Black Driver Sues After Wisconsin Police Handcuff Him for Pulling Over to Text

A Black barber from Milwaukee, Jessie Watkins, is taking legal action against police in Wisconsin, claiming racial profiling led to his detention under suspicions of drug dealing after he parked in a no-parking zone. "It just felt like it was racial," he expressed, feeling belittled and humiliated by the officers' behavior.On April 17, police approached Watkins while he was texting in his girlfriend’s car after dropping her off at work. Despite his explanations about the two phones—one for business and one personal—and his history as a truck driver who avoids texting while driving, officers grew increasingly suspicious. Bodycam footage reveals officers questioned his presence in a so-called "known drug-dealing area," ultimately leading to a search and a 30-minute detention, during which they only found a THC vape.Watkins filed a lawsuit alleging civil rights violations, while the Waukesha Police maintain their actions were consistent with departmental policies. His attorney argues the escalation was unnecessary and racially charged. (Credit: Waukesha PD)