Mike Wessler
@mikewessler.bsky.social
I run. I bake. I have two 🐕🐕. I do comms for @prisonpolicy.org but the views here are my own.
FL ➡️ MT ➡️ MA ➡️ NYC
FL ➡️ MT ➡️ MA ➡️ NYC
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Reposted by Mike Wessler
When formerly incarcerated people are able to obtain work, it tends to be a low-paying position, keeping them well below the poverty line. “The No. 1 contributor to recidivism is poverty,” says a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.
Budget Cuts Threaten Oregon Program for Helping People Get Jobs After Prison
The state had recently expanded the novel program for providing one-on-one career coaching, job fairs behind bars, and support for people after release.
boltsmag.org
January 30, 2026 at 11:05 PM
When formerly incarcerated people are able to obtain work, it tends to be a low-paying position, keeping them well below the poverty line. “The No. 1 contributor to recidivism is poverty,” says a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Just as ICE has no place in communities, it should NOT have access to jails.
Local jails already serve as the single largest source of ICE arrests, criminalizing entire communities and shuffling people into the deportation machine for minor violations.
Local jails already serve as the single largest source of ICE arrests, criminalizing entire communities and shuffling people into the deportation machine for minor violations.
Breaking News: President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, said the immigration crackdown in Minnesota could ease if federal agents gained broader access to state jails.
Live Updates: Trump's Border Chief Says He Is In Minnesota to 'Regain Law and Order'
Tom Homan, now in charge of ICE’s immigration operation in the state, held a news conference outside Minneapolis as the agency faced growing pressure over its tactics.
nyti.ms
January 29, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Just as ICE has no place in communities, it should NOT have access to jails.
Local jails already serve as the single largest source of ICE arrests, criminalizing entire communities and shuffling people into the deportation machine for minor violations.
Local jails already serve as the single largest source of ICE arrests, criminalizing entire communities and shuffling people into the deportation machine for minor violations.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
After the horror that has unfolded in Minnesota, AG Bondi wrote Gov. Walz a letter, demanding that the state end its sanctuary policies.
Remember: Sheriff cooperation with ICE was responsible for over half of all ICE arrests last year.
Remember: Sheriff cooperation with ICE was responsible for over half of all ICE arrests last year.
January 27, 2026 at 2:28 PM
After the horror that has unfolded in Minnesota, AG Bondi wrote Gov. Walz a letter, demanding that the state end its sanctuary policies.
Remember: Sheriff cooperation with ICE was responsible for over half of all ICE arrests last year.
Remember: Sheriff cooperation with ICE was responsible for over half of all ICE arrests last year.
Such a cynical op-ed from Mike Lawler in the NYT. Does the classic "both-sides" trope, then says we need legislation to reform the immigration system.
Reminder: We had that 2 years ago. It died, not because of liberals, but because Trump told the GOP to walk away.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/o...
Reminder: We had that 2 years ago. It died, not because of liberals, but because Trump told the GOP to walk away.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/o...
Opinion | G.O.P. Congressman: We Need to Wake Up After Minneapolis
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Such a cynical op-ed from Mike Lawler in the NYT. Does the classic "both-sides" trope, then says we need legislation to reform the immigration system.
Reminder: We had that 2 years ago. It died, not because of liberals, but because Trump told the GOP to walk away.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/o...
Reminder: We had that 2 years ago. It died, not because of liberals, but because Trump told the GOP to walk away.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/o...
This should also be a lesson for every Trump toady that wants to fill Bovino’s shoes. Trump will let you do his dirty work, and then throw you in the wood chipper to save his own skin.
The Trump administration is planning to move Gregory Bovino, the official in charge of President Trump’s Border Patrol operations and the face of on-the-ground immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, out of the city, officials said. nyti.ms/4q1o4S7
January 27, 2026 at 2:28 AM
This should also be a lesson for every Trump toady that wants to fill Bovino’s shoes. Trump will let you do his dirty work, and then throw you in the wood chipper to save his own skin.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Don't let copaganda fool you – police violence is not tied to their safety.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
January 25, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Don't let copaganda fool you – police violence is not tied to their safety.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
We are watching one of the wildest things a nation-state has ever done: A superpower is committing suicide because the GOP Congress is too cowardly to stand up to the Mad King.
This is one of the wildest moments in all of geopolitics ever.
This is one of the wildest moments in all of geopolitics ever.
Footage shows Danish troops arriving in Greenland as part of a new military deployment. Among the personnel who landed on the island is Major General Peter H. Boysen, Chief of the Danish Army Command. #Greenland
January 19, 2026 at 10:59 PM
We are watching one of the wildest things a nation-state has ever done: A superpower is committing suicide because the GOP Congress is too cowardly to stand up to the Mad King.
This is one of the wildest moments in all of geopolitics ever.
This is one of the wildest moments in all of geopolitics ever.
Big congrats on all of the appeasement and groveling by Jeff Bezos.
This shit is dark. If the American media were reporting on these things happening in another country, they would be using terms like "authoritarian" and discussing the collapse of democracy in that nation.
This shit is dark. If the American media were reporting on these things happening in another country, they would be using terms like "authoritarian" and discussing the collapse of democracy in that nation.
January 14, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Big congrats on all of the appeasement and groveling by Jeff Bezos.
This shit is dark. If the American media were reporting on these things happening in another country, they would be using terms like "authoritarian" and discussing the collapse of democracy in that nation.
This shit is dark. If the American media were reporting on these things happening in another country, they would be using terms like "authoritarian" and discussing the collapse of democracy in that nation.
Heartwarming video of the day
This morning in Minneapolis, an ICE vehicle got stuck on an icy hill in a residential neighborhood. Agents had to push the vehicles out, some almost slipping in the ice themselves.
January 9, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Heartwarming video of the day
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Don't let copaganda fool you – police violence is not tied to their safety.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
January 8, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Don't let copaganda fool you – police violence is not tied to their safety.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
The vast majority of police killings actually start with officers responding to a suspected non-violent situation or a case where no crime has been reported.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Tragedies like this emphasize what advocates have long known: It's not just "a few bad apples." This is the result of policies and practices that enable and even encourage police violence.
January 7, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Tragedies like this emphasize what advocates have long known: It's not just "a few bad apples." This is the result of policies and practices that enable and even encourage police violence.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
This kind of horror is not unique to ICE or any singular agency. Police violence is a widespread, systemic problem in the U.S.
No police force of any other wealthy country kills civilians at a rate that even comes close to American police:
No police force of any other wealthy country kills civilians at a rate that even comes close to American police:
January 7, 2026 at 6:58 PM
This kind of horror is not unique to ICE or any singular agency. Police violence is a widespread, systemic problem in the U.S.
No police force of any other wealthy country kills civilians at a rate that even comes close to American police:
No police force of any other wealthy country kills civilians at a rate that even comes close to American police:
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Today, ICE shot & killed someone, and then said the officer was using "his training."
When police point to their "training" to justify murder, you can't help but wonder – who exactly do they serve and protect?
When police point to their "training" to justify murder, you can't help but wonder – who exactly do they serve and protect?
Live updates: ICE says agent, ‘fearing for his life,’ kills woman in south Minneapolis
ICE officials say the woman was shot and killed Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis after attempting to run over agents with her car. Witnesses dispute ICE’s version of what happened. Mayor Jacob…
www.mprnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Today, ICE shot & killed someone, and then said the officer was using "his training."
When police point to their "training" to justify murder, you can't help but wonder – who exactly do they serve and protect?
When police point to their "training" to justify murder, you can't help but wonder – who exactly do they serve and protect?
Reposted by Mike Wessler
On the 5th anniversary of the January 6 riot, there is a lot to be said.
One of the day’s underdiscussed legacies: Politicians who championed so-called “tough-on-crime” laws coming so close to seeing the abuses of the criminal legal system, but missing the point entirely 🧵
One of the day’s underdiscussed legacies: Politicians who championed so-called “tough-on-crime” laws coming so close to seeing the abuses of the criminal legal system, but missing the point entirely 🧵
January 6, 2026 at 6:33 PM
On the 5th anniversary of the January 6 riot, there is a lot to be said.
One of the day’s underdiscussed legacies: Politicians who championed so-called “tough-on-crime” laws coming so close to seeing the abuses of the criminal legal system, but missing the point entirely 🧵
One of the day’s underdiscussed legacies: Politicians who championed so-called “tough-on-crime” laws coming so close to seeing the abuses of the criminal legal system, but missing the point entirely 🧵
Reposted by Mike Wessler
It’s #Festivus, and we’ve got a lot of problems with the politicians driving mass incarceration & criminalization – and they’re gonna hear about it.
Gather ‘round while we air our grievances 🧵
Gather ‘round while we air our grievances 🧵
December 23, 2025 at 3:03 PM
It’s #Festivus, and we’ve got a lot of problems with the politicians driving mass incarceration & criminalization – and they’re gonna hear about it.
Gather ‘round while we air our grievances 🧵
Gather ‘round while we air our grievances 🧵
Reposted by Mike Wessler
The guy who famously crosses every border in one night without documentation?
ICE has posted a video of Santa Claus arresting immigrants. Your government is hijacking a symbol of charity to spread fear and hate. it’s up to all of us to defeat these twisted fascists.
December 23, 2025 at 1:13 AM
The guy who famously crosses every border in one night without documentation?
These under-the-radar decisions by @newyorkstateag.bsky.social's office show even those who say they are champions of a more just system won't do the most basic things to make it more just.
Her office doesn't have to have these cases dismissed. It is choosing to do so.
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
Her office doesn't have to have these cases dismissed. It is choosing to do so.
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
A Judge Tossed a Prison Sex Abuse Lawsuit Over Typos
The state plans to ask a court to dismiss some 500 prison sexual assault lawsuits for not strictly abiding by filing requirements.
nysfocus.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:02 PM
These under-the-radar decisions by @newyorkstateag.bsky.social's office show even those who say they are champions of a more just system won't do the most basic things to make it more just.
Her office doesn't have to have these cases dismissed. It is choosing to do so.
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
Her office doesn't have to have these cases dismissed. It is choosing to do so.
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
Almost universally true that whether someone gets in trouble for a crime is less dependent on what they did, and more on how much power they have in society. Theft, drugs, violence, vandalism. Almost always true
Interesting to consider that if you were to go and deface the Kennedy center by removing Trump’s name, you’d be arrested and charged with a crime, but your act would be no more unlawful than what they’re doing right now.
NEWS: They're adding Trump's name to the Kennedy Center building right now. www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
December 19, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Almost universally true that whether someone gets in trouble for a crime is less dependent on what they did, and more on how much power they have in society. Theft, drugs, violence, vandalism. Almost always true
Reposted by Mike Wessler
We were dead and now we're the hottest country in the world, the first country—quite frankly the only country—where a box of breakfast cereal costs $11. We're saying Merry Christmas, and also the r-slur, and we're getting back to saying "gay" so it means "stupid" again. Grown-ups are doing it now,
December 18, 2025 at 5:19 AM
We were dead and now we're the hottest country in the world, the first country—quite frankly the only country—where a box of breakfast cereal costs $11. We're saying Merry Christmas, and also the r-slur, and we're getting back to saying "gay" so it means "stupid" again. Grown-ups are doing it now,
Reposted by Mike Wessler
As Pres. Trump prepares to boast his administration's "accomplishments" from 2025, we want to highlight all the changes he's made to the U.S. criminal legal system this year. 🧵
Spoiler: It's really bad.
Spoiler: It's really bad.
December 18, 2025 at 1:50 AM
As Pres. Trump prepares to boast his administration's "accomplishments" from 2025, we want to highlight all the changes he's made to the U.S. criminal legal system this year. 🧵
Spoiler: It's really bad.
Spoiler: It's really bad.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
What's the difference between states like Florida, where ICE arrests are sky-high, and states like Illinois with much lower rates of arrests? It's all about police & jails.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
December 15, 2025 at 8:33 PM
What's the difference between states like Florida, where ICE arrests are sky-high, and states like Illinois with much lower rates of arrests? It's all about police & jails.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
From @prisonpolicy.org: New analysis of government data from ICE via the Deportation Data Project shows federal agents reliant on local jails and police to reach their arrest numbers.
December 11, 2025 at 9:48 PM
From @prisonpolicy.org: New analysis of government data from ICE via the Deportation Data Project shows federal agents reliant on local jails and police to reach their arrest numbers.
Reposted by Mike Wessler
Can't believe we have to say this, but tampons aren't contraband.
And yet in NY state prisons, body scanners (that COs demanded) are picking up menstrual products, leaving people barred from visiting with their incarcerated loved ones.
And yet in NY state prisons, body scanners (that COs demanded) are picking up menstrual products, leaving people barred from visiting with their incarcerated loved ones.
State Prisons Are Turning Away Visitors After Scanners Pick Up Their…
Guards demanded body scanners to cut down on contraband. Now they’re turning visitors away over their hygiene and medical supplies.
nysfocus.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Can't believe we have to say this, but tampons aren't contraband.
And yet in NY state prisons, body scanners (that COs demanded) are picking up menstrual products, leaving people barred from visiting with their incarcerated loved ones.
And yet in NY state prisons, body scanners (that COs demanded) are picking up menstrual products, leaving people barred from visiting with their incarcerated loved ones.