ACLU Event Puts Spotlight on Emerging “Constitution-Free Zone” in United States

Customs and Border Protection is extending authority 100 miles inland

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Contact: (202) 675-2312, media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – The American Civil Liberties Union will host an event at the National Press Club next Wednesday, October 22, 2008, to spotlight the fact that government is turning vast swaths of our country into a “Constitution-Free Zone” in which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can exercise extraordinary authority that would not normally be permitted under the Constitution.

The government is asserting that many of these powers extend up to 100 miles inland from the border. The ACLU will release a detailed map based on the most current Census Bureau figures showing how much of the U.S. population is affected by these policies.

The ACLU has received numerous complaints about encounters with CBP well within the borders of the United States. Individuals who have had problems will speak at the event, as well as ACLU experts.

WHAT: Event on the emerging “Constitution-Free Zone”

WHO: ACLU experts and border policy victims

WHERE: The National Press Club
Lisagor Room, 13th Floor
529 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20045

WHEN: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 10:00 A.M.

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