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Kansas Police Department Mobilized Entire Patrol Division to Hunt Op-Ed Writer Who Criticized Them

ACLU · ACLU Staff · February 2, 2026

After Canyen Ashworth published an op-ed criticizing Lenexa PD, the entire patrol division was mobilized to hunt him using ALPR. The chief issued a BOLO with no charges, declaring 'This is MYOC' — make your own case — instructing officers to find any pretext to stop him. The ACLU called it 'a wanton and disgraceful abuse of power.'

first-amendmentretaliationpolitical-targetingkansasalpr-misuse