Jeff Sessions is restarting part of the federal program called civil asset forfeiture. When law enforcement finds reason to believe that some cash, a house, or other valuable asset has been used in illegal activities, they seize it, and it becomes government property. In 2014, the government took more property from American citizens than burglars did. After an outcry from civil rights groups, then-Attorney General Eric Holder stopped part of the program.
How the feds could seize suspects' property even before they're accused of a crime
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Credits
Guest:
Christopher Ingraham - Washington Post -
@_cingraham
Host:
Madeleine Brand
Producers:
Gina Pollack,
Sarah Sweeney,
Michell Eloy,
Amy Ta,
Christian Bordal,
Quinn O'Toole