January 26, 2026 (newsletters@democracydocket.com)
| ‘All-out assault on democracy’: What to know about Bondi’s ‘blackmail’ letterHours after federal immigration officers killed a man in Minneapolis, Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota, saying the state could “restore the rule of law” if it handed over its voter rolls to the federal government, among other steps. State election officials and Democrats have condemned the demand as “blackmail and extortion.” One expert said it’s “laying the groundwork to try to interfere with the election.” Meanwhile, lawyers for Minnesota brought up the letter in a hearing for their lawsuit challenging the aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action in the state. They argued that Bondi’s “ransom note” undercuts the administration’s stated reasons for the ICE action. Lies, violence and the American state “The lies are no longer about shadowy figures wielding great power and influence. They are now targeting everyday citizens — people standing in their own communities, in front of their homes, protecting their neighbors,” Marc writes. |
