ACLU-NCA opposes mandatory pretrial detention bill

On February 3, we opposed Bill 19-485, which would mandate pretrial detention or the use of an electronic monitoring device by any person accused of a crime involving a gun. We pointed out that the bill’s central purpose – removing from the courts the ability to tailor the conditions of pretrial release to fit the defendant – was at odds with the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of excessive bail.

D.C. Statehood Winter Teach In Planned Jan 7, 2012 – Professor G. Derek Musgrove to Moderate

New D.C. Statehood Song to be Unveiled

A committed and enthusiastic group of citizens, led by Elinor Hart, have been urging Members of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 265, the D.C. Statehood Bill introduced by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Elinor Hart

G. Derek Musgrove, Ph.D.

Our Winter Teach In will be dedicated to 1) informing participants of those efforts; 2) enlisting additional support for the work of Elinor's group; and 3) organizing external efforts to promote D.C. Statehood. Themed "How to make Congress move," the Winter Teach In will feature a General Session and two Break-Out Sessions.

We have excellent presenters lined up, including staff from Congress, the Executive Branch and private sector activists and lobbyists who know how to get things done in Congress. Because of limited capacity, kindly let us know if you plan to participate in the Teach In. A complete Agenda will then be sent to you later. Read more »

ACLU-NCA Testifies on Ethics Reform Bill

On November 30, ACLU-NCA Legal Director Arthur Spitzer testified before the D.C. Council Committee on Government Operations on the "Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Establishment and Comprehensive Ethics Reform Amendment Act of 2011," calling attention to many due process, free speech, and privacy problems with the bill.

Mayor, D.C. Council Take Bold Steps To Secure D.C.'s Immigrant Community

Described as a Hero by those he has helped, Jai Shankar, father of a ten year old, has lived in America for 20 years. His son is a citizen. He is not. When his friend’s camera was stolen, Jai called the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Instead of seeking out the thief, the Police questioned Jai, determined he was out of status and held him for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). After more than five months of incarceration and two years of wearing an ankle bracelet, a cloud of deportation remains over his head. Last year, America set a new record for deportations, sending 400,000 to uncertain fates; breaking up families; separating children from their parents; making those exposed reluctant to cooperate with the police, even when facing domestic violence at home.

The Department of Homeland Security recently changed course for its failed Secure Communities Program.  After rejections by state and local governments, the Department has unilaterally abandoned its so-called “voluntary” program and declared it a “mandatory” program.  Those powers ordinarily reserved to the states are apparently being taken by the federal government.  When the “voluntary” program was launched, Washington, D.C. was the first in the nation to reject it. Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and others followed.  Under the new “mandatory” program, immigrants, like Jai, who have committed no crime or have committed a minor offense can be held for ICE, without ever having been convicted of anything.

The affects of the mandatory Secure Communities Program was the subject of a Forum held recently at the UDC-David A. Clarke School of Law and co-hosted by the ACLU of the Nation’s Capital. View pictures and learn more »

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