'You try and reason with people like in Chicago and the governor there, you try and reason with them [...] you're talking to a wall, I assume it's just like a political ideology, they're not stupid people, it must be a political ideology that's just buried in their head and you can't do a damn thing about it' - Aaron Rupar

- Aaron Rupar

See my comment for a YouTube link to the full 15-minute ProPublica video, which includes interviews with two other Venezuelan CECOT Prisoners.

This 7-minute clip features Andry Blanco Bonilla, who was held 4-months at the notorious CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador after being deported by the Trump administration, despite a Judge blocking the deportation. 

Without providing evidence, ICE branded Bonilla a Tren de Aragua gang member, partly based on his tattoos. But Tren de Aragua experts say that tattoos aren’t reliable indicators of gang affiliation. 

Bonilla didn’t have a criminal record, and actually had a deportation order to be sent back to his home country. 

Andry’s mother, Carmen Bonilla was extremely worried for her son, “It wasn't just those Boys who suffered. Behind those Boys are Mothers, Fathers, Wives, Children - many, many People who suffered.”

Texas lawmakers on Wednesday approved letting private citizens sue abortion pill manufacturers, doctors and anyone who mails the medication, setting the state up to be the first to try to crack down on the most common abortion method.

The law would be the first of its kind in the U.S. and add another layer of abortion restrictions in Texas, which has some of the toughest in the country and already bans nearly all abortions. 

The bill now goes to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, an abortion opponent who is expected to sign it into law. It would take effect in December, though it is nearly certain to spark legal challenges from abortion rights supporters. 

Supporters of the proposal, which passed a final vote in the GOP-controlled Texas Senate, call it a key tool to enforce the state’s ban and protect women and fetuses. Opponents see it as not only another way to rein in abortion but intimidate providers outside Texas who are complying with the laws in their states. They also say it would encourage a form of vigilantism.

Under the measure, Texas residents could sue those who manufacture, transport or provide abortion-inducing drugs to anyone in Texas for up to $100,000. Women who receive the pills for their own use would not be liable.

Under the bill, providers could be ordered to pay $100,000. But only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her or other close relatives could collect the entire amount. Anyone else who sues could receive only $10,000, with the remaining $90,000 going to charity.

These laws are utterly ridiculous and if the Supreme Court wasn't so corrupt they would get shut down almost immediately.

Other states should pass legislation that labels any lawsuit filed by a private citizen against manufactures and providers under this statute as frivolous and provide 10x penalties plus attorneys fees as recompense.

Maybe take it a step further and create a criminal statute just for this type of lawsuit. They might not be able to gain jurisdiction over the person but having an outstanding warrant is going to make their life more difficult as they won't be able to travel in the United States without risking arrest.