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

I am deeply alarmed by the administration’s recent decision to deploy armed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and its threats to extend such deployments into other U.S. cities. This is a deeply concerning escalation of executive power that blurs the essential line between civilian law enforcement and military force. Local governance and civilian-led policing are foundational to our democracy. Using military personnel for routine law enforcement—especially when crime statistics do not substantiate the claims of “public safety” being used to justify these deployments—risks normalizing authoritarian tactics on American soil. We need strong, visible opposition from you and your Democratic colleagues. Congress must not only condemn this dangerous overreach but also exercise robust oversight to prevent the misuse of federal troops against local communities. Silence or hesitation will only embolden this administration’s unconstitutional power grab. The American people are counting on you to be loud, unequivocal, and constant in resisting the militarization of civilian life. Please push for immediate hearings, public statements, and legislation as needed to curtail this abuse of authority. Our democracy depends on it.