Ted Poe: “brutal actions of local and state police are going unpunished; and, as the founder of the Victims Right Caucus, I bring…”

“brutal actions of local and state police are going unpunished; and, as the founder of the Victims Right Caucus, I bring this serious matter to the House's attention. Two years ago, on May 3 and 4, 2006, there was a lawful protest in support of local flower sellers who had been displaced from their business because a new airport was being built. During the protest, law enforcement officers arrested and detained 47 separate women. The police officers didn't read the women their rights; the women were just arrest arrested, locked up, and taken into custody. Then, Madam Speaker, the officers beat and sexually assaulted them. I repeat, they beat and sexually assaulted the 47 women that were arrested. Obviously, lawmen have become outlaws. One of the 47 women was Barbara Mendez, a 27-year-old student and a child advocate. Barbara went to the protest because she heard a child was killed in the violence between the police and the protesters. As a child advocate, Barbara went to show her support for the child and her community. But after Barbara arrived at the protest, the police beat her and arrested her because she was with the protesters and supposedly blocking a road. Barbara was placed in a police vehicle and forced to take off her clothes. She was then gang raped by the police officers, as other officers watched and cheered on the rapists. Barbara was then locked up in jail for 12 days. Madam Speaker, this is a case of police gone wild.”