Foreign in a Domestic Sense - 99% Invisible
Briefly

During a visit to Puerto Rico, Jeyca Medina-Gleason uncovered a manila folder detailing her grandfather's life under surveillance, aimed at tracking political activities. This 'carpeta' is part of a broader operation that monitored over 150,000 Puerto Ricans, primarily targeting those involved in the independence movement. Puerto Rico's colonial status has persisted for over 500 years, influenced by the Insular Cases, which left the territory without full statehood. The rise of the independence movement in the 1930s intensified the scrutiny of activists by U.S. authorities, highlighting ongoing struggles for political recognition and autonomy.
The folder known as a 'carpeta' contained over 60 pages detailing her grandfather's life, including mundane information like his height, weight, and license plate number.
Puerto Rico has been a colony for over 500 years, first under Spanish rule and later under American control, without transitioning to statehood.
The independence movement gained momentum in the 1930s under the leadership of Pedro Albizu Campos, prompting U.S. authorities to surveil suspected supporters.
Read at 99% Invisible
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