Justice Forward VA
@justicefwdva.bsky.social
Founded by public defenders. Promoting criminal justice reform in Virginia by drafting & lobbying for humane, evidence-informed legislation, and educating & mobilizing advocates for action.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
For more on Rev. Woolf, who appears to have been arrested today: he published an editorial with @rns.org literally this week titled “Why clergy should risk assault to protest ICE” —> religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
November 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
For more on Rev. Woolf, who appears to have been arrested today: he published an editorial with @rns.org literally this week titled “Why clergy should risk assault to protest ICE” —> religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Despite an Illinois law prohibiting data sharing agreements between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, Illinois State Police is providing access to gang database info to DHS and has been doing so since 2024
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
Illinois State Police Keeps Data on Suspected Gang Members. ICE Has Access
According to agreements obtained by WTTW News, the Illinois State Police has shared data with ICE through its statewide computer system since 2008, including criminal history data and its gang member ...
news.wttw.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Despite an Illinois law prohibiting data sharing agreements between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, Illinois State Police is providing access to gang database info to DHS and has been doing so since 2024
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
✏️ @blairpaddock.bsky.social
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
New: a judge has ruled that Flock surveillance images are public records that can be requested by anyone. Shows that at least in some cases, police cannot withhold the data collected by its surveillance systems.
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
Judge Rules Flock Surveillance Images Are Public Records That Can Be Requested By Anyone
A Washington judge said images taken by Flock cameras are "not exempt from disclosure" in public record requests.
www.404media.co
November 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
New: a judge has ruled that Flock surveillance images are public records that can be requested by anyone. Shows that at least in some cases, police cannot withhold the data collected by its surveillance systems.
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
www.404media.co/judge-rules-...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
On this day in 1831, an enslaved Black man named Nat Turner was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, after being convicted of leading a revolt against slavery.
Nov. 11, 1831 | Nat Turner Hanged and White Mobs Killed Hundreds of Black People
Learn more about our history of racial injustice.
calendar.eji.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM
On this day in 1831, an enslaved Black man named Nat Turner was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, after being convicted of leading a revolt against slavery.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Imagine getting a 67% funding hike and begging for more
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
State police superintendent predicts 'lean year' for Virginia’s largest law enforcement agency
Soaring overtime and rising costs will make this year a lean one for Virginia State Police, according to an email sent by the agency’s chief executive.
richmond.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Imagine getting a 67% funding hike and begging for more
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
“The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.”
richmond.com/news/state-r...
The people were fired up for criminal legal reforms at Justice Reform Happy Hour! Many thanks to @parisaforjustice.bsky.social @hopeforvirginia.bsky.social @salimvasenate.bsky.social for joining us! And to advocates and indigent defenders committed to restoring justice to our communities and courts!
November 9, 2025 at 1:18 AM
The people were fired up for criminal legal reforms at Justice Reform Happy Hour! Many thanks to @parisaforjustice.bsky.social @hopeforvirginia.bsky.social @salimvasenate.bsky.social for joining us! And to advocates and indigent defenders committed to restoring justice to our communities and courts!
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
On this day in 1889, a white mob abducted 18-year-old Orion “Owen” Anderson from jail in Leesburg, Virginia, and lynched him for allegedly frightening a white girl.
Nov. 8, 1889 | Young Black Man Lynched for Allegedly Frightening White Girl in Virginia
Learn more about our history of racial injustice.
calendar.eji.org
November 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
On this day in 1889, a white mob abducted 18-year-old Orion “Owen” Anderson from jail in Leesburg, Virginia, and lynched him for allegedly frightening a white girl.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
A few years ago, Equal Justice USA was awarded $3 million in federal grants to expand the organization’s work supporting community violence intervention efforts.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
How Trump’s DOJ wiped out a pioneering anti-violence nonprofit
“We’re just the tip of the iceberg.”
www.motherjones.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
A few years ago, Equal Justice USA was awarded $3 million in federal grants to expand the organization’s work supporting community violence intervention efforts.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
In April, the Trump administration immediately terminated its funds, stating that the grants were no longer aligned with DOJ priorities.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Arresting a parent then kidnapping their baby...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Armed US immigration agents drive off with toddler after arrest of father
‘Devastated’ family demands answers after two-year-old driven by armed agents from LA Home Depot parking lot
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Arresting a parent then kidnapping their baby...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"immigration agents arrested a US citizen in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Home Depot store, then entered his car and drove away with his toddler, who is also a US citizen, in the backseat"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
We’re rallying support for criminal justice reform. Join us for a FREE TACO BAR & MARGARITAS Wednesday, November 5th from 6-8PM in Falls Church, VA. We’re honored to have special guests @parisaforjustice.bsky.social and Del. @HopeforVirginia.bsky.social!
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
We’re rallying support for criminal justice reform. Join us for a FREE TACO BAR & MARGARITAS Wednesday, November 5th from 6-8PM in Falls Church, VA. We’re honored to have special guests @parisaforjustice.bsky.social and Del. @HopeforVirginia.bsky.social!
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Thousands of cities allowed cops to run racists searches through their Flock Safety license plate reader databases. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
License Plate Surveillance Logs Reveal Racist Policing Against Romani
More than 80 law enforcement agencies across the United States have used language perpetuating harmful stereotypes against Romani people when searching the nationwide Flock Safety automated license
www.eff.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Thousands of cities allowed cops to run racists searches through their Flock Safety license plate reader databases. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
JUST IN: Soren Stevenson, who lost an eye due to a projectile fired by the police during the BLM protests of 2020 in Minneapolis, has won a seat on city council.
@pascalsabino.bsky.social reported on his candidacy last month in a must-read: boltsmag.org/minneapolis-...
@pascalsabino.bsky.social reported on his candidacy last month in a must-read: boltsmag.org/minneapolis-...
As Minneapolis Votes, Some Struggle to Keep Police Violence in the Spotlight - Bolts
Five years after George Floyd, the mayor and his allies on city council claim credit for vast improvements, but critics keep pressing the case for more discipline and police alternatives.
boltsmag.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
JUST IN: Soren Stevenson, who lost an eye due to a projectile fired by the police during the BLM protests of 2020 in Minneapolis, has won a seat on city council.
@pascalsabino.bsky.social reported on his candidacy last month in a must-read: boltsmag.org/minneapolis-...
@pascalsabino.bsky.social reported on his candidacy last month in a must-read: boltsmag.org/minneapolis-...
We’re rallying support for criminal justice reform. Join us for a FREE TACO BAR & MARGARITAS Wednesday, November 5th from 6-8PM in Falls Church, VA. We’re honored to have special guests @parisaforjustice.bsky.social and Del. @HopeforVirginia.bsky.social!
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
We’re rallying support for criminal justice reform. Join us for a FREE TACO BAR & MARGARITAS Wednesday, November 5th from 6-8PM in Falls Church, VA. We’re honored to have special guests @parisaforjustice.bsky.social and Del. @HopeforVirginia.bsky.social!
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10... #valeg
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
It didn’t end up being that close
Jay Jones will become the first Black Attorney General in Virginia
The voters gave him a second chance after a difficult campaign
Jay Jones will become the first Black Attorney General in Virginia
The voters gave him a second chance after a difficult campaign
November 5, 2025 at 1:35 AM
It didn’t end up being that close
Jay Jones will become the first Black Attorney General in Virginia
The voters gave him a second chance after a difficult campaign
Jay Jones will become the first Black Attorney General in Virginia
The voters gave him a second chance after a difficult campaign
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Criminals posing as immigration officers have carried out robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults raising concerns about ICE & CBP wearing mask and having no ID when abducting people off the streets
FBI urging officers to clearly identify & cooperate when asked to verify an officer’s identity
FBI urging officers to clearly identify & cooperate when asked to verify an officer’s identity
FBI Warns of Criminals Posing as ICE, Urges Agents to ID Themselves
In a bulletin to law enforcement agencies, the FBI said criminal impersonators are exploiting ICE’s image and urged nationwide coordination to distinguish real operations from fakes.
www.wired.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Criminals posing as immigration officers have carried out robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults raising concerns about ICE & CBP wearing mask and having no ID when abducting people off the streets
FBI urging officers to clearly identify & cooperate when asked to verify an officer’s identity
FBI urging officers to clearly identify & cooperate when asked to verify an officer’s identity
VIRGINIA DEFENSE BAR: Want to tell us about the unjust criminal laws and procedures that harm the people you represent? Join our Indigent Defender Statewide Call on Tuesday, Nov. 4th at 11:00AM to workshop criminal legal reforms together. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 2, 2025 at 5:34 PM
VIRGINIA DEFENSE BAR: Want to tell us about the unjust criminal laws and procedures that harm the people you represent? Join our Indigent Defender Statewide Call on Tuesday, Nov. 4th at 11:00AM to workshop criminal legal reforms together. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
ICE detained a Virginia mom while she was driving her 16yo daughter to school bc she couldn’t recall her SS#.
“The agent got flustered and lunged at her,” said her daughter.
ICE arrested her even after she showed proof of legal status.
“I want this video out there because I want my mother home.”
“The agent got flustered and lunged at her,” said her daughter.
ICE arrested her even after she showed proof of legal status.
“I want this video out there because I want my mother home.”
November 1, 2025 at 11:43 PM
ICE detained a Virginia mom while she was driving her 16yo daughter to school bc she couldn’t recall her SS#.
“The agent got flustered and lunged at her,” said her daughter.
ICE arrested her even after she showed proof of legal status.
“I want this video out there because I want my mother home.”
“The agent got flustered and lunged at her,” said her daughter.
ICE arrested her even after she showed proof of legal status.
“I want this video out there because I want my mother home.”
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Democratic colleagues Simon, Ebbin, Watts and Locke wrote in their letter to OSIG that they are “deeply concerned” Miyares may have pressured VADOC “to adjust its practices in ways that advantage” his campaign.
“If true, this would represent a profound breach of the public trust,” they wrote.
“If true, this would represent a profound breach of the public trust,” they wrote.
State lawmakers have requested an investigation into whether Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection, received protected data about a program that allows Virginia inmates to trim their prison time, which was used in campaign ads. virginiamercury.com/2025/10/31/m...
Murky information and blurred lines cloud early release reoffender data, color attorney general race • Virginia Mercury
Though questions have lingered among journalists and lawmakers alike, the highly politicized early release program still stands as campaign fodder...
virginiamercury.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Democratic colleagues Simon, Ebbin, Watts and Locke wrote in their letter to OSIG that they are “deeply concerned” Miyares may have pressured VADOC “to adjust its practices in ways that advantage” his campaign.
“If true, this would represent a profound breach of the public trust,” they wrote.
“If true, this would represent a profound breach of the public trust,” they wrote.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
"A video made its rounds on social media of a Harrisonburg mother being ‘aggressively detained’ by federal agents while taking her daughter to school."
Harrisonburg mother ‘aggressively detained’ in front of teenage daughter by federal agents
The daughter of the detained woman shared on Facebook that her mother was asked multiple times to step outside of the car during a stop on North Valley Pike.
www.whsv.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
"A video made its rounds on social media of a Harrisonburg mother being ‘aggressively detained’ by federal agents while taking her daughter to school."
Next Wednesday—Nov. 5 from 6PM-8PM—you should attend Justice Reform Happy Hour in Falls Church! Enjoy a free taco bar & margaritas, a preview of our 2026 CJR priorities, Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and special guests! See you there! justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10...
October 29, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Next Wednesday—Nov. 5 from 6PM-8PM—you should attend Justice Reform Happy Hour in Falls Church! Enjoy a free taco bar & margaritas, a preview of our 2026 CJR priorities, Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and special guests! See you there! justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/10...
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
Just incredibly, unnecessarily cruel. And I’d be shocked if there wasn’t wanton corruption going on here, too.
It literally took decades of advocacy to pass these reforms, which would have prevented prison phone and teleconferencing companies from ripping off inmates and their families to the tune of hundreds of millions annually
F.C.C. Changes Course on the Price of Prisoners’ Phone Calls
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Just incredibly, unnecessarily cruel. And I’d be shocked if there wasn’t wanton corruption going on here, too.
Reposted by Justice Forward VA
If you are a Public Defender or Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia, please register and participate in @justicefwdva.bsky.social workshop about future criminal legal reforms!
bit.ly/VaDefenderCall
bit.ly/VaDefenderCall
October 28, 2025 at 7:51 PM
If you are a Public Defender or Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia, please register and participate in @justicefwdva.bsky.social workshop about future criminal legal reforms!
bit.ly/VaDefenderCall
bit.ly/VaDefenderCall