 |
| Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman |
Activist groups that fund and organize protests could betargeted by federal law enforcement under the same statute used to go after organized crime if U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz gets his way.
The Texas Republican introduced a bill last week that adds "rioting" to the list of activities included in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations or RICO Act, which prosecutors use to charge large groups of people connected to a criminal activity.
On the heels of ongoing protests against work site raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, some of which resulted in physical clashes with police in Los Angeles, Cruz's legislation is viewed as a means to go after groups who fund and organize similar protests.
"Today’s organized riots against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Trump enforcement actions are not spontaneous unfunded actions by local actors—and they should not be treated as such," Charles Stimson, a senior advisor at the conservative Heritage Foundation, wrote in an op-ed Sunday. "As opposed to charging individuals with violations of the riot act, (under the bill) the government will be able to charge the organizers, funders, and logistical supporters of rioters as a group for violating RICO."
Cruz says the change in law would not apply to "peaceful protest" but would rather go after "domestic NGOs and foreign adversaries" that use "riots in the United States to undermine the security and prosperity of Americans." --->READ MORE HERE
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced legislation that would identify and penalize organizations and individuals who are allegedly funding and directing "violent" and "extreme" Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and antisemitic protests across the country.
The Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (STOP FUNDERs) Act was introduced in the Senate Tuesday, which would allow the Department of Justice to use the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to issue conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture, and enhanced criminal penalties to organizations or individuals who fund or coordinate violent interstate riots.
"Every American has the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest, but not to commit violence," Senator Cruz told Fox News Digital. "Domestic NGOs and foreign adversaries fund and use riots in the United States to undermine the security and prosperity of Americans.
"My legislation will give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to hold them accountable, and I urge my colleagues to pass it expeditiously," Cruz added.
As recently as June, thousands of rioters took to the streets of Los Angeles in protest of President Donald Trump’s fulfilled campaign promise to deport illegal immigrants and secure the border. Los Angeles officials reported more than $20 million in total damage across the city from the destruction of public buildings and funding for law enforcement overtime.
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security revealed an 830% increase in assaults on ICE officers.
On college campuses, antisemitic attacks have ravaged multiple universities across the country, canceled classes, and rattled student life since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. --->READ MORE HEREFOLLOW LINK BELOW TO A RELEVANT STORY:
+++++Cruz Bill Would Target Financiers of Riots With Racketeering Charges+++++
If you like what you see, please "Like" and/or Follow us on FACEBOOK here, GETTR here, and TWITTER here.
No comments:
Post a Comment