ACLU of Oregon sues Medford's police department, alleging unlawful surveillance of progressive activists on social media.

The ACLU of Oregon has filed a lawsuit against Medford's police department, accusing it of employing unlawful surveillance on progressive political activists not suspected of criminal activity. The suit claims the department breached a 1980s state law that prohibits monitoring or infiltrating social media accounts and groups for information about protests, including Black Lives Matter demonstrations and a "Bans off our bodies" rally. Medford City Attorney Eric Mitton disputes the allegations, stating that the purpose of reviewing publicly-available information on social media channels is to address legitimate police interests regarding public rallies and protests.