Last week in south Portland, federal immigration enforcement agents reportedly interfered with emergency personnel rescuing an injured protester. According to Willamette Week, agents delayed an ambulance exiting an ICE facility with the injured protester, requesting to ride along despite lacking arrest paperwork. The agents allegedly blocked the ambulance’s exit, behaving aggressively and threatening the driver with arrest and violence, even as the emergency crew attempted to de-escalate the situation. One agent is reported to have threatened to “shoot” the driver.
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Bill from Michigan’s Thanedar would end qualified immunity for ICE agents, and it’s a move that sparks some interesting thoughts. It seems like a pretty straightforward concept: if you’re an agent of the law, and you’re doing something that harms someone, you should be held accountable. No special pass, no “qualified immunity” shielding you from the consequences of your actions. That’s the core of the bill.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about ICE agents. The sentiment expressed suggests a broader perspective: that qualified immunity shouldn’t protect *anyone* in a position of authority, be it a cop, a federal agent, or anyone else who wields power.… Continue reading
Following the death of Ryan Smith, his mother Rose Johnson’s excessive force lawsuit against a Seattle police officer has been cleared to move forward by a federal judge. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the officer’s claim of qualified immunity, allowing the case to proceed with a tentative trial date set for September 15. The lawsuit alleges the officer’s “willful and reckless” conduct violated Smith’s constitutional rights, particularly given the officer’s history of involvement in multiple fatal shootings. The ruling challenges the defense of qualified immunity, which often shields officers from civil rights claims.
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The Supreme Court unanimously ruled to allow the Martin family’s lawsuit against the FBI to proceed, reversing lower court decisions that had dismissed the case. The Court rejected the appeals court’s interpretation of the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Supremacy Clause, clarifying that the Act’s exception for law enforcement actions should not be narrowly construed to shield the government from liability. While the Court did limit the scope of the “law enforcement proviso,” it ultimately paved the way for the family to pursue their claim for damages resulting from the FBI’s wrongful raid. This decision stems from a 2017 incident where the FBI mistakenly raided the Martin family home, causing significant distress and damages.
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A federal judge dismissed portions of a lawsuit against Farmington police officers who fatally shot Robert Dotson during a mistaken raid. The judge ruled the officers’ use of deadly force was reasonable given Dotson’s actions of pointing a firearm at them, granting them qualified immunity. While acknowledging the officers’ error in going to the wrong address, the court found the threat posed by Dotson justified their response. The lawsuit will proceed on remaining claims under state tort law and the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.
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Timothy Michael Randall, 29, was fatally shot by Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Shane Iversen following a traffic stop for a suspected stop sign violation. Dashcam footage shows Iversen tackling Randall to the ground, then shooting him as he attempted to flee; Iversen claimed he feared for his life due to a suspected weapon, but two use-of-force experts dispute this. A grand jury declined to indict Iversen, but a federal lawsuit filed by Randall’s mother, citing excessive force, is ongoing, with a judge recommending denial of Iversen’s motion for summary judgment based on qualified immunity.
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The city of Uvalde has reached a settlement with the families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. This agreement includes a monetary payout, covered by the city’s insurance, and represents a significant step in attempting to address the devastating consequences of the tragedy.
Beyond financial compensation, the families also successfully advocated for specific policy changes within the Uvalde Police Department. These changes center on improved fitness standards for officers and enhanced training protocols. This aspect of the settlement highlights a broader effort to reform law enforcement practices and prevent future incidents.
However, the settlement is far from universally accepted as a satisfactory resolution.… Continue reading
The family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by an Illinois police officer, will receive a $10 million settlement. This outcome, while providing some financial relief, highlights a deeply troubling pattern: taxpayers are, in effect, perpetually bailing out police departments for the wrongful actions of their officers. The sheer volume of similar cases underscores a systemic issue that demands far more comprehensive reform than simply writing checks.
It’s easy to focus on the financial aspect—$10 million is a significant sum—but for the Massey family, no amount of money can replace their loss. The settlement doesn’t erase the trauma of Sonya’s death, nor does it bring her back.… Continue reading
A New Jersey jury awarded Cheryl Rhines $11.5 million after a state trooper, Jennifer Albuja, mistakenly attributed her stroke symptoms to intoxication, delaying crucial medical treatment. This delay, caused by Albuja’s misjudgment and subsequent actions, resulted in Rhines suffering permanent disability, including global aphasia. The jury found the delayed treatment responsible for 60% of Rhines’s disabilities, leading to the reduced award from an initial $19.1 million. The case highlights concerns about law enforcement’s response to medical emergencies and the potentially devastating consequences of misinterpreting symptoms.
Read More
The notion that police have no constitutional duty to protect individuals is a chilling realization that should reverberate through any discussion about public safety and law enforcement. I find myself grappling with the implications of this principle, especially when lives are on the line, as evidenced in cases like that of the murder victim in question. The fact that police actions—or lack thereof—can be influenced by personal relationships, like providing free services, underscores a disturbing reality: the public’s welfare can sometimes take a backseat to informal ties and benefits.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in cases such as DeShaney v. Winnebago County and Town of Castle Rock v.… Continue reading
ICE Agent Threatens Ambulance Driver, Sparking Outrage
Last week in south Portland, federal immigration enforcement agents reportedly interfered with emergency personnel rescuing an injured protester. According to Willamette Week, agents delayed an ambulance exiting an ICE facility with the injured protester, requesting to ride along despite lacking arrest paperwork. The agents allegedly blocked the ambulance’s exit, behaving aggressively and threatening the driver with arrest and violence, even as the emergency crew attempted to de-escalate the situation. One agent is reported to have threatened to “shoot” the driver.
Read More
Thanedar’s Bill Aims to End Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents
Bill from Michigan’s Thanedar would end qualified immunity for ICE agents, and it’s a move that sparks some interesting thoughts. It seems like a pretty straightforward concept: if you’re an agent of the law, and you’re doing something that harms someone, you should be held accountable. No special pass, no “qualified immunity” shielding you from the consequences of your actions. That’s the core of the bill.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about ICE agents. The sentiment expressed suggests a broader perspective: that qualified immunity shouldn’t protect *anyone* in a position of authority, be it a cop, a federal agent, or anyone else who wields power.… Continue reading
Lawsuit Against Seattle Officer with History of Deadly Force Advances
Following the death of Ryan Smith, his mother Rose Johnson’s excessive force lawsuit against a Seattle police officer has been cleared to move forward by a federal judge. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the officer’s claim of qualified immunity, allowing the case to proceed with a tentative trial date set for September 15. The lawsuit alleges the officer’s “willful and reckless” conduct violated Smith’s constitutional rights, particularly given the officer’s history of involvement in multiple fatal shootings. The ruling challenges the defense of qualified immunity, which often shields officers from civil rights claims.
Read More
Supreme Court Allows Family to Sue FBI After Wrong House Raid
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled to allow the Martin family’s lawsuit against the FBI to proceed, reversing lower court decisions that had dismissed the case. The Court rejected the appeals court’s interpretation of the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Supremacy Clause, clarifying that the Act’s exception for law enforcement actions should not be narrowly construed to shield the government from liability. While the Court did limit the scope of the “law enforcement proviso,” it ultimately paved the way for the family to pursue their claim for damages resulting from the FBI’s wrongful raid. This decision stems from a 2017 incident where the FBI mistakenly raided the Martin family home, causing significant distress and damages.
Read More
Judge Rules Police Justified in Fatal Shooting at Wrong Address
A federal judge dismissed portions of a lawsuit against Farmington police officers who fatally shot Robert Dotson during a mistaken raid. The judge ruled the officers’ use of deadly force was reasonable given Dotson’s actions of pointing a firearm at them, granting them qualified immunity. While acknowledging the officers’ error in going to the wrong address, the court found the threat posed by Dotson justified their response. The lawsuit will proceed on remaining claims under state tort law and the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.
Read More
Texas Deputy Kills Unarmed Man, Brags “I Just Smoked a Dude”
Timothy Michael Randall, 29, was fatally shot by Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Shane Iversen following a traffic stop for a suspected stop sign violation. Dashcam footage shows Iversen tackling Randall to the ground, then shooting him as he attempted to flee; Iversen claimed he feared for his life due to a suspected weapon, but two use-of-force experts dispute this. A grand jury declined to indict Iversen, but a federal lawsuit filed by Randall’s mother, citing excessive force, is ongoing, with a judge recommending denial of Iversen’s motion for summary judgment based on qualified immunity.
Read More
Uvalde Reaches Settlement with Shooting Victims’ Families; Outrage Over Police Inaction Remains
The city of Uvalde has reached a settlement with the families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. This agreement includes a monetary payout, covered by the city’s insurance, and represents a significant step in attempting to address the devastating consequences of the tragedy.
Beyond financial compensation, the families also successfully advocated for specific policy changes within the Uvalde Police Department. These changes center on improved fitness standards for officers and enhanced training protocols. This aspect of the settlement highlights a broader effort to reform law enforcement practices and prevent future incidents.
However, the settlement is far from universally accepted as a satisfactory resolution.… Continue reading
Illinois Family Awarded $10 Million Settlement After Police Killing
The family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by an Illinois police officer, will receive a $10 million settlement. This outcome, while providing some financial relief, highlights a deeply troubling pattern: taxpayers are, in effect, perpetually bailing out police departments for the wrongful actions of their officers. The sheer volume of similar cases underscores a systemic issue that demands far more comprehensive reform than simply writing checks.
It’s easy to focus on the financial aspect—$10 million is a significant sum—but for the Massey family, no amount of money can replace their loss. The settlement doesn’t erase the trauma of Sonya’s death, nor does it bring her back.… Continue reading
State Pays $12M for Trooper’s Arrest of Stroke Victim
A New Jersey jury awarded Cheryl Rhines $11.5 million after a state trooper, Jennifer Albuja, mistakenly attributed her stroke symptoms to intoxication, delaying crucial medical treatment. This delay, caused by Albuja’s misjudgment and subsequent actions, resulted in Rhines suffering permanent disability, including global aphasia. The jury found the delayed treatment responsible for 60% of Rhines’s disabilities, leading to the reduced award from an initial $19.1 million. The case highlights concerns about law enforcement’s response to medical emergencies and the potentially devastating consequences of misinterpreting symptoms.
Read More
City: Police had no constitutional duty to protect murder victim
The notion that police have no constitutional duty to protect individuals is a chilling realization that should reverberate through any discussion about public safety and law enforcement. I find myself grappling with the implications of this principle, especially when lives are on the line, as evidenced in cases like that of the murder victim in question. The fact that police actions—or lack thereof—can be influenced by personal relationships, like providing free services, underscores a disturbing reality: the public’s welfare can sometimes take a backseat to informal ties and benefits.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in cases such as DeShaney v. Winnebago County and Town of Castle Rock v.… Continue reading