Behind the Lens: January 2026

A collection of images from January 2026 documents moments of tension, resilience, and transition — capturing ICE protests unfolding in city streets, community-led recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters, and the steady presence of a wind farm turning against a winter sky. Together, these scenes reflect collective action and adaptation, highlighting how people and landscapes respond to political pressure, environmental challenges, and the push toward a changing future.

Volunteers from Team Rubicon cleaning up a residential home in Milwaukee following damaging flooding that happened in August, 2025.

Team Rubicon volunteer cleaning up a residential home in Milwaukee following damaging flooding that happened in August, 2025.

Demonstrators protest ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement) occupation as nationwide protests erupt following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by federal ICE agents in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Demonstrators protest possible war in Venezuela after U.S. air strikes hit Caracas and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. military forces early Saturday morning at City Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Demonstrators protest ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) activities and occupation during the “Stop ICE Terror!” protest at Hoffner Park in Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Demonstrators protest ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement) activity throughout the US. following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal ICE agent and heavy ICE activity in Minneapolis. Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Piatt Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pollution and steam rise from the stacks of the Miami Fort Power Station which is situated along the Ohio River near Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Demonstrators protest during the national “ICE Out!” shutdown and anti-ICE strike as they stand in solidarity with Minneapolis at the Hamilton County Courthouse in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Demonstrators protest during the national “ICE Out!” shutdown and anti-ICE strike as they stand in solidarity with Minneapolis at the Hamilton County Courthouse in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Demonstrators protest ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement) occupation as nationwide protests erupt following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by federal ICE agents in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Demonstrators protest ICE activities and occupation of American cities while they protest and march in solidarity with the Minneapolis community in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Demonstrators protest ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement) occupation as nationwide protests erupt following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by federal ICE agents in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Wind turbines at the Meadow Lake Wind Farm are seen operating during a lake effect snow storm near Brookston, Indiana on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Wind turbines at the Meadow Lake Wind Farm are seen operating during a lake effect snow storm near Brookston, Indiana on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

A volunteer from Team Rubicon cleaning up a residential home in Milwaukee following damaging flooding that happened in August, 2025.

Volunteers from Team Rubicon cleaning up a residential home in Milwaukee following damaging flooding that happened in August, 2025.

Volunteers from Team Rubicon cleaning up a residential home in Milwaukee following damaging flooding that happened in August, 2025.

Demonstrators protest ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement) at the Campbell County Detention Center in Newport, Kentucky as nationwide ‘ICE Out For Good’ protests are held after federal agents shot a Portland couple and the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier in the week. Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Going forward, I plan to continue producing and sharing monthly summaries of my work. This project requires ongoing financial investment, and your support plays a crucial role in making it possible. Together, we can continue documenting our rapidly changing world, climate, and environment.

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