Medford Nonprofit Accuses City of Retaliation and Rights Violations in Federal Lawsuit - fundsforNGOs

A Medford nonprofit focused on harm reduction has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and local police, alleging years of targeted retaliation, illegal surveillance, and interference with public health services. The case shines a light on tense dynamics between city officials and advocates working on the front lines of Oregon’s addiction crisis.

Key Takeaways

Stabbin’ Wagon, a harm reduction nonprofit, alleges civil rights violations by Medford and its police department.
The lawsuit cites unlawful surveillance, police harassment, and attempts to block major funding.
City officials say their actions were routine and not targeted.
This case follows a separate ACLU lawsuit over similar claims.

Nonprofit at the Center of Controversy

Founded in 2020, Stabbin’ Wagon provides clean syringes, overdose medication, and basic health services to people who use drugs in the Rogue Valley. Operating from a van, the nonprofit has garnered both praise for its public health work and criticism from some community members who argue that it enables drug use. Its outspoken approach, including social media criticism of city officials and police, has made it a controversial force in local public health efforts.

Allegations of Harassment and Surveillance

According to the complaint filed in federal court, Medford police and city officials engaged in a “years-long campaign” targeting Stabbin’ Wagon and its employees. The lawsuit details alleged traffic stops without cause, increased law enforcement presence at outreach events, and social media monitoring that attorneys say violated Oregon law. State law bans police from recording information about individuals’ political or social views unless they are suspected of a crime.

Attorneys for Stabbin’ Wagon claim these actions were retaliatory in nature, sparked by the group’s criticism of police and advocacy on social media. The lawsuit also asserts that city officials lobbied state authorities to rescind a $1.5 million health grant, severely hampering the nonprofit’s operations.

City Officials Respond

City of Medford officials, including the city attorney, have strongly pushed back against the allegations. They argue that city staff have the right to provide input on grant allocations and expenditure of public money. In legal filings responding to earlier lawsuits, the city denied any improper targeting, stating that any monitoring of social media or gatherings was done lawfully using public information, citing the need to plan for public safety.

ACLU Lawsuit and Broader Impact

The new federal filing builds on a separate lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Oregon, which alleged illegal police surveillance of Stabbin’ Wagon members. That case is still pending in state court. The current complaint seeks a jury trial and financial compensation for damages, as well as protections for free speech and public health operations.

The outcome of this legal battle will be closely watched across Oregon, as it could influence how cities and law enforcement interact with nonprofits on the front lines of the drug crisis—and test the limits of advocacy and dissent within local communities.