Our elected representatives have a solemn duty to uphold the constitutional rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, for participating in pro-Palestinian protests is a blatant violation of the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech. Punishing people for exercising their right to protest sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundations of our democracy. Furthermore, the indiscriminate detention of other legal residents like Fabian Schmidt by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), without any stated cause, is a gross overreach of authority that cannot be tolerated. These actions not only infringe upon the civil liberties enshrined in our Constitution but also erode public trust in our institutions. It is imperative that members of Congress take decisive action to address these egregious violations of civil rights. Merely signing a letter demanding Khalil's release or inquiring about the circumstances surrounding these arrests is insufficient. Concrete steps must be taken to rein in the unchecked power of ICE and prevent the targeting of law-abiding individuals based on their political views or immigration status. As our elected representatives, you have a responsibility to be vocal advocates for the rights and freedoms that define our nation. Failing to take a strong stance against these transgressions would be a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the principles upon which our democracy was founded. The American people demand that you take definitive action to protect the civil liberties of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status or political beliefs.
First sent on March 20 by Coleman
