Dearborn attorney Amir Makled was detained at Detroit Metro Airport upon returning from a family vacation and questioned about his clients, specifically his representation of a University of Michigan pro-Palestinian protester. CBP denied targeting Makled due to political beliefs, citing national security concerns as the basis for electronic device searches. Makled, however, believes the incident was politically motivated, reflecting a broader trend of the current administration targeting lawyers involved in cases challenging its policies. He refused to surrender his phone but allowed agents to review his contact list.
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A heated town hall meeting in Kootenai County, Idaho, devolved into chaos when a woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, was forcibly removed for voicing concerns about Medicaid expansion. Sheriff Bob Norris ordered her removal after she refused to stop speaking, leading to a physical altercation and subsequent outrage from the audience. The incident, captured on video, sparked criticism for its suppression of dissent and raised concerns about the curtailment of First Amendment rights. The Idaho Democratic Party condemned the event, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and respectful discourse in a democratic society.
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A legislative town hall in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, descended into chaos when a woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, was forcibly removed by plainclothes security personnel for heckling a legislator. The security personnel, employed by LEAR Asset Management, acted without clear authorization from event organizers or the Kootenai County Sheriff, who also participated in the removal. Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White criticized the forceful removal as a violation of First Amendment rights and stated that the incident will be under review. Borrenpohl received a misdemeanor battery citation for biting one of the security guards during the altercation, but this citation is also under review.
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During Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LVII halftime performance, a member of the 400-person field cast displayed a flag combining Sudanese and Palestinian symbols, resulting in their detainment by authorities. The NFL and Roc Nation confirmed the action was unplanned and unauthorized, stating that neither organization was aware of the performer’s intentions beforehand. Law enforcement is currently investigating potential charges. The individual concealed the flag before unveiling it late in the show, and the incident did not disrupt the performance’s broadcast.
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Karen Cahall, a long-time New Richmond Exempted Village Schools teacher, is suing the district for a three-day unpaid suspension stemming from four LGBTQ+-themed books in her classroom. The district, citing a vaguely worded policy on “controversial issues,” deemed the books unacceptable despite their non-obscene content and Cahall’s non-instructional use of them. The lawsuit alleges the policy is unconstitutionally vague and that the district engaged in viewpoint discrimination, violating Cahall’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Cahall claims economic loss due to the unjust suspension.
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Despite initial bipartisan support, the bill aimed at curbing anti-Israel protests faces a renewed House vote following a Rules Committee hearing. This legislation, concerningly, poses a significant threat to First Amendment rights, granting potentially abusive powers. The bill’s passage would be especially alarming given recent events, raising concerns about potential misuse by the incoming administration. The ACLU rightly celebrated its initial defeat, highlighting the bill’s inherent dangers. With a narrow GOP majority, securing passage now necessitates further Democratic support.
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John Q. Hosedrinker