Thanks Adrian for your stories! Here in Mn., I have been following news stories of ICE's operation "metro surge" in MPLS. There has been a lot of pro active activity going on instead of simply reactions. What I do know is ICE is not allowed to do anything on private property without a warrant. Next spring I will be getting a new roof on my house. If I see any such activity in from of my house with unmarked vans and such while work is being done. I will do this; Approach these vehicles, demand ID, demand to see search warrants. If I get BS, I will say get the fuck off my property.
This Christmas, I am so grateful for Adrian, the Bulwark, and this whole community of people who care about these issues and share these stories - both the horror and the hope. Otherwise, I think I would be going completely insane.
I was happy to donate to "Operation Midway Bliss".
But if Adrian and Sandy had not recommended the GoFundMe, the apparent lack of transparency around the added GoFundMe tip that was tacked on would have triggered my scamdar. I'm used to surcharges on donations either being opt-in only, or very obviously opt-out-able, and this one didn't appear to be to me. If the folks running this have control over the tips settings (and they may not), they may wish to tweak them to avoid frustrating would-be donors.
“Rather than waiting for “the law” to protect them, more and more people are accepting that they need to do the legwork proactively to protect themselves from those abusing the law.”
This. I have certainly learned from 2025 that the law was not designed to help the helpless but to reinforce the conditions that keep everyone in their place.
Thank you, Adrian. I am grateful for you every day because I know you will bring us the reality and hope in equal measure (maybe hope gets slightly more attention as it is so needed).
Adrian thank you. Bulwark staff: continue to keep us informed. Please give the public information about the 2 detention centers that are owned by the state of Florida. People have disappeared into these facilities. Amnesty International states that the conditions are horrific.
This. Yes. "These efforts, along with know-your-rights training sessions, are helping people defend themselves and their neighbors. This feels like a big lesson of 2025: Rather than waiting for “the law” to protect them, more and more people are accepting that they need to do the legwork proactively to protect themselves from those abusing the law.
The injustices will continue in 2026. They will, at times, feel overwhelming. But I learned this past year that so many Americans will put their money—or their time, their creativity, and their homes—toward fighting back when they feel the country they know is slipping away."
Not to quibble, but I think it should be the Miller-Trump deportation regime. The gnomish, humanoid named Stephen Miller has more, pound-for-pound, bile, hate, and xenophobia than Trump.
That's a great way to send us into Christmas. Let's do more of this, y'all. New life goal: Do something worth mentioning in Adrian's newsletter without a mask.
Great newsletter and thanks for sharing the Gofundme for Chicago families affected by ICE. My family donated from Seattle and encourage others to do the same if you can afford it.
I love this. On Thanksgiving, I was looking for gratitude in the face of these times. My thoughts went to the Americans, citizens, residents and all who call this place home and who have stood up against the attacks on our values and our friends. I am so grateful to them.
Last night, I read Montaigne’s essay, “Of Cruelty.” To paraphrase, being good without trial is fine and all, but Virtue is the rational choice to be so in the face of hardship. These Americans are virtuous in the truest sense.
Thank you ! In this darkness there is a light ! I’m in Florida and almost daily I call the reps and senators about the Alligator Aushwitz camp ! Since it opened I can’t sleep thinking about the horror of that place , Donald and DeSantis were there for the “ opening “ laughing and saying that if they escaped the gators would take care of it ! I was so upset I threw up 🤮
Thank you for sharing these positive stories, it's very heartening
Thanks Adrian for your stories! Here in Mn., I have been following news stories of ICE's operation "metro surge" in MPLS. There has been a lot of pro active activity going on instead of simply reactions. What I do know is ICE is not allowed to do anything on private property without a warrant. Next spring I will be getting a new roof on my house. If I see any such activity in from of my house with unmarked vans and such while work is being done. I will do this; Approach these vehicles, demand ID, demand to see search warrants. If I get BS, I will say get the fuck off my property.
Literal tears reading this. Thanks, Adrian. Happy holidays to the Bulwark community... y'all kept me sane this year.
Thx Adrian for sharing these good stories of helpers/supporters!
Question: Are there any legal or Congressional efforts to constrain ICE/CBP to follow the rule of law in their crackdowns?
This Christmas, I am so grateful for Adrian, the Bulwark, and this whole community of people who care about these issues and share these stories - both the horror and the hope. Otherwise, I think I would be going completely insane.
Midway Blitz now only needs $1,099.00 to reach their 35k goal. See Adrian’s link in his article to make it happen, if you are in a position to donate
I was happy to donate to "Operation Midway Bliss".
But if Adrian and Sandy had not recommended the GoFundMe, the apparent lack of transparency around the added GoFundMe tip that was tacked on would have triggered my scamdar. I'm used to surcharges on donations either being opt-in only, or very obviously opt-out-able, and this one didn't appear to be to me. If the folks running this have control over the tips settings (and they may not), they may wish to tweak them to avoid frustrating would-be donors.
Do not forget our Chicago brother, Pope Leo and his bishops who are stepping up to help our immigrants.
I am happy to fund Bulwark subscriptions to him and his bishops.
You are doing the Lord’s work.
Merry Christmas!
“Rather than waiting for “the law” to protect them, more and more people are accepting that they need to do the legwork proactively to protect themselves from those abusing the law.”
This. I have certainly learned from 2025 that the law was not designed to help the helpless but to reinforce the conditions that keep everyone in their place.
Thank you, Adrian. I am grateful for you every day because I know you will bring us the reality and hope in equal measure (maybe hope gets slightly more attention as it is so needed).
Adrian thank you. Bulwark staff: continue to keep us informed. Please give the public information about the 2 detention centers that are owned by the state of Florida. People have disappeared into these facilities. Amnesty International states that the conditions are horrific.
This. Yes. "These efforts, along with know-your-rights training sessions, are helping people defend themselves and their neighbors. This feels like a big lesson of 2025: Rather than waiting for “the law” to protect them, more and more people are accepting that they need to do the legwork proactively to protect themselves from those abusing the law.
The injustices will continue in 2026. They will, at times, feel overwhelming. But I learned this past year that so many Americans will put their money—or their time, their creativity, and their homes—toward fighting back when they feel the country they know is slipping away."
Not to quibble, but I think it should be the Miller-Trump deportation regime. The gnomish, humanoid named Stephen Miller has more, pound-for-pound, bile, hate, and xenophobia than Trump.
That's a great way to send us into Christmas. Let's do more of this, y'all. New life goal: Do something worth mentioning in Adrian's newsletter without a mask.
Great newsletter and thanks for sharing the Gofundme for Chicago families affected by ICE. My family donated from Seattle and encourage others to do the same if you can afford it.
I love this. On Thanksgiving, I was looking for gratitude in the face of these times. My thoughts went to the Americans, citizens, residents and all who call this place home and who have stood up against the attacks on our values and our friends. I am so grateful to them.
Last night, I read Montaigne’s essay, “Of Cruelty.” To paraphrase, being good without trial is fine and all, but Virtue is the rational choice to be so in the face of hardship. These Americans are virtuous in the truest sense.
My collection of his essays was lost in one of my many moves, but you are inspiring me to buy one again from an independent bookseller. 😊
I have the complete essays, Donald Frame translation published by Stanford.
Thanks for the specific rec. My town now has a great indie bookseller who will be my source for this translation.
Thank you ! In this darkness there is a light ! I’m in Florida and almost daily I call the reps and senators about the Alligator Aushwitz camp ! Since it opened I can’t sleep thinking about the horror of that place , Donald and DeSantis were there for the “ opening “ laughing and saying that if they escaped the gators would take care of it ! I was so upset I threw up 🤮