Melinda G.'s Avatar

Melinda G.

@melindag.bsky.social

I write, read, enjoy good beer, spend time with my humans & cat, and try to hold pockets of hope where I find it. Defend marginalized people. Trust science. Mask up.

533 Followers  |  1,393 Following  |  137 Posts  |  Joined: 14.11.2024  |  2.3225

Latest posts by melindag.bsky.social on Bluesky

Shouting this thread from the rooftops. There are so many white Chicagoans whose impressions of the neighborhoods that house the geographic and demographic majority of the city are just an accumulation of assumptions and other people's stories. That has consequences.

25.10.2025 14:53 β€” πŸ‘ 40    πŸ” 16    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

IDK what that means going fwd but it is a Very Big Deal that people with a lot of wealth and political power suddenly feel a personal stake in this issue

It's VERY important that it translates into *solidarity* rather than the usual crime/policing "keep this unpleasantness contained to Over There"/

25.10.2025 14:24 β€” πŸ‘ 235    πŸ” 39    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 7

I have already heard/seen a huge difference. Ppl usually proud of being neutral/apolitical saying THIS is new and bad and different

It's not and they're wrong but what IS different (and possibly very good) is their awareness and engagement and willingness to be publicly identified with opposition
+

25.10.2025 14:20 β€” πŸ‘ 154    πŸ” 16    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

For most white people, the ICE surge existed only on social media - IF that

Not in their social networks, not within miles of many

It's different now. Lincoln Park is densely-populated and a many (most?) white people in Chicago know someone who lives near where fed agents gassed the neighborhood +

25.10.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 165    πŸ” 34    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 2

No, kidnappings have also not stopped at NYC's immigration court or in L.A. & D.C.

Corporate media apparatus will continue treating this all as disparate events rather than a national emergency

Children will go to bed without their parents tonight. Let's keep talking about that stupid video.

20.10.2025 17:53 β€” πŸ‘ 1314    πŸ” 394    πŸ’¬ 11    πŸ“Œ 5

Waking up every morning and checking the kidnapping report alongside the weather is not a thing anyone should have to do.

20.10.2025 14:48 β€” πŸ‘ 710    πŸ” 141    πŸ’¬ 8    πŸ“Œ 3

every adult should know how to craft something. i use that loosely: cook a meal, do a bit of DIY, sew a button, grow a plant.

if there is nothing in this world that you can make yourself... why. what are you doing

17.10.2025 13:15 β€” πŸ‘ 399    πŸ” 46    πŸ’¬ 11    πŸ“Œ 8

I was hoping someone was finding a way to track this. The treatment is inhumane no matter who they’re grabbing.

But I’m so sick of people pretending that citizens aren’t getting snatched up in this, too.

16.10.2025 18:31 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@nlgchicago.bsky.social is trying to raise $10k to fund ongoing legal support for protesters. They've had to cover long shifts at Broadview, and their volunteers have been repeatedly assaulted by police in the process. More info with ways to donate here: instagram.com/p/DP36ITJja-W/

16.10.2025 14:35 β€” πŸ‘ 528    πŸ” 371    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 21

Every year, I hope it will finally win. And I’m disappointed when it doesn’t.

Really hopeful for this year.

15.10.2025 18:21 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

School safety patrols are forming all over Chicago. I helped organize a training last night in one of the last neighborhoods you might expect. People are furious, and they’re done feeling helpless.

15.10.2025 12:25 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Me. I continue tracking flight prices after I’ve purchased the flight. β€œFor data,” but it’s really to make myself feel miserable for not waiting 9 more nail-biting days to save $12 on each ticket.

15.10.2025 02:31 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

They shot a reverend in the head with pepper balls for calling on them to redeem themselves. "I have not seen them cross the line yet" means the line doesn't fucking exist.

14.10.2025 16:13 β€” πŸ‘ 305    πŸ” 112    πŸ’¬ 11    πŸ“Œ 4

It now appears the federal agents have left the intersection, after deploying more gas into the crowd. Still working to sort more details.

Feels almost trite at this point to bring up the federal court's restraining order, which included language meant to rein in agents' use of chemical weapons.

14.10.2025 17:47 β€” πŸ‘ 297    πŸ” 130    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 4
Militarized federal agents in street at 105th and N

Militarized federal agents in street at 105th and N

Developing: per photographer Matthew Kaplan and others on scene, neighbors are currently facing dozens of Border Patrol agents on the east side. Feds have been all over the area, some kidnappings confirmed. Saw one gas canister deployed on FB live earlier.

14.10.2025 17:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1278    πŸ” 590    πŸ’¬ 37    πŸ“Œ 32

That fire comes from love, but sometimes, we need a moment to self-regulate, so we don't lose ourselves in it. If this moment is stretching you out or burning you up, please take care of yourself. Fortify yourself, honor your needs, and maintain your relationships. There's a lot more of this ahead.

12.10.2025 21:49 β€” πŸ‘ 143    πŸ” 20    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
Post image

ICE went after rideshare drivers at O’Hare today, according to statement from Illinois Drivers Alliance

10.10.2025 19:09 β€” πŸ‘ 2255    πŸ” 1126    πŸ’¬ 63    πŸ“Œ 62

If you see ICE agents, Illinois State Police, or Chicago or suburban police engaging in immigration enforcement or misconduct, file a complaint with COPA, Cook County, or the IL Inspector General and let us know. If you have video, here's how you can share it with us:

10.10.2025 19:30 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 26    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

U.S. District Judge April Perry's temporary restraining order is in:

09.10.2025 23:05 β€” πŸ‘ 335    πŸ” 123    πŸ’¬ 9    πŸ“Œ 8

Chat is it a good sign that it took national reporters an entire month to finally pay attention to the third largest metro in the country being invaded

09.10.2025 12:29 β€” πŸ‘ 1726    πŸ” 356    πŸ’¬ 22    πŸ“Œ 6
How to Help MIBFC β€” Midwest Immigration Bond Fund

If you're watching the situation in Chicago from afar & want to help, on the off chance you have spare $$, you can give to the Midwest Immigrant Bond Fund, which posts "bond for individuals held in the custody of ICE w ties to IL, IN, KY & WI who cannot afford to pay"
www.mibfc.org/helpusgrow

09.10.2025 18:00 β€” πŸ‘ 393    πŸ” 385    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 3
1. It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants,' their officers, agents, assigns, and all
persons acting in concert with them (hereafter referred to as "Federal Agents"), are temporarily ENJOINED in this judicial district from:
Dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, threatening or using physical
force against any person whom they know or reasonably should know is a Journalist, unless
Defendants have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime.
Defendants may order a Journalist to change location to avoid disrupting law enforcement,
' President Trump, one of the named Defendants, is not included in this Order.
1
Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 2 of 6 PagelD #:836
as long as the Journalist has an objectively reasonable time to comply and an objectively
reasonable opportunity to report and observe;

1. It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants,' their officers, agents, assigns, and all persons acting in concert with them (hereafter referred to as "Federal Agents"), are temporarily ENJOINED in this judicial district from: Dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, threatening or using physical force against any person whom they know or reasonably should know is a Journalist, unless Defendants have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime. Defendants may order a Journalist to change location to avoid disrupting law enforcement, ' President Trump, one of the named Defendants, is not included in this Order. 1 Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 2 of 6 PagelD #:836 as long as the Journalist has an objectively reasonable time to comply and an objectively reasonable opportunity to report and observe;

b. Issuing a crowd dispersal order requiring any person to leave a public place
that they lawfully have a right to be, unless dispersal is justified by exigent circumstances as defined by Department of Homeland Security Use of Force Policy (updated Feb. 6,
2023), Sections III.F and XII.E;
Π‘.
For purposes of this Order, a crowd dispersal order is a lawful command
given by a Federal Agent for all persons to leave a designated area when three or more persons are committing acts of disorderly conduct that are likely to cause substantial harm in the immediate vicinity;
d. Using riot control weapons including kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), Compressed Air Launchers (e.g., PIS and FN303), Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray, CS gas, CN gas, or other chemical irritants, 40 mm Munitions Launchers, less-lethal shotguns,
Less-Lethal Specialty Impact-Chemical Munitions (LLSI-CM), Controlled Noise and Light Distraction Devices (CNLDDs), Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs) - on members of the press, protesters, or religious practitioners who are not posing an immediate threat to the safety of a law enforcement officer or others;

b. Issuing a crowd dispersal order requiring any person to leave a public place that they lawfully have a right to be, unless dispersal is justified by exigent circumstances as defined by Department of Homeland Security Use of Force Policy (updated Feb. 6, 2023), Sections III.F and XII.E; Π‘. For purposes of this Order, a crowd dispersal order is a lawful command given by a Federal Agent for all persons to leave a designated area when three or more persons are committing acts of disorderly conduct that are likely to cause substantial harm in the immediate vicinity; d. Using riot control weapons including kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), Compressed Air Launchers (e.g., PIS and FN303), Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray, CS gas, CN gas, or other chemical irritants, 40 mm Munitions Launchers, less-lethal shotguns, Less-Lethal Specialty Impact-Chemical Munitions (LLSI-CM), Controlled Noise and Light Distraction Devices (CNLDDs), Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs) - on members of the press, protesters, or religious practitioners who are not posing an immediate threat to the safety of a law enforcement officer or others;

To facilitate the Defendants' identification of Journalists protected under
this Order, the following are examples of indicia of being a Journalist: visual identification as a member of the press, such as by carrying a professional press pass, badge or credentials; wearing distinctive clothing or patches that identify the wearer as a member of the press; or carrying professional gear such as professional photographic or videography
equipment. Other indicia of being a Journalist under this Order include that the person is standing off to the side of a protest, not engaging in chanting, sign holding, shouting slogans, or otherwise protesting, and documenting protest activities, although these are not
requirements. These indicia are illustrative, and a person need not exhibit every indicium
to be considered a Journalist under this Order. Defendants shall not be liable for unintentional violations of this Order in the case of an individual who does not wear a press pass, badge, or other official press credential, professional gear, or distinctive clothing that identifies the person as a member of the press.

To facilitate the Defendants' identification of Journalists protected under this Order, the following are examples of indicia of being a Journalist: visual identification as a member of the press, such as by carrying a professional press pass, badge or credentials; wearing distinctive clothing or patches that identify the wearer as a member of the press; or carrying professional gear such as professional photographic or videography equipment. Other indicia of being a Journalist under this Order include that the person is standing off to the side of a protest, not engaging in chanting, sign holding, shouting slogans, or otherwise protesting, and documenting protest activities, although these are not requirements. These indicia are illustrative, and a person need not exhibit every indicium to be considered a Journalist under this Order. Defendants shall not be liable for unintentional violations of this Order in the case of an individual who does not wear a press pass, badge, or other official press credential, professional gear, or distinctive clothing that identifies the person as a member of the press.

It is further ORDERED that all Federal Agents, excepting those who do not wear a 
uniform or other distinguishing clothing or equipment in the regular performance of their official
4
Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 5 of 6 PagelD #:839
duties or are engaged in undercover operations in the regular performance of their official duties, must have visible identification (for which a unique recognizable alphanumeric identifier sequence
will suffice) affixed to their uniforms or helmets and prominently displayed, including when
wearing riot gear.

It is further ORDERED that all Federal Agents, excepting those who do not wear a uniform or other distinguishing clothing or equipment in the regular performance of their official 4 Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 5 of 6 PagelD #:839 duties or are engaged in undercover operations in the regular performance of their official duties, must have visible identification (for which a unique recognizable alphanumeric identifier sequence will suffice) affixed to their uniforms or helmets and prominently displayed, including when wearing riot gear.

BREAKING: Federal judge issues a TRO in the Northern District of Illinois (including Chicago and the Broadview ICE facility), providing protections for protesters and journalists covering the protests.

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

Some of the key elements:

09.10.2025 17:21 β€” πŸ‘ 2098    πŸ” 702    πŸ’¬ 20    πŸ“Œ 40
Preview
The Discord Hack is Every Users’ Worst Nightmare A hack impacting Discord’s age verification process shows in stark terms the risk of tech companies collecting users’ ID documents. Now the hackers are posting peoples’ IDs and other sensitive informa...

New from 404 Media: the Discord hack is every users' worst nightmare. Yesterday the hackers started posting Discord users' selfies, identity documents, email addresses, phone numbers, more. I watched in real time. This is risk of tech storing ID for age verification
www.404media.co/the-discord-...

09.10.2025 15:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1673    πŸ” 917    πŸ’¬ 25    πŸ“Œ 97

Vallas would've had CPD attack the crowd protesting ICE after ICE shot a woman in Brighton Park, gassed onlookers, and then requested "assistance." It means something that Brandon Johnson did not betray us in that moment, and I won't forget it, even tho I've had my gripes with his administration.

07.10.2025 19:14 β€” πŸ‘ 310    πŸ” 72    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1

Was just talking to a friend about this exact thing. Yes they want protesters to do something violent to justify more violence and fewer rights. But in the absence of that, they will manufacture a narrative to do the same thing.

I mean, read a history book.

07.10.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 133    πŸ” 36    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 1

Y'all who keep lecturing protesters to "not give them an excuse" need to pause for a minute. Imagine yourself telling a DV victim, "Be sure not to mouth off or make any mistakes so he won't hit you. Don't give him an excuse! It's what he wants!" That's what you fools sound like.

07.10.2025 17:47 β€” πŸ‘ 4874    πŸ” 1288    πŸ’¬ 15    πŸ“Œ 74

Related in Chicago.
Reminder: the FIRST story is the one people remember. Every newspiece after has to fight twice as hard to get the word out about the corrections.

07.10.2025 15:07 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If you speak spontaneously before during or after they do or don’t read you your rights - whether in direct response to an LE question or, just in front of them, say to someone filming you, they can use what you say against you.

So, in short, once in police custody it is in your interests to STFU.

03.10.2025 17:17 β€” πŸ‘ 70    πŸ” 21    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

It’s your friendly neighborhood lawyer again with a Friday (fr this time) fun fact:

Law enforcement *don’t* have to read Miranda rights when they arrest you (that’s a law & order TV myth) - only *before* they question you *after* detaining you. Then you *have* to say you are asserting them & STFU

03.10.2025 17:15 β€” πŸ‘ 271    πŸ” 114    πŸ’¬ 6    πŸ“Œ 6

Wait… if enough of us #ShutTheFuckUpFriday today, can we just fast forward to this time on Friday?

Pleasepleasepleaseplease

18.09.2025 16:49 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@melindag is following 19 prominent accounts