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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Acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin launched “Operation Whirlwind,” investigating alleged threats against Supreme Court justices and DOGE employees. The inquiry focuses on statements by Senator Schumer, deemed threatening by Martin, and Representative Garcia, whose comments are similarly under scrutiny. Martin’s memo, which deviates from Justice Department protocol, alleges these statements constitute threats, prompting investigations. Garcia’s office refutes the accusations, characterizing the inquiry as an attempt to silence opposition to Musk and Trump.
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A website, “DEI Watch List,” published the personal information of federal health workers, primarily Black employees involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, labeling them as “targets.” The site, linked in private group chats and social media, lists alleged “offenses” such as political donations and pronoun usage in bios, sparking fear and alarm among employees. This action, attributed to the conservative American Accountability Foundation, is viewed as a form of intimidation and harassment, with calls for law enforcement investigation. The incident follows recent threatening memos from HHS directing the termination of DEI-related activities and the reporting of non-compliant colleagues, further escalating anxieties within federal health agencies.
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An Inspector General report revealed that the Trump Justice Department secretly obtained phone and text records from 43 congressional staffers and two members of Congress during leak investigations, exceeding previously reported scope. While the DOJ claimed no political motivation, the report criticizes the department’s disregard for separation of powers by targeting individuals solely due to their lawful access to classified information. The investigation also uncovered violations of DOJ policy regarding the secret acquisition of reporters’ records from major news outlets, including a failure to consult the appropriate review committee. These actions, which did not lead to charges, raise concerns about potential chilling effects on congressional oversight and the erosion of checks and balances.
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John Q. Hosedrinker