Barry Yeoman
@barryyeoman.com
Freelance journalist in North Carolina who writes longform stories about political, social, and environmental issues. Web site: http://barryyeoman.com. Newsletter: http://barry-yeoman.beehiiv.com. Teaching: Duke, Wake Forest.
Pinned
Barry Yeoman
@barryyeoman.com
· Jan 21
#intropost Hi Bluesky. I'm a freelance journalist who tries to put human faces on complex issues. I also teach at Duke and Wake Forest. I'll be posting my favorite longform narrative in all media, plus my own work and my students' too. Here's me as a baby journalist in 1990. Photo: Sadie Bridger.
[email protected] writes in @thenation.com about the pro-immigrant movement that quickly mobilized churches, neighborhoods, and schools last week as federal officers rolled into North Carolina. #ncpol
How North Carolina Rose Up Against Trump’s Latest Anti-Immigrant Crackdown
‘Operation Charlotte’s Web’ may mobilize North Carolina’s working-class Latino members and allies to shift the political balance of power at the local, state and national level.
www.thenation.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:24 PM
[email protected] writes in @thenation.com about the pro-immigrant movement that quickly mobilized churches, neighborhoods, and schools last week as federal officers rolled into North Carolina. #ncpol
As Trump's immigration offensive kept Charlotte students home, teachers say the school district provided little guidance on dealing with trauma. It didn’t excuse absences if students stayed home out of fear, and didn’t allow remote learning. By Whitney Clegg in @theassemblync.bsky.social. #ncpol
‘Where Are My Friends?’ Teachers Say Operation Charlotte’s Web Rattled Students
Some parents and teachers say they expected better communication and more understanding from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools amid CBP presence.
www.theassemblync.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:46 PM
As Trump's immigration offensive kept Charlotte students home, teachers say the school district provided little guidance on dealing with trauma. It didn’t excuse absences if students stayed home out of fear, and didn’t allow remote learning. By Whitney Clegg in @theassemblync.bsky.social. #ncpol
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
The @newyorker.com discovers Daniel Pullen and his incredible photographs of the Outer Banks. www.newyorker.com/culture/phot...
Battling the Sea on the Outer Banks
Daniel Pullen offers beautifully composed and striking images of the destruction that climate change has brought to his lifelong home.
www.newyorker.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:58 AM
The @newyorker.com discovers Daniel Pullen and his incredible photographs of the Outer Banks. www.newyorker.com/culture/phot...
"A part of me wanted to believe the Department of Homeland Security’s assurance that last week’s operation in Charlotte would target only the 'worst of the worst.' ... But seeing the operation up close snapped that trust in two." Words: @michaelngraff.bsky.social. Photos: Logan Cyrus. #ncpol
A Week With Border Patrol in Charlotte: A Photo Essay - The Charlotte Optimist
Customs and Border Protection spent less than a week on their Charlotte's Web operation. This was the view from The Charlotte Optimist.
charlotteoptimist.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:08 AM
"A part of me wanted to believe the Department of Homeland Security’s assurance that last week’s operation in Charlotte would target only the 'worst of the worst.' ... But seeing the operation up close snapped that trust in two." Words: @michaelngraff.bsky.social. Photos: Logan Cyrus. #ncpol
Guitar Lightnin' Lee, a New Orleans R&B guitar player with a powerful growl, died Nov. 7. @alisonf.bsky.social once described his Thunder Band as “real blues, real punk, real New Orleans.” I appreciated him as a storyteller, recounting funny and poignant tales about back-of-town clubs in the 1960s.
Guitar Lightnin' Lee, the New Orleans blues guitarist and singer, has died at age 83
New Orleans bluesman Guitar Lightnin' Lee has died; he fronted a band that included punk musicians decades younger than him
www.nola.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Guitar Lightnin' Lee, a New Orleans R&B guitar player with a powerful growl, died Nov. 7. @alisonf.bsky.social once described his Thunder Band as “real blues, real punk, real New Orleans.” I appreciated him as a storyteller, recounting funny and poignant tales about back-of-town clubs in the 1960s.
A Wisconsin farming town, facing an existential budget crisis, considers an offer from the federal government: generous funding in exchange for cooperating with ICE. Conflict ensures, along with a death threat. @rubycramer.bsky.social gets closeup: wapo.st/4imdjrw. HT @thesundaylongread.bsky.social
On edge in small-town America
In a divided nation, one Wisconsin village feels everyday life begin to fray.
wapo.st
November 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A Wisconsin farming town, facing an existential budget crisis, considers an offer from the federal government: generous funding in exchange for cooperating with ICE. Conflict ensures, along with a death threat. @rubycramer.bsky.social gets closeup: wapo.st/4imdjrw. HT @thesundaylongread.bsky.social
A video from inside a Border Patrol vehicle shows agents chasing a US citizen for filming them. The citizen refused to get out when they illegally ordered him to stop. The agents say: "This is great." "This is fun." "He's going to get shot."
November 22, 2025 at 10:21 PM
"A mass surveillance network with a particularly American focus: cars."
NEW AP INVESTIGATION: With license plate readers and local law enforcement partnerships, Border Patrol is monitoring American drivers and detaining those exhibiting ‘suspicious’ travel patterns in the U.S. interior. w/
@garanceburke.bsky.social. apnews.com/article/immi...
@garanceburke.bsky.social. apnews.com/article/immi...
Border Patrol is monitoring US drivers and detaining those with 'suspicious' travel patterns
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.
apnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:52 PM
"A mass surveillance network with a particularly American focus: cars."
NPR's Scott Simon offers some needed perspective on Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was executed in 2018. This week President Trump said of the murder, "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen."
"His last column, published after his death, called for free expression in the Arab world, and warned that the region's governments 'have been given free rein to continue silencing the media.'" www.npr.org/2025/11/22/n...
Opinion: Jamal Khashoggi's words live forever
Jamal Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family but fled his country in June, 2017, after he'd become increasingly critical of his government. The Saudi journalist was murdered in 2018.
www.npr.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:27 PM
NPR's Scott Simon offers some needed perspective on Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was executed in 2018. This week President Trump said of the murder, "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen."
What congressional district was hit hardest by DOGE funding cuts? This one right here, in Durham, North Carolina. @christadutton.bsky.social writes about the hits to the 4th District, a center of science and global health. @notus.com @theassemblync.bsky.social @briannaclarke.bsky.social #ncpol
DOGE Eat DOGE?
North Carolina’s 4th District was the hardest hit in the entire country. Could that come back to bite Republicans in 2026?
www.theassemblync.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:43 PM
What congressional district was hit hardest by DOGE funding cuts? This one right here, in Durham, North Carolina. @christadutton.bsky.social writes about the hits to the 4th District, a center of science and global health. @notus.com @theassemblync.bsky.social @briannaclarke.bsky.social #ncpol
The most comprehensive story yet about Fernando Vazquez, the 18-year-old U.S. citizen who was abducted by federal immigration agents from a construction site in Cary, North Carolina. @ncnewsline.com #ncpol
November 21, 2025 at 2:32 AM
The most comprehensive story yet about Fernando Vazquez, the 18-year-old U.S. citizen who was abducted by federal immigration agents from a construction site in Cary, North Carolina. @ncnewsline.com #ncpol
An update on Fernando Vazquez, the U.S. citizen who was hauled away from a construction site in Cary, North Carolina. From Willie Daniely at WRAL. www.wral.com/news/local/f... #ncpol
November 20, 2025 at 3:06 PM
An update on Fernando Vazquez, the U.S. citizen who was hauled away from a construction site in Cary, North Carolina. From Willie Daniely at WRAL. www.wral.com/news/local/f... #ncpol
Her daughter had so many other questions.
How do we know these people are ICE?
Why aren’t they identifying themselves?
What happens if they aren’t ICE?
How is this legal?
@chenkel.bsky.social @ncnewsline.com #ncpol #Raleigh
How do we know these people are ICE?
Why aren’t they identifying themselves?
What happens if they aren’t ICE?
How is this legal?
@chenkel.bsky.social @ncnewsline.com #ncpol #Raleigh
As immigration raids descend on Triangle, focus turns to protecting children from trauma • NC Newsline
While no immigration enforcement activities were reported at any of its campuses, WCPSS recorded a 67% jump in absences on Nov. 18.
ncnewsline.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Her daughter had so many other questions.
How do we know these people are ICE?
Why aren’t they identifying themselves?
What happens if they aren’t ICE?
How is this legal?
@chenkel.bsky.social @ncnewsline.com #ncpol #Raleigh
How do we know these people are ICE?
Why aren’t they identifying themselves?
What happens if they aren’t ICE?
How is this legal?
@chenkel.bsky.social @ncnewsline.com #ncpol #Raleigh
Immigration officers hauled away a construction worker in Cary NC. "A half mile up the road, they looked at his wallet and saw he was a citizen," said his supervisor. "They pulled him out of the van and threw his wallet out the window. He had to walk back here." #ncpol www.cbs17.com/news/local-n...
November 20, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Immigration officers hauled away a construction worker in Cary NC. "A half mile up the road, they looked at his wallet and saw he was a citizen," said his supervisor. "They pulled him out of the van and threw his wallet out the window. He had to walk back here." #ncpol www.cbs17.com/news/local-n...
Federal immigration officers hauled away a construction worker in Cary, North Carolina. "About a half mile up the road, they looked at his wallet and saw he was a citizen," said his supervisor. "They pulled him out of the van and threw his wallet out the window. He had to walk back here." #ncpol
www.cbs17.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Federal immigration officers hauled away a construction worker in Cary, North Carolina. "About a half mile up the road, they looked at his wallet and saw he was a citizen," said his supervisor. "They pulled him out of the van and threw his wallet out the window. He had to walk back here." #ncpol
Even for immigration lawyers, navigating the Border Patrol’s opaque operation in North Carolina is nearly impossible. For those detained, it can be life-altering: “You can’t un-ring the bell on the harm.” By Greg Lacour in @theassemblync.bsky.social. #ncpol
Law and Orders
Even for immigration lawyers, figuring out the Border Patrol’s opaque operation in North Carolina is nearly impossible.
www.theassemblync.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Even for immigration lawyers, navigating the Border Patrol’s opaque operation in North Carolina is nearly impossible. For those detained, it can be life-altering: “You can’t un-ring the bell on the harm.” By Greg Lacour in @theassemblync.bsky.social. #ncpol
BREAKING: Federal agents detained at least three people in Durham on Tuesday, chasing them through a shopping center parking lot as stores locked down and shoppers fled.
“They’re Just Kind Of Grabbing People”: Fear Grips Durham As Federal Agents Arrive
Federal agents detained at least three people as volunteers mobilized to track the agents through Durham.
indyweek.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Although Durham officials were not informed of any planned CBP activity, individuals have reported seeing agents in the city, and Nida Allam, who chairs the Durham County Board of Commissioners, said she witnessed three people taken into custody in a Durham shopping center on Avondale Drive.
Federal Agents Are Coming to the Triangle. Here’s What We Know.
Officials say Customs and Border Protection agents are in Raleigh today, and immigrant advocacy groups say they may appear in surrounding areas.
indyweek.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:59 PM
"Charlotte is living, at least for the next few days, in the bizarre land between truth and fiction, between the 'worst of the worst' promise and the visuals of citizens being hassled to show their documents while going about otherwise ordinary lives." @michaelngraff.bsky.social, Charlotte Optimist.
A Letter from East Charlotte: Life During a Border Patrol Surge - The Charlotte Optimist
Charlotte spent the weekend in a surreal split-screen. On Central Avenue, Latino-owned businesses shuttered as CBP agents surged into the city. A few miles away, marathon crowds cheered and raked leav...
charlotteoptimist.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:47 AM
"Charlotte is living, at least for the next few days, in the bizarre land between truth and fiction, between the 'worst of the worst' promise and the visuals of citizens being hassled to show their documents while going about otherwise ordinary lives." @michaelngraff.bsky.social, Charlotte Optimist.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell told WRAL News that agents are “already in Raleigh and will be active tomorrow.” #ncpol
Federal immigration agents plan Raleigh operations as early as Tuesday, mayor says
Federal immigration agents are on the ground in Raleigh and plan to conduct operations in the area as soon as Tuesday, according to Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.
www.wral.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell told WRAL News that agents are “already in Raleigh and will be active tomorrow.” #ncpol
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
BREAKING: U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will be deployed in the Raleigh area on Tuesday, Democratic legislative sources briefed by Gov. Josh Stein’s office told The Assembly and INDY on Monday.
www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Immigration Agents Coming to Raleigh Tuesday, Sources Say
Democratic legislative sources briefed by Gov. Josh Stein’s office told The Assembly and INDY agents are coming to the state capital.
www.theassemblync.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:08 PM
BREAKING: U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will be deployed in the Raleigh area on Tuesday, Democratic legislative sources briefed by Gov. Josh Stein’s office told The Assembly and INDY on Monday.
www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
“People are nervous just because of the tactics. Even me. I’m brown-skinned and I’m an American citizen and I’m a vet. But here I’m thinking: should I be carrying my passport with me?” Victoria Bouloubasis reports for @theguardian.com from Charlotte NC, where at least 81 were arrested. #ncpol
Charlotte, North Carolina reels as 81 people arrested in immigration raids
Thriving business districts in North Carolina city now at a ‘standstill’ after at least 81 were arrested over the weekend
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:40 PM
“People are nervous just because of the tactics. Even me. I’m brown-skinned and I’m an American citizen and I’m a vet. But here I’m thinking: should I be carrying my passport with me?” Victoria Bouloubasis reports for @theguardian.com from Charlotte NC, where at least 81 were arrested. #ncpol
The mayor of Evanston, Illinois sharing advice to Charlotte on protecting its immigrants. #ncpol
Chicago-area mayor: Border Patrol and ICE terrorized our city. Here’s how you fight back, Charlotte
Chicago area mayor: There’s a lot Charlotte can do to assert values, enforce ordinances, and protect residents within the law. | Op-ed
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The mayor of Evanston, Illinois sharing advice to Charlotte on protecting its immigrants. #ncpol
I'm seeing people wonder why ICE is going after Charlotte.
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
“When the 8 African American sheriffs took over the largest counties in North Carolina, it became a threat to the good ol’ boy system,” says the sheriff of Charlotte. These new sheriffs broke ties with ICE.
But GOP lawmakers cracked down this week, overbidding the governor’s veto to adopt this law:
But GOP lawmakers cracked down this week, overbidding the governor’s veto to adopt this law:
November 16, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
“The most appalling thing was: These guys still had the audacity to smile and wave at the camera after … coming and dragging a boy out, pinning him against the concrete.” @oehrli.bsky.social
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Super G executive in Pineville describes agents dragging out teen store employee
“These guys still had the audacity to smile and wave at the camera,” he said of the U.S. Border Patrol agents.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:38 PM
“The most appalling thing was: These guys still had the audacity to smile and wave at the camera after … coming and dragging a boy out, pinning him against the concrete.” @oehrli.bsky.social
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...