Tag: Police brutality
Prohibited from holding police officer to account, federal judge calls on Supreme Court to overturn ‘Qualified Immunity’
“Those who violate the constitutional rights of our citizens must be held accountable. When that day comes we will be one step closer to that more perfect Union.” by Julia Conley, staff writer Friday, August 7…
US police roots spring from slavery
by Wade Rathke New Orleans We would all love to simply believe that the police are there, and have always been there, as the slogan goes, “to serve and protect.” Jill Lepore, the noted Harvard historian…
Amnesty International report details human rights violations by US police during racial justice protests
‘The World Is Watching’ The use of force detailed in the report “is ultimately a symptom of the very issue that started these protests: unaccountable police violence.” by Julia Conley, staff writer In a report titled…
Her rapist threatened to make her “disappear.” Instead of asylum, ICE put her in a hotel and sent her back.
Thousands of migrant children — including babies — have been expelled by the Trump administration since March. Some have been held in hotels without access to lawyers or family. Advocates say many are now “virtually impossible”…
I was tear gassed in Portland — and not just by Feds
Police departments are over-militarized at the local level, too. Here’s one way to change that. By Robert P. Alvarez July 30, 2020 The smell of tear gas is hard to describe, but it’s horrifying. It pinched…
Oregon Governor says Federal Agents are leaving Portland on Thursday; BUT: DHS, White House says not yet ‘The withdraw is conditional’
“The federal occupation of our community has brought a new kind of fear to our streets.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Wednesday, July 29 An immediate withdrawal of federal forces in Portland, Oregon appeared unlikely…
Amid fears of a defeated Trump who won’t go willingly, Warren calls on Cabinet officials to end deployment of federal agents against protests
“This is an urgent matter for American democracy and for the safety of Americans peacefully protesting in their communities.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Wednesday, July 29 Specifically citing President Donald Trump’s refusal to commit to…
‘This Is…Kidnapping’: Video shows plainclothes NYPD officers throwing protester Into unmarked van
“Our civil liberties are on the brink,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This is not a drill. There is no excuse for snatching women off the street and throwing them into unmarked vans.” by Jake Johnson, staff…
“Defendant shall not attend protests”: In Portland, getting out of jail requires relinquishing Constitutional Rights
A dozen protesters facing federal charges are barred from going to “public gatherings” as a condition of release from jail — a tactic one expert described as “sort of hilariously unconstitutional.” by Dara Lind July 28,…
Real answers demanded after Barr dodges on government authority to aim ‘intrusive surveillance tools’ at protesters
“The public needs to know whether Attorney General Barr thinks President Trump can conduct mass surveillance of protesters without congressional authorization.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Tuesday, July 28 An exchange about government spying powers between…
Jayapal tears into William Barr at Oversight hearing
“Mr. Barr… I’m starting to lose my temper.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Tuesday, July 28 A fiery exchange during Tuesday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing between Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Attorney General William Barr over the…
Six mayors demand congress block federal agents from US cities
‘Unacceptable, Un-American, and Unconstitutional’ “This provocation is resulting in direct physical harm to our communities and must end.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Tuesday, July 28 Six mayors from around the country sent a letter to…
4 lawsuits that challenge Trump’s federal agents in Portland test issues other cities will likely face
Federal officers using large amounts of tear gas against protesters in Portland, Oregon on July 21. John Rudoff/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images by Sarah J. Adams-Schoen, University of Oregon President Donald Trump has announced that the…
Massive protests in Portland continue, this time with “Wall of Vets” backing up protesters
“If the state of Oregon does not have standing to prevent this unconstitutional conduct by unidentified federal agents running roughshod over her citizens, who does?” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Saturday, July 25 After a…
Polling shows Trump’s Secret Police in Portland — and GOP lawmaker complicity — could have 2020 consequences
MoveOn says voters are “fed up” with GOP senators from the battleground states of Arizona, Maine, and North Carolina “carrying water for him as he trundles toward authoritarianism.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Friday, July 24…
County judge orders journalists to turn over footage to Seattle police
‘Disturbing—and Dangerous’ “This turns journalists into an arm of the government. We are not here to do surveillance for police.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Friday, July 24 Journalists and civil liberties advocates alike condemned a…
‘We’re Ready’: Trump to deploy 75,000 Federal Agents into US cities
“Watching moms, reporters, medics, and peaceful protesters get tear gassed and beaten by federal agents on a regular basis,” said one critic, “isn’t the imagery I’d choose as a cornerstone of my campaign.” by Jon Queally,…
Federal judge curbs powers of Trump’s secret police in Portland
“This injunction is a critical protection for journalists and legal observers exercising their fundamental right to record and observe police activities at these important protests.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Friday, July 24 A federal judge…
Israel Demolishes Covid-19 Clinic in Epicenter of West Bank Outbreak
‘Cruelty of the Occupation Knows No Bounds’ “There is no humanity in destroying grassroots attempts to support an already deprived health system suffocated by occupation.” by Julia Conley, staff writer Thursday, July 23 Palestinians living near…
Fed agents violate Geneva Convention in Portland
As happened in Asheville, NC, and imitating Israeli military attacks agains Palestinian health clinics Federal agents are destroying medical equipment and stations in Portland, OR. by Meteor staff Thursday, July 23 Federal authorities are accused of…
Trump and Barr to deploy more Federal Agents to US cities – Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico,
‘Abuse of Power’ “In case you were wondering, this is precisely what fascism looks like.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Wednesday, July 22 President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr announced Wednesday afternoon that the…
Will Trump’s Secret Police succeed in provoking riots in your city?
Portland is a test… but only a test. by Thom Hartmann July 21, 2020 The Republican Trump administration has gone full authoritarian. Portland is a test, but only a test. Donald Trump signaled his election strategy…
Stirring fears of pre-crime policing, DHS head Chad Wolf confirms federal agents in Portland making ‘Proactive’ arrests
“Welcome to 2020: Minority Report Edition.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Wednesday, July 22 Critics unloaded on acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf after the agency head revealed in an interview on Fox News Tuesday…
People are dying in US prisons, and not just from COVID-19
According to investigations by the Miami Herald, corrections officers gassed Randall Jordan-Aparo as he begged for help, likely killed Latandra Ellington for speaking out about sexual abuse and scalded Darren Rainey to death in the shower….
