FBI’s Commitment to Enforcing Civil Rights

Today, James H. Robertson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Buffalo Division, reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to enforcing federal civil rights laws, particular in light of recent controversies regarding Muslim communities that raise the potential for violent reactions.

In light of the upcoming September 11th anniversary, the Buffalo FBI has proactively contacted religious, community and government leaders to raise awareness of how they can work in partnership with law enforcement to address hate crime problems. These investigations are not attacks on freedom of speech; they are attempts to bring violent criminals to justice.

It is important to realize that all law enforcement, including the FBI, faces challenges every day to balance the civil liberties of U.S. citizens against the need to investigate activities of possible criminal conduct. The public should be assured that the FBI will do its part to protect individual rights and liberties. These are fundamental rights guaranteed to all individuals as spelled out in our Constitution.