1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

As your constituent and a concerned resident of Valley Stream, New York, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent incidents involving the deportation of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) from the United States under questionable and potentially illegal circumstances. These actions not only undermine the rights of individuals who have been granted the privilege to reside in our country but also erode the foundational principles of due process and justice that our nation upholds. Recent reports have highlighted several alarming cases: • Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and Salvadoran national, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 immigration court ruling that protected him from such action. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Mr. Abrego Garcia last month, labeling him as an MS-13 gang member based on unverified claims. A federal judge has since mandated his return, condemning the deportation as illegal. • Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and lawful permanent resident, was detained by ICE agents despite his LPR status, based on vague allegations of Hamas connections. This action raises significant concerns about the potential misuse of immigration laws to suppress free speech and political activism. • Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, is suing the administration to prevent her deportation after being told her status is being revoked due to her participation in pro-Palestinian protests. This case reflects a disturbing trend of using immigration enforcement to target political dissent. These incidents suggest a troubling pattern of rights violations and arbitrary enforcement targeting legal residents. Beyond the obvious legal implications, the emotional, financial, and psychological toll on affected individuals and their families—many of whom are U.S. citizens—is devastating. Deporting lawful permanent residents without due process violates not only individual rights but the broader democratic values we claim to uphold. I urge you to take immediate action to: 1. Launch or support an investigation into these incidents to ensure the protection of lawful permanent residents’ rights. 2. Advocate for oversight mechanisms that prevent immigration agencies from abusing their authority. 3. Support legislative reforms that guarantee due process for LPRs and shield them from politically motivated enforcement actions. Please confirm whether you intend to take any action or support legislation that addresses this issue. I would appreciate a written response detailing your position and any efforts you are taking to ensure the protection of lawful permanent residents and their rights under U.S. law. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to our community.