The Obama administration will proceed to permit the Department of Homeland Security to conduct racial profiling at airports and borders, a call that comes amid high-profile instances of extreme use of police power towards minorities.
The White House will allow a big part of the Department of Homeland Security, particularly the Transportation Security Administration and the US Customs and Border Protection, to proceed with the controversial follow of racial profiling whereas choosing who ought to obtain particular consideration at border checkpoints and at airports, legislation enforcement officers instructed The Washington Post.
At the identical time, the brand new tips prohibit federal businesses from basing their investigations on the non secular beliefs, nationwide origin or sexual orientation of people, tightening up a 2003 Bush administration measure that solely talked about a ban on racial profiling.
In addition to racial profiling at the nation’s borders, the administration will proceed to permit the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to carry out “mapping,” which permits the company to gather a variety of demographic data on whole neighborhoods.
Despite criticism of the brand new measures, outgoing US Attorney General Eric Holder defended the coverage, saying it will improve police work.
“This new guidance will codify our commitment to the very highest standards of fair and effective policing,” Holder mentioned final week.
DHS press secretary Marsha Catron mentioned in an announcement Friday that the federal government company “continues to work with its federal law enforcement partners to develop guidance that protects the nation and civil rights.” The Justice Department, in the meantime, declined to remark.