FOLLOW-UP and important information via our ACLU speaker

This info has been shared in various places, it’s so important we are creating a post. Please read and share.

FOLLOW UP FROM LIV – OUR ACLU MASSACHUSETTS SPEAKER (MEETING MINUTES HERE) Following up here with answers to the outstanding questions:

1. Can you share any info that the ACLU has on Elon or DOGE and what of our personal information they have been able to steal?

The ACLU submitted FOIA requests to more than forty agencies, including the SSA and VA, to obtain information about what sensitive data DOGE has accessed and about DOGE’s use of artificial intelligence to analyze the data. Although a number of agencies granted the ACLU’s request for expedited processing of the FOIA requests, in light of the extraordinary public interest in information about possible abuse of Americans’ personal information, neither SSA nor VA has granted expedited processing.

The ACLU’s lawsuit asks the court to order the SSA and VA process the FOIA requests on an expedited basis, given the privacy risks at stake.

2. Can you share the link to the action list for ACLU volunteers?

https://www.aclum.org/en/take-action/volunteer

3. Does the ACLU know of any chance that immigrants will be held on the base in Cape Cod?

Not that we are aware of.

4. There was a lot of interest on the location shield Act. Are there similar state bills in other states?

There is a bill in the Oregon legislature to ban the sale of cell phone location information and it is expected to pass. Maryland passed a comprehensive digital privacy bill that includes a ban on cell phone location information. A similar bill is also moving in California.

5. Someone asked about the family care protection act for immigrants if that takes care of pets.

People can create a document with information about who should take care of their pets for their emergency folder. This is not a formal legal document.

6. Does the ACLU have any information on the defrauding Social Security cases?

Not that I could find

7. What can the ACLU you share on El Salvador and the alien enemies act

The ACLU has sued the Trump administration over its invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. On May 1, in our case JAV v. Trump, A federal court in southern Texas ruled the Trump administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) does not meet the “invasion” or “predatory incursion” requirement in the law, and blocked the administration from using it against anyone being held in the court’s judicial district.

Related case links below.

Action for Kilmar Ábrego García: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/wrongful-deportations

THIS MEETING SUMMARY WAS CREATED FROM AI VIA ZOOM WITH SOME EDITS:

Meeting Summary with AI Companion Created

ACLU Meeting -Quick recap – AI generated with a few edits – Follow-up from Liv also available

The meeting covered various legal cases and legislative efforts related to immigration, citizenship, and civil liberties, including discussions on the Location Shield Act and efforts to terminate 287G agreements. Potential invocation of the Insurrection Act for immigration enforcement was addressed, along with strategies for protecting individual rights during protests and interactions with law enforcement. The group also discussed organizational matters such as funding, digital privacy, and preparedness for potential emergencies.

Next steps

• Attendees to reach out to their state representatives and senators about co-sponsoring the Location Shield Act (H.86 and S.197) and the Dignity Not Deportations bill (H.1588 and S.1122). (find your legislator here)

• Attendees to consider contacting representatives and senators to discuss ACLU-supported legislation.

• Attendees to sign up for the ACLU Action Team email list for updates on volunteer opportunities and ongoing initiatives. https://mobilize.aclum.org/a/action team

• Attendees to review the ACLU ‘s Know Your Rights resources page and Advocates Academy videos for further information and training.

• Attendees to explore whether their local municipalities have welcoming city ordinances or similar policies in place.

• Liv to share links to ACLU resources, including legislation priorities, Know Your Rights materials, and Advocates Academy videos.

• Liv to follow up with more information on ACLU involvement in legal action against Elon Musk and Twitter/X.

• Liv to provide information on organizations working with faith communities to support detained immigrants.

• Liv to share the ACLU legal hotline number for specific legal questions.

• Attendees to consider implementing digital privacy measures when attending protests, such as turning off location services and biometric recognition on phones.

Summary

Legal Cases and Location Shield Act

Liv discussed several ongoing legal cases, including one related to birthright citizenship and another concerning transgender individuals’ passport updates. Live also mentioned a case involving a student named Mesa, who was detained by ICE and is currently in Louisiana. The ACLU of Massachusetts is representing her. Liv also discussed the Location Shield Act, a bill aimed at banning the sale of cell phone location information in Massachusetts. The bill has gained significant support, but industry profits are expected to oppose it. Liv encouraged attendees to reach out to their local representatives to support the bill.

Terminating 287G Agreements and Detention

Liv discussed the ongoing efforts to terminate the last 287G agreement in Massachusetts and prevent future ones from being signed. The agreement, which deputizes local law enforcement to act as immigration agents, is seen as a cog in the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. Liv also mentioned the need to terminate the detention agreement with Plymouth County, which houses immigration detainees. The Trump administration’s plan to move detainees to other parts of the country was highlighted. Liv encouraged the group to reach out to their representatives about co-sponsoring the “Dignity, Not Deportations” bill. The group was also encouraged to look into local ordinances that protect immigrants and to prepare families for the possibility of detention and deportation. Liv shared resources, including a link to the ACLU’s know your rights resources page and a link to their upcoming immigration-focused workshop.

Insurrection Act and Constitutional Rights

Liv provided context on the Insurrection Act, a provision allowing the President to deploy Federal troops in extraordinary circumstances, such as an insurrection against Federal authority. The last time it was invoked was in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush in response to the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Liv also mentioned the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of Federal military forces to execute laws without express authorization. The concern is that Trump might invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops for immigration enforcement within the US. Liv noted that the 90-day deadline for a report on additional action at the border, including the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, had passed on April 20th without any updates. Liv emphasized that constitutional rights remain in effect during the invocation of the Insurrection Act and that any unlawful action would be challenged. Liv also mentioned that there are avenues for Congress and state/local elected officials to prevent or delay the misuse of the National Guard.

Digital Privacy and Protest Safety

Liv emphasized the importance of mass mobilization and individual risk assessment during protests. They suggested taking digital privacy steps, such as turning off location services and biometric recognition on phones and wearing masks. Liv also highlighted the role of communities in organizing and supporting detained individuals. They discussed the need for sustained funding and the distribution of funds to other affiliates. Liv clarified that obstructing ICE agents could be viewed as obstruction, but it is a right to video. They encouraged those with specific questions to call a legal hotline.

Social Media Monitoring and Privacy

Liv discussed the Action Team email list and the potential for tracking negative comments about the Trump administration on social media platforms. The Location Shield Act was also discussed, with Liv confirming that it is in place in Massachusetts and that similar bills are being considered in other states. The team also discussed the importance of protecting digital privacy and the potential for cell phone searches by law enforcement. Liv mentioned the ACLU’s work on model policy and the need for coordination across multiple states. The team also discussed the need for preparedness in case of emergencies, with Liv mentioning the importance of having a plan in place. The conversation ended with a discussion about the ACLU’s tax-exempt status and the potential for it to be revoked.

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