The Problem of Racial Profiling
We’ve all heard the claim that racial discrimination is a horrible piece of American history, but that it’s been quelled in modern America. Even so, there are more than a few people of color who beg to differ. Discrimination based on race, national origin, ethnicity, and religion, can be devastating in various frameworks, none more so than when it comes to criminal justice. Racial profiling by law enforcement targets people of color for stops, arrests, and incarceration.
Daily Fear
The “crime” of driving while Black or brown has consistently been a terrifying part of life for minority populations in this country. That’s because all too often law enforcement officers associate people of color with crime, making traffic stops and other interactions more likely than for white people.
Constitutional Violations?
Alas, the problem is not restricted to a single segment of the law enforcement community or to just one section of the country. Recently, the FBI targeted what they called Black Identity Extremists with surveillance maneuvers that they’ve refused to make public. Over 18,000 law enforcement agencies were notified of the threat of attacks on police, despite any real evidence that Blacks have been connected to any such organized movement. Similarly, Asian Americans working in the scientific community have been investigated and even arrested based primarily on their ethnicity. This discrimination is rooted in what the former Trump Administration called the “China Initiative,” and continues to flourish under the current administration. Those in Latino communities report more and more targeting by law enforcement. This comes as the rise in anti-immigrant opinions are growing fiercer, leading brown-skinned Americans to fear being unjustly accused of crimes, erroneously deported, or worse yet, joining the exploding statistics demonstrating that the number of Latinos be killed by police and/or ICE agents is sharply climbing. Middle Eastern Americans, too, have suffered more than their fair share of racial profiling, as federal raids on communities of color continue to destroy public confidence in the law enforcement community. Racial profiling can permanently uproot families, careers, and futures for blameless Americans.
Florida Law
Here in the Sunshine State racial profiling is not addressed in depth. Law enforcement officers are required to attend training related to diverse populations and appropriate interactions, and anti-profiling policies are directed toward traffic stops and community engagement. Laws on the books, however, do not necessarily prevent profiling from happening, and many are concerned that the Latino population will experience heightened scrutiny by police due to recent anti-immigrant laws.
How to Respond to Racial Profiling
While it may be challenging to stomach, it’s essential to remain composed in the face of law enforcement racial profiling. Obey officers’ requests and save your views for your attorney after the fact.
Fighting for You
The Miami criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos always fight for the best possible outcomes for our clients. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.
Source:
aclu.org/news/racial-justice/fbi-wont-hand-over-its-surveillance-records-black
