Mike Hixenbaugh
@mikehixenbaugh.com
NBC News senior reporter | Author of THEY CAME FOR THE SCHOOLS | Co-creator of SOUTHLAKE & GRAPEVINE podcasts | Retired t-ball coach
www.mikehixenbaugh.com
www.mikehixenbaugh.com
Pinned
Mike Hixenbaugh
@mikehixenbaugh.com
· Oct 30
Last year we got a tip about a children's pastor who'd managed to stay in ministry for decades even as allegations of sex abuse trailed him across four states.
I kept pulling thread and found something far bigger: a 50-year pattern of abuse and cover-up in the largest Pentecostal denomination 🧵 1/
I kept pulling thread and found something far bigger: a 50-year pattern of abuse and cover-up in the largest Pentecostal denomination 🧵 1/
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
‘Maria still has vision problems and headaches. The sweet girl who loved her teacher and played with Barbies is now fearful and withdrawn, talking often about her weeks in Texas and the workers who watched over her.
Whenever she sees a police officer, she tenses.
“It’s the bad men,” she said.’
Whenever she sees a police officer, she tenses.
“It’s the bad men,” she said.’
This is Maria, a 6-year-old detained by ICE last year.
She began to unravel soon after arriving at a detention center in Texas, wetting the bed after years without accidents, crying through the night and begging to breastfeed again.
Most of all, she wanted to be reunited with her cat, Milo. 1/
She began to unravel soon after arriving at a detention center in Texas, wetting the bed after years without accidents, crying through the night and begging to breastfeed again.
Most of all, she wanted to be reunited with her cat, Milo. 1/
February 7, 2026 at 1:48 AM
‘Maria still has vision problems and headaches. The sweet girl who loved her teacher and played with Barbies is now fearful and withdrawn, talking often about her weeks in Texas and the workers who watched over her.
Whenever she sees a police officer, she tenses.
“It’s the bad men,” she said.’
Whenever she sees a police officer, she tenses.
“It’s the bad men,” she said.’
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
"After years without accidents, Maria started wetting her pants and her bed. She cried through the night, asking when she and her parents would return to their apartment in New York. She begged to start breastfeeding again."
Maria is one of hundreds of children, who — like Liam Ramos — have been held at a Texas detention facility where parents say children languish as they’re served contaminated food, receive little education and struggle to obtain basic medical care.
Here's our attempt at telling their stories. 2/
Here's our attempt at telling their stories. 2/
Children trapped in Texas immigration facility recount nightmares, inedible food, no school
A photo of Liam Conejo Ramos, a scared 5-year-old, drew attention to a detention center in Dilley, Texas. Advocates say his experience reflects what hundreds of children have endured out of public vie...
www.nbcnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:04 PM
"After years without accidents, Maria started wetting her pants and her bed. She cried through the night, asking when she and her parents would return to their apartment in New York. She begged to start breastfeeding again."
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
An immigration atty repping families at a detention facility said a child suffering from appendicitis collapsed in pain after being denied meaningful med attn. "The child passed out in a hallway vomiting and writhing ... only to be offered Tylenol" www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news... @mikehixenbaugh.com
Children trapped in Texas immigration facility recount nightmares, inedible food, no school
A photo of Liam Conejo Ramos, a scared 5-year-old, drew attention to a detention center in Dilley, Texas. Advocates say his experience reflects what hundreds of children have endured out of public vie...
www.nbcnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:37 PM
An immigration atty repping families at a detention facility said a child suffering from appendicitis collapsed in pain after being denied meaningful med attn. "The child passed out in a hallway vomiting and writhing ... only to be offered Tylenol" www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news... @mikehixenbaugh.com
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
“Unlike earlier iterations of family detention, many of the children now held at Dilley are U.S. residents, apprehended not at the border but at their homes, outside schools, in courthouses and during routine immigration check-ins.”
Maria is one of hundreds of children, who — like Liam Ramos — have been held at a Texas detention facility where parents say children languish as they’re served contaminated food, receive little education and struggle to obtain basic medical care.
Here's our attempt at telling their stories. 2/
Here's our attempt at telling their stories. 2/
Children trapped in Texas immigration facility recount nightmares, inedible food, no school
A photo of Liam Conejo Ramos, a scared 5-year-old, drew attention to a detention center in Dilley, Texas. Advocates say his experience reflects what hundreds of children have endured out of public vie...
www.nbcnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:14 PM
“Unlike earlier iterations of family detention, many of the children now held at Dilley are U.S. residents, apprehended not at the border but at their homes, outside schools, in courthouses and during routine immigration check-ins.”
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
"“Liam is all the kids there." Powerful and disturbing report from @mikehixenbaugh.com
Maria is one of hundreds of children, who — like Liam Ramos — have been held at a Texas detention facility where parents say children languish as they’re served contaminated food, receive little education and struggle to obtain basic medical care.
Here's our attempt at telling their stories. 2/
Here's our attempt at telling their stories. 2/
Children trapped in Texas immigration facility recount nightmares, inedible food, no school
A photo of Liam Conejo Ramos, a scared 5-year-old, drew attention to a detention center in Dilley, Texas. Advocates say his experience reflects what hundreds of children have endured out of public vie...
www.nbcnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:37 PM
"“Liam is all the kids there." Powerful and disturbing report from @mikehixenbaugh.com
Drawing by a 5-year-old who has been held at the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, for more than eight months: Stick figure children behind bars saying, "Let us go."
February 6, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Drawing by a 5-year-old who has been held at the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, for more than eight months: Stick figure children behind bars saying, "Let us go."
This is Maria, a 6-year-old detained by ICE last year.
She began to unravel soon after arriving at a detention center in Texas, wetting the bed after years without accidents, crying through the night and begging to breastfeed again.
Most of all, she wanted to be reunited with her cat, Milo. 1/
She began to unravel soon after arriving at a detention center in Texas, wetting the bed after years without accidents, crying through the night and begging to breastfeed again.
Most of all, she wanted to be reunited with her cat, Milo. 1/
February 6, 2026 at 6:25 PM
This is Maria, a 6-year-old detained by ICE last year.
She began to unravel soon after arriving at a detention center in Texas, wetting the bed after years without accidents, crying through the night and begging to breastfeed again.
Most of all, she wanted to be reunited with her cat, Milo. 1/
She began to unravel soon after arriving at a detention center in Texas, wetting the bed after years without accidents, crying through the night and begging to breastfeed again.
Most of all, she wanted to be reunited with her cat, Milo. 1/
The federal government at work: Trump says New York and New Jersey can have money Congress already appropriated for a major rail project but only if Chuck Schumer renames Penn Station and Dulles airport after him
Trump promises Schumer funding for NY tunnel project — if Penn Station and Dulles Airport are renamed after him | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump told Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last month that he was finally prepared to drop his freeze on billions of dollars in funding for a major New York infrastructure projec...
www.cnn.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:10 AM
The federal government at work: Trump says New York and New Jersey can have money Congress already appropriated for a major rail project but only if Chuck Schumer renames Penn Station and Dulles airport after him
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist mississippitoday.org/2026/02/05/m...
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist - Mississippi Today
Among anticipated changes to a new visitor brochure for the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is no longer using "racist" to describe the killer of the civil rights leader.
mississippitoday.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist mississippitoday.org/2026/02/05/m...
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
NEW: The Justice Department published dozens of unredacted images of nude women (and possibly teens) as part of its Epstein release.
The faces of those people were also left unredacted.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
The faces of those people were also left unredacted.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
The Government Published Dozens of Nude Photos in the Epstein Files
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:33 AM
NEW: The Justice Department published dozens of unredacted images of nude women (and possibly teens) as part of its Epstein release.
The faces of those people were also left unredacted.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
The faces of those people were also left unredacted.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
New — I spoke to eight people who were present at the ICE protest on Saturday in Portland, Oregon when federal agents deployed tear gas and rubber bullets into a crowd of families, children, elderly and disabled people, and their pets.
These are their stories:
These are their stories:
What it's like to see ICE tear gas kids
Attendees at a Portland, OR protest describe a vicious, unprovoked and sudden attack
www.thehandbasket.co
February 3, 2026 at 1:25 AM
New — I spoke to eight people who were present at the ICE protest on Saturday in Portland, Oregon when federal agents deployed tear gas and rubber bullets into a crowd of families, children, elderly and disabled people, and their pets.
These are their stories:
These are their stories:
Some important context for anyone writing about that Texas special election shocker
February 2, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Some important context for anyone writing about that Texas special election shocker
Smart take on the big Dem victory in Texas from @jenniferberkshire.bsky.social.
educationwars.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
educationwars.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
Lessons from the Lone Star State
A winning populist campaign with support for public education at its center
educationwars.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Smart take on the big Dem victory in Texas from @jenniferberkshire.bsky.social.
educationwars.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
educationwars.substack.com/p/lessons-fr...
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
In November, a trans woman was forced out of a restroom by an arcade manager at a pinball tournament in NC.
The incident, and the way it was handled by the International Flipper Pinball Association, has fractured the community.
1/
For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
The incident, and the way it was handled by the International Flipper Pinball Association, has fractured the community.
1/
For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
How a trans woman's removal from a restroom tore the world of competitive pinball apart
Pinball is one of the most welcoming sports for trans players. But after a confrontation at an arcade last fall, pinball’s governing group is struggling to rebuild trust.
www.nbcnews.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:14 PM
In November, a trans woman was forced out of a restroom by an arcade manager at a pinball tournament in NC.
The incident, and the way it was handled by the International Flipper Pinball Association, has fractured the community.
1/
For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
The incident, and the way it was handled by the International Flipper Pinball Association, has fractured the community.
1/
For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
The anti-trans panic has spread to the world of competitive pinball.
Yes, pinball.
@joyurcaba.bsky.social has the story.
Yes, pinball.
@joyurcaba.bsky.social has the story.
How a trans woman's removal from a restroom tore the world of competitive pinball apart
Pinball is one of the most welcoming sports for trans players. But after a confrontation at an arcade last fall, pinball’s governing group is struggling to rebuild trust.
www.nbcnews.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:52 PM
The anti-trans panic has spread to the world of competitive pinball.
Yes, pinball.
@joyurcaba.bsky.social has the story.
Yes, pinball.
@joyurcaba.bsky.social has the story.
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
A note from our editors:
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
A note from our editors:
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:12 PM
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Leigh Wambsganns devoted her professional life to Trump and his movement.
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
Q: In Texas, a Democrat won a special election in an area you won by 17 points. Your reaction?
TRUMP: I don't know. I didn't hear about it. Somebody ran -- where?
Q: In Texas
TRUMP: I'm not involved. You mean I won by 17, and this person lost? Things like that happen. I'm not on the ballot
TRUMP: I don't know. I didn't hear about it. Somebody ran -- where?
Q: In Texas
TRUMP: I'm not involved. You mean I won by 17, and this person lost? Things like that happen. I'm not on the ballot
February 1, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Leigh Wambsganns devoted her professional life to Trump and his movement.
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
A defining image from Minneapolis.
January 31, 2026 at 5:57 PM
A defining image from Minneapolis.
“It’s so heartbreaking,” the mother said, wiping away tears. “I always wanted to see her graduate.”
This is one of those stories everyone should read. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
This is one of those stories everyone should read. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
This Minneapolis family has been in hiding for weeks, fearful of being deported
From a missed graduation ceremony to daily anxiety about walking their dog, one family recounts their ever-present fear of being deported as immigration agents flood their city.
www.nbcnews.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:52 PM
“It’s so heartbreaking,” the mother said, wiping away tears. “I always wanted to see her graduate.”
This is one of those stories everyone should read. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
This is one of those stories everyone should read. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
A powerful portrait of teachers and school officials in Minneapolis who have been putting their bodies and lives in danger to shield students from ICE. www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
ICE’s Assault on a Minnesota School District
Liam Ramos, whose photo became a symbol of Operation Metro Surge, is one of several students in Columbia Heights who are now in federal custody.
www.newyorker.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:45 PM
A powerful portrait of teachers and school officials in Minneapolis who have been putting their bodies and lives in danger to shield students from ICE. www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
Just your standard protest-coverage video. Don Lemon enters, interviews people and leaves. Gift link. wapo.st/4t7c5VJ
What video shows about Don Lemon’s activities at the church protest
A Post review of videos from the protest at Minnesota’s Cities Church offers a detailed look at the events that led to the arrest of the former CNN anchor.
wapo.st
January 31, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Just your standard protest-coverage video. Don Lemon enters, interviews people and leaves. Gift link. wapo.st/4t7c5VJ
"As a member of the press, I filmed the church protest a few weeks ago and now I'm being arrested for that," Indipendent journalist Georgia Fort said. "It's hard to understand how we have a Constitution, Constitutional rights, when we can just be arrested for being a member of the press."
Journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort arrested in connection with church protest against ICE
Lemon's attorney said he was taken into custody by federal officers Thursday night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards.
www.kare11.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:51 PM
"As a member of the press, I filmed the church protest a few weeks ago and now I'm being arrested for that," Indipendent journalist Georgia Fort said. "It's hard to understand how we have a Constitution, Constitutional rights, when we can just be arrested for being a member of the press."
Reposted by Mike Hixenbaugh
