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Michael Khalili and Common Cause file lawsuit alleging federal agencies are retaliating against citizens who observe immigration enforcement

A new federal lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Common Cause and Michael Khalili alleges that the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, FBI, and other federal agencies have established a policy of intimidating and retaliating against citizens who observe and record federal immigration operations. The suit claims that leadership at the highest levels of government authorized this policy, which has resulted in federal agents threatening observers with arrest, using excessive force, and pursuing criminal charges. Michael Khalili, a constitutional observer, joined the suit after experiencing repeated tense exchanges with federal officers who photographed him and his vehicle. The administration announced that the right of citizens to criticize and hold the government accountable is a backbone of democracy, while the lawsuit argues that government officials are criminalizing peaceful observation. The lawsuit also highlights specific incidents of retaliation, such as the revocation of Global Entry status for observers and the use of facial recognition to identify them. The administration argued that while ICE respects First Amendment rights, it will take necessary steps to address actions that obstruct operations. The suit seeks a national relief to bar federal agencies from retaliating against observers.

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