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How do you find the missing?

If you do find them, how can you help?

Oakland civil rights attorney James Cook has been on the ground in Minnesota for months figuring out answers to these question as he goes.

A fast-talking Minneapolis native who still lives in the Twin Cities part time, Cook is one of a handful of attorneys who have dropped everything to aid (for free) those caught up in the federal crackdown — protesters, immigrants and detained citizens — too many of whom have found themselves facing deportation, arrest or even been disappeared, at least for a time.

Civil rights attorney James Cook in the rear view mirror as he makes phone calls in his car in Minneapolis.

(Caroline Yang/For The Times)

“They are leaders that are on the ground really helping people through this process,” Minnesota school board member Chauntyll Allen told me.

She’s one of the protesters arrested inside a local church, charged with conspiracy to deprive others of their constitutional rights by Pam Bondi’s politicized Department of Justice, which also Friday arrested journalist Don Lemon for the same incident. Cook is one of the lawyers now representing Allen.

“It shows us that the judicial arm, or some of the judicial arm of our democracy, is willing to step up and ensure that our democracy stands strong,” Allen said of Cook and others like him.

While it’s the images of clashes in the streets that captivate media and audiences, it’s lawyers like Cook who are fighting an existential battle in the background to preserve the rule of law in a place where it is increasing opaque, to put it gently.

The legal work behind detentions has largely been an overlooked battlefield that will likely rage on years after ICE departs the streets, leaving in its wake hundreds if not thousands of long-and-winding court cases.

Beyond the personal fates they will determine, the outcome of the civil litigation Cook and others are spearheading will likely force whatever transparency and accountability can be pulled from these chaotic and troubling times.

It’s time-consuming and complicated work vital not just to people, but history.

Or, as Cook puts it, “I’ll be 10 years older when all this s— resolves.”

Federal agents stand guard against a growing wall of protesters on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis, just hours after Alex Pretti was shot by federal agents.

(Caroline Yang/For The Times)

Cook told me this while on his way to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building where some detainees are being held, maybe. It’s hard to find out. A few years ago, when immigration enforcement in Minnesota ramped up under the first Trump term, activists tried to get the name of the building changed, arguing Whipple, the first Protestant Episcopal bishop in the state, had been an advocate of the marginalized and wouldn’t want his name associated with what the feds were up to.

It didn’t work, but the movement’s slogan, “What would Whipple do?” still has resonance in this town, where two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, have been fatally shot while protesting — incidents ugly enough that Bruce Springsteen wrote a song about them.

Cook is well aware that the guns carried by the federal agents are not for show, even without the Boss’ new ballad. Just a few days ago, one of the first times he drove his beat-up truck up to the gate, the federal guards at Whipple pointed their guns at him.

“I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m going to take my keys out of the ignition, drop them on the ground. So please don’t shoot,’” he said.

They lowered the guns, but Cook was scared, a feeling that doesn’t come easy.

Long before his law degree, when he was a punk-rock loving teen in the 1980s, fresh out of Southwest High, the public school not too far from Whipple, a former coach convinced him to give up college dreams and instead pursue a shot at making the first Muay Thai kickboxing team at the Olympics.

The martial art ended up not making it as an official Olympic sport, but the experience launched Cook into a professional boxing and kickboxing career that took him to competitions around the world, and taught him fear is not a reason to back down.

But, “Father Time is undefeated,” Cook said. “I got older and I started losing fights, and I was like, all right, time to get back to life.”

That eventually led him to obtaining a law degree in San Francisco, where after an intern stint as a public defender, he decided he wanted to be a trial attorney, fighting in court.

Civil rights attorney James Cook has been doing pro bono immigration work since the crackdown began in Minneapolis.

(Caroline Yang/For The Times)

He started cold-calling John Burris, another Bay Area lawyer who is an icon of civil rights and police misconduct cases. Burris, who has been called the “Godfather of Police Litigation,” was involved in the “Oakland Riders” case in 2000, when officers were discovered to have planted evidence. He also represented Rodney King, the family of Oscar Grant, and the family of Joseph Mann among many others.

But Burris, a boxing fan, didn’t respond to Cook’s calls until the young lawyer offered him free tickets to one of his fights, which he was still doing on the side.

“And then immediately I got a call back,” Cook said.

Burris said Cook’s history as a fighter intrigued him, but “I did say to James, you can’t be a fighter and lawyer. You can’t get punched in your head all the time.”

Cook did not take this advice.

Still, Burris said, “It was his persistence that I admired, because the type of work we’re involved in, you need people who are dedicated, who have some real commitment to the work, and he showed that kind of consistency and dedication.”

Cook’s been working with Burris more than 20 years now, but until recently, the labyrinth of the immigration system wasn’t his area of expertise. It’s been a crash course for him, he said, on the often arcane laws that govern who gets to stay in America and who doesn’t.

It’s also been a crash course on what a civil rights emergency looks like. Along with his work looking for locked-up immigrants, Cook spends a lot of time on the streets at protests, helping people understand their rights — and limitations — and seeing first hand what is happening.

“If you ever wondered what you would have done in Germany, now is the time,” he said. “Now is the time to do something. People are being interned.”

In the hours after Pretti was shot, Cook was at the location of the shooting, in the middle of the tear gas, offering legal help to anyone who needed it and bearing witness to conduct that will almost certainly face scrutiny one day, even if government leaders condone it now.

Law enforcement officers launch tear gas canisters as they work to push the crowd back and expand their perimeter in Minneapolis on Jan. 24.

(Caroline Yang/For The Times)

“The way the officers chase people down, protesters who were really just protesting lawfully and were beaten and pepper sprayed and gassed — all those are civil rights violations,” Burris said. “And so the law is the guardrails. So there has to be lawyers who are prepared to protect those guardrails and to stand as centurions, as I refer to us.”

Cook has tried to calm protesters, he told me, and prevent clashes. But people are mad, and resolute. His greatest fear is summer — when warm weather could bring even larger crowds if enforcement is still ongoing. He’s worried that the actions of the federal agents will spill over into anger at local cops enforcing local laws, leading to even more chaos.

“I’ve always supported cops as long as they do their job correctly,” Cook said.

For now, he’s taking it one day at a time, one case at a time, one name at a time.

Protesters raise an inverted American flag as law enforcement officers launch tear gas canisters in Minneapolis after Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents.

(Caroline Yang/For The Times)

Tuesday, Cook passed through the armed checkpoint at Whipple carrying a list of about seven people, folks who have been picked up by federal agents for one reason or another, or reasons unknown, and now cannot be located. They are not in the public online system that is meant to track detainees, and family and friends have not heard from them.

If he’s lucky, Cook will get information on one or two, that they are indeed inside, or maybe at a detention center in Texas, where many have been sent. But there will be more whose location remains unknown. He’ll make calls, fill out forms and come back tomorrow. And the tomorrow after that.

“This is what we do,” he said. “I’m always in it for the long run. I mean, you know, shoot, yeah, that’s kind of the way it works.”

What steps must a California lawyer take to become licensed to practice law in Minneapolis?

From Coast to Core: A California Lawyer’s Return to Minneapolis for civil Rights

The legal landscape often calls individuals to distant shores, offering opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. But sometimes, the strongest pull isn’t towards the new, but back to the roots – especially when a deep-seated commitment to justice is involved. This is the story of lawyers increasingly choosing to leverage their experience to address civil rights issues in their hometowns, a trend exemplified by professionals returning to Minneapolis.

The Shifting Sands of Civil Rights work

For decades, major metropolitan areas like New York and Los angeles where considered the epicenters for high-profile civil rights litigation. However, a confluence of factors is driving a re-evaluation of this geographic concentration.

* Local Impact: many attorneys are realizing they can have a more meaningful, direct impact on communities they intimately understand.

* Rising Costs of Living: The escalating cost of living in coastal cities is prompting lawyers to seek opportunities in more affordable regions.

* Increased Demand: A heightened awareness of social justice issues, fueled by events like the murder of George Floyd, has created a surge in demand for civil rights legal expertise across the country, particularly in the Midwest.

* Remote Work Versatility: the rise of remote work and hybrid models allows lawyers to maintain national practices while being physically present in their communities.

Minneapolis: A Crucible for Civil Rights advocacy

Minneapolis, and minnesota more broadly, has a long and complex history with civil rights. While often perceived as progressive, the state grapples with significant racial disparities in areas like housing, education, and the criminal justice system. This creates a fertile,albeit challenging,ground for civil rights lawyers.

Key Areas of Focus for Minneapolis Civil Rights attorneys:

* Police Misconduct: Following the events of 2020, litigation surrounding police brutality, excessive force, and discriminatory policing practices remains a critical area.

* Racial Discrimination in Housing: Addressing systemic barriers to fair housing opportunities for communities of color is a persistent challenge.

* Employment Discrimination: Fighting against discriminatory practices in the workplace, including issues of pay equity and promotion opportunities.

* Voting Rights: Ensuring equal access to the ballot box and combating voter suppression tactics.

* Educational Equity: Advocating for equitable funding and resources for schools in underserved communities.

The California-to-Minneapolis transition: What to Expect

A lawyer accustomed to the California legal system will find both similarities and differences in minnesota. Here’s a breakdown:

1. State Bar Admission: Reciprocity agreements may exist, but most California lawyers will need to pass the Minnesota Bar Exam. Preparation is key, focusing on Minnesota-specific laws and procedures.
2. Court System Differences: Minnesota’s court system operates under different rules and protocols than California’s. Familiarizing oneself with these nuances is crucial for effective representation.
3. Networking: Building a network within the Minneapolis legal community is essential. Joining local bar associations (like the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Hennepin County Bar Association) and attending legal events are excellent starting points.
4. Understanding Local Dynamics: Minneapolis has a unique political and social landscape. Understanding the history of activism, community organizations, and key stakeholders is vital for successful advocacy.

resources for Civil Rights Lawyers in Minneapolis

Several organizations provide support and resources for civil rights attorneys in the Minneapolis area:

* The ACLU of Minnesota: Offers legal representation, advocacy, and public education on a wide range of civil liberties issues. (https://www.aclu-mn.org/)

* Legal Rights Center: Provides direct legal services to low-income individuals and communities, focusing on racial and economic justice. (https://www.legalrights.org/)

* Minnesota Disability Law Center: Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. (https://www.mdlc.org/)

* Neighborhood Justice Center: Offers mediation and restorative justice services to resolve conflicts and promote community healing. (https://neighborhoodjusticecenter.org/)

The Impact of Returning Talent

The influx of experienced lawyers returning to Minneapolis is strengthening the city’s civil rights infrastructure. These attorneys bring valuable skills, perspectives, and networks, amplifying the impact of local advocacy efforts. Their commitment to social justice,combined with a deep understanding of their communities,is driving positive change and fostering a more equitable future for all Minnesotans. The trend highlights a broader shift in the legal profession – a growing recognition that impactful work isn’t confined to major coastal cities, but can flourish wherever a commitment to justice takes root.

Semiconductor Shockwave: Is a Broader Market Correction Looming? – Breaking News & SEO Analysis

Wall Street is bracing for a potentially turbulent week after the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index suffered a significant 3.87% drop today, halting its previously relentless climb. This isn’t just a tech blip; it’s a flashing warning sign that’s sending ripples through global markets, raising concerns about the future of AI investments, and even prompting a re-evaluation of holdings in safe-haven assets like Bitcoin, gold, and silver. This is a breaking news development that demands immediate attention for investors focused on Google News and SEO-driven market updates.

The Semiconductor Slide & Investor Sentiment

The sharp decline in the semiconductor index is particularly worrying given its recent performance. Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence. A downturn in this sector often foreshadows broader economic concerns. Analysts are now closely watching to see if this sell-off will spread to the U.S. and Korean stock markets. The question isn’t *if* sentiment will change, but *how dramatically*.

Korean Market Anomaly: Individual Investors Defy Global Trends

Adding to the complexity, the Korean stock market is exhibiting a curious disconnect from the global slowdown. While the U.S. market stagnated, Korea continued to rise, fueled by aggressive buying from individual investors utilizing credit and debt. This is a risky proposition, reminiscent of speculative bubbles seen in the past. It’s a fascinating case study in market dynamics, highlighting the power of retail investment – and the potential dangers of over-leveraging.

Foreign Investor Exit & Future Adjustments

However, this Korean rally isn’t universally supported. Foreign investors are actively taking profits on existing holdings, signaling a lack of confidence in the sustainability of the gains. This trend, which began after January’s option expiration, suggests they are preparing for potential adjustments in February and March. This isn’t a sudden panic; it’s a calculated repositioning, indicating a belief that the Korean market is overvalued. Understanding these foreign investment flows is crucial for anyone tracking Asian markets.

Bitcoin, Gold, Silver & the AI Monetization Question

The concerns extend beyond semiconductors. There’s growing anxiety surrounding the potential sale of Bitcoin, gold, and silver as investors consider monetizing their AI investments. The AI boom has been a major driver of market gains, but the path to profitability for many AI companies remains uncertain. If investors begin to cash out of these alternative assets to cover potential losses or reallocate capital, it could exacerbate the downward pressure on the broader market. This highlights a key risk: the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate asset classes.

Evergreen Investing Insight: Understanding Market Corrections

Market corrections are a natural part of the economic cycle. While unsettling, they can present opportunities for long-term investors. Historically, corrections have often been followed by periods of strong growth. The key is to avoid panic selling and focus on fundamentally sound companies with strong growth potential. Diversification is also paramount – don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Remember, volatility is inherent in investing, and a long-term perspective is essential.

The current market situation demands vigilance and a well-defined investment strategy. Staying informed with the latest breaking news, leveraging SEO tools to track market trends, and understanding the underlying economic forces at play are all critical for navigating this period of uncertainty. For more in-depth analysis and expert insights, continue exploring the resources available at Archyde.com.