June 17th 2024.
The ongoing conflict between the Saratoga Black Lives Matter movement and the City of Saratoga Springs has now reached the attention of the New York State Attorney General's Office. There have been concerns raised that the city has been engaging in retaliatory behavior against the group's co-founder, Lexis Figuereo, and their protests. As a result, Letitia James' office has requested that the city hand over all documentation related to two citations issued against Figuereo in May.
According to a report by the Daily Gazette, Rick Sawyer, a section chief with the Attorney General's Civil Rights Bureau, sent a letter to the city's attorneys on June 13, the same day Figuereo appeared in court for the citations. The letter referenced incidents from the summer of 2021 where former city officials allegedly violated the rights of protesters.
In the letter, Sawyer stated that the Attorney General's office had received reports of the Saratoga Springs Police Department issuing desk appearance tickets to a protest organizer for two non-violent protests. The tickets alleged violations of city ordinances that supposedly require individuals to notify the city before engaging in First Amendment-protected activities. Given the findings of the Attorney General's report on retaliatory arrests against Figuereo, the office is concerned that the city may be resuming its unconstitutional retaliation against protesters.
The letter also stated that the requested documents must be turned over to the Attorney General's office by July 8. Figuereo, on the other hand, expressed feeling "justified" by the contents of the letter, believing it to be proof of their group's claims. In an interview with the Daily Gazette, Figuereo stated, "This is exactly what we've been saying all along." He also emphasized the importance of the city adopting the guidelines set forth by the Attorney General's office, which aim to protect First Amendment rights and prevent police misconduct.
Figuereo was issued two citations in May, one for a demonstration organized by Saratoga BLM and other groups calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a free Palestinian state. The second citation was issued after a gathering on May 25 to honor George Floyd's memory. However, Figuereo did not participate in the gathering but instead held a press conference beforehand.
In a statement released by Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll on June 14, he confirmed that the city had received the letter and that his department is fully cooperating. However, he stated that he is unable to provide further details as the matter is still ongoing and involves negotiations. Coll's statement also mentioned that once the issue is resolved, his department will provide a complete account of the facts to the public.
Figuereo appeared in court for the citations on May 13, but the case was postponed until August 1. His lawyer, Mark Mishler, argued that the city had not provided the proper legal documents. In a statement issued on June 14, Mishler expressed his belief that the city is targeting Figuereo for exercising his First Amendment rights.
"We are pleased that the AG's office recognizes the most recent actions by the city as blatant violations of Mr. Figuereo's constitutional rights, as well as the rights of all Saratoga BLM activists and leaders and anyone who believes in speaking out against injustice."
In addition to Mishler's statement, Figuereo also addressed the actions of Saratoga Springs officials in his own statement to CBS 6 News. He stated, "This is exactly what we expected. This is retaliation for the Attorney General's report and the lawsuits against Saratoga Springs. They are trying to silence us, but we will not back down. We will continue to keep our focus on the real enemy inside this building."
It is clear that tensions between the Saratoga Black Lives Matter movement and the City of Saratoga Springs are high. However, the involvement of the New York State Attorney General's Office may help to bring about a resolution and protect the rights of protesters. This conflict serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the First Amendment and preventing retaliatory actions against those exercising their right to protest.
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