the mortality rate."
inkstickmedia.com
Deep Dive: Detained by ICE, More and More People Are Dying
A new report has found that the number of people dying in ICE custody has nearly quadrupled since the Biden administration.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 07/08/2026
"When Trump went viral for being on the debate stage saying that they’re eating dogs, they’re eating cats, he was talking about the Haitians, and that was a racist lie that started with a bunch of neo-Nazis, swastika-flying neo-Nazis ... trying to remove Haitians from the country."
inkstickmedia.com
How White Nationalism is Baked into Trump’s Immigration Agenda
Long considered fridge ideas, white nationalist talking points have now become baked into Trump's immigration agenda.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
This story is so absurd that I think it didn’t get enough attention. Chicago police is violating the law to the tune of hundreds of thousands of secret traffic stops that it’s not reporting as the law requires. When Pascal discovered this, they said they’d fix it… but secrecy has only increased!
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
For this new @inkstickmedia.com story about the Prairieland case, I tried to capture even just a small part of the incarceration experience for the defendants.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 30/07/2026
"At the end of the controversial 'Antifa trial,' Daniel Sanchez Estrada was sentenced to three decades in prison for moving a box of zines and antifascist literature. His sister wants people to know the real Daniel." By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstickmedia.com/a-prairielan...
inkstickmedia.com
A Prairieland Defendant's Sister Speaks Out After 'Antifa Trial'
The sister of a Prairieland Antifa trial defendant speakers out against the Trump administration's crackdown on left-wing activism.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 29/07/2026
Fuel shortages, blackouts, hunger, and collapsing healthcare are pushing Cuba to the brink. inkstickmedia.com/us-pressure-...
inkstickmedia.com
US Pressure Turns Life in Cuba into 'a Numb Fight for Survival'
As the United States escalates economic pressure on Cuba, life on the island is turning into an everyday "fight for survival."
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I thought about @jeffsharlet.bsky.social (and read a lot of his work) while writing this recent piece for @inkstickmedia.com. Grateful for his work. inkstickmedia.com/is-white-nat...
inkstickmedia.com
How White Nationalism is Baked into Trump’s Immigration Agenda
Long considered fridge ideas, white nationalist talking points have now become baked into Trump's immigration agenda.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Adam Sawyer @adamjst.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
“If immigration hadn't picked up my brother, my sister-in-law would still be alive, and the children wouldn't be going through this sorrow,” he said. “Unfortunately, immigration — the [U.S.] government — doesn't see that. It makes no difference to them.” www.stlpr.org/law-order/20...
stlpr.org
Overland couple shot dead in Guatemala after local ICE stop led to deportations
The couple’s 14-month-old daughter was found crying beside her mother’s body in a sugarcane field last week, according to Guatemalan authorities and media.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 22/07/2026
Throughout Trump 2.0, experts say, white nationalist ideological tenets have gained influence inside the government. By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstickmedia.com/is-white-nat...
inkstickmedia.com
Is White Nationalism Baked into Trump’s Immigration Agenda?
Long considered fridge ideas, white nationalist talking points have now become baked into Trump's immigration agenda.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 10/07/2026
In May, we reported on the local pushback to a massive ICE detention center. The story has taken yet another turn. By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstick.substack.com/p/in-arizona...
inkstick.substack.com
In Arizona, Activists Get a ‘Partial but Substantial’ Victory in Ongoing ICE fight
In May, we reported on the local pushback to a massive ICE detention center. The story has taken yet another turn.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Jason Blazakis @jason-blazakis.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Quoted in @inkstickmedia.com on the Prairieland "#Antifa cell" sentencing. 30 to 100 years. Prosecutors leaned heavily on Signal chats and zines to prove shared beliefs, not conduct. That should worry anyone who cares about free speech. inkstickmedia.com/antifa-trial...
inkstickmedia.com
'Antifa Trial' in Texas Heightens Fears of Free Speech Chill in US
Will the outcome of a controversial trial against protesters accused of being Antifa lead to a chill on free speech in the US?
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Lex McMenamin (they/them) @lexmcmenamin.com · 30/06/2026
brought some of the books and zines found in the Prairieland exhibit files to sentence 8 people to a combined 450 years in federal prison to @us.theguardian.com's podcast, Stateside, in the longest interview I've done so far about the story
youtube.com
How Trump’s DoJ used zines to convict leftists of terrorism
YouTube video by Stateside Podcast
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 29/06/2026
Muslims say anti-Islamic rhetoric making everyday life difficult – and threats and harassment not uncommon
theguardian.com
‘Weaponizing ignorance’: Muslims bear brunt as Texas Republicans make hate mainstream
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
I was in court this week when the Prairieland defendants were sentenced to decades in prison. For @inkstickmedia.com, I wrote about what this means going forward. inkstickmedia.com/antifa-trial...
inkstickmedia.com
'Antifa Trial' in Texas Heightens Fears of Free Speech Chill in US
Will the outcome of a controversial trial against protesters accused of being Antifa lead to a chill on free speech in the US?
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 26/06/2026
In Texas, defendants were sentenced between 30 and 100 years because of their affiliation with a supposed 'Antifa cell' that doesn't exist. inkstickmedia.com/antifa-trial...
inkstickmedia.com
'Antifa Trial' in Texas Heightens Fears of Free Speech Chill in US
Will the outcome of a controversial trial against protesters accused of being Antifa lead to a chill on free speech in the US?
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Bolts @boltsmag.org · 19/06/2026
In Louisiana, which has more ICE lockups than almost any state, a crisis of prolonged detention is accelerating. Data suggests that the number of immigrants in ICE custody for more than a year has spiked five-fold since 2024. Our story with The Lens Nola: boltsmag.org/louisia...
The number of people in ICE detention for more than a year grew five-fold from March 2024 to March 2026. The proportion of people who've been detained over a year has also grown, from 1% to over 3% of detainees.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 18/06/2026
The consumer burden of Trump's war on Iran has already soared into the tens of billions, and it's expected to keep rising long after a ceasefire. By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstickmedia.com/how-trumps-w...
inkstickmedia.com
How Trump's War in Iran Will Linger in Americans’ Wallets
Even if Trump's war on Iran has finally ended, the economic consequences will continue to harm American households for years to come.
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
My mother’s side of the family is from Cuba, so I’d be lying if I said this isn’t partly personal. I’m grateful to the Cubans who’ve been sharing their perspectives with me and to @inkstickmedia.com for giving this coverage a home. inkstickmedia.com/us-pressure-...
inkstickmedia.com
US Pressure Turns Life in Cuba into 'a Numb Fight for Survival'
As the United States escalates economic pressure on Cuba, life on the island is turning into an everyday "fight for survival."
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 09/06/2026
As the Trump administration tightens its pressure campaign against Havana, fuel shortages, blackouts, hunger, and collapsing healthcare are pushing Cuba to the brink. By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstickmedia.com/us-pressure-...
inkstickmedia.com
US Pressure Turns Life in Cuba into 'a Numb Fight for Survival'
As the United States escalates economic pressure on Cuba, life on the island is turning into an everyday "fight for survival."
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Everyday folks vs. ICE (and ICE’s local gov’t supporters) is the modern day David vs. Goliath. My latest @inkstickmedia.com story dives into one example of this conflict. inkstickmedia.com/how-everyday...
inkstickmedia.com
How Everyday Arizonans are Waging a Unique Fight Against ICE
In Surprise, everyday Arizonans are waging a unique fight against ICE as the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration continues.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Jason Meisner @jmetr22b.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
“I’m sick to my stomach as a former prosecuor. I’m sick to my stomach as a U.S. citizen who has to live in this country with this Department of Justice that is acting this recklessly.” Grand jury improprieties tank 'Broadview Six' case UPDATE: www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/21/p...
chicagotribune.com
Grand jury improprieties revealed in court as ‘Broadview Six’ case unravels
Just five days before a jury trial was set to begin, federal prosecutors have dismissed all remaining counts in the “Broadview Six” case.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
Inkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 21/05/2026
Activists learned ICE was planning a 1,500-detention facility near a building housing dangerous chemicals and took action. Now, the state attorney general is suing to halt the project. By: @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social inkstickmedia.com/how-everyday...
inkstickmedia.com
How Everyday Arizonans are Waging a Unique Fight Against ICE
In Surprise, everyday Arizonans are waging a unique fight against ICE as the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration continues.
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Reposted by Tyler Hicks
ProPublica @propublica.org · 16/05/2026
“The failure to audit these stops means unconstitutional stops, frisks and searches went undetected,” court-appointed monitor Mylan Denerstein told ProPublica. “This is unacceptable. The City must do more and prevent this from happening.”
propub.li
Despite Court Order, NYPD Failed to Properly Monitor Stop-and-Frisks by Aggressive Unit
The department didn’t audit thousands of stops made by its Community Response Team, which has a history of unconstitutional policing and has drawn hundreds of civilian complaints. ProPublica…
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
New in @theguardian.com: I cover how the horrific deaths in Laredo are part of a larger story of extreme heat and displacement. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘A horrible way to die’: after deaths in Laredo, experts prepare for lethal summer heat at US-Mexico border
Officials warn of potentially fatal coming months after six people were found dead inside a railway car in Texas
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Tyler Hicks @tylerfromtexas.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
If you’re wondering how it’s legal to bet on war, I’ve got the story for you. Read my latest for @inkstickmedia.com: inkstickmedia.com/betting-on-w...
inkstickmedia.com
Betting on War: The Legality and Lethality of Prediction Markets
With the rise of prediction markets, people around the world are betting on war and bloodshed from their smartphones.
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