The Denver City Council has voted unanimously to shutter a highly successful anti-theft auto license plate tracking system. The system was not closed due to concerns about privacy or finances. It was shut down because Democratic members believed that ICE could use the data to deport illegals.
In May, the council refused to renew the $666,000 contract with Flock for camera monitors around 70 Denver intersections to screen for car theft. That system resulted in the recovery of 170 stolen cars and 300 arrests. It is also credited with key evidence in the investigation of hit-and-run and murder cases.
However, it could also be used to assist ICE, and that is all that matters. Councilman Kevin Flynn explained it is all about Trump’s election: “We know that it can help solve crime. But I think since maybe Jan. 20 of this year, those concerns are greatly heightened and have a new reality about them.”
Council member Sarah Parady added:
“We’re living in an era where just this last week, actually, an executive order came out instructing the Department of Justice and the FBI to look for reasons to prosecute local elected officials and activists who they believe are, quote, unquote, obstructing ICE enforcement. This kind of surveillance technology is a gift if you have that kind of ill intent, and the federal government has that ill intent right now.”
Mayor Mike Johnston also stated that they need to halt these arrests because “today’s environment is much different than when the pilot began in early 2024, and there are new community concerns surrounding this technology.”
The police are obviously not happy but car thieves are thrilled. If this seems utterly insane, keep in mind that this was a unanimous vote of the city council.
Denver is a place I wouldn’t want to visit thanks to the morons who are in charge there
If ICE had a sense of humor they would subpoena the toll road and express lane license plate readers. Would the city cut off a source of revenue?
Someone better get a handle on how Federalism is supposed to work … at least in the allegedly rational state and federal court system. The Separation of Powers was a nice by-product of the American Revolution. But unless we want the Executive Branch to declare war on the Judiciary (or vice-versa), we should consider kick-starting Congress back into doing its job.
OT
some of the comments online regarding Justice ACB bench slapping Justice KJB are on fire.
Kazinski
I think I understand where Jackson is coming from: ‘You have to give us absolute power to prevent others from abusing their power
Joe_dallas
Barrett comes across as asking why Jackson is on the SC.
LexAquilia
“Because analyzing the governing statute involves boring “legalese,””
My favorite roast. Barrett calling out Bonecaller Jackson as a retard.
KenveeB
I thought Barrett had a great response, well-written and concisely refuting Jackson’s points. I’m a little disturbed by so much in Jackson’s dissent, not least of which that she dismisses issues of whether courts have authority as “mind-numbingly technical.” Determining jurisdiction and authority is a huge part of her job. If that numbs her mind, that’s a problem!
ikaritenshi
that part was crazy. I am a lawyer and analyzing legalese or applying the facts to legalese is what we do. that she wrote that in a Supreme Court opinion now enshrined for prosperity is bonkers.
Lee Moore
“But as with most questions of law, the policy pros and cons are beside the point.”
Amy’s best line.
Sufficiently short and snappy that it might be worth her getting some T shirts printed.
It’s interesting and once again my intelligence struggles. In some way the lower courts cannot rule on a single case because only scotus can rule on a nationwide interp regarding immigration. Let’s say the lower court says yes, I give you citizenship? I have to listen to arguments and read opinion. Too bad the original in lower courts isn’t available. What are these Amici and Amicus things. Sigh…
Ok. Smart people what does it mean?
PS. Everyone on the streets knows the legal illegal scheme and gaming.
Sotomayor, Jackson and Kagan should remind themselves they do not usurp powers either. They’re lawless it seems.
What say ye…
From the bottom to the top it’s transparent sedition by gaming the system and lawless courts. The lawsuit by casa is sedition. That’s not how you do it, folks.
What say ye…
You’re asking good questions. Let’s break it down in plain English.
**1. Lower courts and immigration rulings:**
Yes, lower courts can hear immigration cases, but they are supposed to rule only within their own jurisdiction. A district judge in California or Texas cannot technically make a nationwide rule. That is what the Supreme Court just clarified recently. They are limiting the use of *nationwide injunctions*, where one judge can freeze a federal policy across the entire country. That kind of overreach creates legal confusion and undermines the separation of powers.
For example, if a lower court says “yes, this person is entitled to citizenship,” that decision applies only to that specific case or judicial circuit unless it is appealed and upheld by the Supreme Court.
**2. What are “Amici” and “Amicus Briefs”?**
“Amicus curiae” means “friend of the court” in Latin. These are legal briefs submitted by individuals or organizations who are not directly involved in the case but have a strong interest in its outcome. They try to persuade the court by providing broader context, data, or legal arguments. In a citizenship case, for instance, groups like the ACLU or immigration think tanks might file these to argue how the law should be interpreted. They are not binding, but the court can consider them.
**3. You’re right about the public seeing the system being gamed.**
Many Americans notice the inconsistencies and loopholes in the system. That is part of the reason the Supreme Court has stepped in to limit how far lower courts can go with broad rulings in immigration cases. It helps restore clarity to national policy and prevents one judge from blocking the entire executive branch with a single ruling.
OT
“FALSE BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP”
AI claims 275,000 babies were born in the U.S. to illegal aliens in 2014. Extrapolating over the past 50 years, there are potentially 14 million illegal aliens who falsely claimed birthright citizenship. The numbers are in all probability much higher, and all of these “unauthorized immigrants” must be deported. AI falsely claims these children of illegal aliens are U.S. citizens by birth, but they were not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S. but that of Mexico et al., making them foreign citizens.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AI Overview
In 2014, approximately 275,000 babies were born in the U.S. to parents who were unauthorized immigrants. This number represents about 7% of all births in the U.S. that year. While these children are U.S. citizens by birth, their parents’ lack of legal status can create challenges, particularly regarding access to healthcare and other public services.
The pros and cons of policy isn’t the point.
Americans have been brutally murdered due to Biden’s lawlessness and impotence. It’s treason clear and simple.
The singular American failure is the judicial branch, with emphasis on the Supreme Court.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
“The Supreme Court kept the Affordable Care Act alive Thursday, ruling in a 7-2 decision that Texas and 17 other states – plus two individuals – lacked standing to challenge its constitutionality.”
– Fox News
______________
The Supreme Court cited no legal or constitutional basis for its incorrect and illicit perpetuation of Obamacare.
Congress has no Article 1, Section 8, power to tax for, fund, or regulate Obamacare (ACA) or healthcare in general or otherwise.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“They are not to lay taxes ad libitum for any purpose they please; but only to pay the debts or provide for the [general] welfare of the Union.”
– Thomas Jefferson, 1791
_____________________________
Obamacare does not constitute debt, defense, or”general Welfare,” which is comprised of security and basic infrastructure, not individual welfare, specific welfare, particular welfare, favor, or charity.
The Supreme Court must have struck down the ACA at its inception.
Justices swear an oath to support the clear meaning and intent of the Constitution absent any degree or amount of personal and partial opinion, interpretation, or desiderium.
Turley shovels chum to the disciples—how dare Denver not spend $666,000 to help ICE deport people who are living and working in Denver, the overwhelming majority of whom are hard working folk just trying to feed the family. Meanwhile, Trump continues to LIE–he will do anything to save face over the boldfaced lie that the Iran nuclear program, that was under control and observation by NATO until Trump tore up the deal, was totally obliterated. Turns out, there were trucks lined up in the days before the bombing, which Trump told them was coming, carting away the nuclear material to other sites that we would know about, again, if Trump hadn’t torn up the deal with Iran. Senator Chris Murphy, after leaving the classified briefing on this issue, said Trump lied about Iran’s nuclear capabilities being totally obliterated–Trump lying to save face is not news at all.
Also meanwhile, the Big Beautiful Bill isn’t going to pass as is, even though Trump is trying to pressure Republican members of Congress to knife their constituents for the sake of his ego. The Medicare cuts will devastate rural hospitals and nursing homes. 16 million Americans will lose health coverage. From Fox News:
“A controversial change to the Medicaid provider tax rate in Senate Republicans’ version of the “big, beautiful bill” has been knocked out by Senate rules.
Senate Budget Committee Democrats announced on Thursday that the Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled against a slew of core provisions within President Donald Trump’s colossal bill, including tweaks to Medicaid that divided Republicans in the upper chamber.
SENATE REPUBLICANS LOOK TO SWEETEN MEDICAID POT TO SILENCE DISSENT ON TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’
Indeed, MacDonough ruled that the harsher Medicaid provider tax rate crackdown in the Senate’s version of the bill did not comport with the Byrd Rule, which provides guardrails for the budget reconciliation process.
That ruling, and the stripping out of other provisions that included denying states Medicaid funding for having illegal immigrants on the benefit rolls, preventing illegal immigrants from participating in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and preventing Medicaid and CHIP funding from going toward gender-affirming care, among others, has gutted many of Republicans’ key cost-saving Medicaid changes, and likely set back their plan to put the mammoth bill on Trump’s desk by July 4.”
And, the tax cuts will mostly benefit the very wealthiest at the cost of the poorest among us. If Republicans allow Medicaid cuts to go through, they will not likely get reelected.
Sounds like your longing for a “comatose” leader who just coasts, that’s a vibe—maybe you’re picturing a figurehead who lets the system run on autopilot. Historically, low-energy presidencies often lean on advisors or entrenched bureaucracies to keep things ticking, like how some past leaders delegated heavily during crises or controversies. Think Warren Harding’s hands-off style, where scandals brewed under his nose, or even Calvin Coolidge’s “Silent Cal” approach, letting the Roaring Twenties economy hum without much meddling.
gigi what a hateful ugly commenter you are. Never good legal discussion, always venom and childish insults. BTW, can you come up with another word instead of “chum” we’re getting tired of it. And also, OTHER intelligence hints at Iran using those trucks NOT to remove enriched uranium, but instead, dropping off large concrete slabs to block off access. You just showed us your ignorance by being so much more gullible than the “gullibles” you constantly make fun of. Go back to your nursing home job–it’s easier to drop your nonsense on those poor captive patients.
Get yer own blog dude.
You hit every liberal BS talking point.
🔥🔥🔥
Steve Guest
@SteveGuest
Turns out that the person who doesn’t know what a woman is doesn’t know how to do law either.
https://x.com/SteveGuest/status/1938611035088257069
Affirmative action is partial, biased, and unconstitutional.
Ketanji Brown Jackson is incompetent, bereft of juridical acumen, and unconstitutional.
Hmmmm, ya think she doesn’t understand? 😉
She’s showing her humbleness.
I don’t understand either. I’m not on the SCOTUS. I know how that feels. I read Sotomayor’s opinions and my brain hits a a kink like a cog won’t quite turn.
I understand she doesn’t understand.
One last OT point on Skrmetti, it gives injured children the right to seek damages if the law isn’t followed. That’s a win for injury.
It isn’t logical. Somehow there’s a breakdown in understanding criminals and victims? A murderer becomes acceptable? Idk
On the job training? Joe Biden appointment? Auto-pen?
Camera footage use: your neighbor is murdered, and your camera captured the assailant, the authorities come asking for footage of your camera. You just received a call warning you of dire consequences if you cooperate with the authorities, similar to what Will Munny told the residents of Big Whiskey about giving Ned a proper burial. Can authorities seize the footage and in so doing put you and possibly others at risk? A new frontier is on the horizon when AI saturates the culture.
George W
prior post below
Too much surveillance? Think about the UK and being punished for thoughts?
Turn it off and get a hobby. Hopefully the hobby isn’t chopping cars? Some people really like the risk in crime? Perversions. Idk
17,000 cars stolen in 2024. 666,000 dollars recovered 170? Maybe increase the police force by 10 officers instead devoted to car theft or increase to million dollars and a dept of car theft. In 2023, 23,500 cars stolen.
It’s immorality and nothing else. It can’t be changed. Get Wyatt Earp.
OT. Personally, I’ve come to a brick wall in the LGBT cases. My IQ isn’t high enough to understand. Sex refers to man and woman and it’s not a behavior nor action. IDGAS if a person must change their behavior and behavior is mutable.
Barbara of Seville
It’s just another example of gaming the system.
Off Topic – It’s Friday! time to T.G.I.F.
Found this 10 year old video clip with Tucker Carlson (Circa Apr 15, 2015)
Funky soul stars shake up the All-American Summer concert stage
Watch Brian Kilmeade, Shannon Bream, and Tucker Carlson talk about Music on All American Summer, Famous Faces, and Fox Friends.
Tower of Power ‘What Is Hip?’
Link not working on my android phone 😭😭😭
Dear Prof Turley,
The DHS conglomerate, formed in the fevered aftermath of 9.11, should of course be abolished promptly due to direct copyright infringed of Orwell’s ‘1984’. The similarities are eerily shocking. Shocking!
The country did just fine with a more diverse, less centralized, system of domestic law enforcement. And national security.. . rigid, centrally planned systems of law and order, or economies, seldom work out.
*Ice, Ice baby, can still have a gun I guess. .. but only one bullet.
I suppose the insured people of Denver can look forward to increases in their auto insurance premiums based on decreased protections from auto thefts? Will the madness ever end? Maybe they should be told the cameras can spot MAGA bumper stickers and can be used to track those folk.
Jonathan Turley: “Here the Supreme Court is agreeing with the Trump Administration that these judges are well past their authority.
Jackson shows herself to be a DEI hire
Jackson DEI hire.
Indubitably!
Simply the fact that she came from a smaller pool informs us that she could not possibly present superior merit.
More winning!!
Bondi touts 2,700+ arrests of Tren de Aragua members
“Today marked the 2,711th arrest in our country of TDA. Members just TDA. Everyone in this room agrees they are one of the most violent criminal organizations in the world, and the Biden administration let them walk into our country,” Bondi said at a White House press briefing.
https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/bondi-touts-2700-arrests-tren-de-aragua-members?utm_source=mux&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=social-media-autopost?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=offthepress&utm_campaign=home
The greatest American lawman ever in the history of the United States was Robert H. Jackson. Best known for prosecuting and executing Nazi officials after World War Two.
Jackson – the most law & order American to ever live – believed “warrantless arbitrary search authority” was the greatest threat to any citizen on Earth.
Jackson believed the worst abuses and tyrannies of humankind were built upon an “warrantless arbitrary search authority” as it’s foundation. From Jim Crow abuses against African-Americans to Nazis war crimes against Jewish people.
Even a government official that perceives themselves as good and patriotic, once these officials meddle illegally into the affairs of citizens – great abuses of power will happen.
That’s why the Framers of the Constitution created a 4th Amendment and Bill of Rights to “restrain” unconstitutional authority. Not a single American has any authority outside the U.S. Constitution.
Today ICE officials are primarily harming children, farm workers and laborers. A small percentage are actually violent criminals. The major illegal-weapon they are using is “warrantless arbitrary search authority” using license plate readers and likely cell-phone tracking (illegal under “Carpenter v. U.S.”
This is precisely the tyranny Jackson warned us about!
60 children found from Tampa Bay area, eight suspects arrested during 20-agency operation
https://www.wusf.org/courts-law/2025-06-23/60-missing-children-found-eight-suspects-arrested-20-agency-operation-tampa-bay-area
109 children rescued, 244 arrested in child exploitation sting, FBI says
https://www.kcbd.com/2025/06/15/109-children-rescued-244-arrested-child-exploitation-sting-fbi-says/
This is what a competent WH admin looks like. The Trump admin.
That is awesome! I have an affiliation with an organization that does this as a mission. https://www.recoveryofchildren.org/
@Upstate
Pretty awesome. I do not want to hear a peep from the modern left about ‘the kids’ ever again. I honestly don’t believe there is anything our modern left can do or say to redeem themselves. They are the trash they accuse others of being.
H2A agricultural visas are out there. What exactly do you think they are out there for? H2A folks are not the problem.
The problem is illegals flipping off the American flag as they hop the fence and take jobs as welders, machinists, brick masons, and roofers – the heart of America’s workforce!
Don’t blame Trump or SCOTUS, blame Mexico for being a crap country. Former Spanish and French colonies are among the biggest rat holes in the world! (Yeah, I am sure there is one somewhere that is not.)
DEPORTATION NATION
So the real constitutional question is:
Can federal officials violate the 4th Amendment rights of thousands of innocent native born citizens to find 1 criminal?
Since gun deaths are a much more serious issue, could federal officials violate the 2nd Amendment and 4th Amendment rights of thousands of gun owners to net 1 criminal conviction?
It seems like it. If ICE can barge into your home without a warrant to look for illegal immigrants I’m sure there will be court challenges to the policy since it is a direct constitutional violation. BUT, after today’s ruling it seems SCOTUS gave Trump the green light to be as lawless as it wants. So much for law and order.
@George
The real question is who is stupid enough to pay you? And if that is not the case, then how did someone end up with such a sad life, George? Since honesty does not seem to be part and parcel to your very DNA, I do not expect an answer. I feel bad for you, man. You are a pity case. We feel bad for you.
Do you have an example, any example at all, of the govt “barging into a home w/o a warrant” (or other proximate cause) in search of people here illegally? Any at all?
Gary, that has been George / Svelaz / Gigi / Dennis / Franke’s long held dream to have a man in uniform barge into xim/xer/dem home and take advantage of xim/xer/dem.
In 2023, 23,500 cars were stolen and in 2024, 17,000 cars stolen. These nbers coupled with 170 cars recovered at a cost of 666,000 dollars raises questions. Perhaps hiring an additional 666 officers would yield more recoveries?
Keep in mind Colorado kept DJT off its ballot and in Trump v. Anderson SCOTUS found for President Trump. The case used 14A, article 3. Lalaland.
How about 666, 000 honest Americans who’ll turn in car thieves? 6? 1?
^^^ Think about it. Colorado actually thought they could decide the case for article 3 all alone. Does everyone understand how insane that is? Colorado should be in receivership.
Does everyone understand Biden was incompetent and a group seized control of the presidency?
Sigh
Why do you think the Court’s ruling raises this question?