Based Politics’ Hannah Cox writes, “Civil asset forfeiture is one of the more nefarious policies in play, but Americans remain largely unaware of it. This practice is found both federally and across most states. Under civil asset forfeiture laws, the police can take your property if they merely suspect you of a crime.

That’s right: They don’t have to charge, convict, or even arrest you before they can do this. And boy do they run with it. Whether it’s cash, jewelry, cars, or even people’s homes, the police seize and sell assets from Americans all the time. They then use the profits to boost their department’s budgets.

According to the Institute for Justice, states and the federal government confiscated at least $68.8 billion from citizens from 2000 to 2020. (And that’s just what we can track!)”

Read the entire column.

The post The government confiscates more property from Americans annually than burglars do appeared first on Liberty Tree.

What was cool about today’s civil asset forfeiture hearing is that everyone from @RepNancyMace to @AOC to @andybiggs4az to @AyannaPressley agrees that the government shouldn’t be able to steal innocent people’s stuff.

It’s a great start. Now let’s end civil forfeiture for good. https://t.co/xt9lDA4RQB

— Joe Setyon (@JoeSetyon) December 8, 2021

The Washington Examiner’s Brad Polumbo writes, “This is an issue that so many people in this country cannot believe is real,’ Ocasio-Cortez said . ‘Civil forfeiture means that the government, law enforcement, etc., is allowed to take away your property — often your car or even your home — without an arrest, without criminal charges, and without ever going to court. And then the police can sell your property and use the proceeds as revenue.’

Ocasio-Cortez has identified a very real problem. Over the last 20 years, the government has confiscated roughly $68.8 billion in property through this unfair process, according to the Institute for Justice…

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has identified a very real problem, writes @brad_polumbo.

“As rare as it is, @AOC is right about this one. Our civil asset forfeiture system is unfair, un-American, and ripe for reform.”https://t.co/xMHdGJZ36v

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 9, 2021

Conservative lawmakers such as Sens. Rand Paul and Mike Lee have introduced legislation to combat this harmful practice. More elected officials from both parties should join these bipartisan efforts.

As rare as it is, AOC is right about this one. Our civil asset forfeiture system is unfair, un-American, and ripe for reform.”

Read the entire column.

Civil asset forfeiture often creates a “seize-first, ask questions later” incentive.

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee Ranking Member @RepNancyMace opened today’s hearing by emphasizing we must protect Americans’ constitutional right to due process. pic.twitter.com/2fi4OlvN1m

— Oversight Committee Republicans (@GOPoversight) December 8, 2021

The post What brings together Rand Paul, Mike Lee, Nancy Mace and… AOC? Ending civil asset forfeiture appeared first on Liberty Tree.