The Intercept Briefing

Explore how disinformation skews public perception of key events, like political violence and immigration. The discussion reveals how narratives around the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker are manipulated, with right-wing figures deflecting blame. Journalists uncover the tactics that distort reality and the implications for societal understanding. Tune in for keen insights into the thriving chaos-driven ecosystem of misinformation.

Taylor Lorenz, an independent journalist known for her insights into tech and online culture, joins Akela Lacy, senior politics reporter, to dissect the aftermath of a political assassination. They delve into how right-wing figures distorted the narrative to blame the left, despite the perpetrator’s ties to radical anti-abortion beliefs. Lorenz emphasizes the pervasive disinformation machine that skews public understanding of violence, while Lacy highlights the alarming prevalence of right-wing political violence, questioning the accountability of those propagating false narratives.

ICE agents are arresting day laborers and raiding businesses across the country. They didn’t expect community resistance. This week on The Intercept Briefing, Salvador Sarmiento, the campaign director and lawyer for the 70-member National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and Jonah Valdez, reporter for The Intercept joined host Jordan Uhl to discuss the wave of ICE operations sweeping Los Angeles that have sparked a week of protests and the militarized response from law enforcement. Attorney Isabella Salomão Nascimento also talks to us about our First Amendment right to protest. You can hear the full conversation of The Intercept Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salvador G. Sarmiento, a campaign director and lawyer for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and Jonah Valdez, a reporter for The Intercept, delve into aggressive ICE actions that have sparked protests in Los Angeles. They describe law enforcement's militarized tactics as resembling ‘GI Joe’ scenarios, which have instilled fear in immigrant communities. The discussion emphasizes grassroots resistance and community solidarity, highlighting the significance of knowing one's rights during demonstrations against these actions.

Political leaders are often deceptive, presenting themselves as champions of the working class while catering to wealthy donors. This disconnect is particularly evident within the Democratic Party, which struggles with its identity amidst corporate influence. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a grassroots movement to reclaim representation for everyday voters and turn the political tide.

David Sirota, founder of The Lever and former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, joins politics reporter Jessica Washington to dissect how Trump’s culture wars are captivating working-class voters. They discuss the Democratic Party's struggles to connect with this demographic and articulate the need for a more populist approach. The duo also examines the new 'Speaking with American Men' initiative, aimed at understanding and engaging young male voters who feel overlooked. Their insights highlight the urgency for the Democratic Party to rethink its strategies.

Chris Gelardi, a reporter for New York Focus, and Sophia Goodfriend, an anthropologist at Harvard's Belfer Center, delve into the alarming use of surveillance technology by the Trump administration. They reveal how AI-driven systems target foreign students and contribute to a 'catch and revoke' visa policy. The discussion critiques the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE, highlighting systemic abuses and the chilling effects on free speech and civil rights. They also explore the troubling intersection of U.S. and Israeli surveillance tactics.

Noah Bullock, executive director of Cristosal, sheds light on the troubling imprisonment of Ruth Eleonora López, a fierce anti-corruption attorney in El Salvador. Bullock discusses López’s significant role in exposing government abuses and the harsh conditions within the country’s prison system, which has resulted in numerous deaths. Nick Turse highlights the U.S. government's controversial outsourcing of immigration detention to nations with poor human rights records, revealing the alarming lack of transparency in these arrangements.

Mark Lemley, the director of Stanford's law program, discusses his lawsuit against DOGE for violating the Privacy Act. He warns of the dangerous concentration of power within the executive branch and highlights the fragile role of the courts as defenders of constitutional rights. Shawn Musgrave elaborates on the legal battles against the Trump administration, focusing on the erosion of due process and the troubling shift in loyalty within the Justice Department. Together, they emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of ongoing governmental overreach.

Radley Balko, a journalist and author known for his work on police militarization and civil liberties, offers insights into Donald Trump’s controversial executive order on policing. He highlights the alarming shift towards federal control over local law enforcement and the potential for increased militarization. Balko warns about the threats to accountability and civil rights, emphasizing how these moves may be used against critics of the administration. The conversation delves into broader implications for the criminal justice system and the risks of an emerging police state.