Democracy Now! Audio

Jen Budd, a former U.S. Border Patrol senior patrol agent turned immigrant rights activist. Delia Ramirez, a U.S. Congressmember pushing to abolish ICE and impeach DHS leadership. Drew Harwell, a Washington Post technology reporter covering DHS recruitment and image manipulation. They discuss ICE wartime recruitment plans, white supremacist-linked recruiting imagery, digital alteration of government photos, Border Patrol culture, and calls for accountability.

Alec Karakatsanis, civil-rights lawyer and author, critiques policing narratives and the rise of carceral power. Stephen Vladek, law professor, explains state-law strategies to hold federal officers accountable and an evidence-portal idea. Keith Ellison, Minnesota attorney general, details the legal fight to stop federal immigration deployments and concerns about evidence and coercive tactics. Multiple short, focused conversations on accountability and legal paths.

Nakeema Levy-Armstrong, civil rights attorney and minister who was arrested during an anti-ICE protest, speaks about her arrest, charges, and activism in Minnesota. Dr. Asma Shackett, physician and VA clinical researcher, recalls hiring and working with Alex Pretti and the impact of his death on caregivers. They discuss protests, federal immigration actions, community organizing, and the grief rippling through the VA and Minneapolis.

Howard Bryant, sports journalist and author of Kings and Pawns, offers a concise mini bio and explores Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson’s tangled legacies. Jordan Kushner, civil rights and criminal defense attorney, provides legal context around protests and federal charges in Minneapolis. They discuss historical blacklisting, HUAC-era pressures, modern protest prosecutions, and high-stakes local actions.

Yanis Varoufakis, former Greek finance minister and esteemed author, delves into the implications of Trump's 'Board of Peace', arguing it undermines the UN and symbolizes corporate control over global governance. He critiques Europe's complicity in U.S. hegemony and discusses the repercussions of wealthy individuals influencing international affairs. Sahar Dalijani, renowned Iranian author, highlights the unrest in Iran, focusing on the ongoing protests and urgent human rights issues, shedding light on the voices calling for change amidst repression.

Nakema Levy-Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network, speaks about confronting church leadership involved with ICE. Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, discusses the alarming influence of billionaires over media narratives and global economic disparities. Michaud (Michelle) Gonzalez, a lead organizer from the New York State Nurses Association, shares firsthand accounts of the challenges nurses face amid staffing shortages and healthcare cuts, particularly during the pandemic's lasting effects.

Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, known for his critically acclaimed works, discusses his latest film, Magellan, starring Gael García Bernal. He delves into Magellan's dual legacy as both a hero and a symbol of colonial violence. The conversation explores early European imperialism and the historical complexities of figures like Lapu-Lapu and Enrique of Malacca. Diaz emphasizes the need to reexamine colonial narratives and reflects on the ongoing impacts of American intervention in the Philippines. His film serves as a catalyst for global dialogue on history.

Julie Rademacher, Chair of WAGUT and an advocate for Greenlanders in Denmark, discusses the escalating tensions surrounding U.S. threats to acquire Greenland. From Copenhagen, she urges Americans to recognize the significance of Greenlandic sovereignty and warns that annexation moves jeopardize trust in diplomatic relations. Rademacher also highlights Denmark's support for Greenland and the potential NATO implications of these geopolitical maneuvers, calling for solidarity and action to defend Greenland's rights.

In a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the discussion highlights his powerful stance against the Vietnam War, labeling the U.S. as a purveyor of violence. King's call for reparations and aid for affected Vietnamese resonates deeply, as he connects war's brutality to domestic suffering. The podcast also delves into his vision for unity and nonviolence, emphasizing the urgency of moral choices in activism. A reflective tone is set with Mahalia Jackson's hymn, leading to the poignant introduction of King's final address before his assassination.

Nicole Foy, an investigative reporter at ProPublica, reveals alarming findings on ICE's use of banned chokeholds and the detention of U.S. citizens. Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil shares his harrowing experience post-protests and discusses ongoing legal battles. Filmmaker Shireen Diabas introduces her powerful film, All That's Left of You, which explores themes of love and resilience across generations amidst chaos. Her insights into filming during conflict provides a poignant perspective on the human cost of war.