Veterans for American Ideals
@vets4amerideals.bsky.social
Veterans and Allies. Coalition Builders. Human Rights Defenders.
Project of @humanrightsfirst.org
More about veteran advocacy: humanrightsfirst.org/project/vets-for-american-ideals/
Project of @humanrightsfirst.org
More about veteran advocacy: humanrightsfirst.org/project/vets-for-american-ideals/
This Saturday, Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse, was killed by ICE agents while defending our immigrant neighbors and exercising his First Amendment right to protest. #IceOut #VeteransStandWithImmigrants
January 27, 2026 at 8:28 PM
This Saturday, Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse, was killed by ICE agents while defending our immigrant neighbors and exercising his First Amendment right to protest. #IceOut #VeteransStandWithImmigrants
We were proud to recognize Clare Byarugaba of Chapter Four Uganda for her incredible work advocating for the equality and dignity of LGBTQIA+ persons in Uganda.
Read her inspiring speech about her work here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/when...
Read her inspiring speech about her work here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/when...
January 16, 2026 at 6:54 PM
We were proud to recognize Clare Byarugaba of Chapter Four Uganda for her incredible work advocating for the equality and dignity of LGBTQIA+ persons in Uganda.
Read her inspiring speech about her work here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/when...
Read her inspiring speech about her work here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/when...
Live from the Twin Cities 🚨 Thank you @jayapal.house.gov, the Minnesota delegation, and the over 30 Congress members that took the time to be present in person and demand accountability for DHS enforcement actions in Minnesota.
STARTING SOON: Join me LIVE for a hearing in the Twin Cities to conduct oversight on Trump’s deadly assault on Minnesota. www.youtube.com/live/bfVji76...
Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump's Deadly Assault on Minnesota
YouTube video by Representative Pramila Jayapal
www.youtube.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Live from the Twin Cities 🚨 Thank you @jayapal.house.gov, the Minnesota delegation, and the over 30 Congress members that took the time to be present in person and demand accountability for DHS enforcement actions in Minnesota.
Yesterday, a Senate hearing on the Afghan parole program and the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation tried to unjustly villainize our Afghan allies.
January 15, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Yesterday, a Senate hearing on the Afghan parole program and the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation tried to unjustly villainize our Afghan allies.
This attack on Chapter Four Uganda, and other nongovernmental organizations facing similar crackdowns, are a dangerous move to restrict civic space in Uganda and undermine democracy on the eve of the country’s elections.
Human Rights First condemns the Ugandan government’s suspension of Chapter Four Uganda, a leading human rights organization, on spurious national security grounds. We call on the government to immediately overturn the suspension order. allafrica.com/stories/2026...
Uganda: Govt Suspends Top NGO Chapter Four Over Security Concerns
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Uganda's civil society sector, the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau) has suspended the operating permit of Chapter Four Uganda,...
allafrica.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:07 PM
This attack on Chapter Four Uganda, and other nongovernmental organizations facing similar crackdowns, are a dangerous move to restrict civic space in Uganda and undermine democracy on the eve of the country’s elections.
Human Rights First condemns the Ugandan government’s suspension of Chapter Four Uganda, a leading human rights organization, on spurious national security grounds. We call on the government to immediately overturn the suspension order. allafrica.com/stories/2026...
Uganda: Govt Suspends Top NGO Chapter Four Over Security Concerns
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Uganda's civil society sector, the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau) has suspended the operating permit of Chapter Four Uganda,...
allafrica.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Human Rights First condemns the Ugandan government’s suspension of Chapter Four Uganda, a leading human rights organization, on spurious national security grounds. We call on the government to immediately overturn the suspension order. allafrica.com/stories/2026...
The NOPE Act is absolutely critical to ensure our fundamental rights are protected against an administration bent on abusing its power to target political opponents. We wholeheartedly support this bill and applaud this effort to defend our democracy.
www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bill to Protect First Amendment Rights, Safeguard Americans From Politically Motivated Harassment, Prosecutions - Senator Alex Padilla
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Jason Crow (D-Colo.-06) to introduce the No Poli...
www.padilla.senate.gov
January 15, 2026 at 3:41 PM
The NOPE Act is absolutely critical to ensure our fundamental rights are protected against an administration bent on abusing its power to target political opponents. We wholeheartedly support this bill and applaud this effort to defend our democracy.
www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
"... Many of us owe our lives to these Afghan soldiers, we have a moral duty to protect them ..."
@SenWhitehouse said is what he heard from veterans after the fall of Kabul.
@SenWhitehouse said is what he heard from veterans after the fall of Kabul.
January 14, 2026 at 9:41 PM
"... Many of us owe our lives to these Afghan soldiers, we have a moral duty to protect them ..."
@SenWhitehouse said is what he heard from veterans after the fall of Kabul.
@SenWhitehouse said is what he heard from veterans after the fall of Kabul.
Thank you @padilla.senate.gov, @coons.senate.gov and others for standing up for #AfghanAllies at the Senate Judiciary hearing today. #Veterans #StandWithAfghanAllies
January 14, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Thank you @padilla.senate.gov, @coons.senate.gov and others for standing up for #AfghanAllies at the Senate Judiciary hearing today. #Veterans #StandWithAfghanAllies
Our VP of External Affairs @enriqueroig on Venezuela for the @makingpeacevisible.bsky.social podcast:
youtu.be/J3R7uVFlWsI?...
youtu.be/J3R7uVFlWsI?...
Venezuela: Where's human rights in the narrative?
YouTube video by Making Peace Visible
youtu.be
January 13, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Our VP of External Affairs @enriqueroig on Venezuela for the @makingpeacevisible.bsky.social podcast:
youtu.be/J3R7uVFlWsI?...
youtu.be/J3R7uVFlWsI?...
As the United Kingdom government grapples with overhauling the law on how to address issues from the Northern Ireland conflict, the British parliament has asked Human Rights First for our analysis and recommendations. ⬇️
humanrightsfirst.org/library/uk-p...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/uk-p...
UK Parliament Asks For Human Rights First's Advice on Northern Ireland Legacy Laws - Human Rights First
As the United Kingdom government grapples with overhauling the law on how to address issues from the Northern Ireland conflict, the British parliament has asked Human Rights First for our analysis and...
humanrightsfirst.org
January 13, 2026 at 6:14 PM
As the United Kingdom government grapples with overhauling the law on how to address issues from the Northern Ireland conflict, the British parliament has asked Human Rights First for our analysis and recommendations. ⬇️
humanrightsfirst.org/library/uk-p...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/uk-p...
Reposted by Veterans for American Ideals
@humanrightsfirst.org ‘s December 2025 ICE Flight Monitor report reveals the unprecedented scale, scope, and secrecy of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign during its first 11 months in office. Key findings from December:
January 12, 2026 at 10:25 PM
@humanrightsfirst.org ‘s December 2025 ICE Flight Monitor report reveals the unprecedented scale, scope, and secrecy of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign during its first 11 months in office. Key findings from December:
Reposted by Veterans for American Ideals
"There is the constant boom of explosions from nearby Vovchansk as we round up the animals. The Russian army, specifically the 2nd Guards Spetsnaz Brigade, the 128th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, and the 82nd Motor Rifle Regiment, are about 10 miles up the road."
humanrightsfirst.org/library/evac...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/evac...
Evacuating Civilians From Ukraine’s Front Line in the Snow - Human Rights First
Kharkiv: It’s still dark after 7 a.m. when we leave Kharkiv city to evacuate people from the frontline village of Hontarivka, a few hours’ drive east. It’s cold too: thick snow blankets the streets, a...
humanrightsfirst.org
January 8, 2026 at 11:27 PM
"There is the constant boom of explosions from nearby Vovchansk as we round up the animals. The Russian army, specifically the 2nd Guards Spetsnaz Brigade, the 128th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, and the 82nd Motor Rifle Regiment, are about 10 miles up the road."
humanrightsfirst.org/library/evac...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/evac...
@vets4amerideals.bsky.social celebrates #HumanRightsDay. In a time when vulnerable people around the world are being deprived of their rights and the foundations of our democracy is at risk, the work of human rights advocates is more important than ever.
December 10, 2025 at 8:33 PM
@vets4amerideals.bsky.social celebrates #HumanRightsDay. In a time when vulnerable people around the world are being deprived of their rights and the foundations of our democracy is at risk, the work of human rights advocates is more important than ever.
Reposted by Veterans for American Ideals
As we celebrate #HumanRightsDay and look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the #RefugeeConvention, 300+ groups worldwide are calling on States to uphold human rights, refugee, and humanitarian treaties. Read the letter👇
Upholding Not Undermining International Law: Civil Society Open Letter to States (December 2025, reissued) - Human Rights First
In advance of Human Rights Day on December 10, the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in mid-December 2025, and the 75th Anniversary of the Refuge Convention in 2026, over 300 faith-based, non-gover...
humanrightsfirst.org
December 10, 2025 at 8:04 PM
As we celebrate #HumanRightsDay and look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the #RefugeeConvention, 300+ groups worldwide are calling on States to uphold human rights, refugee, and humanitarian treaties. Read the letter👇
This administration's immigration crackdowns are harming the VA. Per a leaked memo, the VA is sharing information on its non-citizen employees to “relevant agencies.” As the country faces a healthcare crisis, this move endangers our healthcare and data privacy.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Revealed: US veterans affairs to share immigration data about non-citizen workers with ‘appropriate agencies’
Exclusive: The move prompts fears the data will be sent to ICE to further the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
This administration's immigration crackdowns are harming the VA. Per a leaked memo, the VA is sharing information on its non-citizen employees to “relevant agencies.” As the country faces a healthcare crisis, this move endangers our healthcare and data privacy.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Veterans for American Ideals
This #GivingTuesday, your support helps defend democracy and advance human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In 2025, you protected 500k+ humanitarian parolees, equipped 14k with critical resources, & sent 13k+ letters to Congress. THANK YOU.👏👏
Help us keep going in 2026: humanrightsfirst.org/donate
Help us keep going in 2026: humanrightsfirst.org/donate
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This #GivingTuesday, your support helps defend democracy and advance human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In 2025, you protected 500k+ humanitarian parolees, equipped 14k with critical resources, & sent 13k+ letters to Congress. THANK YOU.👏👏
Help us keep going in 2026: humanrightsfirst.org/donate
Help us keep going in 2026: humanrightsfirst.org/donate
@vets4amerideals.bsky.social joined @aclu.org & other veterans & organizers on Capitol Hill to urge members on both sides of the aisle to protect our democracy & make clear that troops don't belong on our streets. Read the full press release here: www.aclu.org/press-releas...
Dozens of Veterans Descend on Capitol Hill to Oppose Military Deployments to U.S. Cities | American Civil Liberties Union
41 veterans from 21 states and five branches of the military met with over 40 Congressional offices to urge them to defend the Constitution
www.aclu.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:27 PM
@vets4amerideals.bsky.social joined @aclu.org & other veterans & organizers on Capitol Hill to urge members on both sides of the aisle to protect our democracy & make clear that troops don't belong on our streets. Read the full press release here: www.aclu.org/press-releas...
We may no longer belong to an active unit, but that sense of duty – to protect, to serve our communities, to uphold the Constitution – never fades.
Thank you, veterans, for your continued service to the ideals and principles that we swore to defend.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/vete...
Thank you, veterans, for your continued service to the ideals and principles that we swore to defend.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/vete...
Veterans Day: Our Duty Doesn’t End When We Hang Up the Uniform - Human Rights First
By Gretchen Klingler, Director, Veterans for American Ideals As Veterans Day arrives this year, many of us who once wore the uniform find ourselves reflecting not only on our time in service but on th...
humanrightsfirst.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:17 AM
We may no longer belong to an active unit, but that sense of duty – to protect, to serve our communities, to uphold the Constitution – never fades.
Thank you, veterans, for your continued service to the ideals and principles that we swore to defend.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/vete...
Thank you, veterans, for your continued service to the ideals and principles that we swore to defend.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/vete...
Members of the Texas National Guard arrived in Illinois on Tuesday. The President’s decision to federalize the troops received remarkable opposition at the state and local level, and represents a severe misuse of the Guard’s mission.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/n...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/n...
National Guard Arrives In Chicago Area Despite Judge Urging Feds To Hold Off
President Donald Trump has sent National Guardsmen to Illinois despite local officials objecting. Gov. JB Pritzker previously said the deployment is part of "Trump's invasion."
blockclubchicago.org
October 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Members of the Texas National Guard arrived in Illinois on Tuesday. The President’s decision to federalize the troops received remarkable opposition at the state and local level, and represents a severe misuse of the Guard’s mission.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/n...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/n...
The recent Quantico meeting “made it clear that this administration is working toward remaking our military into [a] politicized force, devoid of the democratic ideals that have historically made the United States strong." said @vets4amerideals.bsky.social Director Gretchen Klingler
October 1, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The recent Quantico meeting “made it clear that this administration is working toward remaking our military into [a] politicized force, devoid of the democratic ideals that have historically made the United States strong." said @vets4amerideals.bsky.social Director Gretchen Klingler
Reposted by Veterans for American Ideals
On #ConstitutionDay, we reflect on the right to dissent—a cornerstone of American democracy. Trump’s use of the National Guard in LA & DC threatens that right, but residents are standing up to defend their cities. Read about how DC residents have stood up👇
Dissent in A Police State: How DC is Fighting Back - Human Rights First
Anyone who has lived in Washington, DC knows that, unlike New York or Los Angeles, it is not a city known for its food or fashion, but for its unwavering passion for policy, and its residents’ procliv...
humanrightsfirst.org
September 17, 2025 at 8:45 PM
On #ConstitutionDay, we reflect on the right to dissent—a cornerstone of American democracy. Trump’s use of the National Guard in LA & DC threatens that right, but residents are standing up to defend their cities. Read about how DC residents have stood up👇
September 11 reminds us of profound loss, but also of profound unity. We remember those taken, those who rushed toward danger, and those who served in the years that followed.
VFAI reaffirms our commitment to build a country that lives up to its highest ideals—together.
Never forget.
VFAI reaffirms our commitment to build a country that lives up to its highest ideals—together.
Never forget.
Americans mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with emotional ceremonies
Americans have marked 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer work and other tributes honoring the victims.
apnews.com
September 12, 2025 at 1:52 AM
September 11 reminds us of profound loss, but also of profound unity. We remember those taken, those who rushed toward danger, and those who served in the years that followed.
VFAI reaffirms our commitment to build a country that lives up to its highest ideals—together.
Never forget.
VFAI reaffirms our commitment to build a country that lives up to its highest ideals—together.
Never forget.
Four years ago today at Abbey Gate, 13 U.S. service members gave their lives protecting American personnel and Afghan allies during the withdrawal. We remember their courage, sacrifice, and selfless service.
Here are the names of the 13 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan attack
Thirteen U.S. service members died Thursday in Kabul, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
www.marinecorpstimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Four years ago today at Abbey Gate, 13 U.S. service members gave their lives protecting American personnel and Afghan allies during the withdrawal. We remember their courage, sacrifice, and selfless service.
“Veterans for American Ideals, a nonpartisan Human Rights First initiative of veterans defending democracy and human rights, strongly condemns the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. and the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.”
Veterans for American Ideals Condemns Deployment of National Guard in D.C. - Human Rights First
Washington, D.C. — Veterans for American Ideals, a nonpartisan Human Rights First initiative of veterans defending democracy and human rights, strongly condemns the National Guard deployment in Washin...
humanrightsfirst.org
August 11, 2025 at 5:52 PM
“Veterans for American Ideals, a nonpartisan Human Rights First initiative of veterans defending democracy and human rights, strongly condemns the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. and the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.”