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Welcome to Defending Rights & Dissent

Join the grassroots movement to fulfill the promise of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Together, we can make police and intelligence agencies accountable to we the people whom they serve. It’s time to convert your concern and outrage into political action. Let’s do this.

#FamiliesBelongTogether Coalition Celebrates Valentine’s Day at Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase Bank Branches Telling Big Banks to Break Up with Private Prisons
February 15, 2019 – It wasn’t business as usual yesterday at dozens of Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase bank branches across the country. It was a day of protests, petitions, and teddy bears, mariachi bands and “playdate protests,” to demand that the giant banks stop finan… [Read More]
By 3-2 Vote Portland Breaks with FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force
February 14, 2019 – The Portland City Council voted 3-2 to sever ties with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).Given the FBI’s persistent surveillance of activists, its targeting of the Muslim community, and overly permissive guidelines, Defending Rights & Dissent strongly supports the effort of municipalities to break with the JTTF.
House Votes to End Illegal US War in Yemen, Will Senate Follow?
February 14, 2019 – The House of Representatives made history when it voted to invoke the War Powers Resolution to end the US’s illegal participation in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote was 248-177.
Day of Action Against More Border Surveillance
February 13, 2019 – DRAD and allies delivered thousands of signatures to Speaker Pelosi warning against providing funds for more surveillance technology at the border.
We Can End Unconstitutional US Military Action in Yemen
February 13, 2019 – We are on a historic precipice for Congress reclaiming its constitutional war powers.

Advocates Outline Concerns About Treatment of Detained Immigrants at El Paso Center and Elsewhere
February 11, 2019 – DRAD joined with dozens of other advocacy organizations to send a letter to DHS secretary Kristjen Nielson expressing concerns about treatment of people detained at ICE facilities, and demanding immediate changes.
Athens Ohio City Council Stands Against Critical Infrastructure Bill
February 8, 2019 – City Council resolution provides a model for other states fighting similar bills.
ICE officials throw El Paso hunger strikers into solitary confinement after altercation over force-feeding, says attorney
February 8, 2019 – The nine Sikh asylum seekers on hunger strike in the El Paso Service Processing Center (EPSPC) have been thrown into solitary confinement after refusing to be force-fed standing up
ICE Agents are Torturing Detainees in Their Custody.
February 7, 2019 – Asylum seekers in ICE detention are engaged in a hunger strike to protest their unjust detention and deplorable conditions. In response, ICE agents are force feeding them, a cruel and painful process that violates their human rights.
Groups Warn Dems Against “Smart” Border Wall
February 6, 2019 – Open letter signed by groups from across the political spectrum opposes Democrat’s proposal for increased surveillance tech at the border.