The NYPD has been conducting a long-standing surveillance program broadly targeting Muslim and Middle Eastern communities throughout the Northeast, including college student groups. A legal challenge to this program by a coalition of civil rights activists, led by Iraq war veteran Syed Hassan, was dismissed by a NY federal judge in February.
Absent any imminent emergency or evidence of actual wrongdoing or effectiveness, the granting of such extraordinary powers to state law enforcement represents an alarming and misguided precedent. We urge the administration to make such programs, including federal support to state agencies, be contingent upon more rigorous scrutiny and oversight. Let's work together to create the rational, effective, and just law enforcement policy our nation deserves.