Photos from the No Kings rally in Oak Park on October 18.
When I took Criminal Law in law school nearly 40 years ago, we learned about probable cause. The police couldn’t stop a person randomly hoping maybe, with enough time and pressure, the person cracked and confessed to some crime or other.
That’s why the Supreme Court added Miranda Rights, the right to remain silent, and its progeny.
Today, in our increasingly authoritarian country and militarized Chicagoland neighborhoods, there is a new offense that needs no probable cause: cutting grass while Hispanic. Driving to school while Hispanic. Walking around while Hispanic. Being Hispanic.
ICE has been cruising the streets of Oak Park and River Forest. Giving chase. Detaining anyone who looks Hispanic.
(I remember an old Supreme Court case about whether running from the cops itself created probable cause).
This, my friends, stopping people based on how they look, is the “law” of ICE. And authoritarian regimes count on one thing to get away with it: our self-censorship. People who are reluctant to say what their eyes see. People who stay inside.
If citizens/patriots in Oak Park and River Forest are wondering what they can do, here is a good place to start: if you see something, say something. On Facebook there are a number of Oak Park groups with information on how to safely share what ICE is up to.
And if your lawn care is done by the undocumented, tell them to take a few weeks off, paid by you.
We are entering uncharted waters. It is up to good people to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
Jack Crowe is an occasional columnist for Wednesday Journal, but more regular lately.