Congressman Maxwell Frost and Senator Richard Blumenthal Introduce The Right to Record Act, Allowing Citizens to Sue Federal Officials Who Violate Their Rights as They Attempt to Legally Record
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Right To Record Act, legislation that would protect individuals’ First Amendment Rights while engaging with ICE agents and federal law enforcement officers – giving citizens an opportunity for civil compensation if these rights are infringed upon.
As protests and public demonstrations continue outside New Jersey’s Delaney Hall detention facility, there are reports of agents harassing journalists, advocates, and community members who are trying to document the conditions of the facility. This is just the latest example of federal immigration officials denying the public the transparency they deserve. Moreover, citizens currently face significant obstacles when trying to hold individual officials accountable for violations of constitutional rights. The Right to Record Act is needed to promote transparency, prevent federal agencies from concealing their unlawful behavior, and ensure that they are held accountable in a court of law if they do.
“The First Amendment defends the right to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public. That right has never been more important. In cases like the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, officials and their allies tried to paint the victims as threats despite evidence showing otherwise,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “Without firsthand recordings, those false narratives might have become the official story, which is why the Right to Record Act is so important. It would protect the public’s ability to expose the truth without fear, giving individuals a legal path forward if an officer does violate their constitutional rights.”
“Over the last year, I’ve investigated dozens of cases of Americans brutalized by agents of their own government, and across the board, video footage corroborated their testimony – showing the world what they experienced and making sure that justice was served. Without recordings, we wouldn’t know the truth of what happened to Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, Marimar Martinez, George Retes, and so, so many others. The right to bear witness has never been more important. I’m proud to work with Congressman Frost on bicameral legislation that will strengthen the right to record, observe, and peacefully protest – creating real enforcement tools for the protections of the First Amendment that lay the foundation for our democracy.” - Senator Richard Blumenthal
"The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy," said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel with the ACLU. "We can't hold our government accountable if we can't see for ourselves what they're doing in our communities. Observing and filming allows people to create an independent record, share information with their communities, and demand better from our government. Protesting for what we believe in is a core American value, and observing and filming government activity can drive the protest movements that spark change. All of these rights are squarely protected by the First Amendment, and we're hopeful that Congress will codify them into law by enacting the Right to Record Act."
For more information on the Right to Record Act, click here.
The Right to Record Act has been endorsed by: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC)
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