On April 20 the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether the US courts have jurisdiction over the so called “enemy combatants” held in the Guantanamo bay detention center in Cuba, and the President’s alleged right to create a “law free zone” at the center. During and after the war on Afghanistan, the US picked up nearly 700 people from 42 different countries, including children as young as 13, who have since been released back to their home countries. There have also been allegations of torture in these camps.
On April 28, the Court will hear oral arguments on the President’s asserted right to designate US citizens as “enemy combatants,” hold them at U.S. military bases, and deny them due process and the ability to challenge the lawfulness of their detention. This case is centered around US citizen Jose Padilla who was arrested in 2002 on the suspicion that he was going to set off a radio active bomb in America’s subway systems. No radioactive or bomb making material was ever found in Padilla’s possession, and he could not be proven to have a target or a plan. Padilla has been held since then as an enemy combatant, and the US government insists on its right to try him in a military tribunal.

The Blue Triangle Network, Not In Our Name, American Friends Service Committee, and other groups held a press conference and demonstration on Tuesday April 20th at noon at the Federal Building in San Francisco. Photos: 1 Video: 1 | 2
There were also demonstrations outside of the Supreme Court in Washington DC
In addition to foreigners and US citizens being held as enemy combatants on US military bases, Arab, Muslim, and South Asian immigrants and citizens alike have been harassed, detained, and deported. This audio documentary tells some of their stories.