Activists: reform police after racial profiling incident.

Austin Group Calls For APD Reforms After Man Alleges Racial Profiling, Misconduct At Airport

An Austin social justice group, alongside Kenneth Pluet, calls for reforms in APD's racial sensitivity and use of force policies.

On March 9, 2023, Pluet was detained by officers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on suspicion of drug smuggling. Pluet, in self-recorded videos, refused consent for a search, later showing him being restrained by plainclothes officers.

They tried to make me seem like a criminal that I wasn’t, and that didn’t feel good. — Kenneth Pluet

APD responded, stating the incident was reviewed and officers acted within law and policy. They directed inquiries of racial profiling/excessive force to the Office of Police Oversight for complaints, then investigated by Internal Affairs.

Clashing Accounts

• An arrest affidavit claims Pluet exhibited suspicious behavior, was unsure of his baggage, and smelled of marijuana.
• Pluet denied allegations, stating he returned from a work trip to Chicago and offered to prove it.
• Pluet's girlfriend's video shows her offering Pluet's Chicago flight ticket, ignored by officers.
• The affidavit states Pluet became angry/confrontational, lunging at officers; Pluet denies these claims.
• Pluet was charged with resisting arrest, held on a $5000 bond, and alleges injury/denial of medical care.
• Travis County Attorney's Office declined to file charges; Pluet claims he was only notified two months ago.

Demanding APD Action

Austin Justice Coalition members highlight APD's lack of reform, pledging to end racial profiling/excessive force post-2020 protests. They emphasize secrecy breeds violence and misconduct.

We are done waiting, we are done sitting on panels. It is time for the Police Department to simply say, 'Yes, we are making a change.' — Kathy Mitchell, Equity Action

Pluet, backed by the coalition, will file an official case against APD for racial profiling and excessive force, seeking legal representation. The group demands accountability and transparency from APD, suggesting a need for a US Justice Department investigation.