The FBI’s terrorism watch list violates the Constitution, federal judge says
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that an FBI watch list of more than 1 million “known or suspected terrorists” violates the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens in the database.
The decision from U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga of the Eastern District of Virginia in favor of 23 Muslim Americans who sued over their inclusion in the Terrorist Screening Database found that the watch list infringes on their constitutional right to due process. Trenga noted that the list restricts their ability to fly and engage in everyday activities and backed the plaintiffs’ concerns that they were flagged secretly and without a clear methodology.
“There is no evidence, or contention, that any of these plaintiffs satisfy the definition of a ‘known terrorist,’ ” wrote Trenga, adding that even harmless conduct could result in someone being labeled as a “suspected terrorist” on the watch list.
Sure wish I was only a terrorist of a murderer instead of a horrible felon that met a date at a bar for his 21st birthday 24 years ago.. Feel safer already..
There is no scientific basis for keeping people with sex offenses on registries if they’ve been proven to have lower recidivism rates than nearly every other type of offense which is not required to register. It’s basic logic really. We just need a highly competent lawyer to articulate this in front of the right judge on the right case. Trying to prove such a point by defending a repeat offender would be a terrible opportunity.
but blacklisting Citizens based on a 20 plus year old accusation that is not related to anything is constitutional ? Preventing citizens from marital relationships and quality time with their children and families for 20 year old criminal accusations that are completely non related and not of a child endangerment or trafficking nature is constitutional ? court is ran by imbecility at its worst. the prejudices are overwhelming.
Glad to see I’m not the only one here that is beyond frustrated. The laws where I’m at changed after I was sentenced. Before I had a chance to de-register after 20 years (this month is my 20th year), but they changed the law. What ever happened to at minimum the grandfather rules?
I have been beyond fortunate in my situation and state as I don’t feel any restrictions locally (no kids to worry about either). Part of being fortunate means I have the financial ability to travel – but given the IML that’s damn near out of the question. I sure as heck am not setting foot into the state of Florida.
To say I’m angry is an understatement.
Replace the words Muslim or Terrorist watch list and change it to Registered offenders. Almost everything they are saying, keeping us from flying, traveling, or even crossing the county line without permission or a re-registration. Again for those who are going to have a fit, I am not comparing us to People of the Muslim faith, I am saying no other class of people charged with a crime have many if any restrictions on them. A person who kills 5 people and then gets released and has no probation faces no restrictions other than what all ex felons face. No voting, no owning a weapon, cannot work at certain jobs etc. They can live anywhere they want, other than if someone runs a background check and doesn’t want them. I would rather live next to 1000 sex offenders than 1 person who killed their entire family. I get tired of my neighbors slowing down and looking at my house as they pass by like they are expecting me to be standing on the front porch having my way with an under age person.
“The Council on American-Islamic Relations hailed the ruling as a “complete victory.” In a statement, Nihad Awad, its executive director, said the groupʼs “legal team has finally brought an end to the secretive watchlist, which is effectively a [MUSLIM REGISTRY] created in the wake of the widespread Islamophobia of the early 2000s.”‘
This…in the article. You’re right.
“Trenga noted that the list restricts their ability to fly and engage in everyday activities”
Wow, that would be terrible if that happened to us. Oh wait….