You can now report crimes by federal agents in California

In case you witness abuse by federal legislation enforcement in California, you are able to do so now report it online to the Ministry of Justice.

On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom and Lawyer Common Rob Bonta introduced the launch of an internet portal the place anybody can report doubtlessly illegal exercise in California by federal legislation enforcement officers, together with officers or brokers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Safety, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, or federalized Nationwide Guard troopers or pilots.

The web site is meant to assist state officers detect misconduct by federal authorities and permits California residents to submit photographs, movies and an in depth criticism concerning the alleged misconduct.

“Federal brokers have broad authority to implement federal legal guidelines, together with federal immigration legal guidelines, however they have to accomplish that lawfully,” the governor’s press workplace wrote in a press release saying the rollout.

“We aren’t going to face by whereas anybody – together with federal brokers – abuses their authority in California,” Newsom stated in a information launch. “Nobody is above the legislation.”

Submitting a report doesn’t assure that the legal professional common will take motion on the criticism, officers stated.

The announcement follows 11 months of controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s use of federal brokers in aggressive immigration and crime-fighting operations, particularly in cities in Democratic-led states and areas.

In Chicago, federal immigration enforcement brokers riot control weapons usedbodily violence and different controversial techniques towards residents throughout immigration raids, prompting a decide to issue an order the usage of drive by officers is severely restricted. In Los Angeles, federal legislation enforcement racially profiled Latino residents and conducted “roving patrols.” as a part of immigration coverage. And in New York Metropolis, an ICE agent was captured on video grabbing a lady exterior an immigration courtroom and slamming her to the bottom. The usage of masks by ICE brokers has additionally confronted widespread criticism and California leaders a law passed earlier this 12 months, the usage of masks by federal officers to hide their identities was banned.

The Bay Space has additionally seen federal brokers use drive towards protesters and interact in aggressive immigration operations.

In October, the Trump administration introduced it might ship federal troops, together with CBP brokers, to Coast Guard Island in Alameda as a part of a “surge” operation for immigration enforcement within the Bay Space. A CBP agent shot an East Bay pastor within the face with a chemical weapon throughout a protest off Coast Guard Island. It’s unclear whether or not the incident is being investigated by any state or federal authority.

And final month, ICE brokers chased a person close to a West Oakland elementary college, resulting in a automobile crash and complaints from neighbors who stated the brokers acted recklessly.

Examples of misconduct listed on the California DOJ’s on-line portal embody voter intimidation, warrantless searches or arrests, illegal detentions, extreme drive, and civil rights violations.