Federal constitutional violations threaten foundation of democracy itself, says Portland legal scholar

Think Out Loud

Federal constitutional violations threaten foundation of democracy itself, says Portland legal scholar

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Published on Feb 5, 2026, 1:10:19 PM
Total time: 00:25:21

Episode Description

The Portland-based Innovation Law Lab was in federal court Wednesday, challenging the ICE policy of arresting immigrants and U.S. citizens without warrants and without due process. If successful, Oregon would join Washington, D.C. and Colorado in preventing this tactic. 

 

From warrantless arrests to unlawful use of force to arresting of journalists and other violations of civil rights, Portland constitutional law scholar Steve Kanter says these federal unconstitutional actions threaten democracy itself. Kanter joins us to put these actions in the context of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the First, Fourth and Fifth Amendments. Jordan Cunnings, legal director of the Innovation Law Lab, also joins us to share details about the federal court hearing on warrantless arrests in Oregon.  

 

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