Too often, we've seen U.S. Intelligence agencies whose actions are cloaked in secrecy until someone uncovers governmental abuse that places innocent people under surveillance or on watchlists. It's truly scary to ponder how much more stays hidden. I'd love to interview an FBI agent with in-depth national security and intelligence experience, but one who would answer truthfully and believes in privacy. It is with delight that I interviewed Mike German, formerly a 16-year veteran as an FBI special agent who became ACLU's Policy Counsel on National Security, Immigration and Privacy.
What was the final straw that led you to quit the FBI and start at the ACLU?
German: I left the FBI when the DOJ Inspector General failed to investigate an FBI cover-up of a failed FBI counterterrorism investigation I reported, or protect me from official retaliation that resulted. I reported the information to Sen. Grassley and resigned. Grassley put pressure on the IG, so almost two years later the IG issued a report that showed the FBI falsified and backdated records about the case and retaliated against me for reporting it. I joined the ACLU two years later because I knew from my counterterrorism work that protecting civil liberties and keeping law enforcement accountable is what keeps America safe from terrorism and other crime.
Are you followed, tracked or otherwise under scrutiny from any U.S. intelligence agency for the work you have done in revealing what is really happening in America?
German: I don't know. Much of my work is public, so it's not hard to find out what I'm doing. But one of the problems is that intelligence surveillance is conducted in such secrecy that it's virtually impossible to know whether illegal surveillance is taking place.
What is the most disturbing fact(s) that you have uncovered?
German: The most disturbing thing we've uncovered is the scope of domestic intelligence activities taking place today. Domestic spying is now being done by a host of federal agencies (FBI, DOD, DHS, DNI) as well as state and local law enforcement and even private companies. Too often this spying targets political activity and religious practices. We've documented intelligence activities targeting or obstructing First Amendment-protected activity in 33 states and DC.
What do you see as the biggest threat to U.S. citizens' rights that is happening in our country?
German: The biggest threat is that the increase surveillance of political activity will create a chilling effect that will dissuade people from exercising their rights, which will cause significant harm to participatory democracy.
Do you believe the War on Terror will continue to be an excuse to violate the rights of American citizens?
German: Unfortunately, yes.
Is there a clear-cut list of what places people on watchlists or makes them suspicious?
German: No. The FBI claims it needs only a reasonable suspicion to place people on watchlists, but there's significant evidence (including IG reports) documenting that people are improperly placed on watchlists for improper reasons.
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