Marsha Blackburn Wants Secret Police
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R–Tenn.) introduced a bill Wednesday that would make it a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison to publish the name of a federal law enforcement officer with the intent to obstruct an investigation.
Blackburn unveiled the “Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act” as masked Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are carrying out nationwide raids under the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts.
These raids have sparked public protests and pushback from local officials, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who has released records of local police interactions with ICE that include the names of ICE agents.
“Blue city mayors are doing everything they can to obstruct the Trump administration’s efforts to deport criminal illegal aliens,” Blackburn said in a press release. “Just last week, Nashville Mayor O’Connell and his office doxxed federal law enforcement officers after the Trump administration worked with Tennessee Highway Patrol to arrest criminal illegal aliens.”
However, press freedom groups say the bill raises serious First Amendment concerns.
“Public oversight and accountability relies on accurate news about law enforcement activity,” Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy at the Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press tells Reason. “The bill is dangerously overbroad and could be used to chill n
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
