Yes, national security.

(WASHINGTON, D.C. April 17, 2012) — Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today chaired a hearing on racial profiling in America — the first hearing on the issue in over a decade. The hearing explored immigration enforcement that subjects Hispanic Americans to heightened scrutiny, discriminatory law enforcement against African Americans, and anti-terrorism efforts that target American Muslims. The hearing also examined the ways in which racial profiling harms law enforcement.

“African Americans continue to face racial profiling on the streets and sidewalks of American cities. Since 9-11, Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and South-Asian Americans have faced national origin and religious profiling. And a recent spate of federal, state, and local measures has subjected Hispanic Americans to an increase in racial profiling under the guise of combating illegal immigration.” Durbin said. “Racial profiling undermines the rule of law and strikes at the core of our nation’s commitment to equal protection for all.”

Following the hearing, Durbin, Rep. John Conyers and 64 other Members of Congress sent Attorney General Eric Holder a letter, calling on him to close loopholes in the Justice Department’s racial profiling guidance. In the letter, Durbin and the other members ask the Attorney General to make clear that profiling on the basis of national origin and religion are prohibited in the guidance on racial profiling and to also extend that prohibition to include national security and border security investigations – not simply traditional law enforcement activities. A copy of the letter is attached.

Two panels of witnesses testified at today’s hearing. The first panel consisted of Members of Congress, including, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD); Rep. John Conyers (D-MI); Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL); Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN); Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA); and Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL).