The President's expanded domestic use of the military is deeply concerning and a threat to constitutional principles, potentially limiting civilians' freedom of expression and ability to go about their lives not just in border communities, but also in sanctuary cities and areas of legal, civilain protest. There is no justification for militarizing civilian areas where millions of Americans live.
Deploying armed troops to these regions risks escalating confrontations and excessive force against residents freely going about their daily lives. The Posse Comitatus Act exists precisely to prevent this - prohibiting the federal military from enforcing domestic laws except when expressly authorized. Violating this by handing over public lands and jurisdictional control to the Defense Department disregards civil liberties and civilian authority over the military. This oversteps presidential authority and undermines our democratic system of checks and balances.
Previous rare instances of domestic military deployment, like enforcing desegregation rulings, were for genuine national crises after all other lawful measures failed. There is no such crisis here - just political theater that makes residents less safe. The rules of engagement for troops are inappropriate for densely populated civilian zones.
I urge you to forcefully assert Congress's oversight role. Demand transparency on any changes to military rules of engagement and use of force policies in these areas. Enact legislation to protect communities from this unwarranted militarization and restore proper civil-military boundaries. Prevent unlawful orders from being followed by invoking the courts and Congress's impeachment powers if necessary.
Upholding the Constitution must remain the highest priority.
First sent on May 1 by Coleman
