Democracy Now! Audio Democracy Now! 2026-01-27 Tuesday
Jan 27, 2026
Alec Karakatsanis, civil-rights lawyer and author, critiques policing narratives and the rise of carceral power. Stephen Vladek, law professor, explains state-law strategies to hold federal officers accountable and an evidence-portal idea. Keith Ellison, Minnesota attorney general, details the legal fight to stop federal immigration deployments and concerns about evidence and coercive tactics. Multiple short, focused conversations on accountability and legal paths.
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Federal Deployment As Coercion
- Keith Ellison frames the federal ICE deployment as coercive overreach that violates state sovereignty and the Tenth Amendment.
- He argues the mass influx of agents aims to punish sanctuary policies rather than address legitimate immigration priorities.
States Can Prosecute Federal Agents
- Ellison says states retain criminal jurisdiction over federal officers and can prosecute crimes committed in-state.
- He warns federal tactics (moving agents, seizing evidence) appear designed to frustrate state prosecutions.
Secure Evidence Immediately
- Keith Ellison asked the court to preserve bodycam footage and other evidence to prevent tampering.
- He warns prosecutors to secure video and forensic material early to avoid claims later that no video exists.
