Episode Details

Sheryl McCarthy interviews Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union, the New York arm of the American Civil Liberties Union, about what she describes as unprecedented threats to civil rights under the Trump administration, particularly targeting immigrants, protesters, and critics. Lieberman explains that the ACLU’s mission goes far beyond First Amendment protections to include equal rights, due process, and justice, and that the organization is responding through litigation, lobbying, public education, and grassroots organizing. She highlights battles over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, detention conditions, data sharing, and the future of Rikers Island, emphasizing the need for stronger state protections like the proposed “New York for All” legislation.

00:00 – Introduction with Sheryl McCarthy
00:23 – Civil rights concerns under the Trump administration
01:10 – The role and mission of the American Civil Liberties Union
02:59 – How civil liberties came under threat
04:09 – Immigration enforcement and protests
05:38 – ACLU strategy: lawsuits, lobbying & public education
07:15 – Increased legal action under Trump
08:45 – Rise in grassroots activism
12:03 – What is a sanctuary city?
14:15 – ICE detentions & habeas petitions
16:12 – Expansion of detention centers nationwide
17:31 – Lawsuit over conditions at 26 Federal Plaza
18:41 – “New York for All” legislation explained
20:44 – Governor & state response
22:16 – Data sharing concerns
23:37 – Rikers Island reform & solitary confinement
27:15 – Closing thoughts & ACLU’s broader agenda

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