1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express serious concern about the erosion of due process rights for immigrants being deported from the United States—especially those being sent directly into El Salvador’s prison system. This is a disturbing human rights issue that demands immediate congressional oversight. Reports show that individuals, often without adequate legal representation or fair hearings, are being deported to El Salvador and funneled directly into its notoriously violent and overcrowded prisons. These facilities are known for their inhumane conditions and lack of legal safeguards. Deporting people into this system without full due process is not only cruel—it may violate both U.S. law and international standards. Even more disturbing is that former President Donald Trump has now publicly suggested three times that U.S. citizens he dislikes should be sent to El Salvador’s prisons: 1 March 16, 2024 (Dayton, OH rally): He said, “Maybe we’ll send some of these thugs who keep coming after me… send them down to El Salvador.” 2 April 3, 2024 (Newsmax interview): “There’s no reason we can’t use those prisons in El Salvador. I know some Americans who might belong there.” 3 April 9, 2024 (Mar-a-Lago fundraiser, per The New York Times): He joked, “We should send that judge down to Bukele’s place—he’ll straighten her out fast.” These are not offhand remarks. They reflect a worldview that treats the rule of law as optional and due process as expendable. The idea of punishing Americans through authoritarian foreign systems is an unprecedented threat to constitutional protections. Once due process is denied to some, it becomes easier to justify denying it to others. This moment requires moral clarity. I urge you to: • Investigate and halt the deportation of individuals into unsafe foreign prison systems; • Demand full legal transparency and accountability from agencies involved; • Publicly reject the idea that U.S. citizens can be subjected to foreign punishment based on political views; • Reaffirm that due process is not optional—it is the foundation of our democracy. Congress must not stay silent. Please take action before these threats to justice become permanent features of our system.