In this column, Anita Chabria profiles James Cook, an Oakland civil rights lawyer who has been spending months in Minneapolis helping people swept up in a federal crackdown—protesters, immigrants, and even U.S. citizens—often pro bono. The piece argues that while street clashes dominate headlines, the quieter legal battle over detentions, due process, and government transparency may shape accountability for years to come.
Cook’s work includes tracking down “missing” detainees who don’t appear in public systems, advising protesters on their rights, and preparing civil litigation that could force disclosures about enforcement practices. The column also situates Cook’s background—his earlier career in combat sports and his long mentorship with John Burris—as part of what equips him for sustained, high-pressure rights work. Overall, it’s a portrait of lawyering as frontline defense of the rule of law during a civil-rights emergency.