ACLU Sues Oregon Police for Spying on Activists

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the city of Medford, alleging that the Police Department engaged in unlawful surveillance of progressive political activists. The lawsuit, submitted on August 21, claims that the department collected information on individuals and groups advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, and other social causes without any evidence of criminal activity. The ACLU argues that such surveillance violates both state law and the principles of a free society. The complaint, representing organizations like Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers and Stabbin Wagon, highlights instances where police allegedly monitored social media accounts related to events such as a Juneteenth drive-in movie and protests against the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Activists, including co-founder Toren McKnight, expressed concerns that this surveillance targets individuals based on their beliefs rather than any criminal behavior, potentially infringing on their privacy rights. Oregon law prohibits police from collecting information about the political or social views of individuals not suspected of criminal activity. Despite this, Medford officials maintain that their monitoring practices are intended solely for public safety purposes, such as managing potential disruptions during protests. However, the ACLU contends that the Medford Police Department has disregarded this law, as evidenced by emails and documents obtained through public records requests. The lawsuit underscores a broader concern regarding police surveillance of civil liberties groups, echoing past legislative efforts in Oregon to protect citizens from such practices. ACLU legal director Kelly Simon criticized the police for their apparent disregard for the law, while Medford officials defended their actions as necessary for community safety.