On March 20 in Flint, Michigan, a nightclub was raided by 60 officers from four different local law enforcement groups. The officers arrested 17 people on felony drug charges, but cited more than 100 with misdemeanor drug possession charges or, for those who did not have any drugs, charges of "frequenting a known drug establishment." "Frequenting a known drug establishment" is a misdemeanor charge that carries a potential 90 days in jail or $500 fine.
 
According to reports from patrons who were at the club when the incident happened, at least some attendees were subjected to strip searches and full cavity searches. The nightclub, Club What's Next, was a legitimate venue with a liquor license, and the promoter who hosted the event last weekend reportedly had moved away from the area and returned specifically in order to throw a birthday party for a friend.
 
This raid bears a striking similarity to the late 2002 police raid on a rave in Racine, Wisconsin, at which hundreds of patrons were ticketed and given steep fines for being "inmates of a disorderly house." In that case, with involvement from the American Civil Liberties Union, the charges against 442 people were dropped when a substantial number refused to plead guilty and were poised to clog the court system with cases going to trial.
 
In the Flint case, with the charges of frequenting a drug establishment representing a clear violation of the patrons' rights, the Alliance is looking into next steps. Right now, you can take action to let city officials in Flint know that it is unacceptable for law enforcement to attack the rights of patrons who attend a music show.