January 1, Police Visit Miami Activist Over Facebook Criticism

Wyatt’s Take

• Miami Beach police visited a critic of the mayor over social media posts.
• Conservatives warn this echoes European-style political censorship.
• Free speech groups say lawful expression should never get police visits in America.

Miami Beach police paid a visit to activist Raquel Pacheco after she criticized Mayor Steven Meiner on Facebook. Officers showed her a printout of the post, saying it could incite violence, but left without making an arrest.

The mayor’s office reported the comment to police but claims they did not ask officers to go to Pacheco’s home. Police Chief Wayne Jones said he started the visit himself, out of concern that the post might inspire others to act.

The video of detectives at Pacheco’s door spread widely online, with many comparing it to police actions in Europe against political speech. “THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN IN AMERICA,” wrote Princeton professor Robert George. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly simply posted, “wtf.”

Pacheco now has a lawyer and says she will respond if things escalate further. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression called the visit unconstitutional because police admitted no crime was being investigated.

FIRE demanded Miami Beach police confirm support for free speech rights and stop contacting people to discourage lawful posts. Advocates compared the visit to similar police actions in the United Kingdom targeting political comments online.

Controversy over police visits for speech isn’t unique. In Arizona, a woman was arrested after speaking against a city official’s pay raise, but courts later ruled she did nothing wrong.

This recent fight is another example of growing tension since Israel’s war in Gaza began last October. Miami Beach, a longtime Jewish community, has seen clashes over protests, speech rules, and city policies supporting Israel.

Stay informed about the growing threats to free speech and keep an eye on what’s happening in local communities across the country.

Wyatt Matters

Everyday Americans know our right to speak freely is essential. When police start knocking over opinions online, the heartland’s values of liberty and open debate are under attack. Standing firm on free speech keeps power in check, right where it belongs.

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