Dear John, 

Please join us today at 3:00 ET for an important webinar on the latest developments in the disturbing escalation of violence by federal immigration agents against journalists, observers, and peaceful protesters — and what that means for a free press and our democracy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from — and ask questions of — journalists and lawyers on the front lines of Trump’s mass deportation operation and domestic war against sanctuary cities, as well as constitutional law experts. 

Rights Under Attack: DHS Violence Against Journalists, Observers, and Protesters
3:00 ET, Wednesday, October 22
 

Scores of violent assaults on reporters and observers over the past few months have resulted in a growing number of serious injuries and prompted press lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in both Los Angeles and Chicago. Plaintiffs assert that the violence is both excessive and officially sanctioned and part of a concerted effort to silence the press and keep the American people in the dark.

Co-hosted by the Center for Media and Democracy, the American Constitution Society, and Common Cause, this webinar will provide an up-to-date briefing about what is happening in anti-immigrant hotspots, the dire threat federal violence poses to our First Amendment rights and a free press, and your right to record ICE activity and anti-ICE protests.

Panelists will include:

Alejandra Cancino, an investigative reporter based in Chicago and a board member of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Her work has been recognized with several local and national awards. 

Nick Stern, an internationally acclaimed news and features photographer whose career has taken him to over 40 countries.

Nora Benavidez, a constitutional and free speech attorney, serving as Senior Counsel and Director of Digital Justice & Civil Rights at Free Press, where she leads the organization's democracy, free expression and tech initiatives.

Adam Rose, deputy director of advocacy of the Freedom of the Press Foundation and the press rights chair of the Los Angeles Press Club. 

Matt Topic, at attorney representing journalists and others in First Amendment and Freedom of Information cases at Loevy + Loevy. He currently represents press plaintiffs in Chicago Headline Club v. Noem, which resulted in a temporary restraining order protecting the press and demonstrators from abusive tactics by federal agents in connection with the demonstrations at the Broadview ICE facility and elsewhere. He has previously represented reporters who were subjected to excessive force by Chicago police when covering the 2020 protests. 

Please share widely, stay safe, and see you next week!

Sincerely,

Arn H. Pearson, Esq.
Executive Director
Center for Media and Democracy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CMD is a 501(c)(3) national watchdog and media group that conducts in-depth investigations into corruption and the undue influence of corporations on media and democracy. Our work is regularly cited by news outlets, policymakers, and grassroots activists working to build a more sustainable future and just society.

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Center for Media and Democracy
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