In a leaked memo dated December 4, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the FBI to “compile a list of groups or entities engaged in acts that may constitute domestic terrorism.” She goes on to broaden the definition of domestic terrorism to include those who support problematic “political and social agendas” such as “opposition to law and immigration enforcement; extreme views in favor or mass migration and open borders; adherence to radical gender ideology” as well as “anti-Americanism,” “anti-capitalism,” and “anti-Christianity.”
Going beyond the administration’s previous targeting of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, this directive now includes nearly anyone who voices opposition to government policies. Many Americans are justifiably critical of the current administration, as evidenced by the massive turnout at this year’s No Kings protests. Current polling shows the number of registered voters with a “positive view of capitalism” has recently dropped under 50%, making the majority of Americans susceptible to FBI targeting for anti-capitalist beliefs. Polls also show that a majority of Americans are opposed to how ICE is handling its job, another opinion that could put someone directly on the FBI surveillance list.
In addition to this vast criminalization of political dissent, the Justice Department memo called for the FBI to establish a tip line with a “cash reward system” which would provide payouts to people who help identify those engaged in these “domestic terrorist” activities. Paying citizens to report their neighbors for disloyalty to the party line is a tactic reserved for only the most authoritarian regimes in history. This would be unthinkable in a society that truly valued free speech and an open forum for ideas.
We refuse to be intimidated by these threats against our ability to speak out about the conditions we are facing in this country. Those who are currently in power are correct to fear how powerful the masses of workers could become if we were to get organized, and they will use the criminalization of free speech in an attempt to defend themselves against our potential. Now is not the time to be coerced into silence, but to speak out, get organized, and recognize the strength in our collective power.
