Jeff Sessions, the former Attorney General, has reignited the practice of civil-asset forfeiture. This controversial policy allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity without necessarily charging the owner with wrongdoing.
In July 2017, Sessions announced a new directive aimed at expanding the use of this practice. “Civil-asset forfeiture is a key tool that helps law enforcement defund organized crime, take back ill-gotten gains and prevent new crimes from being committed,” he stated.
The policy had been scaled back during the Obama administration due to concerns about abuse and lack of oversight. Critics argue that it infringes on civil liberties and disproportionately affects minority communities. Nonetheless, Sessions emphasized its importance for public safety: “We will continue to encourage our state and local partners to target drug traffickers, criminals and their organizations by using all available legal tools.”
The renewed focus on civil-asset forfeiture has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups who are calling for reforms or even abolition of the practice. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) described it as “un-American” and urged Congress to intervene.
