US accused of creating secret task force to tackle protests
THE TRUMP administration’s deployment of unidentified officers in riot gear to Black Lives Matter protests has prompted accusations it is running a “secret police” force.
On the US president’s order, some 4,500 National Guard troops were flown to Washington DC early this week, as well as an array of special units from the Bureau of Prisons, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI and the US Marshal’s Service, after demonstrations in the capital grew.
Several of those units – including Military Police, US Park Police and Secret Service – were involved in violent scenes on Monday when officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square, near the White House.
However, others without insignia, wearing face shields and protective gear, have since appeared on DC’s streets. They have refused to identify themselves to enquiring journalists.
Local police departments have, historically, required their officers to have some sort of identification on their uniforms, but state and Federal laws do little to require that law enforcement agencies identify themselves to the public. A Justice Department official said officers have not been directed to conceal their agency, but added that it is normal practice among law enforcement not to engage. Prominent Democrats have demanded transparency from attorney general William Barr, who they say was responsible for sending the unidentifiable officers.
In a letter to Mr Trump on Thursday, Nancy Pelosi, House speaker, asked for details identifying the law enforcement and military agencies that had been deployed. “The practice of officers operating with full anonymity undermines accountability, ignites government distrust and suspicion, and is counter to the principle of procedural justice and legitimacy during this precarious moment in our nation’s history,” Ms Pelosi wrote.
Christopher Murphy, senator for Connecticut, said: “The United States would normally condemn this tactic if used by dictators of other countries, and its use here directly threatens our democracy. Americans have a right to know who is patrolling their streets, and to have recourse if their massive power is misused,” he said, likening them to “secret police”.