The Intercept Briefing

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.

Carol Rose, the executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, discusses the chilling effects of Rümeysa Öztürk's unlawful detention on freedom of expression and student journalism. Former editor Marty Baron shares insights into the press's role in sensitive political issues. Robert Bertsche highlights the legal ramifications surrounding free speech for noncitizens. The conversation underscores the importance of defending democracy and the collective action needed to protect journalistic integrity amidst increasing censorship.

Pramila Jayapal, a Democratic Congresswoman from Washington, is a key advocate for the transformative Medicare for All Act. In a candid discussion, she emphasizes the necessity of a bold Democratic agenda to effectively counter the current administration. Jayapal critiques her party's hesitance and stresses the urgency for action amidst political chaos. She addresses misconceptions about universal healthcare and calls for unity in the fight for civil rights and economic equity, urging the party to connect more deeply with working-class voters.

Matt Sledge, a politics reporter at The Intercept, dives into Donald Trump’s surprising pivot from crypto skepticism to a vocal advocate for digital assets. He reveals how Trump and his family cashed in on a meme coin, netting upwards of $350 million while small traders faced losses. Sledge discusses the political implications of Trump's newfound crypto enthusiasm, including a gala for token holders and the potential risks this poses to the U.S. economy. The conversation also touches on the evolving regulatory environment and the influence of powerful figures in shaping crypto policy.

In this week’s episode of The Intercept Briefing, we examine the case of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student whose decadelong journey toward American citizenship ended not with the oath of allegiance, but in handcuffs.On Monday, the Columbia student arrived at his long-awaited citizenship interview in Vermont. Instead, immigration agents arrested him, and he now faces deportation to the occupied West Bank.Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., who represents his district, is outraged and told The Intercept Briefing, “If you'll deny due process from somebody who was in this country with a green card for 10 years, who is somebody who talked about peace and connection between Palestinians and Israelis who was looking to build bridges — if this man is somehow a threat to our society, then we are down a sick path.”Mahdawi spoke to The Intercept the night before his fateful appointment and said he understood the risk he might be facing. He is now the ninth Columbia student targeted for deportation. The Trump administration has revoked or changed over a 1,000 student visas, according to Inside Higher Ed. Mahdawi’s case exemplifies how immigration enforcement is being weaponized, says Balint. “ If they're so proud of what they're doing, then show your damn face, then show your ID. Then talk about what grounds you are holding this person. But it's being done in secret, and it is meant to shock and awe and to get the rest of us to remain silent. They have no evidence, they have no details, which is what we're demanding of both Secretary [Marco] Rubio and Secretary [Kristi] Noem."Immigration lawyer Matt Cameron spoke to The Intercept about the broader implications of the administration’s agenda and said that this is much bigger than just students and immigrants. “ It's a message to student protesters obviously to start with, but it's a message to all of us that our free speech is a liability,” he warned.Cameron pointed to the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was illegally deported to El Salvador and is now imprisoned despite no criminal record. The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the government to facilitate his return, but so far, the administration has resisted. "This is going to be one of the most important cases of our lifetimes,” said Cameron. “ Even for people who don't think they're interested in following immigration issues: This is for all of us. And you know, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia will be all of us pretty soon here if we don't stay on our rights.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democratic Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, representing Massachusetts's 7th District, raises alarms over the Trump administration's sweeping use of executive power. She emphasizes the dangerous implications of immigration enforcement, sharing a harrowing story of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Ph.D. student abducted by ICE for her dissenting views. Pressley argues that the violation of constitutional rights could happen to anyone, sparking a crucial discussion on the urgency of safeguarding democracy and the need for strong political resistance against authoritarianism.

Matt Sledge, an Intercept reporter, delves into the grassroots rebellion against Elon Musk, emphasizing the political fallout from Tesla's declining sales. Sunjeev Bery, an Intercept contributor, discusses the Tesla protests as symbols of broader opposition to Musk and Trump. They highlight the growing polarization fueled by community outcry, the links between Musk's leadership and public discontent, and the challenges activists face in navigating free speech amidst corporate influence. This dynamic analysis reveals how grassroots movements could reshape political engagement.

Hoda Osman, executive editor of Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism and pivotal in the Gaza Project, discusses the alarming rise in journalist fatalities during the recent conflict in Gaza. She highlights the harrowing realities of media personnel in war zones and the devastating implications for press freedom. The tragic case of journalist Fadi Awahidi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily. Osman also addresses the ethical dilemmas of using drone technology in reporting and the impact of Israel's stance on the safety of journalists.

Momodou Taal, a Cornell University graduate student and activist, is risking it all amid a looming deportation threat due to his political speech. He discusses the chilling effects of U.S. immigration policies on international students and the mischaracterization of pro-Palestinian activism as antisemitism. Taal shares his harrowing experiences with law enforcement since challenging the Trump administration, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of advocating for free speech and justice in an increasingly repressive environment.

Pankaj Mishra, the author of 'The World After Gaza,' offers a keen analysis of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its broader implications. He discusses how Israel's recent actions reflect a culture of impunity that resonates with far-right movements worldwide. Mishra critiques the use of Holocaust memory in justifying Western support for Israel and explores the historical ties between colonial legacies and current geopolitics. He also addresses the complexities of nationalism, decolonization, and the evolving narrative surrounding Palestinian solidarity.