MILWAUKEE - The ACLU of Wisconsin condemned the recent abductions by federal forces in Oregon and the Trump administration’s plan to extend these tactics in other cities throughout the country.
Chris Ott, Executive Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin, issued this statement:
“It’s hard to say too much about the seriousness of what we’ve seen in Portland, or plans to expand these repressive, sinister tactics to other cities in the United States. Sending unmarked government agents to abduct people off the street in secret is an incredibly dangerous line to cross. It’s the kind of thing that happens in police states and dictatorships. In America, this is unconstitutional, and unforgivable.
“At better times in our history, the United States has fought against this kind of oppression in other countries. We can’t tolerate the use of these oppressive tactics at home. No president or police force can be allowed to take away Americans’ rights to speak up about critical issues like racial justice, democracy, and the rule of law.”
“The ACLU went to court immediately in Oregon to hold those responsible legally accountable. Alongside that, we call on public officials in Wisconsin to reject these tactics and to hold federal authorities accountable.”
“Finally, we need every person who cares about this country to say no to attempts to put our government above the law. We are fighting for the future of democracy, and we need you with us.”
