Each week we will provide you with a rundown of top news stories and must-read articles.

Headlines

Justice for Rosa Maria

Rosa Maria, a 10-year old undocumented girl with cerebral palsy, has been detained by immigration officers and may face deportation. Last week, Rosa Maria received emergency surgery while armed immigration agents waited outside to take her into custody. The ACLU sued the government, arguing that the immigration officers illegally detailed Rosa Maria.

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Fighting for disability rights and immigration rights

Many of the undocumented immigrants detained in the United States have mental or physical disabilities. Rosa Maria’s treatment is a reminder that fighting for disability rights also means fighting for immigrant rights.

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Puerto Rico still in need

Six weeks after Hurricane Maria became the second major hurricane to pummel Puerto Rico, the island is still in desperate need of aid. This week, the United Nations raised concerns over the United States slow response to the disaster as much of the island is without potable water or electricity. 

John Kelly concocts dangerous account of Civil War

This week, Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff, John Kelly, claimed that the Civil War was caused by a “lack of ability to compromise”. The Civil War was caused by slavery and there should have been no compromise on slavery. John Kelly’s claims were inaccurate and ignorant.

THE ACLU’S TAKE

Each week we will provide you with a rundown of top news stories and must-read articles.

Headlines

Heartless, inhumane deportations

The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies led to another cruel circumstance this week. A 10-year old undocumented immigrant with cerebral palsy was stopped at a checkpoint on the way to the hospital. Immigration officers followed the ambulance to the hospital and waited as she received emergency surgery. Now, the young girl may be deported.

Jane Doe’s abortion case resolved, fight continues

This week, a judge ordered that the government must allow Jane Doe to receive an abortion. Jane Doe is an undocumented minor that the government has been unconstitutionally preventing from getting an abortion. The case is illustrative of broader attacks on immigrant and reproductive rights.

THE ACLU’S TAKE

DHHS failing to respond to worrisome audit

In August, a federal report revealed that the Maine DHHS failed to sufficiently investigate the deaths of 133 adults with disabilities in recent years. Almost three months later, a lawmaker who serves as the commissioner of the Health and Human Services Committee called DHHS’ response “vague and unsatisfactory.”

New surveillance methods

Emerging police surveillance tactics like facial recognition, drone monitoring, and cell phone tracking are concerning – especially when it is not known what tactics police are using. Police department should be required to tell the public what surveillance methods they are using and what restrictions those methods have.