Local Government and Policing

The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations used its official X account to promote a Jan. 13 event in nearby Wilkinsburg billed as 'Rebirthing Civil Disobedience, Part II,' advertising 'tactical training in the art of civil disobedience' and urging residents to 'build your CD muscle' with 'no experience necessary.' The flier, which featured images of police confronting protesters, listed Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America and grassroots group 50501 Pittsburgh as partners and highlighted a featured 'practitioner and trainer' described as a legal adviser and human‑rights attorney. The promotion drew online backlash from critics who said a city agency was effectively encouraging organized resistance to federal immigration enforcement, especially in light of the fatal Jan. 7 ICE shooting of Minneapolis activist Renee Nicole Good that has already ignited nationwide protests. None of the groups involved, nor ICE, responded to Fox’s questions, leaving unclear who is funding the training and what specific tactics are being taught. The episode underscores how local human‑rights bodies are becoming players in the fight over ICE tactics and protest strategy, blurring lines between civic education and organized direct‑action preparation.