We at the ACLU of Oregon believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil liberties and civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.
If police are authorized to deploy invasive face surveillance technologies against our communities, these technologies will unquestionably be used to target Black and Brown people merely for existing.
Policing in this country evolved from slave patrols. It has never been a neutral institution.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) detention system was marked by its lack of transparency, accountability, and oversight.
14,000 Oregonians, many elderly and already in poor health, are currently confined in unhygienic, small, and densely populated jail and prison cells. Our justice system can’t afford to stay stagnant in this pandemic. Action now is important for the health of all of us.
The country and the world face a public health emergency in the new coronavirus causing COVID-19. The media is filled with concerns about how we will respond. Will we close schools? Cancel sporting events and other large gatherings? Work from home?
The ACLU will be watching closely to make sure the government's response is scientifically justified and no more intrusive on civil liberties than absolutely necessary.