1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The recent arrests of elected Democrats by the Trump administration are deeply concerning and appear to be a politically motivated misuse of power aimed at silencing opposition. A democratic society depends on the ability of citizens to freely elect representatives without fear of reprisal. Persecuting elected officials based on their party affiliation undermines the foundations of our democracy and the will of the voters. This pattern of behavior needs to cease immediately to uphold the democratic principles this nation was founded upon. A return to respecting the results of free and fair elections, regardless of party, is imperative to preserve American democracy and avoid sliding into authoritarianism.